The L10 Ranger Anti-Personnel mine was a U.K. anti-personnel blast mine. It was used from the 1970s until recently.
It was designed to be used in conjunction with the L9 Bar Mine anti-tank mine. A FV432 would be fitted with a plough through which Bar mines would be laid. 18 clips of 4 barrels would be fitted to the top of the vehicle in a firing frame with a 360 degree arc (although not usually fired over the front of the vehicle) , each containing 18 Ranger mines for a total of 1296 mines. As each section of the anti-tank minefield was completed, several barrels would be fired. A small propelling charge would launch the mines, scattering them between 50m and 250m behind or to the side of the mine-laying vehicle. The act of launching the mine from the tube would release a spring-loaded safety catch and start a timer, which would arm the mine after 30 seconds.
The mine was roughly the size of a tin of shoe polish, made of plastic and coloured olive green. Two inert training versions were available. One was bright orange to allow it to be easily spotted and recovered; the other was made from bio-degradable compressed peat.
The Ranger mine laying system could also be fitted to 4 tonne trucks, Stalwart High Mobility Load Carrier and the Combat Support Boat
In accordance with treaties banning the use of anti-personnel mines, the UK no longer uses the weapon.
References
- Brassey's Essential Guide To Anti-Personnel Landmines, Eddie Banks
- Jane's Mines and Mine Clearance 2006-2006