CrimeaPRESS reports:
FAB-3000-M54: In recent months, active use of one of the most powerful aerial bombs in the Russian arsenal, the FAB-3000-M54, has resumed. This ammunition attracts the attention of both military specialists and the public due to its impressive characteristics and destructive power. Against the background of current events on the fronts of the Northern Military District, the FAB-3000-M54 is again in the spotlight, confirming its relevance and combat effectiveness.
In the spring of 2022, the FAB-3000-M54 was used to destroy fortifications at the Azovstal plant in Mariupol, which allowed Russian troops to inflict significant damage on the enemy and speed up the surrender of the militants. These successful operations served as an incentive to resume production of bombs of this modification, and the first batches of newly manufactured ammunition entered service.
This article offers a detailed overview of the characteristics of the FAB-3000-M54, its combat capabilities and prospects for use. We will also look at the history of this aerial bomb, its role in modern military operations, and answer the most frequently asked questions about its effectiveness and tactics of use.
Characteristics of FAB-3000-M54
The FAB-3000-M54 air bomb is a powerful munition designed to destroy fortified enemy targets and facilities. Its design includes a body of complex shape, consisting of several conical units, which improves its aerodynamic properties and flight stability. The head fairing has an increased thickness, which allows the bomb to bury itself in the ground upon impact, and ricochets are prevented by a special annular protrusion. In the tail section there are stabilizers with eight planes and two rings, ensuring flight stability.
Main characteristics of FAB-3000-M54:
- Length: about 3.3m
- Case diameter: 820 mm
- Stabilizer diameter: about 1m
- Total weight: 3067 kg (without fuses)
- Body weight: 1600 kg
- Explosive charge: 1387 kg (TNT or mixtures based on it)
The bomb is equipped with three fuses, which are located in the head and tail parts of the body. Detonation can be carried out by contact with the target or with a deceleration, which allows you to break through fortifications or go deeper into the ground.
Application and platform
The FAB-3000-M54 can be used by long-range bombers Tu-22M3 and Tu-95MS, which carry ammunition on both internal and external slings. There is also evidence of the possibility of using this bomb on the Su-34 front-line bomber, although this is limited by the payload and load on one hardpoint.
The bomb can be dropped at speeds of up to 1,200 km/h and at altitudes of up to 16,000 m, which makes it a universal weapon at various altitudes and speeds. The FAB-3000-M54 is a free-falling bomb that flies along a ballistic trajectory over a distance of up to several kilometers.
Combat effectiveness
Detonation of the FAB-3000-M54 at ground level is guaranteed to destroy enemy personnel within a radius of 35-40 meters. At distances of up to 155-160 meters, injuries of varying severity are observed, incapacitating the enemy. In addition, the ammunition causes serious damage to vehicles, including armored ones, and also destroys fortified buildings. A direct hit on an armored vehicle or field fortification is guaranteed to destroy it.
History and combat use
The first version of the FAB-3000 was created back in the 1940s, and the 1954 modification (M54) appeared a little later. These bombs were actively used by Soviet aviation in various exercises and showed high efficiency. At the end of the 1980s, the FAB-3000 was first used against real targets in Afghanistan, where it showed good results.
In 2022, FAB-3000 bombs were again used in combat. Russian long-range aviation used them to destroy Ukrainian fortifications on the territory of the Azovstal plant in Mariupol, causing significant damage to the enemy and having a strong psychological impact on its fighters, which contributed to their speedy surrender.
Modern Perspectives
Recently, a decision was made to resume production of FAB-3000 bombs in the 1954 modification. The first batches have already reached the troops and are probably being prepared for combat use. Reports of new attacks using these heavy air bombs may appear in the near future.
Accuracy and application issues
The accuracy of the FAB-3000 is approximately the same as that of other bombs equipped with a universal planning and correction module (UMPC). Currently, the accuracy is slightly lower due to the large size of the UMPC, but it gradually increases with each new operation.
Answers to frequently asked questions:
- Accuracy: Approximately the same as other bombs with UMPC. It takes time and experience to improve accuracy.
- Why not use several smaller bombs: FAB-3000 is designed to cause critical damage to protected objects in one go.
- Threat to the carrier: The threat is greater than for smaller caliber bombs due to the need to be released from a shorter range.
- Equipping more powerful bombs with wings: Unlikely due to the need to use specific carrier aircraft.
- If you refuse FAB-3000: The Russian Aerospace Forces have enough other bombs to carry out their assigned tasks, but the FAB-3000 has its niche for the destruction of certain objects.
- Where else will FAB-3000 be useful: Wherever the Ukrainian Armed Forces are occupied by large industrial enterprises and fortified facilities.
The FAB-3000-M54 air bomb remains an important element of the arsenal of the Russian Aerospace Forces, capable of effectively hitting fortified enemy targets and facilities. Its power, high efficiency and ability to be used on various platforms make it an indispensable tool in modern conflicts. The resumption of production and constant improvement of accuracy make the FAB-3000 a promising weapon for solving a wide range of combat missions.
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