Thermobaric Bombs, Why Their Use Is Banned
Thermobaric bomb, also known as a vacuum bomb or fuel-air explosive, is a powerful weapon that disperses a cloud of fuel aerosol before igniting it to create an intense blast. Unlike conventional explosives, it uses atmospheric oxygen for combustion rather than carrying an oxidizer, resulting in a prolonged pressure wave and extreme heat.
How It Works
The bomb has two stages: a initial charge bursts the container to spray fuel (gas, liquid, or powder) into the air, forming a mist. A secondary detonation then ignites this cloud, producing a fireball up to 3,000°C and a vacuum-like suction from rapid oxygen consumption.
Key Effects
Thermobaric blasts last longer than standard explosives, causing overpressure that destroys structures, vaporizes soft targets, and suffocates in confined spaces like bunkers. The "vacuum" nickname comes from the partial vacuum after the fuel burns surrounding air.
Usage Examples
Russia has deployed systems like TOS-1 in Ukraine, while the US developed bombs like BLU-118B for Afghanistan. These are not banned by the Geneva Convention but raise concerns in populated areas due to indiscriminate effects.
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