Weapon Name- Mk. 18 Mod 1: Claymore Mine
Round Type- 700, 1/8 inch steel balls
Over-all length- 216 mm (8.5 inches), Width 38mm (1.5 inches), height 124mm (4.9 inches)
Barrel length- N/A
Weight- 680 g of Explosive (1.5 lb), 3.5 lb (1.6 kilograms)
Rate of Fire- N/A
Feed Mechanism- B/A
Round Capacity- 700
Effective Range- 50 Meters
Range- 250 meters
Accuracy- 50 m (55 yd), with a hit probability of 30% on a man-sized target
Accessories- N/A
Quick switch firing mechanism- N/A
Scope/Sights- Knife Edge
Muzzle Velocity- 1200 m/s
Firing System- High Explosive
Miscellaneous/electronic information- Essentially an M18 Claymore Mine, refitted to be fired by various electronic means and to be capable of changing shape.
Basic Information
The M18A1 Claymore mine consists of a horizontally convex green plastic case (inert training versions are blue). The shape was developed through experimentation to deliver the optimum distribution of fragments at 50 m (55 yd) range. The case has the words "Front Toward Enemy" embossed on the front surface of the mine. A simple open sight on the top surface allows for aiming the mine. Two pairs of scissor legs attached to the bottom support the mine and allow it to be aimed vertically. On both sides of the sight are fuse wells set at 45 degrees.
Internally the mine contains a layer of C-4 explosive behind a matrix of about seven hundred 1⁄8-inch-diameter (3.2 mm) steel balls (about as big as #4 birdshot) set into an epoxy resin.
When the M18A1 is detonated, the explosion drives the matrix forward, out of the mine at a velocity of 1,200 m/s (3,937 ft/s), at the same time breaking it into individual fragments. The steel balls are projected in a 60° fan-shaped pattern that is 6.5 feet high and 50 m (55 yd) wide at a range of 50 m (55 yd). The force of the explosion deforms the relatively soft steel balls into a shape similar to a .22 rimfire projectile.These fragments are moderately effective up to a range of 100 m (110 yd), with a hit probability of around 10% on a prone man-sized 1.3-square-foot (0.12 m2) target. The fragments can travel up to 250 m (270 yd). The optimum effective range is 50 m (55 yd), at which the optimal balance is achieved between lethality and area coverage, with a hit probability of 30% on a man-sized target.
The weapon is capable of wire detonation like in the Claymore mine, but also possess wireless detonation. This is achieved by a relativley cheap battery powered unit capable of responding to various frequencies, much like most walkie talkies, and is given a specific frequency at which a specific number of variables need to be given.
Alternatively, an infrared laser is capable of being used to detonate the bomb, serving as a form of trip wire which can detonate the bomb if passed. This method however is more expensive, less capable, more reliant on enemy movement and less controllable than manual detonation and more difficult to set up.
The infrared laser device often requires another receiver to absorb the infrared laser on the opposite end, making it more complicated to set up and create.
The device used to detonate the bomb possess a small trigger and a button that needs to be pressed, and a small lock like device that needs to be turned before the bomb will be detonated, for various safety reasons. While it's possible to detonate the bomb through various other means, this is generally considered preferable due to reliability and safety reasons.
Most notably, the claymore mine is capable of being manipulated to change the spread of the explosives, by about 30 degrees in any direction, due to a separation of various plates in the expoy resin matrix, to change the direction, range, concentration and over-all projection of the rounds, however this must be done before the device is set up, and it is often times preferable to leave the device the way it is set up.
