Guided air bombs in Special Operations: known and new
Bomb UPAB-1500B under the wing of the carrier. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
The frontline is actively participating in the current Special Operation aviation aerospace forces. One of its main tasks is the destruction of various enemy ground targets, for which a wide range of various ammunition is used. Thus, guided bombs of various models and calibers with certain features are actively used. Some examples of this class are well known to the public, while others have appeared only recently.
Favorable trends
From the first days of the Special Operation, our front-line aviation has been constantly attacking various ground targets, using for this almost the entire range of weapons available. Guided missiles and bombs are actively used, and interesting trends are observed in the case of the latter.
Thus, in the early stages of the operation, the use of aerial bombs was reported quite rarely. Apparently, the use of such weapons at that time was considered inappropriate. The fact is that the enemy still had focal air defense, and the aircraft carrying the bombs would have to enter the danger zone to drop them. In this regard, targets were hit by other means, incl. without the involvement of the VKS.
In the future, Russian strikes using various means literally finished off the already weakened Ukrainian air defense. As a result, the risks for front-line aviation were gradually reduced, and they were increasingly involved in defeating ground targets. This situation has evolved gradually, and in recent weeks and months these trends have become particularly pronounced.
UPAB-1500B in flight configuration. Graphics "Rosoboronexport"
So, since the beginning of March, regular and massive use of guided bombs has been reported. In the course are products of several types in different calibers and in different designs. Almost all the main front-line aircraft capable of operating on ground targets become their carriers. Repeatedly in different sources, such strikes and their results were demonstrated.
At the same time, according to various sources, the Aerospace Forces do not refuse free-falling bombs either. They continue to be used in appropriate situations, and modern on-board weapons control systems allow for increased accuracy and efficiency.
Thus, one of the results of the forced demilitarization of the enemy to date has been a sharp reduction in his air defense and the creation of a favorable environment for our aviation. Front-line aircraft were able to operate more freely in tactical and / or operational depth and use a wider range of air-to-surface ammunition. All this ultimately has a positive effect on the overall course of the Special Operation.
Finished goods
The UPAB-1500B or K029B guided aerial bomb was one of the first in the materials from the combat zone. For the first time, such products were seen on front-line aircraft involved in the operation back in March last year. In the future, new evidence of the use of such weapons on enemy targets repeatedly appeared, but this happened infrequently.
Exhibition model UPAB-500B. Photo KTRV
Not so long ago, in early March, there were reports of the massive use of the UPAB-1500B in different sectors of the front. Such bombs demonstrate high efficiency and power. Their combat potential is recognized even by the enemy command.
UPAB-1500B is a high-power guided gliding bomb. With a length of approx. 5 m product has a mass of 1525 kg and carries approx. 1 ton of explosive. X-shaped wings allow it to fly after dropping, depending on the height and speed of the carrier, up to 50 km. Guidance is carried out according to the given coordinates of the target using satellite and inertial navigation.
Also, over the past few months, the lighter UPAB-500B / K08B has been used. This glide bomb weighs only 505 kg and carries a 390 kg charge. When dropped from a sufficient height, it is able to fly 40 km and hit the target with high accuracy, the coordinates of which are entered into it.
Modular approach
In early March, the first reports appeared about the use of another curious type of weapons created in the recent past. To defeat some targets, they chose the Thunder guided planning bomb from the weapons complex of the same name.
The architecture of the Grom complex. Graphics KTRV
The Grom complex includes several modules for various purposes, from which it is proposed to assemble guided missiles or bombs. These are the main and additional modules of the warhead in high-explosive fragmentation or volumetric detonating design, the planning and control module, as well as the engine module. Bombs of several versions receive two warhead modules, controls and a wing that is deployed after being dropped.
Depending on the configuration, the Thunder bomb has a mass of up to 600 kg and carries up to 480 kg of explosive. Gliding flight range at optimal height and drop speed - 65 km. The control module is based on the means of inertial and satellite navigation.
On a ready basis
In recent weeks, there has been an active and massive use of another curious sample, made using available products. The so-called. is installed on the existing FAB-500 bombs. a unified planning and correction module (UMPC), as a result of which they become a direct analogue of the UPAB-500 product.
The wreckage of the bomb "Thunder", used in Ukraine. Photo Telegram / Dambiev
UMPC is a separate device in an elongated case, fixed to the bomb with clamps. It is assumed that the module can be installed on ammunition of different calibers. UMPC is equipped with a folding wing and rudders. There is a combined navigation system, according to which the autopilot directs the bomb at a given target.
The module is characterized by simple design and low cost of production. At the same time, it can be used with various unguided bombs, which further simplifies the release of adjustable ammunition. Thus, bombs with the UMPC module in a number of situations can be a more effective analogue or even a replacement for "full-fledged" guided weapons.
Practice check
The Russian defense industry, represented by the leading enterprises of the industry, has long been engaged in the development of guided aerial bombs. New models with different characteristics and capabilities are regularly demonstrated at exhibitions. In addition, products reach mass production and fall into the arsenals of the VKS.
Modern bombs were regularly used in various exercises. At one time, the combat use of such products in Syria attracted attention, showing their real potential. Now bombs of several series and types are being used against targets of Ukrainian formations as part of the Special Operation.
FAB-500 bomb with UMPC module. Photo Telegram / BMPD
It is noteworthy that within the framework of the Special Operation, both well-known products and the latest developments that previously appeared only at exhibitions and in presentations are used. In addition, one of the most interesting samples was developed literally in recent months and is already being used by the Aerospace Forces.
Available guided glide bombs significantly expand the combat capabilities of front-line aviation. They allow you to attack targets at a great distance, which reduces the risks for the carrier aircraft. At the same time, the guidance means used provide high accuracy of destruction, and a caliber of 500 or 1500 kg guarantees the destruction of most targets. Of great importance is the ability to quickly produce guided weapons based on available ammunition.
Thus, thanks to the long and fruitful work of the defense industry, a whole range of modern guided weapons with different characteristics and capabilities has now become available to front-line aviation. Now they are being used in real operation and are proving their potential. At the same time, the process of developing aviation weapons does not stop - and right now new models and products are being put into operation.
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