It is the strongest conventional thermobaric bomb, currently available.
I assume the following:
1) Currently the fighting is mainly in areas where civilians are present.
2) You need a very big plane to drop these bombs and they are currently not free to fly over Ukrainian troop concentrations in the rear, where there perhaps are no civilians.
What is your opionion and do you see prospects, that we could witness the use of such a weapon during the SMO?
I agree with your comments. Currently, there is no need for FOAB. What may happen in the future we can wait and see. To use FOAB AD must be neutralized. This include long and medium range systems. After that, bombers can simply rule the medium altitudes meaning free hunt for targets.
Very informative, thank you! While I knew that the "vacuum bomb" was not a true description of thermobaric weapons, I did not know the effects shockwaves have on the human body. Truly terrifying weapons, thank God they are in the hands of the army of good.
Dresden was different. It is about the firestorm and creation of the so-called stack effect, usually in huge fires. With thermobaric, it is about the blast so positive and negative pressure creates the effect that some compare with a micro nuclear blast. The question is what can happen if for example one battalion of TOS-1A (18 launchers x 24 rockets for 20 seconds) fires simultaneously at a relatively smaller area, in town or forest. That can create large-scale fires which may result in a firestorm.
I so enjoyed your interview/discourse awhile back with Simplicitus. Here I am, to say thank you, properly. Egads, great thing that I love, me, some, math and science(s). 💙🇷🇺❤️🐈⬛
In general, MLRS rockets don't have a self-liquidation mechanism like AD missiles. When it hit the target it will explode (in the majority of cases) or if the fuze is faulty it will simply punch in. The problem is when it needs to be deactivated. Often if it is not possible to do that, it is rigged with explosives and blown. Some rockets have separated propulsion and warhead (like cluster warheads) so what can happen is that the separation fails and in that case, the warhead may explode at the designated altitude and scatter the bomblets but that highly likely will not be above the designated target. The motor section after separation often continues on the ballistic trajectory.
It can fail because of the ignition, otherwise it is just a tube and it will fly if the motor get the impulse and the charge is activated. If it did not fire, the procedure is to disconnect it, turn off all voltage in the launcher and wait some time (which is prescribed in the manuals). next step, far from the firing position would be to simply pull the rocket back and inspect it
This is absolutely barbaric! If only as much thought was put into the propagation of life and wellbeing rather than discovering the most heinous ways to destroy it.
Constructive thought cannot wipe off the reality that socioeconomic systems evolve and become obsolete, hence threatening entire populations (and its élites) into oblivion. This prompt desperate measures for survival, and countermeasures (as it's this case) to neutralize such desperate measures..
Remarkable article, Mike!
Thanks.
I do also have a question.
Many people asked me why we didn't see the use of the FOAB, yet. (Father of all bombs. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_of_All_Bombs)
It is the strongest conventional thermobaric bomb, currently available.
I assume the following:
1) Currently the fighting is mainly in areas where civilians are present.
2) You need a very big plane to drop these bombs and they are currently not free to fly over Ukrainian troop concentrations in the rear, where there perhaps are no civilians.
What is your opionion and do you see prospects, that we could witness the use of such a weapon during the SMO?
Hi, and thank you!
I agree with your comments. Currently, there is no need for FOAB. What may happen in the future we can wait and see. To use FOAB AD must be neutralized. This include long and medium range systems. After that, bombers can simply rule the medium altitudes meaning free hunt for targets.
Very informative, thank you! While I knew that the "vacuum bomb" was not a true description of thermobaric weapons, I did not know the effects shockwaves have on the human body. Truly terrifying weapons, thank God they are in the hands of the army of good.
Hello Sir... You should write a Tom Clancyesque novel... You are better than Jane's.
Wish to subscribe to any substack You would open.
Am I wrong considering such FAE like a mini-dresden effect?
thank you!
Dresden was different. It is about the firestorm and creation of the so-called stack effect, usually in huge fires. With thermobaric, it is about the blast so positive and negative pressure creates the effect that some compare with a micro nuclear blast. The question is what can happen if for example one battalion of TOS-1A (18 launchers x 24 rockets for 20 seconds) fires simultaneously at a relatively smaller area, in town or forest. That can create large-scale fires which may result in a firestorm.
Thank You Sir.
You are welcome.
Thank you very much. Really formative and informative at the same time.
This kind of articles makes me appreciate the sometimes-excessive time that I spend on the Internet to nurture myself.
Great article, Mike. Never had a clue how these things work. Its astonishing.
Aleks I know you posted previously where we can donate to Mike. Can you please give the link again. Thank you
Thank you. I added that buymeacoffee link in the post.
Done 👍
I so enjoyed your interview/discourse awhile back with Simplicitus. Here I am, to say thank you, properly. Egads, great thing that I love, me, some, math and science(s). 💙🇷🇺❤️🐈⬛
Thank you for an informative article!
May I ask how a MLRS system handles misfires, ie a rocket does not ignite and fly away? My experience only involves infantry weapons and mortars....
You are welcome.
In general, MLRS rockets don't have a self-liquidation mechanism like AD missiles. When it hit the target it will explode (in the majority of cases) or if the fuze is faulty it will simply punch in. The problem is when it needs to be deactivated. Often if it is not possible to do that, it is rigged with explosives and blown. Some rockets have separated propulsion and warhead (like cluster warheads) so what can happen is that the separation fails and in that case, the warhead may explode at the designated altitude and scatter the bomblets but that highly likely will not be above the designated target. The motor section after separation often continues on the ballistic trajectory.
Thank you Mike, nice answer but I need to clarify my question: what to do if the rocket system does not fire all rockets?
You mean if the rocket fails within the MLRS launching tube, right? How to safely remove it etc.?
Yes, apart from sending someone other than me
It can fail because of the ignition, otherwise it is just a tube and it will fly if the motor get the impulse and the charge is activated. If it did not fire, the procedure is to disconnect it, turn off all voltage in the launcher and wait some time (which is prescribed in the manuals). next step, far from the firing position would be to simply pull the rocket back and inspect it
I gather there is some kind of electric contact for firing an initial primer that ignites the main rocket motor?
How common are misfires with older SAM systems, say HAWK-I?
This is absolutely barbaric! If only as much thought was put into the propagation of life and wellbeing rather than discovering the most heinous ways to destroy it.
Constructive thought cannot wipe off the reality that socioeconomic systems evolve and become obsolete, hence threatening entire populations (and its élites) into oblivion. This prompt desperate measures for survival, and countermeasures (as it's this case) to neutralize such desperate measures..
"The Inherent Risks of Omelette Making"