Claymore mine - history of creation, characteristics, replicas for airsoft

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Mine-explosive devices are considered the most effective type of weapon. However, these are the most insidious designs. This is due to the long readiness for explosion, the difficulty in finding and neutralizing. Mine weapons do not choose the object of destruction, eliminating all, without exception, who fell into its zone of action. And after the end of hostilities, the danger of mines remains high for many years.

Claymore is an anti-personnel mine device with directional strike and adjustable capability. This is the only officially authorized mine in the US Army today. Such mines became widespread during the Vietnam War.

History

"Claymore" (mine M18) appeared in the 50s in the United States. The author of the design is engineer Norman McLeod.

During the Vietnam War, the American army was faced with the fact that the enemy began to actively use fragmentation mines. The Claymore was built for the US Marines. Initially, it was intended to protect key points and bases. Such mines were placed around the most important objects. If the enemy approached, the mines were blown up. In a word, powerful protection.

For their own soldiers, the mine was safe, because the explosionhappened at a distance. The Claymore proved to be highly effective, with its help it was possible to eliminate many enemy forces.

Appearance

The Claymore anti-personnel mine includes an explosive and lethal component in the form of steel balls. Its shape is curved-parallelepiped. The body is covered with green plastic material. Tutorial options are blue.

The outer part of the device should be directed towards the enemy side. Inside are 700 deadly components in the form of steel balls or rollers.

Specifications

Now more details. "Claymore" - a mine, the photo of which is presented in the article, has the following parameters:

• type of explosive device - anti-personnel, fragmentation type, controllable, directional;
• frame - plastic;
• weight - 1.6 kg;
• mass of explosive mixture - 682 g;
• dimensions - 21.5x9x3.5 cm;
• coverage area – radius 50 meters, sector 60 degrees, height 10cm–4 meters;
• possibility of application - from minus 40 to plus 50 degrees.

Use

Initially, the M18 did not have its own fuse. There were two sockets at the top to install it.

It was assumed that the Claymore is a guided mine, and its activation must be performed by the operator when enemy soldiers approach it. An explosion is also possible in response to touching a break sensor.

To install the device and define the zoneactions, a sight is placed at the top of the M18. "Claymore" - a mine with four legs, it is installed on the ground. Can also be attached to various objects (trees, poles). Later, in the M18, they began to mount breakaway and tension fuses. When the device explodes, steel kill balls hit the enemy, flying in his direction. The Claymore is a special-purpose mine intended for units called the Green Berets and Black Berets.

Distances

Important point. M18 can be installed from other mine structures at certain distances:

• within 50 meters back and forth from the same weapons;
• 3 meters laterally from other M18;
• 10 meters from anti-personnel and anti-tank devices;
• 2 meters from explosive anti-personnel devices.

The safe distance for the M18 for own troops is 250 meters forward, towards the rear and in the lateral directions - 100 meters.

M18 related stories

In the Soviet Union in the 60s, an analogue of the M18 mine design, called MON-50, was created. Later, similar designs appeared in other states. For example, in Yugoslavia they released MRUD, in Sweden - Type 13 and Type 21.

Vietnamese soldiers distinguished themselves during the war by quietly approaching the delivered M18s and turning them towards the Americans. Then they revealed their presence to the enemy, thereby provoking an explosion. By the way, a young Vietnamese intelligence officer named Ngo-Tinh got into history. Jiam, who once nevertheless exploded on a second mine device that he did not notice.

Danger weapons

Mines today are part of the barriers set up to delay enemy forces and inflict the greatest losses on enemy troops. As a rule, minefields are resistant to any fire effects. They are located in the most unexpected places. For these reasons, mines remain the most dangerous weapon ever invented by man.

Statistical data say that every year 15-20 thousand people die from mines on the planet. These are civilians, women and children. Explosive devices remain functional for many decades after the end of hostilities.

Therefore, 161 countries entered the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the use of mine weapons during wars. The United States did not participate in the signing of this document, but the leadership of this country adopted its own prohibition document on the use of mine devices. Thus, the answer to the question about the "Claymore" mine (what is it and what is its danger) is given.

For lovers of shooting in civilian life

The instinct of a hunter and the desire to throw out emotions do not stop fans of shooting in civilian life. No wonder they invented a game called airsoft. For fans of airsoft today, gaming analogues of the famous M18 weapon are being produced. And it really is a masterpiece.

"Claymore" - mine for airsoft externallyis an exact copy of the genuine M18. Her kit includes:

• direct device;
• electronic fuse;
• khaki tarpaulin;
• camouflage case;
• manual in CD and printed version.

Specialists and fans of airsoft leave only positive feedback about the game version of the weapon.