A limpet mine works by being magnetically attached to the hull of a ship and detonated remotely or on a timer after the person placing it has reached a safe distance.
Understanding the Limpet Mine Mechanism
The operation of a limpet mine is designed for covert attachment and delayed detonation. According to the reference, the Limpet Mine is "magnetic" because it is equipped with "a hefty magnet that lets an operator attach it personally to the hull of a ship, to be detonated when he is at a safe distance".
Here's a breakdown of how the process typically unfolds:
- Attachment: An operator, often a diver or swimmer, physically attaches the mine to the target ship's hull. The hefty magnet integrated into the mine allows it to securely cling to the steel surface of the ship's hull. This eliminates the need for complex mounting hardware and allows for rapid, discreet placement.
- Operator Withdraws: Once the mine is securely attached, the operator retreats from the vicinity of the ship.
- Detonation: The mine is designed to be detonated at a later time. This detonation occurs "when [the operator] is at a safe distance," meaning it is not triggered immediately upon placement. Detonation can be initiated by various means, such as a timer or a remote signal.
This method allows for the mine to be placed without immediate detection, and the delayed detonation ensures the safety of the person who deployed it, while still achieving the objective of damaging or sinking the vessel.
