What Is A Thermobaric Weapon And How Have They Been Used Historically?
Recent events in the Russia-Ukraine conflict have reignited discussion about thermobaric weapons, or ‘vacuum bombs’ in the media. What exactly are these weapons and have they been used historically?
Thermobaric weapons have been in use since World War II. Germany first developed these weapons, in the form of fuel-air explosive rockets. Shortly after, the United States utilized them in the 1960s and the Soviet Union began working on their own thermobaric weapons at this time. Known uses of these weapons include:
- World War II
- Vietnam War
- Operation Desert Storm
- Soviet-Afghan War
- Russian Constitutional Crisis
- First and Second Chechen Wars
- Beslan School Hostage Crisis
- Operation Enduring Freedom
- Beirut Barracks Bombing
- Bali Bombing
- Russia-Ukraine Conflict
- Syria
Currently, the United Nations Convention of Certain Conventional Weapons does not explicitly ban the use of these weapons. In fact, a search of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs site will yield no real results or mentions of thermobaric weapons, FAE, or vacuum bombs. However, they are prohibited by the Geneva Convention.
The Science
Thermobaric weapons are a form of volumetric weapons that preclude there is a two-stage process involved in weapons functionality. An initial charge disperses the fuel source after launch, drop or throwing. A secondary charge ignites the fuel violently which results in the massive and immediate consumption of oxygen around the weapon, creating an explosion of exceptional energy and destruction.
The weapons disperse a cloud of fuel into the air surrounding the explosion utilizing ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, ammonium nitrate and other agents. Once the secondary ignition occurs this increases the blast potential of the munition and creates the vacuum secondary to sudden energy changes and the fuel cloud eruption. The cloud that is produced in the initial phase is especially devastating because it can penetrate doors, windows, engine bays and other smaller areas before ignition which made these weapons especially useful in disabling bunkers and other occupied spaces. This cloud, called a plasma cloud, reaches temperatures between 2,500–3,000 C and moves at approximately 1,000 ln/sq in, but accelerants are added that can add several more thousands of pounds per square in. For comparison, normal atmospheric pressure is 14.7 lb/sq in.
Health Effects
Inside the blast radius, which can vary based on munition and fuel, the medical effects are devastating. Because of the vacuum the weapons create, the lungs collapse and ear drums rupture. The obvious fatality is associated with primary and secondary blast damage.
Given the sudden acceleration of air and pressure changes, those near the blast endure immediate, catastrophic tissue damage, lung damage, air cell damage, cardiovascular damage and hearing damage. They will also endure gastrointestinal damage due to pressure changes in trapped gases in the bowels and abdomen.
Finally, nervous system damage occurs due to gas embolism in larger vessels. An embolism occurs when there is gas trapped in an area where blood flow would normally occur. This prevents blood flow and creates a loss of oxygen in the brain and central nervous system.
Recent Discussion
Russia is under international scrutiny due to the invasion of Ukraine. It has been reported that Russia has employed the use of thermobaric weapons during this engagement. The type of weapon spotted in Russian convoys is the TOS-1A. This is a multiple rocket launcher with a radius of 2.5 miles and the blast radius extends roughly 1,000 feet.
There is video content circulating the internet, this source remains unclear. Currently, the White House has not been able to confirm the use of thermobaric weapons. the explosion occurred in Akhtyrka, killing 70 soldiers. The chairman of the Sumy Regional State Administration office Dmitry Zhivitsky announced suggested the use in a Telegram release.
