Limpet mine

Limpet mine is a type of naval mine designed to be attached to the hull of a ship, typically by a diver, hence the name "limpet", after the aquatic snail that clings tightly to rocks or other hard surfaces. Limpet mines are usually used in sabotage operations, due to their ability to cause significant damage to a vessel with a relatively small amount of explosive.

History

The concept of a limpet mine originated during World War II, when the British Royal Navy developed a series of such devices for use by its SOE and Royal Marines. These early limpet mines were typically attached to the target by magnets, and were detonated by a time fuse.

Design

A typical limpet mine consists of a small, flat, oval-shaped charge of explosive, enclosed in a waterproof casing. The mine is attached to the target by means of magnets or adhesive, and is detonated either by a time fuse or by a remote control. Some modern limpet mines are also designed to be attached by a robotic submarine, eliminating the need for a diver.

Use

Limpet mines have been used in a number of notable naval operations, including the sinking of several Japanese ships in Singapore Harbour during Operation Jaywick in 1943, and the sinking of the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior in 1985. They have also been used in several instances of terrorism, such as the attack on the USS Cole in 2000.

See also

• Naval warfare
• Underwater demolition
• Frogman
• Unmanned underwater vehicle