The Russian General Staff has authorized the use of the "Bumblebee" in Syria, a rocket-propelled flamethrower originally developed against entrenched targets in fortified positions with solid coverage. Essentially similar to a single-shot rocket launcher such as RPGs and LAWs, it is classified by the Russian army as a flamethrower.
In reality it is a rudimentary and effective thermobaric system. The propulsion head contains an explosive charge and highly flammable fuel. When the rocket reaches the destination, the fuel is dispersed. The next detonation ignites the flammable material just before it into the air.
According to a recent analysis by the specialized magazine "Popular Mechanics", the explosion radiates a devastating shock wave and a "fireball" with a diameter of eight to ten meters. By itself, the thermobaric explosion is particularly indicated against targets (troops) in the open field. But if the same explosion happened in a bunker, its power could even increase tenfold with devastating effects. The use of the "Bumblebee" ("Shmel" in Russian) in Syria has been authorized for its ability to decimate enemy forces in urban environments. Heavy just under twelve pounds, it has a radius of 800 meters.
The "Shmel" can mount three heads. The RPO-M (upgrade of the A) is the version with thermobaric head. The RPO-Z mounts an incendiary warhead. Finally, the RPO-D is the version with smoke head. The equivalence of a RPO-M warhead is equal to 5,5 kg of TNT. Its destructive capacity is similar to an 152 mm artillery shot. The one seen in Syria is the "Shmel-M". With a weight of 8,8 kg, the system (now reusable), improves ballistic performance and the terminal effect with a maximum range of 1700 meters.
(photo: MoD Russian Federation)
