Effects of thermobaric weapon
In a thermobaric weapon, the fuel consists of a monopropellant
and energetic particles. The monopropellant detonates in a manner
simular to TNT while the particles burn rapidly in the surrounding
air later in time, resulting an intense fireball and high blast
overpressure. The term "thermobaric" is derived from the effects of
temperature,the Greek word "therme" means "heat",and pressure,the
Greek word "baros" means "pressure",on the target. The ability of
thermobaric weapons to provide massed heat and pressure effects at
a single point in time cannot be reproduced by conventional weapons
without massive collateral destruction.
The initial detonation reaction defines the systems high pressure
performance characteristics: armour penetrating ability.
The post detonation anaerobic reaction define the systems
intermediate pressure performance characteristics: Wall/Bunker
Breaching Capability.
The post detonation aerobic reaction characteristics define the
systems personnel / material defeat capability: Impulse and
Thermal Delivery.
Aerobic combustion requires mixing with sufficient air to combust
excess
fuels. The shock wave pressures are less than 10 atmospheres. The
majority of aerobic combustion energy is available as heat. Some
low pressure shock wave enhancement can also be expected for
personnel defeat. Personnel / material defeat with minimum
collateral structure damage requires maximum aerobic
enhancement
Good against armour? Infantry? MOUT sounds good
RPO-A Shmel
RPO-A Shmel, the initial version was termed a capsule
flame-thrower and relied upon its incendiary and blast capabilities
for on-target effects. A later version combines the thermobaric
warhead with a small hollow charge which penetrates light armour or
structures to allow the main warhead to detonate inside a target,
thereby considerably enhancing the projectile's destructive
effects.
The effect of the RPO-A projectile is such, that when detonated
inside a structure, its lethal and destructive effects will cover
an area of 80 m3, claimed to be similar to an equivalent 122 mm
artillery projectile. When utilised against personnel in the open
the lethal area will cover 50 m2. Maximum range is 1,000 m but the
sights are calibrated to only 600 m. Point blank range against a
target 3 m high is 200 m.
