ABSTRACT
Different technologies are applicable in minefield clearing. Mechanical and explosive
methods are the main types of such techniques. Available high explosive techniques
apply line charge systems. The main disadvantage of such systems in mine field
breaching is the narrow cleared gapes. Also, duration of generated pressure impulse
by the explosion of condensed explosive charges is very short which represents a
problem in clearing shock resisting landmines. Fuel-Air explosions are characterized
by relatively long time duration of generated blast pressure impulse in comparison
with condensed high explosives.
This paper summarizes an experimental study of minefield clearing using Fuel-Air
explosions field tests. The study was carried out using the most common antitank
and antipersonnel pressure landmines including shock resistance ones. Fuel-Air
Explosions were generated using liquid hydrocarbon fuels in canisters of 33 liters.
The main result of the study points out to the feasibility of using such technique in
both minefield clearing and breaching.