SAS Weapons - Claymore Mine
The Claymore was developed by the American Military during the Korean war as a counter to the mass 'human wave' attacks by Chinese troops. The M18a1 claymore mine is based around a 1.5lb slab of plastic explosives packed behind 700 steel balls. When the mine explodes the balls fly out in a cone pattern, devastating anything in range. Optimum range is 50 to 100 meters. The M18a1 Claymore can be attached to a trip wire or set off by a timer. The more common method of firing the Claymore is to run a length of detonator cord from the mine to a firing device, nicknamed a 'clacker'.
The SAS use the claymore in ambushes. Several claymores may be set, with overlapping arcs of fire, creating a killing-zone. Multiple Claymores can wired together and set off by a single clacker, creating a simultaneous blanketing of a target area.
SAS patrols may also use Claymores to cover their flanks or escape routes. A Claymore detonation or 2 tends to discourage pursuit by enemy forces.
Equipment shortages during the 1st Gulf War meant that some SAS patrols had to make their own improvised claymores out of empty plastic containers, C4 and assorted shrapnel.
 |
| Claymore Mine + clacker + detonator cord |
