Ukraine received RTB-7LDMA thermobaric munitions
20 August, 2024 A Ukrainian soldier with an RPG-7 grenade launcher fires an RTB-7LDMA thermobaric ammunition. August 2024, Ukraine. Photo credits: "Khoryv" Battalion
The Ukrainian Defense Forces have received Bulgarian RTB-7LDMA thermobaric ammunition for RPG-7 grenade launchers. Soldiers of the Khoryv Battalion of the "Bureviy" National Guard Brigade demonstrated the ammunition on their weapons. The Khoryv Battalion holds positions on the front line in the Serebryansky Forest in the Luhansk region.
There have been no reports of their transfer to Ukraine by Bulgaria or use by the Defense Forces. The 40/90-mm RTB-7LDMA thermobaric grenades are designed to be used with Soviet 40-mm RPG-7 grenade launchers and their copies.
A Ukrainian soldier with an RPG-7 grenade launcher fires an RTB-7LDMA thermobaric ammunition. August 2024, Ukraine.
Photo credits: "Khoryv" Battalion
The munition was developed and manufactured by the Bulgarian defense company Arsenal. The RTB-7LDMA is designed to destroy enemy manpower and equipment located primarily in field-type shelters, ready-made fortifications, and stone or brick structures. Thermobaric ammunition uses the effect of a volumetric explosion of an aerosol cloud of flammable substance.
Due to the cloud's large size, the energy of the shock wave retains its damaging effect over a greater distance. The explosion occurs in two stages: first, a small charge is detonated, which distributes the flammable cloud over the area, and then a second charge is detonated with a short delay, which causes the aerosol cloud to detonate. The RTB-7LDMA, weighing 3.1 kg, is equipped with an SM-71 sustainer motor and an AF72 fuse with a super quick and graze (anti-ricochet) function, regardless of the impact angle. The manufacturer claims that the maximum aiming range is 2000 meters, and the maximum range of direct fire is 250 meters.
Bulgarian RTB-7LDMA and RTB-7MA thermobaric ammunition.
Photo credits: fortune.com
The Ukrainian military also uses Bulgarian-made RTB-7MA thermobaric ammunition.