American cluster bombs have only 2% failure rate. Given that Ukrainian lands are full of ruSSian mines, could cluster bombs be used for demining fields? Sappers would have much less work to do with defusing only those 2% which failed to explode.

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[–] 25 points 3 years ago (3 children)

Yes and no, but no, it's not worth it, we have demining cluster-mortars designed for this that work fine and should have fewer side effects.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mine-clearing_line_charge

The main reason you don't use cms is that a: you need a long but not wide corridor usually (arty makes this harder) and 2: with cms you're replacing enemy mines with friendly mines which isn't always what you want.

Also cms are more expensive in logistics for distance/depth cleared.

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  • [+] 10 points 3 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 child)
  • [–] 7 points 3 years ago (1 child)

    Both Russians and Ukrainians have used artillery for demining purposes. It’s effectiveness is a matter of fierce debate. Cluster munitions would likely be at least somewhat better for this purpose then unitary warheads would be.

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  • [–] 0 points 3 years ago (1 child)

    Aren't cluster bombs meant to be illegal? :P

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