Support: August 13, 2002

Archives

Israel is now offering for export sale the Carpet mine-clearing system that has been in service for several years. The system, which is usually mounted on a modified Centurion tank chassis modified for engineer work (known as a Puma), carries 20 rockets. The system can also be fitted on an LAV or on an M113 or similar vehicles. If all 20 rockets are used, it can clear a path through a minefield 100 meters across. Each rocket has a fuel air explosive warhead, which spreads a cloud of fuel and then detonates it. The overpressure from the explosion will detonate most pressure-sensitive mines. The Puma then pushes a set of rollers through the minefield to proof the cleared lane.--Stephen V Cole