Non-Subscriber Extract
Opinion: Let sleeping mines lie?
- Article Tools
| 04 September 2006 |
By Colin King Editor of Jane's Mines and Mine Clearance and Jane's Explosive Ordnance
The deeply entrenched attitude of explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) personnel to safety means that deteriorated ammunition is always presumed to be less stable than serviceable ordnance. This view is reinforced by a few examples (such as the highly sensitive compounds formed by reactions with certain early high explosives) and the EOD adage that, if in doubt, assume the worst.
The fact is, however, that there has been very little formal research into the effects of ageing on mines and other types of ordnance. There are many instances where it would be difficult or foolhardy to second-guess how a munition may change and there are usually a number of environmental factors and other variables that might prove critical, but although the subject is largely unexplored, there are already several examples that illustrate the potential rewards of further investigation.
If a steel-cased mine becomes badly rusted, it may lose its structural integrity altogether. This may, in turn, disable a fuze mechanism that relies on the support of the casing. The main explosive charge may also begin to crumble into the surrounding soil, the consequent loss of confinement making the complete detonation of a cast TNT charge far less likely.
Contrary to popular myth, all tripwire-activated mines are issued with metallic tripwire, the use of fishing line and other cords being a relatively rare form of improvisation. With certain exceptions (such as former Yugoslav tripwire, which is plastic-coated stainless steel) most tripwire is soft iron or mild steel and therefore liable to rusting.
In hot wet climates, this means that the threat from tripwires is likely to diminish rapidly. In Cambodia, the HALO Trust has seen no tripwires at all in recent years; with this threat eliminated, they have started to employ hand-held brush-cutters for clearing vegetation and have significantly increased productivity.
299 of 1,069 words
© 2006 Jane's Information Group
[End of non-subscriber extract]
Customers with a paid subscription to Jane’s Defence Weekly can access the full article here
If you would like to subscribe, please see our products section for more information and pricing on Defence Weekly