A video posted by the Ministry of Defense of Russia shows his Air Force attacking in the territory of Ukraine with the powerful aerial bomb FAB-3000. This appears improved with a module UMPKRussian acronym for Unified Planning and Correction Modulewhich turns the free-fall bomb into a precise weaponin addition to being highly destructive thanks to the almost one and a half tons of TNT in the warhead. In the recording you can see how the weapon is loaded and launched from a Su-34 fighter-bomber of the Russian Air Force, this being the first time that this aircraft has been seen operating a FAB-3000, according to the military media The Warzone. Last March, the Ministry of Defense said that it had Mass production of FAB-3000 aerial bombs for use against Ukraine has begun and in June used it in the Kharkiv area.
The UMPK module is similar to the JDAM-ER American made, a Guiding kit that converts unguided bombs into precision guided munitions. This system significantly increases the range of the bomb by adding a wing kit, allowing it to glide to its target from a greater distance. UMPK modules include a guidance section based on a combination of inertial navigationless precise but works in any condition, and satellite navigationmore precise but susceptible to interference. In addition, the conversion kit contains folding wings and a tail section with control surfaces that allow controlled gliding flight.
russian killers announced the launch of the super-powerful FAB3000 in Ukraine.
Thanks to Biden and his insane ban on attacking Russian airports, they can launch from just behind the front lines.
If this bomb falls on a hospital or supermarket, both favorite targets of russian… pic.twitter.com/1xbyUrVgZr— Jürgen Nauditt 🇩🇪🇺🇦 (@jurgen_nauditt) July 14, 2024
The result is a precise weapon with more than a hundred times the explosive power of an artillery shell and capable of destroying fortifications. With the FAB-3000 pump weighing three tonsbeing almost half TNT, even missing by a few meters or 100 meters doesn’t make much difference. The bomb has an effective destruction radius of approximately 230 meters and an explosion radius of up to 1,200 meters. Its accuracy with the UMPK kit is 10 meters.
The range of these bombs depends on the speed and altitude of launch; the higher and faster, the better. This allows the Russians to launch bombs from 60-70 kilometers away from the targetwhich is beyond the range of the Ukrainian short-range air defense systems that have a maximum of approximately 40 kilometers.
A first by Russia: Three-ton FAB-3000 “guided” bomb was used on Ukrainian target in Kharkiv.
The bomb was clearly off target, but the consequences were still serious. pic.twitter.com/dDqiAz79wL
— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 20, 2024
The FAB-3000 is a general purpose high explosive aerial bomb designed in the soviet era and notable for its destructive capabilities. Weighing approximately 3,000 kilograms, it measures around 4.2 meters long and 0.64 meters in diameter. It is usually loaded with Tritonala mixture of TNT and aluminum powder, which increases its explosive power. Depending on the mission requirements, they can be used various types of fusesincluding impact and time-delay fuses. The explosive charge of the FAB-3000 bomb is approximately 1,400 kilograms.
The FAB-3000 has a large blast radius capable of causing Serious damage to buildings, fortifications and infrastructure. The exact radius depends on factors such as the altitude of the detonation and the environment. This bomb can penetrate reinforced concrete and other fortified structures before detonating, making it effective against bunkers and underground facilities. Upon detonation, the bomb casing fragments, sending pieces and debris flying at high speed and increasing its lethality against personnel and light vehicles. The explosion also generates a powerful shock wave that can cause structural collapses and significant damage to nearby objects and individuals.