Shielder minelaying system

The Shielder minelaying system is used by the British Army to quickly create anti-tank barriers. The system is based on the American Alliant Techsystems M163 Volcano system. It was ordered in 1995 and was first deployed in 1999.

The system consists of up to 40 dispensers, each containing 6 mines, mounted on a flat bed version of the Alvis Stormer tracked armoured vehicle. The dispensers can launch mines to the sides and rear of the vehicle as it proceeds. Each mine has a programmable life, after which they self-destruct. A dispenser control unit provides fire signals, testing and arming of the self-destruct mechanism.

Twenty-nine Shielder systems are currently deployed with the British Army.