Posted on 06/21/2008 3:45:28 PM PDT by Berlin_Freeper
Similar, but not quite the same. Same basic principal, that is a dispersed explosion. Biggest difference is the fuel. Technically the thermobaric bomb is a subclass of FAE. But in general useage the FAE uses a vaporized liquid fuel. The thermobaric bomb uses a powdered metal, aluminum in the ones I know about. Simulates an even more powerful dust explosion. Thermobaric bomb/explosive is more useful inside structures. Caves in particular.
The bad news is that both FAE and thermobaric are simple enough that the folks in those caves can make simple versions too.
In spite of appearances, they generally kill by shrapnel effects, not the blast per se, although if one is close enough, you get the same pressure effects.
If it kills the enemy naturally the enemy is a'gin it.
But yes, they've been attacking it for years.
No, bunker busters are "hard target penetrators". Very hard cases, not so much explosive. The earliest ones, back in Desert Storm, where made from surplus cannon barrels, filled with explosive, and with a Paveway guidance kit designed for 2,000 lb bomb strapped on.
Thanks.
Hmm, those are Navy wings. These are Army wings.
These are Air Force Wings
Here's another view of that strike.
The soldiers really enjoyed this one:
This definitely left a mark.
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