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Claymore Edge Series mines
Antimatter mine |
 Image from Vaktus |
These devices each consist of a 6.2x4x1.5cm capsule with multiple activation options using the proprietary Claymore Edge detonator.
The mines contain a small amount of anti-helium encased in a double layer of buckinsterfullerine (C60+C70). The series consists of Claymore I mines with 0.0005 grams of antimatter, giving a yield equivalent to 21 tons of TNT; Claymore II mines with 0.005 grams of antimatter, giving a yield equivalent to 210 tons of TNT; and the Claymore III, with 0.05 grams of amat for a yield of 2.1 kilotons.
The Claymore Edge series contain anti-tamper protocols. Attempted disassembly or scanning can lead to premature detonation. A significant fraction of the yield is expressed as harmless neutrino radiation; much of the rest is gamma rays, so little residual radiation may be expected after detonation. Antimatter mines will detonate if they are within the blast radius of another explosive device, so should be stored separately wherever possible.
The buckminsterfullerene containment system was originally developed for antimatter propulsion systems, but has found many military uses. In fact the Claymore series can be adapted for use as an explosive pulse system for spacecraft with relative ease.
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Development Notes
Text by John B
Additional material by Steve Bowers
Initially published on 02 April 2004.
Additional material by Steve Bowers
Initially published on 02 April 2004.
