Pilots of Su-34 fighter-bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces have begun to use volume-detonating air bombs (ODAB-1500) with UMPC (universal planning and correction module). These munitions strike fortified enemy positions from a long distance, writes military expert Brandon J. Weichert in an article for The National Interest.
When ODAB-1500 explodes, the pressure at the epicenter of the shock wave reaches 90...120 atm., the radius of complete destruction is at least 300 m. According to Weichert, this bomb is especially effective for strikes against trenches and bunkers.
UMPC turns unguided "dumb" bombs into "smart" high-precision munitions. The UMPC kit includes unfolding wings for planning, a guidance system (probably inertial and satellite, for example, GLONASS) and stabilizers.
Thanks to the UMPC, Su-34 and Su-35 pilots can drop ODAB-1500 from a distance at which they will not be intercepted by enemy air defense.
Weichert claims that Russia has increased the production of UMPC. Thus, the country's defense industry has adapted to Western sanctions.
ODAB-1500 with UMPC gives the Russian Armed Forces a significant advantage, providing air superiority. Of course, such air bombs are not very accurate. The deviation from the target is up to 30 meters.
However, ODAB-1500 with UMPC confirms "the frightening adaptation of obsolete weapons" to modern conflicts. The bomb combines "brute force and guidance precision", the expert summarized.
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