NationStates Jolt Archive

http://www.defense-update.com/images/amh-100.jpg

Design

The Blubland Colonial Military has always had a strong belief in maintaining a strong perimeter during any ground operation. Opposing perimeters are often lowflying helicopters which can avoid detection by RADAR by blending into ground clutter.

One of the solutions is the AHM-100.

Operation

The AHM-100 works jointly with a grid of sensors which are responsible for detecting and identifying low-flying threats. The sensors use acoustic recognition, motion detection, heat detection, infrared and magnetic sounding to track targets.

Typically a fire pocket of 6 anti-helicopter mines will be placed over a 1 kilometer wide field that is 500 meters deep. The sensor grid extends a further 800 meters ahead of the mines. When a threat enters the kill zone, the AHM-100s will recieve permission from the sensors and engage over a 180 degree arc and up to 250 meters away/altitude.

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/9712/ahm100nk6.png

The sensors can be set for automatic detection and engagement and may also be used remotely. This allows technicians at headquarters to remotely look through the cameras on the sensors. Field tests have shown that the AHM-100 grid is sensitive enough to detect infantry at 2 kilometers with line of sight and at 600 meters without line of sight.

The AHM-100s may be remotely aimed and triggered, granting a limited anti-infantry role.


Mechanics

The AHM-100 functions by firing a shaped charge at the target. At approximately 50 meters the charge will explode, sending the payload in a cone at the target. The sensors are designed to query any target and check for an IFF code. If no friendly IFF (Identify Friend or Foe) is detected, it will discharge. Due to the sensitive nature of the AHM-100, it cannot automaticly target only enemy infantry. Anti-infantry discharges are reccomended be conducted remotely via a camera/sensor technician to prevent friendly casulties.

The AHM-100 is tamper-proof, and will discharge if tampered with. It is disarmed via a remote, programmable code from those who placed it. The AHM-100 system has a duration of 30 days.


The payload consists of the following:
300 flechettes weighing approximately 25 grams and measuring 3 inches long. These flechettes are armor-piercing.

5 thermite charges which will spray over the target area.

2 proximity fused fragmentation charges similar to anti-tank grenades. These are fused to explode 3 meters from the target helicopter or the ground.


General Information per-mine
Manufacturer: Blubland Dynamics
Weight: 20kg
Effective Range: 250 meters vs airborne target, 500 meters vs infantry


Cost per AHM-100 system (6 mines + sensor grid): $2,000 USD

((OOC: Couldn't old-school seige balloons or modern CIWS guns work against helicopters and ground attack aircraft, as long as they're coupled with AA systems to protect them from higher aircraft?))

((OOC: Couldn't old-school seige balloons or modern CIWS guns work against helicopters and ground attack aircraft, as long as they're coupled with AA systems to protect them from higher aircraft?))

OOC: Absolutely. I'm sure they could. But the thing is, you can SEE a barrage balloon and a CIWS might target a friendly. This system sits on the ground (You can even put camo netting over it or hide it behind a bush) and a helicopter wouldn't even see it until too late. If at all. :)

OOC: Absolutely. I'm sure they could. But the thing is, you can SEE a barrage balloon and a CIWS might target a friendly. This system sits on the ground (You can even put camo netting over it or hide it behind a bush) and a helicopter wouldn't even see it until too late. If at all. :)

((OOC: Ah, so it's essentially a fine-tune of anti-low-flyers. Kind of expensive to create a wall against NS-sized helicopter swarms, but I suppose some nations can afford to carpet their entire nation in these. I do inquire about what happens when a bird flies about 20 feet above the sensor grid though, seeing as it's really sensitive.))

((OOC: Ah, so it's essentially a fine-tune of anti-low-flyers. Kind of expensive to create a wall against NS-sized helicopter swarms, but I suppose some nations can afford to carpet their entire nation in these. I do inquire about what happens when a bird flies about 20 feet above the sensor grid though, seeing as it's really sensitive.))

OOC: This isn't really meant for protecting a whole country. (What country rings their borders with mines anyway?) It's more of a field defense for protecting a perimeter. As for birds, it won't go off. The sensor uses several modes of detection, described in the post.