XM-7 Spider mine

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The XM-7 Spider is an U.S. landmine that can either be remotely command triggered wirelessly by an operator (command-detonation), or in "battle override" mode it can be victim activated. The mine was developed by Alliant Techsystems (ATK) with its joint venture partner Textron Systems as apart of the Non-Self-Destruct Alternative (NSD-A) program and is intended to replace the Matrix remote trigger system currently deployed in Iraq which works with pre-existing mines like the M18 Claymore. Day & Zimmermann and General Dynamics are prime subcontractors.[1]

The system consists of up to 84 Munition Control Units (MCUs),[2] a Remote Control Station (RCS), and a repeater for extending communication range. Each MCU can contain up to six individual grenades each of which covers a sixty degree arc.[3] The mines are hand emplaced after which the operator commands the mines to deploy six tripwires to provide a sensing network. The operator can be situated up to a mile away from the mines or further with the use of repeaters.[4] Each mine has Global Positioning System chip which enables it to report it's location to the operator.[4] When the tripwires are touched, the mine connected to the wires signals wirelessly to the Remote Control Station using either the U.S. Army battlefield key management infrastructure or the Navy Electronic Key Management System (EKMS). The operator at the RCS can choose at that point to trigger one or a number of the grenades submunitions deployed with the mine or select a non-lethal option.[5]

The mine can be set to a "battle override" mode that triggers the mine as soon as any of the tripwires is touched, making it function like a conventional Anti-personnel mine. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines Landmine Monitor Report 2006 notes, that this feature makes it incompatible with the Mine Ban Treaty to which the U.S. is currently not a signatory.[2]

The MCU is powered by a replaceable battery, which can sustain the mine for approximately 30 days. After being fired the system can be recycled and fitted with fresh grenades.

The XM-7 Spider can also be ordered to self-destruct, or if the remote control unit is taken off during a battle, it will self-destruct after some time.[6]

The mine can be used with a number of different sub-munitions some of which are claimed to be "non-lethal". Wired magazine reported that non-lethal options included a net or a "terrible odor".[4]

Wired reported in 2004 that the Army intended to purchase 290,000 spider munitions as at cost of $513 million US dollars. However, as of 2006 total of $301 million has been budgeted to produced 907 Spider "systems", with an addition $11.8 million for on going research. The development costs for the system between 1999 and 2004 were $135 million. Assuming that a "system" consists of 84 MCUs, this gives an approximate cost of $5000 per mine (MCU).

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[edit] References

  1. ^ Human Rights Watch (2005). Back in Business? U.S. Landmine Production and Exports.
  2. ^ a b United States of America, Landmine Monitor Report 2006.
  3. ^ October 2005/FBO-00921264.htm FBO DAILY ISSUE OF OCTOBER 28, 2005 FBO #1432.
  4. ^ a b c Associated Press (2004). U.S. Bets on Land Mine Technology.
  5. ^ Spider Unattended Ground Sensor. Defence Update, International Online Defense Magazine.
  6. ^ Dana Hughes, ABC News (2006). United States, Landmine Producer: In Good Company?.