Non-credible. Purpose-built mine flails are on the borderline of credibility already. In this configuration, you’d need at least a class IV hitch to handle the tongue weight, probably a class V when you factor in the force imparted by the motion of the flail. That’s not even taking into account how much power is needed to properly swing the chains with enough impact to detonate a significant portion of the mines.
And if there happens to be an AT mine or two in the mix, the whole ill-advised experiment becomes an unappealing art installation.
Good analysis, but you failed to point out that the truck will be towing the whole assembly. Pushing this contraption in reverse could be a hair problematic.
If he is actually towing it, there is probably an 80% chance the actual truck would detonate the AT mine first, depending on how touchy the trigger was and if it’s ran over directly. (The rig would probably deflect more of the blast back through the truck.)
Mine flails typically reverse over minefields by design for that very reason, so I interpreted this one as doing the same. If not, then yes, driving across the field with the contraption behind the truck would be a short, joyless trip.
A single Hilux (Tacoma?) could remove every unexploded ordinance in the world war 2 theatre, without the flail.
I know this truck. Ain’t no stranger. I know that truck. That’s a Ford. Fucking Ranger. Fucking Ranger. Ford Ranger. Damn.
Fully credible. It will blow up at least one mine.
Ukrainians are far ahead of you. There are several mine clearing tractors operating already.
Rangers are tough but I think you’d need a Toyota for this one.
Flail needs a power source.
Kick start it for the first one, then use the energy of the blast to keep it going. Not only is the minefield cleared, we have infinite energy.
two options:
- power it from the trailer electric hookup
- spool it from a winch on the front
The trailer hookup wouldn’t be sufficient to handle that amp draw.
You can add a PTO to most trucks, super easy if the platform is also used for tow trucks.
I am concerned about the amperage draw on wires from the battery with that length of run, I guess an auxiliary battery in parallel could mitigate the risks.
i was assuming this was a light truck for meme reasons haha
A PTO is still totally doable, the braketry is a bit of a bother, but you are making a tow hitch mine flail so finding a longer belt and laser cutting some metal is not undermountable.
Use a wet kit with a pony motor, don’t even have to modify the truck.
I was thinking of driving it hydraulically, is that what a wet it is?
Yes
Are those mines for people or vehicles? I imagine rolling around something heavy that pokes the ground with ~90kg of force per point could be sufficient to trigger an anti-personnel mine, maybe even slapping it with 90kg of force per point would work. However, for anti-vehicle mines, would that slapper really be able to generate over 500kg per slapped point? What about mines triggered by greater weights?
I’m doubtful, but it looks cool!
@CDRMITTENS Only if you drive using the reverse gear
Depends if you want your vehicle and operator to blow up one mine or hundreds.
