A Russian thermobaric multiple rockets launcher has been spotted by CNN team south of Belgorod, Russia, near the Ukrainian border early Saturday afternoon. The TOS-1 or TOS-1A Multiple Rocket Launcher seen by CNN is capable of launching rockets with thermobaric warheads. There is no evidence that thermobaric weapons have been used in the conflict in Ukraine. These types of weapons do not use conventional ammunition. Instead, they are filled with high-temperature, high-pressure explosive. They are sometimes called “vacuum bombs” because they suck in the oxygen from the surrounding air to generate a powerful explosion and a large pressure wave that can have enormous destructive effects. Thermobaric weapons have been used in Chechnya, with horrifying consequences, according to Human Rights Watch. Their use has been condemned by number of non-governmental organizations.
via cnn: Russian thermobaric “vacuum bombs” launcher seen by CNN team in Ukraine
siehe auch: Horror thermobaric missiles filmed on move in Russia in alarming footage – VIDEO. FOOTAGE has emerged allegedly showing Russian thermobaric missiles heading to Ukraine. Russian army has deployed flamethrower South of Belgorod. Footage from South of Belgorod purportedly shows a Russian TOS-1 heavy flamethrower thermobaric missile launcher, one of the most brutal weapons to exist, travelling along a road near the Ukrainian border. The footage captured by CNN journalist Frederik Pleitgen shows clear ‘Z’ war markings on the deadly weapon, the same symbol seen on scores of other Russian military hardware, suggesting it could be bound for war in Ukraine. The missiles are filled with a highly explosive fuel and chemical mix that can cause supersonic blast waves – obliterating everything in its path. The weapons are also known as aerosol bombs and more concerningly, vacuum bombs. Western officials have warned the use of TOS-1 “Buratino” and TOS-1A “Solntsepek” weapons will lead to “indiscriminate violence”, according to The Telegraph; Putin rolls more firepower into Ukraine as huge multiple rocket launcher system comes across the border as the invasion escalates. Putin is deploying the TOS-1 Buratino thermobaric rocket system to Ukraine. The weapons system fires a ‘wall of napalm’ up to a range of 2.5 miles. The rocket launcher is based on the Soviet-era T-72 main battle tank . Vladimir Putin has deployed a multiple rocket launcher system which ‘sucks the air out of its victims’ into Ukraine as his war of occupation intensifies. The TOS-1 Buratino fires fuel-air ‘thermobaric’ rockets which, when they explode, consume all oxygen in the blast zone, killing everyone in the area. Victims can appear to have no visible external injuries but will have suffered massive internal damage. (…) The indiscriminate weapon is very effective against people and lightly-armoured vehicles causing devastation within a 1,000ft diameter area. Russians describe the TOS-1 Buratino as a ‘flamethrower’ but military experts say it fires a ‘wall of napalm towards its victims.