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Xenopedia

The M18A1 Claymore is a directional anti-personnel mine used by the United States Armed Forces. Named after a large Scottish medieval sword, the Claymore, unlike a conventional land mine, is command-detonated and directional, meaning it is fired by remote control. The Claymore fires a pattern of steel balls into the kill zone like a shotgun out to about 100 m (110 yd) within a 60° arc in front of the device. It is used primarily in ambushes and as an anti-infiltration device against enemy infantry, but is also used against unarmored vehicles.

Overview[]

The M18A1 Claymore mine is essentially a shaped C-4 plastic explosive charge that fires a swarm of metal ball bearings in a predetermined direction. It is detonated by a firing trigger that is wired into the mine; multiple mines can be linked in a chain to a single trigger. It can also be linked to a tripwire-style trigger. The mine has a simple open sight on the top of its casing to allow it to be aimed in the desired direction when setting up, and notably has the words "FRONT TOWARD ENEMY" embossed on the front. The Claymore is primarily designed for use in ambushes and as an anti-infiltration device against infantry. It can also be used against unarmored vehicles.

Notable Users[]

The rebels in Guatemala used several Claymores to defend the perimeter of their jungle encampment. Dutch and his men also carried Claymores, at one point unsuccessfully attempting to fortify their position with several of the mines, but the Jungle Hunter simply bypassed the traps by moving through the trees. The team subsequently abandoned their equipment in their escape.

On the Game Preserve Planet, Noland had several Claymores amongst his scavenged supplies. Nikolai took some of these and later detonated them when he was mortally wounded by Tracker, killing both himself and the hunter in the explosion.

Trivia[]

Appearances[]

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