The Mobile Land Mine (originally named "Beetle") was an experimental British World War II remote-controlled tracked explosive device.
It was wire guided and powered by two electric motors.
[Foss, McKenzie, pp.130–131]
The Mobile Land Mine was designed by
Metropolitan-Vickers
Metropolitan-Vickers, Metrovick, or Metrovicks, was a British heavy electrical engineering company of the early-to-mid 20th century formerly known as British Westinghouse. Highly diversified, it was particularly well known for its industrial el ...
in 1940.
After a successful demonstration in August 1941 an order for 50 was placed so that trials could be carried out.
[Everett p476-477] In 1942
Commander-in-Chief, Home Forces
Commander-in-Chief, Home Forces was a senior officer in the British Army during the First and Second World Wars. The role of the appointment was firstly to oversee the training and equipment of formations in preparation for their deployment ove ...
reported that it was not recommended as there was no requirement for it.
It was underpowered, slow, the motors overheated and it couldn't cross typical battlefield terrain - it was finally rejected by the
General Staff in 1944.
[
Among other trials a Mobile Land Mine was waterproofed and equipped with floats allowing it to be used against landing craft.]
See also
* Goliath tracked mine, the approximate German equivalent
Notes
References
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Unmanned ground combat vehicles
Robots of the United Kingdom
1940s robots
Tracked robots
World War II weapons of the United Kingdom
Explosive weapons
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