Brent M. Eastwood
1945, Jan. 19, 2023
“This makes multiple-launch rocket systems like the TOS-1A even more deadly.]
When it comes to thermobaric weapons – the term just sounds ominous. Thermobarics are also described as aerosol weapons or vacuum bombs, terms that likely sound even worse to your ears. To put these deadly concepts to use, Russia has its TOS-1A multiple launch rocket system that fires thermobaric warheads to rain down death and destruction. Even the Russians call them “heavy flamethrowers.”
These weapons fit into what I call “tactics of massive saturation and retaliation.” In broader terms, this means that artillery in Ukraine is turning back the clock to the horrors of World War One.
Thermobaric Weapons: How Do These Deadly Warheads Work?
First, before we get into the broader aspects of artillery used in the war, let me examine thermobarics in more detail.
Thermobarics work as fuel-air explosives. There are two separate explosions. Picture it this way. The first charge opens up a container with the explosive aerosol cloud that drifts down to the Target. If this is a hard Target such as a tank or building – the spray can seep in through openings or cracks.
Next is the detonation at thousands of degrees Fahrenheit. This vacuums the oxygen from the atmosphere and creates a huge explosive cloud that is bigger and more deadly than a conventional warhead. Many soft targets are turned into vapor. Those who survive the blast often have severe injuries to the lungs, eyes, ears, and colon.
Russia Is Not Shy About the Use of Thermobarics
Russia has been using the TOS-1A thermobaric rocket launcher since the beginning of the war. … [To read the full article, click here]