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2 Analyst Notes
17 December 2024
17 December 2024
Thermobaric compositions are designed to detonate in a way that optimises both heat and blast effects on targets by utilising ambient oxygen from the surrounding air. They are characterised by larger fireballs, longer blast durations, and larger blast radii than conventional high explosive munitions. Despite their lower detonation velocity and lower peak pressure relative to conventional explosives, thermobaric munitions are particularly useful against fortified structures due to their longer blast impulse (a firm ‘push’ rather than a quick ‘snap’). The blast wave caused by thermobaric munitions also travels further, making these weapons effective at diffracting inside structures such as buildings and cave systems. (ARES) 