MiCLiC, FMC, LCS etc.

Minefields and trappings are fast becoming a hindrance to troops engaged in operations in Vanni. Suitable mine clearing systems must be chosen and put to effective use, thereby saving valuable lives and the need to train more men at great costs. The following is a selection of some of the best methods available to counter that threat.

Flail Mine Clearers

Clearing mines using flail or a fast spinning drum of chains is a popular method in mine clearing operations. First tested in Cambodia and designed by the Japanese, HYDREMA 910 MVC is one of the best Flail Mine Clearers. The HYDREMA 910 MCV can successfully clear AP mines and clear a path through both rough and soft ground. The rotating flail detonates mines by cutting through them or ponding on them. These vehicles can also go on auto-pilot.

HYDREMA 910 MCV

The downside to this method is the vulnerability of the vehicle in open warfare and exposure to high-pressure mines that can blow-up the vehicle. Hence it is used in post-conflict settings only (HYDREMA Article).

Mine Breaching Technology

Mine Breaching is a more effective system useful in combat settings. The objective of this method is to blast a path clear of mines. The traditional Bangalore Torpedoes, invented at the turn of the 20th Century, has limited potential. It is also an accident waiting to happen. (see video)

MiCLiC LCS, USMC

MiCLiC (Mine Clearing Line Charge) systems of the US Army can clear a 10m wide, 100m long stretch of cleared battlefield in seconds. It is battle-proven (Iraq) against insurgent forces with over 30 years of active duty under the Marine Corp. The downside is the price of this equipment (MiCLiC Video).

The Python (Giant Viper) system of the British Army is also battle-proven. It can create a 7m wide, 230m long range of clearance. (See Giant Viper Video)

The Python LCS

The Chinese equivalents are, by far the most accessible and affordable. The T-74 (Variant of T-762 chasis) is a copy of the MiCLiC. It is hardly battle-proven, yet worth a closer look. It clears a path 3-6m wide and 80-100m long (T-74 Article).

T-74 LCS mounted on Armoured Bulldozer

An alternative to the larger LCSs are the man-portable LCSs like the British Army RAMBS II. The israeli Military Industries offers perhaps the simplest such system available anywhere. It is the POMINS II system (Portable Mine Neutralisation System). This man-portable system can be operated by two men to clear a 50cm wide, 50m long path through, especially AP minefields. (POMINS-IMI)

POMINS II