The
Python rocket propelled anti-tank mine clearance
system is a further development of the Giant Viper
and in addition to being in service with the Royal
Engineers is also in service with the Royal Thai
Armed Forces. In UK service Python is transported
and launched from the new engineer tracked armoured
vehicle Trojan based on the chassis of the main
battle tank Challenger 2. Python is an effective
minefield breaching system which has been successfully
tested by the British Army. Python replaces the
Giant Viper minefield breaching systems which date
back to the 1950s.
The Mine Clearance system Python was used for the
first time during combat operation, February 2010
in Afghanistan. Royal Engineers fired the Python
rocket-powered mine clearance system to blow up
improvised explosive devices (IEDs) lined along
a route in Helmand Province as part of the ongoing
Operation Moshtarak. The Python was used to clear
a dry river bed of IEDs north of Patrol Base Wahid
in Nad-e-Ali district in Helmand
Python
can rapidly clear a path through an anti-tank
minefield between 183 to 230m long and up
to 7.3m
wide. The Python has the ability to clear
a much longer safe' lane than its predecessor.
It is also faster to bring into action and
far more accurate. It can clear a path up
to 230m long and 7m wide through which vehicles
can then safely pass. Trailer mounted Pythons
can be towed in tandem' by the Chieftain
Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers engineer
tank (CHAVRE) (shown loaded with three gap-crossing
fascines), giving the Royal Engineers the
capability of breaching minefields over
400 meters deep.
The Python mine clearance system can be
also mounted on a trailer pulled behind
a Trojan armoured engineer tank, shoots
a snake of high explosives high into the
air and on to a minefield, where it explodes,
detonating the mines. The Python, which
is mounted on a trailer pulled behind a
Trojan armoured engineer tank, shoots a
snake of high explosives high into the air
and on to a minefield, where it explodes,
detonating the mines.
Visiting
French President Francois Hollande said at the White House on Friday,
May 18, 2012, that he stood by the pledge to withdraw French forces
from Afghanistan by the end of 2012. ...
