* Su-34 fighter dropped ODAB-500 thermobaric bomb on Ukrainian base
The Russian Ministry of Defense recently released a video of a Su-34 fighter jet dropping ODAB-500 thermobaric bombs on bases of Ukrainian forces.
Russian Su-34 bomber. Photo: Bulgarian Military
The Russian Air Force is currently using the new ODAB-500 thermobaric bomb, equipped with a universal correction module and UMPK guidance kit, which makes the ODAB-500 bomb a high-precision weapon. Images from the video show that the Russian Su-34 bomber can carry four ODAB-500 thermobaric bombs.
The Su-34, NATO designation: Fullback, is an advanced Russian tactical bomber, designed to attack ground and air targets in all weather conditions, day and night.
One of the outstanding features of the Su-34 is its speed and ability to be equipped with comprehensive weapons. The Su-34 can reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 (equivalent to 1,920km/h) thanks to its powerful AL-31FM1 engine. The Su-34 is integrated with long-range air-to-ground and air-to-air guided weapons. The aircraft allows the deployment of up to 8,000kg of weapons on 12 pylons. In addition, the Su-34 is also equipped with a 30mm GSh-301 cannon for close-range combat.
Images in the video released by the Russian Ministry of Defense show that the Su-34 aircraft is equipped with an ODAB-500 thermobaric bomb with an integrated UMPK guidance kit. Photo: Russian MoD
ODAB-500 is a thermobaric bomb made by Russia to destroy fixed target clusters such as bunkers, trenches, headquarters, and weapons depots. Besides, this type of bomb is also capable of neutralizing anti-tank minefields.
ODAB-500 has a diameter of 50cm, a length of 2.38m and a weight of about 500kg (of which explosives account for 193kg of weight). After being dropped from the plane, the bomb will explode in the air while releasing a flammable mixture creating a large explosion. This explosion consumes all available oxygen in the surrounding area, possibly causing a secondary explosion that destroys all targets within a radius of 25 to 30 meters. This makes the ODAD-500 an important weapon used to attack fortified or underground facilities that are difficult to destroy with conventional explosives.
When deployed from a fighter aircraft, the ODAD-500 can be dropped at altitudes from 200 to 12,000m at speeds of up to 1,500km/h. If dropped from a helicopter, the drop altitude ranges from 220 to 5,000m, speed from 50 to 400km/h.