Vacuum bomb: how it explodes. The vacuum bomb is the country's strongest non-nuclear weapon
On September 11, 2007, Russia tested the most powerful non-nuclear bomb, which surpassed the American “Mother of all bombs” in power. The power of the explosion in TNT equivalent was 44 tons(at bomb mass 7100 kg), radius of guaranteed damage - 300 meters.
Ammunition of this type has several names. Nowadays they are commonly called “vacuum bombs”. Another name is volumetric explosion or thermobaric ammunition. Quite a lot of legends and fables have already grown around these bombs, largely due to the incompetence of journalists. For example, quote:
"...The operating principle of this terrible weapon, approaching the power of a nuclear bomb, is based on a kind of reverse explosion. When this bomb explodes, oxygen is instantly burned, creating a deep vacuum, deeper than in outer space. All surrounding objects, people, cars, animals, trees are instantly drawn into the epicenter of the explosion and, colliding, turn into powder..."
So what is a vacuum bomb and why have such ammunition still not replaced conventional ones? Description of the design of bombs of this type and the history of their creationread below.
What is the principle of operation of these miracle bombs based on? We are all very familiar with the phenomenon of volumetric explosion and even encounter it every day. For example, when we start a car (micro-explosion of the fuel mixture in the engine cylinders internal combustion). Disasters. Occurrences in mining mines due to the explosion of methane or coal dust are also examples of this phenomenon. The most amazing thing: even a cloud of flour, powdered sugar or small sawdust. The whole secret is that the substance in the form of a suspension has a very large area contact with air (oxidizing agent) which makes it behave like real ammunition.
The military quickly realized that this effect could be used well in killing their own kind. The principle of operation of a typical volumetric explosion munition (hereinafter referred to as BOV) is as follows: first, the squib destroys the wall of the bomb and at the same time turns it into big cloud aerosols are a flammable substance inside (usually a liquid, but it can also be a powder such as aluminum powder). As soon as the cloud appears (a few milliseconds after spraying), it is detonated by detonators. A cloud of a mixture of flammable substance and air burns out very quickly at very high temperatures throughout the entire volume that the cloud previously occupied. Hence the name: volumetric explosion. The explosion front has a huge pressure of 2,100,000 Pa. But far from the explosion, this pressure difference is already significantly less: at a distance of 3-4 explosion radii, the pressure in the shock wave is already about 100,000 Pa. But this is enough to destroy a plane or helicopter. The most interesting thing is that you don’t need much of the substance for spraying (compared to conventional ammunition).
For example, the first BOV (their development began by the American military in 1960) contained only 10 gallons (approximately 32-33 liters) of ethylene oxide. This was enough to create a cloud of fuel-air mixture with a radius of 7.5-8.5 m and a height of up to 3 m. After 125 milliseconds, this cloud was detonated by several detonators. The radius of destruction was 30-40 meters. For comparison, to create such pressure at a distance of 8 meters from a TNT charge, about 200-250 kg of TNT are required.
Ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, methane, propyl nitrate, MAPP (a mixture of methyl, acetylene, propadiene and propane) have been tested and found suitable for use as blast bomb explosives.
The Americans began to actively use chemical warfare agents in Vietnam. To as soon as possible clear landing pads for helicopters in the jungle. The fact is that the Viet Cong noticed very quickly high degree the dependence of regular units of the US Army on the supply of ammunition, food and other material resources. As the Americans moved deeper into the jungle, it was enough to disrupt their supply and evacuation lines (which, in general, is not so difficult to do) in order to gain the upper hand. Use of helicopters for delivery material resources in the jungle it was very difficult, and often completely impossible, due to the lack of open places suitable for landing. Clearing the jungle to land just one Iroquois helicopter required 10 to 26 hours of work by an engineering platoon.
For the first time, volumetric explosion bombs were used in Vietnam in the summer of 1969 specifically to clear the jungle. The effect exceeded all expectations. The Iroquois could carry 2-3 of these bombs (they were carried directly in the cabin). The explosion of even one bomb in any jungle created a completely suitable landing site.
Through experience, the Americans discovered that BOV is excellent for combating leaky Viet Cong fortifications. The fact is that the resulting cloud of atomized fuel, like ordinary gas, flows into rooms, blending areas, and various underground shelters. When a cloud of BOV is detonated, the entire structure literally flies into the air.
The first samples of volumetric explosion bombs were quite small in size and capacity (up to 10 gallons). After resetting to relatively little high altitude(30-50 m) a braking parachute opened, which provided stabilization of the bomb and a low rate of descent (this is required for normal operation of the bomb). A 5-7 m long cable with a weight at the end was lowered from the nose of the bomb. When the weight touched the ground and the cable tension decreased, the entire chain of events described above was triggered (opening of the bomb shell by the squib, creation of a cloud and its subsequent detonation).
The technology was poorly suited for artillery: even large-caliber shells could carry relatively a small amount of liquid explosive and most of the weight of the projectile fell on the thick walls of the projectile body. But the BOV was well suited for rocket guns volley fire(the projectile is heavier and the walls are thinner).
The development of volumetric explosion munitions was influenced by a 1976 UN resolution that BWs are “an inhumane means of warfare that causes excessive human suffering.” Although, of course, work on them continued even after the adoption of the resolution.
Volumetric explosion ammunition was used repeatedly in various wars of the 1980-90s. So on August 6, 1982, during the war in Lebanon, an Israeli plane dropped such a bomb (American made) on an eight-story residential building. The explosion occurred in the immediate vicinity of the building at the 1-2 floor level. The building was completely destroyed. About 300 people died (mostly not in the building, but those close to the explosion site).
In August 1999, BOV was used in Dagestan. The bomb was dropped on the Dagestan village of Tando, where a significant number of Chechen militants. Several hundred militants were killed, the village was completely wiped off the face of the earth. In the following days, even the appearance of a single Su-25 attack aircraft over any locality forced the militants to hastily leave the village, the military even coined the term “Tando Effect.” That is, a BOV, or vacuum bomb, has not only a powerful destructive effect, but also a psychological one (the explosion is similar to a nuclear one, accompanied by a powerful flash, everything around burns, leaving melted soil) which is not unimportant in conditions of military operations.
Volumetric detonating aircraft bomb ODAB-500PMV (Fuel-Air Explosion Aircraft Bomb ODAB-500PMV).
Diameter 50 cm, length 238 cm, stabilizer span 68.5 cm, weight 525 kg, charge weight 193 kg. Explosive substance ZhVV-14 formulation. Used from airplanes and helicopters.
Conditions of use:
for aircraft altitude 200-12000m. at a speed of 500-1500 km/h.
for helicopters the altitude is at least 1200m. at speeds over 50 km/h.
It is easy to guess that the distance of a helicopter from a bomb at the moment of its explosion is less than 1200 meters is deadly.
Why hasn't the military abandoned conventional explosives yet? The fact is that the scope of applicability of vacuum bombs is quite narrow.
Firstly, BWs have only one damaging factor - a shock wave. Shrapnel, cumulative effect In terms of purpose, they do not possess and cannot possess.
Secondly, the brisance (ability to destroy an obstacle) of the cloud of fuel-air mixture is low, because there is a process of rapid burnout (combustion), not detonation. Vacuum bombs cannot break concrete walls of fortifications or armored plates of military equipment. Moreover, despite the seemingly terrible pictures of the consequences of the action of a BOV, even inside the explosion zone a tank or other hermetically sealed shelter can safely survive, practically unscathed.
Thirdly, a volumetric explosion requires a large free volume and free oxygen, which is not required for the explosion of conventional explosives (it is contained in the explosive itself in bound form). Vacuum bomb will not work in airless space, in water, in soil.
Fourthly, for the operation of volumetric explosion ammunition big influence provide weather. At strong wind, heavy rain fuel air cloud either does not form at all, or is greatly scattered. This is a significant drawback, because it is not always possible to wage war only in good weather.
Fifthly, BOV carriers must be large. It is impossible to create small-caliber volumetric explosion ammunition (less than 100 kg bombs and less than 220 mm shells).
In conclusion, we will say that despite the described shortcomings, the appearance of super-powerful non-nuclear bombs (in principle, it doesn’t even matter what technology they will work on) fundamentally changes the picture of future war. For nuclear bomb- It is rather a weapon of deterrence. Even “hot heads” understand that the thoughtless use of nuclear weapons, even in conditions of a serious war, is more like suicide: the consequences of chain retaliatory strikes by the enemy will be much worse than the outcome of the most destructive war using conventional weapons. And no one is going to use it. Therefore, paradoxically, a vacuum bomb is much more suitable for the role of a super-bomb than nuclear weapon.
A vacuum or thermobaric bomb is almost as powerful as nuclear weapons. But unlike the latter, its use does not threaten radiation and global environmental disaster.
Coal dust
The first test of a vacuum charge was carried out in 1943 by a group of German chemists led by Mario Zippermayr. The principle of operation of the device was suggested by accidents in flour mills and mines, where volumetric explosions often occur.
That is why ordinary coal dust was used as an explosive. The fact is that by this time fascist Germany There was already a serious shortage of explosives, primarily TNT. However, it was not possible to bring this idea to real production. In fact, the term “vacuum bomb” with technical point view is not correct. In reality, this is a classic thermobaric weapon in which the fire spreads under high pressure. Like most explosives, it is a fuel-oxidizer premix. The difference is that in the first case, the explosion comes from a point source, and in the second, the flame front covers a significant volume. All this is accompanied by a powerful shock wave. For example, when on December 11, 2005 in an empty storage oil terminal When a massive explosion occurred in Hertfordshire (England), 150 km from the epicenter people woke up to the sound of glass rattling in their windows.
Vietnam experience
Thermobaric weapons were first used in Vietnam to clear jungles, primarily for helipads. The effect was stunning. It was enough to drop three or four of these volumetric explosive devices, and the Iroquois helicopter could land in the most unexpected places for the partisans. Essentially, these were 50-liter cylinders high pressure, with a brake parachute that opened at a height of thirty meters. About five meters from the ground, the squib destroyed the shell, and a gas cloud formed under pressure, which exploded. At the same time, the substances and mixtures used in air-fuel bombs were not anything special. These were ordinary methane, propane, acetylene, ethylene oxide and propylene.
It soon became clear experimentally that thermobaric weapons have enormous destructive force in confined spaces, such as tunnels, caves, and bunkers, but is not suitable for windy weather, underwater and at high altitudes. There have been attempts to use Vietnam War thermobaric shells large caliber, however, they turned out to be ineffective.
Thermobaric death
On February 1, 2000, immediately after the next test of a thermobaric bomb, Human Rights Watch, a CIA expert, described its effect as follows: “The direction of the volumetric explosion is unique and extremely life-threatening. First, people in the affected area are affected by high pressure of the burning mixture, and then by a vacuum, in fact a vacuum, tearing the lungs. All this is accompanied by severe burns, including internal ones, since many manage to inhale the fuel-oxidative premix.” However, with light hand journalists called this weapon a vacuum bomb. Interestingly, in the 90s of the last century, some experts believed that people who died from a “vacuum bomb” seemed to be in space. They say that as a result of the explosion, oxygen instantly burned out, and for some time an absolute vacuum was formed. Thus, military expert Terry Garder from Jane's magazine reported on the use Russian troops“vacuum bomb” against Chechen militants in the area of the village of Semashko. His report said that those killed had no external injuries and died from ruptured lungs.
Second after the atomic bomb
Just seven years later, on September 11, 2007, the thermobaric bomb was talked about as the most powerful non-nuclear weapon. “Test results of the created aviation ammunition showed that its effectiveness and capabilities are comparable to nuclear weapons“, said the former head of the GOU, Colonel General Alexander Rukshin. We were talking about the most destructive innovative thermobaric weapon in the world. The new Russian aircraft munition turned out to be four times more powerful than the largest American vacuum bomb. Pentagon experts immediately stated that the Russian data was exaggerated by at least twofold. And the press secretary of US President George W. Bush, Dana Perino, at a briefing on September 18, 2007, in response to the caustic question of how the Americans would respond to the Russian attack, said that she was hearing about this for the first time. Meanwhile, John Pike from the Global Security think tank agrees with the declared power, about which Alexander Rukshin said. He wrote: “Russian military and scientists were pioneers in the development and use of thermobaric weapons. This new story weapons." If nuclear weapons are a priori a deterrent due to the possibility of radioactive contamination, then super-powerful thermobaric bombs, according to him, will most likely be used by “hot heads” of generals from different countries.
Inhumane killer
In 1976, the UN adopted a resolution calling explosive weapons “an inhumane means of warfare that causes excessive human suffering.” However, this document is not mandatory and does not directly prohibit the use of thermobaric bombs. This is why from time to time there are reports in the media about “vacuum bombings”. So on August 6, 1982, an Israeli plane attacked thermobaric ammunition American-made Libyan troops. And most recently, the Telegraph publication reported on the use of fuel-air by the Syrian military high explosive bomb in the city of Raqqa, killing 14 people. And although this attack was not carried out chemical weapons, international community demands a ban on the use of thermobaric weapons in cities.
The media proudly reported that Russia had successfully tested a powerful non-nuclear bomb. The bomber dropped more than seven tons of ammunition. The bomb's yield was just under forty tons. The Ministry of Defense guaranteed the destruction...
The media proudly reported that Russia had successfully tested a powerful non-nuclear bomb. The bomber dropped more than seven tons of ammunition. The bomb's yield was just under forty tons.
The Ministry of Defense guaranteed the destruction of all living beings within a radius of 300 meters. Even the flies will all die. The bomb received its own name - “The Father of All Bombs.”
Such a simple arms race. The Americans called their non-nuclear bomb “The Mother of All Bombs.” So the answer is adequate. But “Papa” completely snatched “Mom”. The American “Mom” has nothing to do with the vacuum bomb. This is an ordinary landmine of enormous power.
Vacuum ammunition is a bomb that operates on the principles of a volumetric explosion, known for a long time. The absence of radiation damage removed the bomb from the Convention on Weapons of Mass Destruction.
But the population is familiar with vacuum explosion. An ordinary flour mill, with an accumulation of microscopic dust that is not visible to the naked eye, is our clear example. These clusters can jerk so hard that it doesn’t seem like much. The destructive power is enormous.
Coal mines pose a potential danger. No matter how the exhaust ventilation works, dust still accumulates. There is also methane in the mines. The initiation of an explosion is the slightest spark.
The explosion itself is a fairly simple matter. An explosive substance (EV) is used, which easily turns into gas. Acetylene oxide is suitable. We create an air cloud, add flammable material, set it on fire... Theory is always easier than practice.
This is difficult to do. You will have to put an explosive substance (EV) into the bomb, which will spray the main charge. The explosive, having reacted with air (oxygen), turns a vacuum bomb into an explosive monster.
It is more powerful than any other bomb. “Vacuum bomb” ... is somehow not correct. Only the pressure decreases. The shock wave is weak. But it has a long lasting effect. Imagine that a car hits a pedestrian. So a vacuum bomb is a roller that will pass over a pedestrian and stand on it.
blast wave vacuum ammunition does not destroy the obstacle, but flows around it. It turns out to be an explosion similar to combustion. And during the battle you need destructive impact force. Therefore, vacuum-type bombs are not used everywhere.
But it is impossible to escape from it. The wave flows into all the cracks. The dugout, the wall of the house... Nothing saves. But the bomb is an excellent sapper. The blast wave does not go into the ground. Moving along the surface, it explodes any mines, clearing the area.
The shock wave of the bomb is the only factor of destruction. In addition, to explode it needs oxygen, which is in the air. This means that bombs must be carried by helicopters or airplanes. There are quite a few obstacles to use.
History of application
The Germans tried to use explosions in coal mines as a new weapon. But until the end, due to the circumstances of the offensive Soviet army, the project was not completed.
Americans are meticulous guys. While fighting in Vietnam, they realized that numerous landing sites for helicopters were needed. Construction required the presence of manpower in the jungle. What the hell? The Pentagon quickly took a look at the Nazi documents and found the right option.
The helicopter was carrying shells. If necessary, a bomb was dropped and the explosion built a new helipad. In addition, it is impossible to hide from the explosion of a vacuum bomb. The psychological effect was very strong.
This is how the Americans smoked the Vietnamese rebels out of the tunnels. The first generation of vacuum bombs was capricious. Special bombing conditions, weather, and temperature conditions were required.
The UN decided to ban such weapons, but the USA and the USSR did not care about the UN. Today, weapons are being developed by several more countries that do not recognize the UN ban.
"The Daddy of All Bombs"
The 2007 test confirmed that Russia is ahead of the rest. The bomb was adopted by the troops. But since the weapon is classified as secret, nothing is known about it.
The only thing the Ministry of Defense reported was the capacity of 40-44 tons of TNT. And the fact that nanotechnology was used in the development.
The most powerful in the world was tested in Russia vacuum bomb. Channel One reported this. As the deputy chief stated on September 11 General Staff Alexander Rukshin of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, “the test results of the created aircraft munition showed that it is comparable in its effectiveness and capabilities to nuclear weapons.”
The military man especially emphasized that “the effect of this ammunition does not pollute at all environment compared to nuclear weapons."
Meanwhile, the place and time of the tests are kept strictly secret.
The operating principle of a vacuum bomb is as follows: a cloud of sprayed flammable material explodes in the air. The main damage is caused by supersonic air shock wave and incredible heat. Because of this, the soil after the explosion is more similar to lunar soil, but there is neither chemical nor radioactive contamination.
The Ministry of Defense emphasizes in every possible way: this military development doesn't violate any international treaty. Thus, Russia does not unleash new race weapons.
Previously the most powerful in the world vacuum bomb was in service US Air Force. Footage of its tests carried out in 2003 was shown by all television companies in the world, at the same time the superweapon was dubbed the “mother of all bombs.” By analogy, Russian developers nicknamed theirs new ammunition"daddy of all bombs." This aerial bomb does not yet have official name, only secret code. It is known that the explosive contained in it is significantly more powerful than TNT. This was achieved through the use of nanotechnology.
The new vacuum aerial bomb will replace a number of previously created low-power nuclear weapons.
Vacuum bomb. Reference
On September 11, 2007, the Russian military tested a new vacuum bomb that the military claims has the power of only nuclear warheads and could replace a range of previously developed low-yield nuclear weapons.
Until now, the world's most powerful vacuum bomb, the GBU-43/B MOAB (Massive Ordnance Air Burst), was in service with the American Air Force. It was tested in 2003.
Vacuum bomb- old name ODAB (volume-detonating aerial bombs or FAE - fuel air explosive) - created based on the effect volumetric explosion dust-gas and dust-air clouds.
The operating principle is as follows: when an air bomb is dropped, a cloud of atomized flammable substance explodes in the air. An explosive projectile scatters an aerosol mixture and explosive elements over a certain distance. The main damage is caused by a supersonic air shock wave and incredibly high temperature. As the main charge in vacuum bombs high-calorie foods are used liquid fuels(ethylene oxide).
When such ammunition encounters an obstacle, the explosion of a small charge destroys the bomb body and sprays the fuel, which, turning into a gaseous state, forms an aerosol cloud in the air. As soon as the cloud reaches a certain size, it is undermined by special grenades fired from the bottom of the bomb. The resulting high-pressure zone, even in the absence of a supersonic shock wave, effectively affects manpower enemy, freely penetrating into areas inaccessible to fragmentation ammunition. During the formation period, the cloud flows into trenches and shelters, thereby increasing its destructive ability.
The aerial bomb that was tested in Russia does not yet have an official name, only a secret code. Russian developers received relatively cheap ammunition with high damaging properties. It is known that, thanks to the use of nanotechnology, the explosive contained in it is significantly more powerful than TNT. The soil after the explosion is more similar to lunar soil, but there is no chemical or radioactive contamination. Compared to nuclear weapons, the new military development does not pollute the environment at all; military experts claim that it does not violate a single international treaty.
The world's most powerful vacuum bomb has been tested in Russia. The new weapon was dubbed the “daddy of all bombs” - by analogy with the American “mother”, which is 20 times inferior to our design. What is this bomb and how does it work - in the material aif.ru
Nanotechnology in action
September 11 Channel One showed Russian tests the world's most powerful vacuum bomb, comparable in effectiveness to nuclear weapons. As noted on air, the new aerial bomb will replace a number of previously created nuclear weapons.
- The test results of the created aircraft munition showed that it is comparable in its effectiveness and capabilities to nuclear munitions. At the same time, I especially want to emphasize this, the effect of this ammunition does not pollute the environment at all,” said Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Alexander Rukshin.
According to Rukshin, the new warhead “will provide us with the opportunity to realize the security of the state and at the same time resist international terrorism in any environment and in any region."
The explosive contained in this aerial bomb is much more powerful than TNT. This, according to Channel One, was achieved through the use of nanotechnology.
- This, in turn, made it possible to reduce the requirements for accuracy, hence the reduction in cost - the quality that we need in modern conditions. We received relatively cheap ammunition with high destructive properties,” said Yuri Balyko, head of a department at one of the research institutes of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
The Ministry of Defense, meanwhile, states that the new military development does not violate a single international treaty.
In the same time Western media are considering the emergence of reports of powerful Russian weapons as the Kremlin’s next intention to demonstrate its power to the world.
Why is “the father of all bombs” better than “the mother”?
Before this, the most powerful vacuum bomb in the world was in service with the American Air Force. The first tests of the GBU-43/B MOAB (Massive Ordnance Air Burst) bomb took place in 2003: footage was shown by all television companies in the world. Then this weapon was called the “mother of all bombs.” By analogy, Russian developers nicknamed their new ammunition: “the father of all bombs.”
Russian aerial bomb surpasses American equivalent in all respects. The explosive mass is smaller, but the bomb is four times more powerful. The temperature at the epicenter of the explosion is twice as high. By total area defeat, our bomb is 20 times superior to the American one.
What is a vacuum bomb?
A vacuum bomb (the old name ODAB - volume-detonating aircraft bombs or FAE - fuel air explosive) is created based on the effect of a volumetric explosion of dust-gas and dust-air clouds. They use liquid fuels (ethylene oxide) as the main charge.
When such ammunition encounters an obstacle, the explosion of a small charge destroys the bomb body and sprays the fuel, which, turning into a gaseous state, forms an aerosol cloud in the air. As soon as the cloud reaches a certain size, it is undermined by special grenades fired from the bottom of the bomb. The resulting high-pressure zone, even in the absence of a supersonic shock wave, effectively hits enemy personnel, freely penetrating into areas inaccessible to fragmentation ammunition. During the formation period, the cloud flows into trenches and shelters, thereby increasing its destructive ability.
Operating principle of a vacuum bomb
A cloud of sprayed flammable material explodes in the air. The main damage is caused by a supersonic air shock wave and high temperature. Because of this, the soil after the explosion is more similar to lunar soil, but there is no chemical or radioactive contamination.
A typical "vacuum bomb" consists of a container of reagent and two independent explosive charges. After the ammunition is dropped or fired, the first charge opens the container at a certain height, spraying the reagent into a cloud that mixes with atmospheric oxygen (the size of the cloud depends on the amount of reagent). This mixture then envelops objects and penetrates into structures. At this moment, the mixture is undermined by a second charge, resulting in the formation of a powerful shock wave. We took an example of such an explosion from the website of the Armaments Department of the Center air war US Navy, China Lake, California:
Where can you use a vacuum bomb?
In one of the materials of the magazine “Military Knowledge” they wrote that this type of weapon can be effectively used both against personnel outside shelters, and against weapons and military equipment, fortified areas and individual shelters. It can also be used to create passages in minefields, clearing landing sites for helicopters, destroying communications centers and neutralizing strongholds during street battles within the city, HRW reports. A vacuum bomb is capable of completely destroying vegetation and agricultural crops in a certain area.
When used simultaneously large number ammunition destruction can be more than significant. The effect of such weapons is also enhanced by indoors. Its power is 12-16 times higher than usual explosives when applied to objects with large area surfaces such as frame buildings, dugouts and transport hangars.
Damaging factors of a vacuum bomb
Nothing is known yet about the new Russian weapon. This aerial bomb does not even have an official name yet, it only has a secret code.
Here's what the 1993 Defense Intelligence Agency report says about a similar bomb of lower power:
- The mechanism of destruction of living objects has no analogues. The damaging factor is the shock wave, or more precisely, the rarefaction (vacuum) that follows it, leading to rupture of the lungs... If the explosive component simply burns out without detonating, the victims receive severe burns and may also inhale the burning substance. Since ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, the most commonly used munitions in such munitions, are highly toxic, an unexploded munition would pose the same danger to personnel caught in its cloud as most chemical agents.
As stated in a separate US CIA study, “the impact of a volume detonating munition explosion in confined spaces is enormous. At the flashpoint, people simply burn to ashes. Those located near the perimeter are highly likely to receive internal, and therefore invisible, injuries, including ruptured eardrums and destruction of the organs of the inner ear, severe concussion, rupture of the lungs and others internal organs; loss of vision is also possible.”
Another Defense Intelligence Agency document suggests that because “the shock wave and pressure drop cause minimal damage to brain tissue, victims of a volume detonating munition may remain conscious and suffer for a few seconds or minutes until death from the explosion occurs.” suffocation."
Known Russian volume-detonating ammunition and high-yield ammunition
According to Human Rights Watch:
- ODAB-500PM, aerial bomb of volumetric detonating action.
- KAB-500Kr-OD, airborne volume-detonating bomb with television guidance.
- ODS-OD BLU container with 8 cluster bombs volumetric detonating action.
- 300-mm 12-barrel MLRS 9A52-2 (Smerch), the warhead of a high-power rocket (based on a powder reagent).
- 220-mm 16-barrel MLRS 9P140 (Uragan), the warhead of a high-power rocket (based on a powder reagent).
- ATGM "Sturm", launched from a helicopter, the warhead has a volumetric detonating effect.
- ATGM "Attack", launched from a helicopter, the warhead has a volumetric detonating effect.
- 80 mm aircraft rocket S-8D (S-8DM), the warhead of a volumetric detonating action.
- Anti-tank guided missile system long range"Kornet-E": the warhead of a thermobaric (volume-detonating) rocket.
- Reactive infantry flamethrower RPO-A (Bumblebee). The fatal impact and destruction inside the structure is reported to be 80 cubic meters. On open area The area of sure damage is 50 square meters.
- AS-11 and AS-12, missile warheads. Most of information is confidential.
Sergey Minenko