FAB-3000 and its prospects
Defense Minister S. Shoigu inspects ammunition production
Russian defense industry supplies aerospace forces aviation bombs of a number of types. Recently it became known that the range of such products has been expanded to include large-caliber ammunition. Production of the FAB-3000 aerial bomb, designed to combat complex and protected targets of various kinds, was resumed. Now we can expect that in the near future such ammunition will reach the troops and be used as part of the Special Operation.
Back in the series
On March 21, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited one of the enterprises of the military-industrial complex in the Nizhny Novgorod region. The name of the plant was not officially disclosed by the Ministry of Defense. The plant produces a wide range of artillery and aviation ammunition of different classes, types and calibers. In particular, it produces high-explosive free-fall bombs.
The plant management reported on the success of production. Thus, compared to last year, the overall production rate of all types of ammunition increased fivefold. In particular, the production of FAB-500 bombs increased several times, and the production of FAB-1500 doubled. In addition, in February, the enterprise organized the process of mass production of FAB-3000 heavy bombs.
Such successes were achieved through the modernization and expansion of production, as well as through an increase in the number of jobs. From 2022 to the present, the plant has reconstructed, modernized and commissioned more than 45 thousand square meters of production space. In addition, over 1100 new jobs were created. Work was organized in three shifts and wages were increased.
Several types of bomb casings. Far left - FAB-3000-M54
The Ministry of Defense published a video report about the visit of the head of the department to the plant. It shows some production areas, gross products at different stages of production, etc. The video also included some reports from the plant management.
Of particular interest are the footage showing the production process of the FAB-3000 serial bombs. The bomb casings are shown in a vertical position, probably during loading with explosives, as well as the final assembly of the finished products. No more than two or three products appear in the frame at a time, but it is clear that even a daily release can be many times larger.
According to the management of the unnamed manufacturing plant, production of FAB-3000 was restored in February. This means that the first products of the new serial batches could already be shipped to the customer and delivered to the videoconferencing units. It is not yet known which parts will be used. However, there is no doubt that their combat use will not go unnoticed.
In large caliber
The FAB-3000 product belongs to the class of free-falling high-explosive general purpose aircraft bombs. This weapon intended to destroy manpower in open areas and in shelters, equipment and weapons at deployment sites and firing positions, control posts, logistics and rear facilities, etc. At the same time, the FAB-3000 differs from a number of other products of its class in its large caliber, which determines its increased power and special combat qualities.
In the video from the Ministry of Defense, the markings of serial bombs are not completely visible. However, the visible fragment and appearance of the products makes it easy to identify the modification returned to the series. The FAB-3000 shown has a characteristic shortened body and an anti-ricochet ring on the head fairing. This appearance corresponds to the line of domestic high-explosive bombs mod. 1954
Bombs of different models. In the foreground is FAB-1500, behind it is FAB-3000
FAB-3000-M54 has a total length of approx. 3,3 m with a case diameter of 820 mm. Stabilizer diameter – approx. 1 m. The bomb is made in a body of complex shape, formed by several conical units. The head fairing has an increased thickness to allow penetration into the ground. Ricochet is prevented by a special ring protrusion. The tail section has a stabilizer with eight planes and two rings.
The total mass of the bomb without fuses reaches 3067 kg. Of this, the body accounts for 1600 kg. The explosive charge is 1387 kg. Depending on the production period and series, TNT or mixtures based on it were used. The bomb is equipped with three fuses. Their nests are located in the head and tail parts of the body. Detonation is possible directly upon contact with the target or with deceleration, to break through a fortification or bury it in the ground.
The FAB-3000-M54 air bomb can be used by long-range bombers Tu-22M3 and Tu-95MS. Ammunition is placed on the internal and external sling. There is also information about the fundamental possibility of placing the Su-34 on a front-line bomber, however, in this case there are limitations associated with the overall carrying capacity and the load on one suspension point.
Dropping such a bomb is possible at speeds of up to 1200 km/h and at altitudes of up to 16000 m. The bomb is free-falling and flies along a ballistic trajectory at a distance of up to several kilometers.
FAB-250 bomb with UMPC module
Detonation of a FAB-3000 at ground level is guaranteed to kill enemy personnel within a radius of 35-40 m. At distances of up to 155-160 m, injuries of varying severity are observed, incapacitating enemy personnel. In addition, the ammunition causes serious damage to equipment, incl. armored, fortified buildings, etc. A direct hit on an armored vehicle or field fortification is guaranteed to destroy it.
Practical application
The first version of the FAB-3000 aerial bomb was created back in the forties, and a few years later a modification mod. 1954 Products of all versions were used by Soviet combat aviation during various exercises and confirmed their potential. In the late eighties, such weapons were used for the first time against real targets - heavy bombs were used to attack enemy targets in Afghanistan. Overall, good results were demonstrated.
It is known that in the spring of 2022, FAB-3000 bombs of the basic version were used by long-range aviation against Ukrainian fortifications on the territory of the Azovstal plant in Mariupol. With their help, significant damage was caused to the enemy. In addition, large-caliber bombs had a significant psychological impact on the militants and contributed to their speedy surrender.
To date, a decision has been made and implemented to resume production of FAB-3000 bombs in the 1954 modification. The first batches of such products could already have reached the troops and are probably now being prepared for combat use. Reports of new attacks using heavy aerial bombs may appear at any time.
Several FAB-250 UMPC after reset
At the level of rumors and general discussions, the possibility of modernizing the existing FAB-3000 appears. There is a version that a so-called bomb could be created for such a bomb. universal planning and correction module (UMPC). With the help of such products, several free-falling bombs have already been turned into high-precision weapons, and it cannot be ruled out that a similar procedure will be done with three-ton ammunition, although this will not be easy.
The appearance of a 3000 kg caliber adjustable bomb in service will have a very serious impact on the combat capabilities of front-line and long-range aviation. Such a product can become a unique tool that allows you to accurately attack a selected object and inflict extremely high damage on it. At the same time, the VKS will have at its disposal a number of simple-designed and inexpensive guided munitions, which will provide obvious advantages.
Age and efficiency
Thus, the Aerospace Forces decided to replenish the existing stocks of FAB-3000-M54 aerial bombs, and industry ensures the implementation of these plans. Since February, products of new series have been shipped to the troops, and it is obvious that their production will continue until all plans are fully implemented. At the same time, defense enterprises will continue to produce other types of bombs.
FAB-3000 products of any modifications are not distinguished by their novelty in design. However, their high tactical and technical characteristics actually remove the issue of age, and such bombs still remain a convenient and effective weapon. In addition, there are developments that can further improve the combat qualities of the new heavy bomb. Which of these opportunities will be used will become known in the near future.
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