The United States Army has a wide array of deadly vehicles in its arsenal. From tanks and trucks to fighter jets and warships, the firepower of the military is simply unmatched. While the enemy in combat is often a militant group or similarly equipped vehicle, sometimes the opponent may be the earth itself. Often coming across hills, trenches, debris or other obstacles, the military is sometimes tasked to clear a path on through.
To accomplish this, the M58 MICLIC or Mine Clearing Line Charge, is fired from an Assault Breacher Vehicle. This unique explosive kit can take care of just about anything in a matter of seconds and ensures nothing stands in the way of a military convoy.
Check out the M58 in action in the video below:
According to the video’s uploader, the clip shows the 10th Engineer Battalion using an M58 MICLIC to clear an obstacle as part of their Gunnery Table XII at Grafenwoehr, Germany.
The 10th Engineer Battalion use an M58 Mine Clearing Line Charge (MICLIC) fired from an Assault Breacher Vehicle to clear an obstacle as part of their Gunnery Table XII at Grafenwoehr, Germany. (AiirSource Military/YouTube)
The M58 MICLIC is a rocket-projected explosive line charge. When deployed, a rocket attached to a cable is propelled downrange while carrying thousands of pounds of heavy explosives. Upon detention, the charge can create a 30-by-300-foot cleared lane for the convoy.
The MICLIC system is usually made up of an M353 or M200A1 trailer chassis, a launcher assembly, an M147 firing kit, an M58A3 line charge, and a 5-inch MK22 Mod 4 rocket. However, in the video clip above, the system has been fitted to an M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle instead.
The 10th Engineer Battalion use an M58 Mine Clearing Line Charge (MICLIC) fired from an Assault Breacher Vehicle to clear an obstacle as part of their Gunnery Table XII at Grafenwoehr, Germany. (AiirSource Military/YouTube)
Altogether, the MICLIC system has the power to fire a charge some 350 feet from the vehicle. The charge contains five pounds per linear foot of C-4 explosives and can be detonated either automatically or manually depending on the situation.
The 10th Engineer Battalion use an M58 Mine Clearing Line Charge (MICLIC) fired from an Assault Breacher Vehicle to clear an obstacle as part of their Gunnery Table XII at Grafenwoehr, Germany. (AiirSource Military/YouTube)
The Assault Breacher Vehicle featured in the video is a tracked combat vehicle specifically designed to clear pathways for troops and other vehicles. They are often used to navigate minefields or traverse other risky terrains.
The 72-ton vehicle is powered by a 1,500 horsepower engine and is fitted with impressive armament beyond the MICLIC system. The war machine often packs a .50 caliber machine gun for defense and a front-mounted 15-foot wide plow to take out any other obstacles. Furthermore, the plow is also supported by metallic skis that glide on the dirt and are armed with nearly 7,000 lbs of explosives.
