USMC upgrades mine clearing system
The US Marine Corps has a new upgraded version of the MK-154 Mine Clearance System that is safer and more reliable than its previous iteration.
The MK-154 was removed from service four years ago following the loss of a marine during a training exercise.
Prior to the upgrade the system was difficult to employ due to intrusion of air into the hydraulic system, which would render the system inoperable. Operators would have to ‘bleed’ the hydraulic system in order to push the air out before it could be used. The upgraded MK-154 Mod 1 includes a self-bleeding hydraulic system that means it can operate with air in the hydraulic lines.
Another new feature is the addition of a capacitor bank to the power distribution box. When the MK-154 is turned on, a crewman will use the AAV power to charge these capacitors. Once charged, the capacitors are used as a backup power source. This makes the new system safer because it can be fired using the backup power source if the AAV loses power.
The system also features a new test system that lets operators know it is safe to fire. The new test box and test firing system have been added to test the firing circuits of the electric system, which are used to simulate live ordnance when plugged into the electric system. Prior to loading live ordnance, crewman plug in the test system and cycle through the firing sequences as if live ordnance were loaded.
During this test, the test box will verify that the MK-154 firing circuitry is safe by the illumination of green lights. If there is a fault in the firing circuitry, the test box will indicate a fault with a red light.
In all, 47 MK-154 Mod 1 systems are being fielded across the marine corps, primarily to Assault Amphibian Battalions. Fielding is expected to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2018.
More from Land Warfare
-
![More bidders move onto starting grid for British Army Land Rover replacement programme]()
More bidders move onto starting grid for British Army Land Rover replacement programme
The Light Mobility Vehicle segment of the UK’s Land Mobility Programme for the British Army may actually be about to make progress, or at least likely bidders seem to think so. Shephard spoke with several contenders who revealed their views on how the army should replace the ageing fleet.
-
![Northrop Grumman pushing ahead with smaller Integrated Battle Command System]()
Northrop Grumman pushing ahead with smaller Integrated Battle Command System
Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Battle Command System is in service with Polish forces and is being introduced to US forces, with further development underway on the original platform as well as a smaller, more mobile system.
-
![UK’s ground-based air defence effort remains in assessment phase after third industry day]()
UK’s ground-based air defence effort remains in assessment phase after third industry day
The UK’s plan to introduce a new air defence capability into the British Army will cover short and medium-range defence as well as counter-uncrewed aerial system systems. Timelines are not yet laid out but industry is making plans.
-
![Team Grenadier aims for success with the British Army’s LMV programme]()
Team Grenadier aims for success with the British Army’s LMV programme
Team Grenadier has unveiled the latest variant of its Grenadier 4x4, which it hopes will win the Light Mobility Vehicle segment of the army’s Land Mobility Programme.
-
![Dominating the spectrum: ASELSAN’s EW capabilities take center stage at MSPO 2026]()
Dominating the spectrum: ASELSAN’s EW capabilities take center stage at MSPO 2026
ASELSAN is showcasing its advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities at MSPO 2026, highlighting technologies designed to detect, analyse, disrupt and deceive threats across increasingly contested electromagnetic environments.
