Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!att!cbnews!military
From: scameron@blake.acs.washington.edu (Scott Cameron)
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Re: Scatterable Minefields
Summary: A perfect description of the MICLIC
Message-ID: <14311@cbnews.ATT.COM>
Date: 25 Feb 90 06:12:33 GMT
References: <14124@cbnews.ATT.COM> <14241@cbnews.ATT.COM> <14272@cbnews.ATT.COM>
Sender: military@cbnews.ATT.COM
Organization: Univ of Washington, Seattle
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From: scameron@blake.acs.washington.edu (Scott Cameron)

In article <14272@cbnews.ATT.COM>, morgan@ms.uky.edu (Wes Morgan) writes:
> One of the nice methods of clearance was under development while I was
> on active duty <8th Engr Bn, 1st Cav Div, FT Hood, TX>.  A jeep trailer
> contains explosive charges on a *long* wire with a solid-propellant
> rocket on the end, something like this:
> 
> ---***-----***-----***-----***-----***-----***-----***-----[[[>
> 
> The length we tested was about 400 meters.  The charges were C4 plastic
> explosive.  Pull the trailer up to the beginning of the minefield, launch
> the rocket..........when it impacts, the detonator in the nose sets off
> the charges, thereby creating a nice clear alley through the field.  I
> seem to remember the alley's width as approximately 25 feet.  This method
> seems much nicer than bangalores or fake fronts for CEVs....8) 
> 
> Anyone out there who can give an update on this equipment?

You're describing the MICLIC that I mentioned a few postings ago.  The relevant
specs on this system (which was developed by the USMC, if I remember right):
   Rocket:  5-inch Mk22 Mod 4  (coverted naval rocket)
   Line Charge: 350 ft. long, 5 lbs/foot of C-4.
   Breach Size: 5m x 100m  (15 ft by 300 ft appx)
   Carrier: M353 3.5 Ton trailer
            (intended to be towed by APCs or tanks)
The trailer looks like a converted ammo trailer -- the conversion consisting
of a small tripod at the rear on which the rocket sits before firing.  After
the charge is fired, the trailer is taken back to the Ammo supply point for
reloading.

I believe the line charge is command detonated, rather then set off by the
impact of the projecting rocket.  (This guarantees that the charge is on
the ground along its entire length before detonation).

The MICLIC was first approved for acquisition by the army in December 1983. 

-- 
S.D. Cameron   | "...the right of the PEOPLE to keep and bear  |  AOPA | 50 yrs
Univ. of Wash. | arms shall not be infringed." -- U.S. Const.  |      -+-
Seattle WA     | "I know I promised, but ... " -- Geo. Bush    | _____(*)_____
scameron@toby.acs.washington.edu |   My opinions, not theirs   |    WingNut