L10 Ranger Anti-Personnel Mine
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The L10 Ranger Anti-Personnel mine was a U.K. anti-personnel blast mine. It was used from the 1970s until recently.
It was designed to be used in conjunction with the L9 Bar Mine anti-tank mine. A FV432 would be fitted with a plough through which Bar mines would be laid. Several tube dispensers would be fitted to the top of the vehicle, each containing 72 Ranger mines. As each section of the anti-tank minefield was completed, one of these tubes would be ignited. A small propelling charge would launch the mines, scattering them roughly 100m behind the mine-laying vehicle. The act of launching the mine from the tube would release a spring-loaded safety catch and start a timer, which would arm the mine after 30 seconds.
The mine was roughly the size of a tin of shoe polish, made of plastic and coloured olive green. An inert training version was bright orange, to allow it to be easily spotted and recovered.
In accordance with treaties banning the use of anti-personnel mines, the UK no longer uses the weapon.
[edit] References
- Brassey's Essential Guide To Anti-Personnel Landmines, Eddie Banks
- Jane's Mines and Mine Clearance 2006-2006