Eric Wilhelm wrote: > # from Aristotle Pagaltzis > # on Wednesday 02 January 2008 16:47: > >>> looking for (and diffusing) mines >> That sounds like a novel approach! Or do you mean “defusing”? :-) > > Yeah :-D Diffuse is probably what they do when you find them the less > careful way! > > I guess the tank+flail mechanism is still in use, so that would > adequately describe that process. Apparently it makes a huge mess > though.
Yes. Mine goes off, chain snaps and goes wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee into some poor soldier's face. They're only used in modern day to clear little anti-personal mines because they're relatively cheap and fast and don't require an armored vehicle. These days tactical (ie. small scale, under fire) mine clearing uses either a tank mounted plow http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:951219-O-9805M-005.jpg Or a big, heavy roller mounted on springs in front of a tank to set off mines. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:M60-panther-mcgovern-base.jpg Or you fire a rocket with an explosive filled hose attached across the minefield and set it off detonating any mines in its path. All of which make big messes. My personal favorite... rats! http://www.apopo.org/ -- ...they shared one last kiss that left a bitter yet sweet taste in her mouth--kind of like throwing up after eating a junior mint. -- Dishonorable Mention, 2005 Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest by Tami Farmer
