Difference between revisions of "Mine"
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One notable use in the [[Star Trek]] universe is the minefield used to deny the [[Dominion]] access to the [[Bajoran Wormhole]]. This space minefields is actually plausible, since it surrounded a single point in space rather than trying to block a border or otherwise saturate a large volume of space with mines. | One notable use in the [[Star Trek]] universe is the minefield used to deny the [[Dominion]] access to the [[Bajoran Wormhole]]. This space minefields is actually plausible, since it surrounded a single point in space rather than trying to block a border or otherwise saturate a large volume of space with mines. | ||
===[[Babylon 5]]=== | ===[[Babylon 5 (series)|Babylon 5]]=== | ||
In the B5 episode "Matters of Honor", we see a Centauri minefield deployed to interdict access to a planet. This minefield actually consists of orbiting weapon platforms that fire on intruding starships instead of merely exploding when they get within range. | In the B5 episode "Matters of Honor", we see a Centauri minefield deployed to interdict access to a planet. This minefield actually consists of orbiting weapon platforms that fire on intruding starships instead of merely exploding when they get within range. | ||
Revision as of 18:04, 14 October 2008
A mine is an explosive device used to make a particular area impassable to enemy troops or vehicles. It consists mainly of an explosive charge connected to a trigger mechanism; a housing designed to either fragment or direct the explosive force is also typical. Various trigger mechanisms can be used, from fairly simple pressure-based systems to sophisticated sensors. When properly triggered, the mine explodes, damaging whatever triggered it.
Historically, mines have been deployed on land against troops and armoured vehicles and at sea against surface ships and submarines.
Mines in Science Fiction
Mines have made repeated appearances in science fiction, despite their relative uselessness in a large 3D space; a spaceborne minefield can easily be circumnavigated.
Star Trek
One notable use in the Star Trek universe is the minefield used to deny the Dominion access to the Bajoran Wormhole. This space minefields is actually plausible, since it surrounded a single point in space rather than trying to block a border or otherwise saturate a large volume of space with mines.
Babylon 5
In the B5 episode "Matters of Honor", we see a Centauri minefield deployed to interdict access to a planet. This minefield actually consists of orbiting weapon platforms that fire on intruding starships instead of merely exploding when they get within range.
Captain Sheridan also used nuclear warheads as mines on at least two occasions, but these were remotely detonated from a starship when enemy vessels were deemed close enough.