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RPO-A Shmel rocket infantry flame-thrower
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| 5 January 2001 |
Development
Although usually referred to in descriptive literature as a flame-thrower,
the RPO-A Shmel (Bumblebee) is a rocket-propelled incendiary/blast projectile
launcher. Development of this weapon began in 1984 and it was accepted for
service in 1988. One projectile fired is described by the Russians as `thermobaric'
as it appears to utilise advanced fuel-air explosive techniques which, on
detonation, create deflagration as the warhead cloud expands. This produces
a relatively long-lasting blast effect in addition to the high temperature
effects. When utilised against structures the blast effect of the projectile
is stated to be equivalent to a 122 mm howitzer projectile. The Shmel has
been deployed operationally.
There have been several versions of the RPO-A Shmel. The initial version
was termed a capsule flame-thrower and relied upon its incendiary and blast
capabilities for on-target effects. A later version combines the thermobaric
warhead with a small hollow charge which penetrates light armour or structures
to allow the main warhead to detonate inside a target, thereby considerably
enhancing the projectile's destructive effects.
The RPO-A Shmel is issued to airborne and marine assault troops to destroy
strongpoints (for example bunkers) or lightly armoured vehicles. In Afghanistan
the weapon was used to clear Mujahideen from caves. It is also claimed that
the RPO-A could have peaceful applications as it can be used to destroy
ice jams in rivers, break up potential snow avalanches or extinguish fires
by the blast effect.
Description
The RPO-A Shmel is a single-tube launcher normally issued in pairs joined
together to be carried as a back-pack using the two slings. To operate the
launcher, the two tubes are separated and a simple optical sight calibrated
to 600 m is flipped up. Launching is from over the shoulder using a folding
pistol grip and trigger assembly together with a forward grip under the
muzzle. The launcher can be fired from within structures having a volume
of over 60 m3. Once fired the launcher tube is discarded.
The 93 mm projectile warhead contains 2.1 kg of `thermobaric' flammable
mixture (RPO-A), 2.1 kg of an incendiary substance (RPO-Z) or 2.3 kg of
an incendiary-smoke mixture (RPO-D). Initial velocity of the spring-out
fin-stabilised rocket-propelled projectile is 125 m/s (±5 m/s). Length
overall of the blunt-nosed projectile is estimated to be around 700 mm.
The effect of the RPO-A projectile is such, that when detonated inside a
structure, its lethal and destructive effects will cover an area of 80 m3,
claimed to be similar to an equivalent 122 mm artillery projectile. When
utilised against personnel in the open the lethal area will cover 50 m2.
Maximum range is 1,000 m but the sights are calibrated to only 600 m. Point
blank range against a target 3 m high is 200 m.
Shelf life of the RPO-A Shmel is 10 years and it can be operated over a
temperature range from -50 to +50ºC.
Variants
RPO-Z infantry jet flame thrower
The RPO-Z, also referred to as the RPO-3, differs from the base RPO-A in
that it launches a rocket intended primarily to produce on-target incendiary
effects. The warhead contains 20 incendiary pellets which are scattered
on impact. All aspects of handling and deployment are identical to those
for the RPO-A.
RPO-D infantry jet smoke projector
This is again identical to the base RPO-A other than that the projectile
contains 2.3 kg of a smoke screen mixture intended to create smoke screens
55 to 90 m long to mask activity. All aspects of handling and deployment
are identical to those for the RPO-A.
Specifications
RPO-A
| Calibre: | 93 mm |
| Weight: | single launcher, 11 kg; pack of two launchers, 22 kg |
| Weight of warhead: | ca 6.5 kg |
| Weight of filling: | 2.1 kg |
| Length: | 920 mm |
| Max range: | 1,000 m |
| Max effective range: | 600 m |
| Min range: | 20 m |
| Initial velocity: | 125 ±5 m/s |
| Operational temperature range: | -50 to +50ºC |
Manufacturer
KBP instrument Design Bureau
Tula 300001, Russia.
Marketing agency
Rosvoorouzhenie
18/1 Ovchinnikovskaya Emb, 113324 Moscow.
Status
In production. Offered for export sales.
Service
Former Warsaw Pact nations and others.
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| Pack of two RPO-A Shmel Rocket Infantry flame-throwers with Shmel rocket on right (T J Gander) (2000) |