The State Emergency Service of Ukraine has released a video showcasing the work of sappers near Zaporizhzhia, where they successfully neutralized russian aerial bomb that had failed to detonate. From the footage, it appears that the bomb in question may have been rare FAB-500T unit, which russian forces likely modified with the UMPK module during recent strikes on the city.
Russian forces have previously deployed the FAB-500T bombs in attacks on Kharkiv region, including an assault on the city of Kharkiv in June 2024, providing material for comparison. The FAB-500T bomb was originally developed during the Soviet era for reconnaissance-attack aircraft, such as the MiG-25RB aircraft.
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The “T” in the designation refers to the bomb’s heat-resistant casing, designed to endure the thermal stresses generated at the high speeds of the MiG-25RB aircraft, which could reach up to 3,000 km/h. Another noteworthy characteristic of the FAB-500T bomb is its reported aerodynamic capabilities, with some sources suggesting that when deployed at high speeds by the MiG-25RB aircraft, the bomb could achieve a range of 30-40 kilometers without additional attachments like the UMPK module, which converts conventional bombs into guided munitions. Compared to standard FAB-500M62 bomb, frequently used for conversion with the UMPK modules, the FAB-500T bomb is more elongated and contains a smaller explosive payload (260 kilograms versus 300 kilograms).
In March 2024, russian state media revealed that russian military-industrial complex had resumed production of the FAB-500T bomb. Although exact details remain speculative, it is believed that combining the FAB-500T bomb with the UMPC modules extends its range far beyond the 70 kilometers typically associated with russian guided aerial bombs.
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