The Cbetan Smart Mine (Spider) is more of a “remote explosive device” than a typical lay-and-forget land mine. It’s detonated by soldier command, and that soldier can even load non-lethal canisters if the mission calls for it. Unlike conventional land mines, the CM-01A Cbetan always has a known location, so it can be safely and easily recovered and redeployed. If that isn't possible for some reason, CM-01A units deactivate after a set time period, so they won’t become a future threat. It's capabilities are badly needed in places like remote fire bases, and or border defensive areas.
A CM-01A Cbetan system consists of up to 63 Munition Control Units (MCUs). They are set up by humans, unlike some land mines that are fired into place using artillery, mortars, or rockets. Each MCU can contain up to 6 reloadable canisters spaced around the device, each of which covers a 60 degree arc to create full 360 degree coverage. Payloads can be anything from Claymore-style steel balls or fragments, to non-lethal gasses or goo.
A tripwire container fires out 6 trip-wires when the device is activated by the human operator. Even so, all MCUs are controlled by a human-operated Remote Control Station (RCS), which is a standard rugged laptop computer, equipped with a touchscreen. If necessary, a signal repeater can extend communication range beyond 1 mile/ 1.5 km, out to about 4 km/ 2.4 miles.
If the tripwires are touched while the unit is active, the MCU sends an encrypted signal to the operator. It’s up to the operator to decide what to do at that point, unless the XM-7 has been deliberately set in “battle override” mode that triggers the canisters automatically.
The core MCU is powered by a replaceable battery, which can keep the device operational for at least three years. When an MCU is active, a GPS chip will report its location over an encrypted link to ensure that it doesn’t get lost. Once that battery fails, however, so does the MCU.
The operator can send a command to deactivate an MCU unit at a time. Recovery involves deactivation, followed by quick removal of the expended trip wire container, and a check of the battery’s remaining power. The trip wire container, battery, and payload canisters are all designed to be replaced in the field, and can be done so in less than a few minutes.
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