"Bumblebee" (flamethrower): description, photo. Jet Flamethrower "Shmel"

The experience of regional conflicts in recent decades has shown that for successful combat operations infantry units are not equipped with the usual rifle means, they need a fundamentally new class of hand weapons. Already during the Second World War, armies of some countries of the world received hand grenade launchers successfully performing the functions of light artillery, such as combating enemy armored vehicles and fire support for offensive during the assault of fortified points. Despite the imperfection of the first samples, they immediately proved to be effective.

The tasks of modern infantry

Increasing the role of each soldier in the conduct of street fighting and the possibility of inflicting the maximum damage to the enemy is ensured by the presence in his arsenal of light, but very powerful weapons of enormous destructive power. The Afghan war has identified the problems that combat units face in conducting active operations in the highlands. Any complex relief with many folds, debris, houses, industrial structures or specially built defense facilities with powerful protection creates serious difficulties for advancing the advancing troops. To overcome them by the Tula gunsmiths in the late eighties the thermobaric grenade launcher "Shmel" was created.

Flamethrower type, previously used to suppress fortified points, did not fully meet the requirements for modern assault weapons.

Flamer of the classic type and its shortcomings

The usual flamethrower is arranged quite simply. On the back, the fighter is forced to carry a voluminous tank with a combustible mixture, in his hands he has a means of direct damage, which is something like a hose with an igniter, these two main units are connected by a hose. The dignity of this weapon in its simplicity, the large possible area of defeat and the strong psychological effect produced on the defenders, but also shortcomings suffice. First, it is not very convenient to attack with a heavy tank behind your back. Secondly, the distance of defeat is not large, and to inflict any significant damage to the enemy, one must get close to it, and this is sometimes very difficult. The impressive dimensions of the device make it difficult to stealthily approach. Thirdly, these weapons are dangerous not only for the enemy, but also for the flamethrower, since any damage to the tank or hose will cause spontaneous ignition of the combustible mixture and, as a result, a terrible and painful death. From these constructive vices, "Bumblebee" is relieved.

Flamethrower of a new type

In 1984, Soviet arms developers received an order from the army for a new weapon for the destruction of enemy manpower and equipment. Range of action should be at least half a kilometer. Power is required large, with the ability to suppress well-fortified targets. In this case, the device must be made easy, so that the soldier could not just walk with him, but run and climb mountains. Virtually I needed a hand gun weighing a dozen kilograms.

It was difficult to fulfill such a technical task. But the Tula gunsmiths from the SNPP "Basalt" have worked and created "Bumblebee". Flamethrower turned out to be glory. Let us consider its main characteristics.

"Bumblebee": flamethrower and his death flight

The flamethrower, nicknamed by the internationalist warriors "Shaitan-trumpet", in its fundamental arrangement is similar to a conventional rocket-propelled grenade launcher. The main difference is in the missile projectile, which it is charged with. When a hand flamethrower hits the target, "Shmel" does not just form an explosive wave and splinters, but creates a volumetric explosion according to the principle of vacuum ammunition. This quality has made it an indispensable means of fighting against mujahideen, hiding in crevices or under the raised rock layers of rocks. To destroy the armored vehicles, the reactive flamethrower "Shmel" is also suitable, a barothermic blow created during the explosion will disable the crew of an unpressurized tank or armored personnel carrier on an area of 50 square meters of open area with a total volume of guaranteed damage of 80 cubic meters.

Tactical and technical data RPO-A "Shmel"

The flamethrower is most effective at a distance of 400 meters, but you can aim at six hundred. "Bumblebee" is light and compact, it weighs 11 kg, which for weapons of such destructive power is very small, and is a cylindrical body 92 cm long and a diameter of a decimeter with a protruding pistol grip and sight. The caliber of the rocket-projectile is 93 mm. A charge of 2 kg 100 g creates a volumetric explosion, which causes its high efficiency.

The new "Shmel" RPO-PDM-A

No matter how good "Bumblebee", and Tula specialists could improve it. The next modification received an additional index RPO-PDM-A (PDM means "increased range and power"). Now he beats at 1.7 km with a targeted effective distance of 800 m. The weight of the charge is also increased to 6 kg, and the flamethrower became lighter, it weighs 8 kg 800g. He has one more feature, the new flamethrower "Shmel-M" is equipped with a detachable control unit with an optical sight of night vision.

The weight reduction is achieved due to the use of composite materials, in particular, the launch tube is made of super strength fiberglass. To protect the projectile from external influences and mechanical damages, rubber covers are used, which fly off when it exits. The launch of the missile is carried out with the help of an electronic ignition system. Another design feature is the integration of the solid fuel engine with the charging compartment.

"Shmel" for export

Unique armament is one of the important articles of Russian exports, and there is nothing wrong with that. We will not sell it, others will do it. It is more important to use competitive advantages. In the world there are not yet created portable systems that could surpass the "Bumblebee" flamer in thermobaric efficiency. The photos and videos sent by correspondents of news channels from the hot spots of the planet demonstrate the sad popularity of this weapon, even in the most exotic countries. According to military experts, this small device can produce the same destruction as the 155-millimeter howitzer ...