This is the first time the Russian military has used a bomb meant for completely destroying targets in the conflict in Ukraine.
The Russian military continues to advance into Kharkiv, with the city of Vovchansk becoming the focal point of fierce clashes. ANNA News reported that Ukrainian forces defending the city are facing relentless airstrikes and shelling.
Numerous high-impact weapons have been deployed by the Russian military to target Ukrainian defensive positions. Notably, for the first time in the conflict, the Russian military used the large explosive bomb ODAB-1500. According to ANNA News, this bomb struck a temporary deployment point of Ukrainian forces.
The explosion caused significant damage to the building and resulted in casualties among the personnel inside. The exact losses are still being assessed. Although the precise timing of the attack was not mentioned, it was confirmed that the Russian Air Force carried out the attack.
Pressure Up to 120 atm
The ODAB-1500 aerial bomb has two fuses that automatically activate after a certain period from being dropped. When approaching the target, the initial fuse detonates a dispersal charge, breaking the warhead and releasing liquid fuel, creating a fuel-air cloud. After a short interval, the second fuse is activated.
At this point, the cloud explodes, generating a high-power shock wave resulting in a massive explosion. The pressure at the epicenter can soar to about 90-120 atm, causing devastating destruction. The sudden pressure increase can cause severe injuries to humans and other living beings in the vicinity.
The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) conducted the second airstrike using the ODAB-1500 bomb within two weeks. On May 9, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, the VKS deployed this one-and-a-half-ton bomb targeting Ukrainian equipment and personnel at a refractory materials plant in Chasov Yar. Footage of the explosion quickly surfaced on social media.
The explosion of this massive bomb was vividly captured in both optical and infrared spectra. A towering mushroom-shaped cloud of fire and smoke rose from the targeted location, resembling the aftermath of a nuclear explosion.
Secondary explosions occurred immediately after being hit by the ODAB-1500 bomb, due to a large amount of ammunition and fuel stored in the building exploding and burning fiercely.
What is the ODAB-1500?
Russia developed the ODAB-1500, a thermobaric bomb designed to create a high-temperature explosion followed by an extreme pressure wave. Often referred to as a fuel-air explosive (FAE), this weapon is highly effective in targeting fortified positions, bunkers, and even concentrations of enemy personnel.
The ODAB-1500 is approximately 4.5 meters long, 0.58 meters in diameter, and weighs about 1,500 kg. The fuel mixture, which creates the thermobaric effect, constitutes a significant portion of the bomb’s weight.
The ODAB-1500 is typically deployed by aircraft such as the Su-24 or Su-34, which approach the target using a combination of inertial navigation and laser guidance systems. The Russian military reserves this bomb for crucial strategic attacks where the objective is complete destruction.
