DESCRIPTION: The M1A1 Bangalore Torpedo is an antipersonnel mine clearing charge dating back to World War II. It clears a footpath 0.6 meters wide. The Bangalore is effective against antipersonnel mines and has low reliability in cutting modern, high tensile strength barbed wire obstacles. Each Bangalore section weighs 13 pounds, including nine pounds of explosive. The Bangalore kit consists of ten 5-foot sections.
STATUS: The system has been fielded since the 1940's. There are currently 2900 sets in Continental United States depots and 28,600 worldwide.
EMPLOYMENT CONCEPT: The Bangalore Torpedo is a man-portable device for use by dismounted Infantry or Engineer troops. An individual soldier, or team of two, connects the number of needed sections, then pushes the Bangalore through the minefield before detonating. An electric or nonelectric blasting cap initiates detonation. The system is heavy and cumbersome to handle.
BASIS OF ISSUE: The Bangalore Torpedo is a Class V item stored in Ammunition Supply Points and issued for missions when required.
TRAINING/PERSONNEL: Training consists of classroom instruction, dry-run drills, video-tape, and live fire practice. Training literature includes the Operator's Manual. Unit training is currently conducted but is dependent on range availability and individual commander's emphasis. In maneuver units, locally fabricated training devices are used to simulate breaching wire obstacles in small unit exercises, while Navy units tend to train with the actual device against obstacles. Training rarely is conducted against live anti-personnel mines.