L10 Ranger Anti-Personnel Mine

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. 18 clips of 4 barrels would be fitted to the top of the vehicle in a firing frame with a 360 degree arc (although not usually fired over the front of the vehicle) , each containing 18 Ranger mines for a total of 1296 mines. As each section of the anti-tank minefield was completed, several barrels would be fired. A small propelling charge would launch the mines, scattering them between 50m and 250m behind or to the side of 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. Two inert training versions were available a bright orange one to allow it to be easily spotted and recovered and one made from compressed peat that was bio degradeable.

The Ranger mine laying system could also be fitted to 4 tonne trucks, Stalwart High Mobility Load Carrier and the Combat Support Boat

In accordance with treaties banning the use of anti-personnel mines, the UK no longer uses the weapon.

References

* "Brassey's Essential Guide To Anti-Personnel Landmines", Eddie Banks
* "Jane's Mines and Mine Clearance 2006-2006"

External links

* [http://www.icbl.org/lm/1999/uk Anti-land mine campaign web page]