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MK154 Mine Clearance Launcher

1965

History of the MK154 Minesweeper

Mission: Break through the alleys of a minefield during amphibious assault and subsequent inland operations. The MK154 Mine Clearance Launcher (LMC) is part of the Mark 1 Mod () mine clearance system, which also includes three M59 Linear Detonation Charges (LDC), three MK22 Mod 3/4 rockets and an AAVP7A1. The MK154 LMC installed in the AAVP7A1 can deploy three linear removal chargers from water or land. Each linear blasting charge is 100 meters long and serves as the first minefield.

Since LDC is only effective for non-explosion-proof single-pulse pressure smelting, a mechanical test device must also be used in blasted tunnels.

Features: The MK154 LMC is an electrical and hydraulic system that can be installed in any AAVP7A1. The entire hydraulic system is independent. Electricity is provided by the secondary socket of the vehicle. The system can accommodate and launch three LDCs armed with three MK22 missiles.

The overpressure generated by each LDC will clear a 16-meter wide and 100-meter long path through a minefield of non-explosive, pressure-fusing, monopulse mines. The width of the trail and the ability to clear mines depend on mine type and integration.

Stock: Stock includes 75 MK154 LMC kits. Accelerated deployment of 62 kits for Operation Desert Storm. There are currently 12 MK154 LMC kits in the maneuver/counter maneuver platoons of the 2d and 3d AAV (Assault Amphibious Vehicle) battalions.

Background: LDC has been controlled in the United States since the 1960s and provides services in Vietnam. Early work used during the Vietnam War was with LVTE tractors. When the LVTP7 series vehicles replaced the LVTP5 series vehicles, no engineering variants of the amphibious tractor were procured.

In the late 1960s and 1970s, the only way to deploy LDCs was as a floor mounted system. Due to the difficulties in moving and deploying the LDC in this configuration, the MK155, a trailer-mounted minesweeper charge launcher, was developed to allow the LDC to be towed behind a tracked vehicle.

Trailer-mounted LDCs address the mobility issues of ground combat, but not for amphibious operations. Therefore, the MK154 LMC was developed.