The optimum effective range is 50 m (55 yd), at which the optimal balance is achieved between lethality and area coverage, with a hit probability of 30% on a man-sized target.
(meta data) TITLE: M18 Claymore (meta data) AUTHOR: John Pike Subscribe Now ! Sign In # Military ## Further Reading M14 APM M15 ATM M16 APM M18 APM Claymore M19 ATM M21 ATM M23 VX M67 ADAM M70 RAAMS M72 ADAM M73 RAAMS M76 AT SCATMINE M77 AP SCATMINE M86 PDM M93 WAM Hornet M131 MOPMS M1023 RADAM NSD-A ### References FM 23-23 ANTIPERSONNEL MINE M18A1 AND M18 (CLAYMORE) ## M18 Claymore The M18 Claymore, a directional fragmentation mine, is 8-1/2 inches long, 1-3/8 inches wide, 3-1/4 inches high, and weighs 3-1/2 pounds. The mine contains 700 steel spheres (10.5 grains) and 1-1/2 pound layer of composition C-4 explosive and is initiated by a No. 2 electric blasting cap. The M18 command-detonated mine may be employed with obstacles or on the approaches, forward edges, flanks and rear edges of protective minefields as close-in protection against a dismounted Infantry attack. The Claymore projects a fan-shaped pattern of steel balls in a 60-degree horizontal arc, at a maximum height of 2 meters, and covers a casualty radius of 100 meters. The optimum effective range (the range at which the most desirable balance is achieved between lethality and area coverage) is 50 meters. The forward danger radius for friendly forces is 250 meters. The backblast area is unsafe in unprotected areas 16 meters to the rear and sides of the munition. Friendly personnel within 100 meters to the rear and sides of the munition should be in a covered position to be safe from secondary missiles. ### Characteristics: M-18A1 (Claymore) Present Status: Fielded Arming: Manual Safe Arm Time: N/A Fuzing: Command Warhead: Directional Fragmentation Sensing Width: N/A Anti-Handling Device: No Self-Destruct: No Explosive Weight: 1.5 lb Mine Weight: 3.5 lb Mines Per 5T Dump: 1,782 REMARKS: The M18A1 mine is primarily a defensive weapon. It may be employed to a limited extent in certain phases of offensive operations. The M18A1 has the same basic capabilities as antipersonnel mines and can be used in most situations where other types of antipersonnel mines are employed. In addition, the M18A1 has the capability of being sighted directionally to provide fragmentation over a specific area and does not necessarily rely upon chance detonation by the enemy. The M18A1 is adaptable for covering the ranges between maximum hand grenade throwing distance and the minimum safe distance of mortar and artillery supporting fires. The M18 antipersonnel mine is an earlier model of the M18A1 antipersonnel mine. The M18 antipersonnel mine comes in two versions--with or without a peep-sight; otherwise, both versions are identical. The mine is a curved, rectangular, plastic case and contains a layer of composition C3 explosive. It has a fragmentation face of rectangular steel fragments. The front face containing the steel fragments is designed to produce a fan-shaped spray which can be aimed at a prescribed target area. The electrical firing device issued with the M18 CLAYMORE is not safe. Due to its construction, it may cause premature detonation of the mine. Whenever possible, the battery holder (firing device) issued with the M18 mine should be replaced by a standard M57 firing device if the battery holder is used, both firing wires should be connected to one terminal until the desired moment of detonation. Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Advertise with Us | About Us | GlobalSecurity.org In the News | Internships | Site Map |
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M18 Claymore mine
Description.
On both sides of the sight are fuse wells set at 45 degrees. 
 Internally the mine contains a layer of C-4 explosive behind a matrix of about seven hundred 1⁄8-inch-diameter (3.2 mm) steel balls set into an epoxy resin. 
 When the M18A1 is detonated, the explosion drives the matrix forward, out of the mine at a velocity of 1,200 m/s (3,937 ft/s), at the same time breaking it into individual fragments. The steel balls are projected in a 60° fan-shaped pattern that is 6.5 feet (2.0 m) high and 50 m (55 yd) wide at a range of 50 m (55 yd). The force of the explosion deforms the relatively soft steel balls into a shape similar to a .22 rimfire projectile. These fragments are moderately effective up to a range of 100 m (110 yd), with a hit probability of around 10% on a prone man-sized 1.3-square-foot (0.12 m) target. The fragments can travel up to 250 m (270 yd).