 |
The arrows (at the top) are attached to the minefield, and the arrows will be fired downwards |
Explosive ordnance disposal using arrows to detonate mines is a new tool developed by the U.S. military.
Current mine clearance methods are often ineffective, especially when mines are buried in sand or underwater. To address this challenge, defense contractor Raytheon has developed a type of ammunition that contains hundreds of steel “arrows.” Each arrow has a diameter of 15mm and a length of 155mm, featuring a fanned tail. These arrows are packed into a single cylindrical projectile, capable of detonating mines with just one shot.
When fired at a mined area, the arrows are released just before impact, directing downward. They plunge into the ground or water at high speed, spaced fairly evenly apart.
Tests have shown that this ammunition can clear mines over an area spanning hundreds of square meters, even when the mines are buried under sand or nearly one meter underwater. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology can also be utilized to guide the projectile accurately.
Minh Sơn
