Russia “Vacuum Bomb” Strike Disperses Gaseous Clouds of Chemicals

By Maya Carlin, Warrior Contributor, Weapons

Videos depicting the Russian military’s deployment of the TOS-1A multiple rocket launcher have been widely circulated. These large-scale bombardments of Ukrainian forces indicate an escalation in Russia’s offensive strategy in invading its southwestern neighbor. While Russian forces have been able to take much of Luhansk, Ukraine has firmly held most of Donetsk.

The TOS-1A is likely being used by Russian forces to break Ukraine’s fortified positions in the East and advance further into Donetsk.

TOS-1A: How Does it Work

This devastating weapon, known as a “vacuum bomb,” disperses gaseous clouds of chemicals in the air which creates a vacuum that, when reversed, causes a significant ripping effect on soft materials – including human lungs. This weapon is a powerful way to clear out buildings, field fortifications in bunkers, and is extremely effective against entrenched personnel. The introduction of this weapon in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could be a turning point in the conflict.

A thermobaric weapon is a high-heat, high-intensive explosive. While other explosives use fuel/oxidizer premix, thermobaric weapons use nearly 100% fuel. The thermobaric weapon’s makeup makes its explosions much more powerful and bigger than its counterparts. Since these weapons use an oxidizer premix, it cannot be launched underwater, in rainy weather or at high altitude. These weather and environmental limitations, however, do not underpin the weapon’s devastating consequences when utilized. This weapon is an extremely effective tool against hardened targets, including bunkers, trenches and buildings, since its aerosolized fuel mix flows over, around and under obstacles prior to its detonation. In other words, the weapon is not deterred by physical barriers.

According to the 2011 edition of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command’s unclassified World Equipment Guide, “The primary … effect [created by the TOS-1’s rockets] is a long-duration high-pressure blast wave which creates a vacuum – then precipitates a reverse wave. These pressure/vacuum surges (up to 427 pounds per sq inch) cause a ripping effect on soft materials (such as airplane skin, radar surface, human lung tissue). Walls and surfaces within the affected area do not necessarily shield victims, rather cause multiple pressure waves, which amplify the tearing effects and can topple structures.”