Does the military still use claymore mines?
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Does the military still use claymore mines?
The M18A1 Claymore is a directional anti-personnel mine developed for the United States Armed Forces. Its inventor, Norman MacLeod, named the mine after a large medieval Scottish sword….M18 Claymore mine.
| M18A1 Claymore | |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1960–present |
| Used by | United States, United Kingdom |
How were claymore mines used in the Vietnam War?
The M18A1 Claymore is a directional anti-personnel mine used by the U.S. military. The Claymore fires steel balls, out to about 100 meters within a 60° arc in front of the device. It is used primarily in ambushes and as an anti-infiltration device against enemy infantry.
Are claymore mines legal?
The United States first produced Claymore mines in 1960 and has since produced 7.8 million of them for a cost of $122 million. When used in command-detonated mode, Claymores are permissible under the Mine Ban Treaty. When used in victim-activated mode, usually with a tripwire, they are prohibited.
Are you safe behind a Claymore?
The front face containing the steel fragments is designed to produce a fan-shaped spray which can be aimed at a prescribed target area. The electrical firing device issued with the M18 CLAYMORE is not safe. Due to its construction, it may cause premature detonation of the mine.
How far behind a claymore do you have to be?
The Claymore projects a fan-shaped pattern of steel balls in a 60-degree horizontal arc, at a maximum height of 2 meters, and covers a casualty radius of 100 meters. The optimum effective range (the range at which the most desirable balance is achieved between lethality and area coverage) is 50 meters.
Can you disarm a claymore?
To Disarm the Mine: From the cover of the firing position, move the “Safety” to the “On” position. Disconnect the M57 firing device from the blasting cap wire. Carefully remove the Shipping Plug – Priming Adaptor and the blasting cap from the detonator well.
Who invented the claymore mine?
Norman MacLeod
The M18A1 Claymore is a directional anti-personnel mine developed for the United States Armed Forces. Its inventor, Norman MacLeod, named the mine after a large medieval Scottish sword.
What is inside a claymore mine?
The M18 Claymore, a directional fragmentation mine, is 8-1/2 inches long, 1-3/8 inches wide, 3-1/4 inches high, and weighs 3-1/2 pounds. The mine contains 700 steel spheres (10.5 grains) and 1-1/2 pound layer of composition C-4 explosive and is initiated by a No. 2 electric blasting cap.