Protection against incendiary weapons.

Protection against incendiary weapons is carried out in order to prevent or minimize its impact on personnel, weapons and military equipment, fortifications and materiel, to prevent the occurrence and spread of fires and, if necessary, to ensure their rapid localization and extinguishing.

The main measures to protect against incendiary weapons are:

>fortification equipment of the terrain, taking into account the provision of protection against incendiary weapons;
>use of protective and camouflage properties of the terrain;
>fire prevention measures;
>use of personal protective equipment and protective properties military equipment;
>rescue work in the lesions;
> localization and extinguishing of fires.

The fortification equipment of the area provides effective protection of personnel, weapons and military equipment and materiel from incendiary weapons. To ensure reliable protection of personnel, fortifications must be equipped taking into account the peculiarities of the impact of incendiary weapons both on personnel and on the structures themselves. Additional equipment includes the installation of various ceilings, canopies, canopies. Protective ceilings are made of non-flammable or hardly flammable materials, sprinkled with a layer of soil with a thickness of at least 10-15 cm. To prevent burning incendiary substances from entering the structures, the exits are equipped with ditches or thresholds, and the canopies are tilted towards the parapet. The entrances to the shelters are covered with mats made of non-combustible materials. The spread of fire along the trenches is prevented by a device every 25-30 m of fire breaks. For coating elements of fortifications made of combustible materials, special materials or materials prepared from local means (clay, etc.) are used.

To protect weapons and military equipment from incendiary weapons, sheds made of local materials with soil sprinkling should be arranged above the shelters, and covered from the sides with shields made of slow-burning materials or treated with protective coatings. If it is not possible to equip sheds, then the equipment is covered from above with shields or tarpaulins. When burning incendiary substances hit the equipment, tarpaulins and shields should be quickly dropped.

Armament, ammunition and other property must be located in shelters and special niches.

The use of protective and camouflage properties of the terrain weakens the impact of incendiary weapons on personnel, weapons and military equipment and materiel. The personnel, when performing their tasks, being on the march and positioning themselves on the spot, must skillfully use the masking properties of the terrain, ravines, hollows, beams, underground workings, caves and other natural shelters.

Fire prevention measures are aimed at the complete or partial elimination of the causes of the occurrence and development of fires. The purpose of fire prevention measures is also to create necessary conditions for the successful elimination of fires and rescue operations.

The subdivisions are provided with fire-fighting equipment, the personnel are trained in how to stop fires and extinguish them, weapons and military equipment are covered with fire-resistant paints, tarpaulins, covers, awnings, camouflage nets and wooden products are impregnated with fire-retardant substances. When subunits are deployed in a forest, especially in a coniferous forest, the area occupied must be cleared of dry grass, deadwood, and dry leaves.

In order to avoid fire of open wooden structures of fortifications, they are covered with clay coating (in case of snow cover - with a solution of lime and chalk). Bodies of cars are released from combustible materials. Armament and various property belonging to the personnel are placed in shelters or special niches.

To extinguish fires, it is necessary in all divisions to keep in constant readiness fire-fighting equipment. To extinguish fires at the most fire hazardous objects, fire shields are equipped.

Use of personal protective equipment and protective properties of equipment. For. to protect personnel from incendiary weapons, protective suits, combined arms protective raincoats, and gas masks are used. When burning incendiary substances hit them, they are quickly dumped, and the incendiary substance is extinguished.

Equipment, especially armored, is capable of reliably protecting personnel from direct contact with burning incendiary substances. To enhance the protective properties of equipment in the field, mats from green branches, grasses and other coverings can be used. Awnings, covers, tarpaulins are not fixed. This allows you to quickly reset them when catching fire. If the enemy uses incendiary weapons, the personnel quickly take their places in the equipment. Doors, hatches, peepholes and other openings through which the penetration of incendiary substances is possible shall be closed. If incendiary substances get on the equipment, it is necessary to tightly cover the burning place with any improvised means.

Rescue operations include: rescue of personnel, evacuation of the injured to medical facilities; rescue from fire of weapons and military equipment, materiel.

Rescue work begins immediately after the use of incendiary weapons by the enemy and is carried out by the forces of the subunits exposed to it. Since the damaging effect of the resulting fires increases over time, the provision of self-help and mutual assistance directly in the subunits is of particular importance.

Rescue of the personnel consists in searching for the injured, extinguishing incendiary substances and fired uniforms on them, taking the injured to a safe place and providing them with first aid.

The provision of first aid to personnel begins with extinguishing incendiary substances that have fallen on the skin or uniforms, either by the victim himself or with the help of a comrade. Not for extinguishing a large number incendiary substance, it is necessary to tightly cover the burning place with a sleeve, a hollow overcoat, a raincoat, a combined-arms protective raincoat, wet clay, earth or snow. If a significant amount of an incendiary substance gets on a person, extinguishing is carried out by covering the victim with an overcoat, raincoat, combined arms protective raincoat, abundant watering, falling asleep with earth or sand.

After extinguishing burning incendiary substances, the areas of uniforms and linen at the site of burns are carefully cut and partially removed, with the exception of burnt pieces. The remains of the extinguished incendiary substance from the burned skin are not removed, as this is painful and threatens to infect the burned surface. A bandage moistened with water or a 5% solution is applied to the affected area. blue vitriol; uniforms are doused with the same solution. During the summer, the bandage moistened with water should be kept moist until arriving at the medical station. In the absence of a solution of copper sulphate, a bandage should be applied to the affected areas of the body using an individual dressing bag.

For large burns, first aid is provided by a sanitary instructor. Personnel who have received severe burns are sent to the medical center by order of the unit commanders. At mild degree lesions (redness on a limited surface or single small blisters), the victim is given first aid and left in the ranks.

Rescue of weapons and military equipment, materiel consists in their timely evacuation from threatened areas with the observance of precautionary measures. When exposed to incendiary weapons on weapons and military equipment, a fire occurs in most cases due to ignition rubber tires, various coatings, property located on them, after which an explosion of fuel tanks and ammunition occurs. The time for the spread of fire throughout the facility is 10-15 minutes, so rescue operations should be in the nature of clear, decisive actions carried out in short time. Extinguishing a burning incendiary substance in weapons and military equipment is carried out by: covering it with earth, sand, silt or snow; covering with tarpaulins, burlap, raincoats, overcoats; knocking down the flame with freshly cut branches of trees or hardwood shrubs.

Earth, sand, or snow are reasonably effective and readily available extinguishing agents for incendiaries. Tarpaulins, burlap, overcoats and raincoats are used to extinguish small fires. Quenching is not recommended. large quantities incendiary substance with a whole stream of water, as this can lead to scattering (spreading) of the burning mixture.

Extinguished incendiary substances can easily ignite from a source of fire, and if they contain phosphorus, they can ignite spontaneously. Therefore, extinguished pieces of incendiary substances must be carefully removed from the affected object and burned in a specially designated place.

Localization and extinguishing of fires are carried out primarily in those cases when they threaten personnel, weapons and military equipment and materiel or impede the accomplishment of assigned tasks, and are carried out in subdivisions on their own. Fire containment is an action aimed at limiting the spread of fire. When extinguishing a fire, a complete cessation of combustion is achieved. To extinguish fires, extinguishing agents (water, solid carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide and water vapor, foam, sand, earth, snow, etc.) and fire extinguishing agents (branches deciduous trees, brooms, raincoats, tarpaulins, hissed, blankets, entrenching tools, fire extinguishers, self-contained fire fighting installations, fire trucks, auto pumps, etc.). Fires must be localized and extinguished promptly, decisively, skillfully, with strict observance of safety requirements.

The armies of a potential enemy are armed with incendiary substances and mixtures that are used to destroy personnel, destroy weapons, military and other equipment and materiel, and set fire to fortifications, buildings, crops and forests.

Armed with armies potential adversary consist of incendiary substances and mixtures that are used to destroy personnel, destroy weapons, military and other equipment and materiel, and set fire to fortifications, buildings, crops and forests. These include napalm, pyrogels, termites, etc.

Of great importance for protection against incendiary substances is the engineering equipment of the position. Above the trench it is necessary to make an overlap, protect the loopholes with shutters. Prepared fortifications (shelters, dugouts and niches above the parapets, covered gaps, ceilings in trenches and communications) are the most reliable shelter from incendiary substances. Before entering them, bulk thresholds are made of soil.

To protect against fire, the clothes of the steepness of the trench, trench, communication course are coated with clay, earth, and in winter they are whitewashed with lime. Flammable materials (wood chips, brushwood, building material, etc.) located near trenches and shelters are removed.

Infantry fighting vehicles and other Combat vehicles with armor coating provide reliable protection of personnel from incendiary substances.

Short-term protection against incendiary substances is provided by personal protective equipment (gas mask, combined arms protective raincoat, protective stockings and gloves), overcoats, pea coats, sheepskin coats, wadded jackets and trousers, raincoats. When hit by burning incendiary mixtures, they must be quickly dumped.

Summer cotton uniforms practically do not protect against incendiary mixtures, and its intense burning can increase the degree and size of burns.

Directly at the moment when the enemy uses incendiary substances in order to protect against them, you can use local means - mats from green branches, reeds and grass. The ignited coating is immediately reset.

One way to hide from incendiary substances is to use natural shelters, stone buildings, fences, sheds, tree crowns.

To protect weapons, military and special equipment, transport and military property from incendiary substances:

trenches and shelters equipped with ceilings;

Natural shelters (ravines, recesses, etc.);

Tarpaulins, awnings, covers;

Coatings made from local products;

Standard and local fire extinguishing equipment.

Trenches and shelters for weapons, military equipment,

transport, ammunition and military equipment are equipped with ceilings.

Armament, military equipment, transport, ammunition and military property located in shelters without overlap or outside shelters are covered with tarpaulins or local means.

Small arms and ammunition for them, portable radio stations and other property of a soldier are hidden in specially made niches or shelters.

Cable communication lines are buried in the ground to a depth of 15-20 cm.

Tarpaulins, awnings, covers protect against incendiary substances for a short time, so they are not tied up and, if incendiary substances get on them, they are quickly dropped to the ground and extinguished.

To cover weapons, military equipment, vehicles and property, you can use as local funds:

Mats made of grass, reeds, brushwood and branches, which are wetted with water or coated with clay mortar;

Sheet iron, sheet asbestos, slate and other fireproof materials.

Coatings from local, improvised means are removed when incendiary substances come into contact with them.

Extinguishing a burning incendiary mixture in armaments, military equipment, vehicles and structures is carried out using service fire extinguishers, as well as by filling them with earth, sand, silt or snow; covering with local improvised means (tarpaulins, burlap, raincoats, overcoats, etc.); knocking down the flame with freshly cut branches of trees or hardwood shrubs.

Earth, sand, silt and snow are quite effective and readily available means for extinguishing incendiary mixtures. Tarpaulins, burlap, an overcoat and raincoat are used to extinguish small fires.

An extinguished incendiary mixture can easily catch fire from a fire source, and if it contains phosphorus, it can ignite spontaneously. Therefore, extinguished pieces of the incendiary mixture must be carefully removed from the affected object and buried or burned in a specially designated place.

Each soldier must know how to extinguish an incendiary mixture that has fallen on the body, uniforms, and be able to provide first aid to himself, as well as help a comrade who has suffered from an incendiary substance.

To extinguish small amounts of a burning incendiary mixture or phosphorus on oneself, it is necessary to tightly cover the burning place with a sleeve, a hollow overcoat, a raincoat, a combined-arms protective raincoat, wet clay, earth, silt or snow. If a significant amount of a burning incendiary mixture is ingested, extinguishing is carried out by covering the victim with an overcoat, raincoat, combined arms protective raincoat, abundant watering, falling asleep with earth or sand. In the absence of extinguishing means, the flame is knocked down by pressing to the ground or dropping ignited clothing.

After extinguishing incendiary substances, the areas of uniforms and linen at the site of burns must be carefully cut and partially removed, with the exception of burnt pieces. The remains of the extinguished incendiary mixture and phosphorus are not removed from the burned skin, as this is painful and threatens to infect the burned surface.

To prevent self-ignition of the incendiary mixture or phosphorus, as well as to prevent infection of the affected areas of the body, it is necessary to apply a bandage on the burned surface of the body as soon as possible, using an individual dressing bag for this. Apply a bandage over pieces of clothing stuck to the body. Bubbles formed from burns should not be opened. The bandage is wetted with water or a 5% solution of copper sulfate, uniforms are poured over with the same solution. In the summer, the dressing moistened with water is kept moist.

Textbook / USSR Ministry of Defense

Radiological weapons are the use of military radioactive substances (WRM), i.e. specially prepared radioactive formulations to kill people, contaminate the air, terrain, water, military equipment and other military and civilian facilities. This not only leads to losses, but also fetters the actions of the troops, significantly complicates work at rear facilities.

The results of the impact of BRW on people are similar to the damage from radioactive substances formed during nuclear explosions. DRFs can be alpha, beta, and gamma active and can be used as liquid solutions, powder, smoke, and fog. The renewed focus on radiological weapons is currently driven by the rapid development nuclear power and the accumulation of large stocks of radioactive materials, as well as the emergence of simple and convenient means of delivering BRW to the target. According to experts' calculations, already now more than 50 countries with nuclear reactors are capable of setting up the production of FSB without large capital expenditures. The raw materials necessary for this can be obtained from waste nuclear fuel, as well as by irradiating specially selected substances in reactors, for example, phosphorus, cobalt, antimony, etc. Can be used from waste nuclear power plants radioactive isotopes of strontium-90, ruthenium-106, cerium-144, zirconium-45, etc.

Unmanned aerial vehicles can be used to deliver the ARV. One modern low-flying cruise missile can spray 100 kg of powder in a strip 0.5 km wide and 300 km long. To infect an area of ​​15 thousand square meters. km. it only takes a hundred CR, the infestation will usually be persistent. Cobalt-60 sprayed on the area will make it uninhabitable for 50 years

New types of weapons of mass destruction include: beam (laser), radio frequency (electromagnetic radiation of ultrahigh frequencies), infrasound, geophysical (use of natural phenomena).

Beam weapon. The term "beam weapon" includes:

laser;

X-ray;

Beam or accelerator;

Gamma laser.

Incendiary weapons:

Napalm - thickened mixtures with a temperature of 1200 ° C;

Pirogel - metallized napalm with a temperature of 2000 ° C;

Thermite is powdered iron oxide with the addition of granular aluminum. Temperature up to 3000 o C.

incendiary ammunition are intended to defeat people, destroy by fire buildings and structures of industrial facilities and settlements, rolling stock and various warehouses.

Incendiary munitions are based on incendiary mixtures and substances. They are divided into groups:

Incendiary mixtures based on petroleum products (napalm);



Metallized incendiary mixtures (pyrogels);

Thermite and thermite compounds;

Ordinary or plasticized phosphorus.

Of the first group, napalm "B" is considered the most effective. In addition to petroleum products, napalm "B" contains polystyrene and salts of naphthenic and palmitic acids. By appearance it is a gel that adheres well even to wet surfaces. When burning napalm "B", the temperature reaches 1200 PS and toxic gases are released. Burning napalm is able to penetrate holes and crevices and cause damage to people in shelters and equipment.

Pyrogels- thickened metallized fire mixtures based on petroleum products. In their composition, they have magnesium or aluminum shavings (or powder), therefore they burn with flashes, developing temperatures up to 1600 ° C. The slag formed during combustion is able to burn through thin sheets of metal.

Thermite compounds- these are mechanical mixtures consisting of powdered metals (for example, aluminum) and metal oxides (for example, iron oxide-oxide). These compositions can burn without access to atmospheric oxygen, because. when flowing chemical reaction Oxygen is released from metal oxides, temperatures up to 3000 develop.

White phosphorus ignites spontaneously in air. During combustion, a temperature of 900 develops, during combustion a large amount of white poisonous smoke (phosphorus oxide) is released, which, along with burns, can cause severe injuries to people.

The basis of incendiary ammunition various types make aviation incendiary bombs and tanks. In addition, it is possible to use incendiary means of barrel and rocket artillery, using incendiary land mines, grenades and bullets. The most effective protection of people from incendiary weapons is provided by protective structures.

12.7. Measures to improve the sustainability of the functioning of enterprises in emergency situations:

1) Protection of personnel in shelters and anti-radiation shelters.

2) Protection of the engineering and technical complex: the most important buildings should be low-rise, warehouses are separated from the main production complex, containers with hazardous chemicals are bunded, valuable equipment is stored in basement floors and cellars. The supply of water, gas, electricity, energy must be provided from two directions or there must be an autonomous power source.

3) Stock of raw materials or development of new technological processes in case of emergency using local raw materials.

4) The gas supply system should be looped, which will make it possible to turn off the damaged sections and use the remaining lines. remote control and valves that automatically shut off the gas when pipes break.

5) Water supply must be from two sources: main and reserve, one of which must be underground (artesian well). A reserve source can be a nearby reservoir, as well as reservoirs with a supply of water protected from radiation, chemical and biological contamination. Water supply networks are equipped with valves to turn off individual sections in case of accidents.

6) Industrial facilities must have two sources of steam and heat - external (CHP) and internal (local boilers). The heating network is looped. On steam and heat networks, shut-off and control devices are installed.

7) To increase the stability of sewerage, separate systems should be built: one for storm water, the other for industrial and domestic waters, and at least two outlets to city collectors should be provided. In case of accidents in the city sewer systems, the sewerage system must have emergency discharges into nearby ravines, streams or into the storm network.

8) Minimize stocks of explosive, combustible and chemically dangerous substances on the territory of the facility. Excess stocks are stored at safe distances.

9) Have a supply of degassing substances (alkalis, an aqueous solution of ammonia, sodium sulfide, etc.).

10) To ensure continuous control, have at the enterprise reliably protected control points, automatic telephone exchange and radio center, and a backup power plant.

11) Reliability of material and technical supply is ensured by the establishment of stable relations with supplier enterprises; advance preparation of warehouses for storage finished products; transition to local sources of raw materials and fuel.

12) Preparation of objects for restoration should include plans for priority restoration work for several options for possible damage or destruction of the object.

13) To ensure the safety of technical documentation, it is necessary to make copies of documents on paper and electronic media, which must be stored in the branches of the enterprise or higher organizations.

Important place in the system conventional weapons belongs to incendiary weapons, which are a set of weapons based on the use of incendiary substances.

According to the American classification, incendiary weapons are weapons of mass destruction. The ability of an incendiary weapon to have a strong effect on the enemy is also taken into account. psychological impact. The use of incendiary weapons by a potential adversary can lead to mass destruction personnel, weapons, equipment and other materiel, the occurrence of fires and smoke over large areas, which will have a significant impact on the methods of action of the troops, will significantly complicate the performance of their combat missions.

Incendiary weapons include incendiary substances and their means of use.

1. Incendiaries

The basis of modern incendiary weapons is made up of incendiary substances with which incendiary ammunition and flamethrowers are equipped.

All incendiary substances of the US Army are divided into three main groups:
- based on petroleum products;
- metallized incendiary mixtures;
- thermite and thermite compositions.

A special group of incendiary substances is made up of ordinary and plasticized phosphorus, alkali metals, as well as a self-igniting mixture in air based on triethylene aluminum.

a) Petroleum-based incendiaries are divided into unthickened (liquid) and thickened (viscous). For the preparation of the latter, special thickeners and combustible substances are used. The most widely used incendiary substances based on petroleum products are napalms.

Napalms are incendiary substances that do not contain an oxidizing agent and burn by combining with atmospheric oxygen. They are jelly-like, viscous, highly adhesive and high temperature combustion of matter. Napalm is made by adding a special thickener powder to a liquid fuel, usually gasoline. Napalm typically contains 3 to 10 percent thickener and 90 to 97 percent gasoline.

Gasoline-based napalms have a density of 0.8-0.9 grams per cubic centimeter. They have the ability to easily ignite and develop temperatures up to 1000 - 1200 degrees. Duration of burning of napalms is 5 - 10 minutes. They easily stick to various surfaces and are difficult to extinguish.

Napalm B, adopted by the US Army in 1966, is the most effective. It is distinguished by good flammability and increased adhesion even to wet surfaces, it is able to create a high-temperature (1000 - 1200 degrees) hearth with a burning time of 5 - 10 minutes. Napalm B is lighter than water, therefore it floats on its surface, while retaining the ability to burn, which makes it much more difficult to eliminate fires. Napalm B burns with a smoky flame, saturating the air with caustic hot gases. When heated, it liquefies and acquires the ability to penetrate shelters and equipment. Even 1 gram of burning napalm B on unprotected skin can cause severe injuries. Complete destruction of openly located manpower is achieved at a consumption rate of napalm 4-5 times less than high-explosive fragmentation ammunition. Napalm B can be prepared directly in the field.

b) Metallized mixtures are used to increase the self-ignition of napalms on wet surfaces and on snow. If you add powdered or shavings of magnesium, as well as coal, asphalt, saltpeter and other substances to napalm, you get a mixture called pyrogel. The combustion temperature of pyrogels reaches 1600 degrees. Unlike conventional napalm, pyrogels are heavier than water and burn for only 1-3 minutes. When pyrogel gets on a person, it causes deep burns not only to open areas of the body, but also to those covered by uniforms, since it is very difficult to remove clothes while the pyrogel is burning.

c) Thermite compositions have been used for a relatively long time. Their action is based on a reaction in which crushed aluminum enters into combination with oxides of refractory metals with the release of a large amount of heat. For military purposes, thermite mixture powder (usually aluminum and iron oxides) is pressed. Burning thermite heats up to 3000 degrees. At this temperature, brick and concrete crack, iron and steel burn. As an incendiary agent, thermite has the disadvantage that no flame is formed during its combustion, therefore 40-50 percent of powdered magnesium, drying oil, rosin and various oxygen-rich compounds are added to thermite.

d) White phosphorus is a white, translucent, wax-like solid. It is able to self-ignite by combining with atmospheric oxygen. Burning temperature 900 - 1200 degrees.

White phosphorus finds use as a smoke generating agent, as well as an igniter for napalm and pyrogel in incendiary ammunition. Plasticized phosphorus (with rubber additives) acquires the ability to stick to vertical surfaces and burn through them. This allows you to use it to equip bombs, mines, shells.

e) Alkali metals, especially potassium and sodium, have the property of reacting violently with water and igniting. Due to the fact that alkali metals are dangerous to handle, they have not found independent application and are used, as a rule, to ignite napalm.

2. Means of application

Modern US Army incendiary weapons include:
- napalm (fire) bombs;
- aviation incendiary bombs;
- aviation incendiary cassettes;
- aviation cassette installations;
- artillery incendiary ammunition flamethrowers;
- rocket incendiary grenade launchers;
- fire (incendiary) land mines.

a) Napalm bombs are thin-walled containers filled with thickened substances. Currently, the US aviation is armed with 250 to 1000 lb caliber napalm bombs. Unlike other ammunition, napalm bombs create a voluminous focus of destruction. At the same time, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bdestruction with 750-pound ammunition of openly located personnel is about 4 thousand square meters, the rise of smoke and flame - several tens of meters.

b) Aviation incendiary bombs of small calibers - from one to ten pounds - are used, as a rule, in cassettes. They are usually equipped with thermites. Due to the small mass of the bombs of this group, they create separate ignition centers, thus being incendiary ammunition.

c) Aviation incendiary cassettes are designed to create fires over large areas. They are disposable shells containing from 50 to 600 - 800 small-caliber incendiary bombs and a device that ensures their dispersion over a large area during combat use.

d) Aviation cluster installations have a purpose and equipment similar to aviation incendiary cartridges, but unlike them, they are reusable devices.

e) Artillery incendiary ammunition is made on the basis of thermite, napalm, phosphorus. Thermite segments, tubes filled with napalm, pieces of phosphorus scattered during the explosion of one ammunition are capable of igniting combustible materials in an area equal to 30-60 square meters. Duration of burning of thermite segments is 15 - 30 seconds.

f) Flamethrowers are an effective incendiary weapon for infantry units. They are devices that eject a jet of burning fire mixture under the pressure of compressed gases.

g) Rocket incendiary grenade launchers have a much greater range and are more economical than grenade launchers.

  • See article: RPO flamethrowers Bumblebee and Lynx

Fire (incendiary) land mines are intended to be used mainly to destroy manpower and transport equipment, as well as to reinforce explosive and non-explosive barriers.

Based on materials freely distributed on the Internet

PLAN-SUMMARY

TOPIC: Incendiary weapons of the enemy and protection from him.

Lesson questions:

1. Characteristics and properties of incendiary substances. a brief description of incendiary substances: napalm, pyrogel, thermite, white phosphorus.

2. The concept of ammunition volumetric explosion.

3. The use of incendiary substances.

4. The damaging effect of incendiary substances on personnel, weapons, equipment, protection against them.

1. Characteristics and properties of incendiary substances. Brief description of incendiary substances: napalm, pyrogel, thermite, white phosphorus.

1.1. Characteristics and properties of incendiary substances

incendiary weapons are incendiary substances and their means combat use.

Incendiary weapons are designed to defeat the enemy's manpower, destroy his weapons and military equipment, stocks of materiel, as well as to create fires in combat areas.

The main damaging factor of incendiary weapons is the release of thermal energy and combustion products toxic to humans.

1.2. Brief description of incendiary substances: napalm, pyrogel, thermite, white phosphorus

Incendiary mixtures based on petroleum products (napalm)

Incendiary mixtures based on petroleum products (napalm) can be unthickened and thickened (viscous). This is the most widespread type of incendiary mixtures of burn and incendiary action. Unthickened incendiary mixtures are prepared from gasoline, diesel fuel or lubricating oils. Thickened mixtures are viscous, gelatinous substances, consisting of gasoline or other liquid hydrocarbon fuel, mixed in certain proportions with various thickeners (both combustible and non-combustible).

Metallized incendiary mixtures (pyrogels)

Metallized incendiary mixtures (pyrogels) consist of petroleum products with additives in powdered form or in the form of shavings of magnesium or aluminum, oxidizing agents, liquid asphalt and heavy oils. The introduction of combustible metals into the composition of pirogues ensures an increase in the combustion temperature and imparts a burning ability to these mixtures.

Napalms and pyrogels have the following main properties:

They adhere well to various surfaces of weapons, military equipment, uniforms and the human body;

Easily ignited and difficult to remove and extinguish;

During combustion, a temperature of 1000-1200ºС is developed for napalms and 1600-1800°С for pyrogels.

Napalms burn due to atmospheric oxygen, pyrogels burn both due to atmospheric oxygen and due to the oxidizing agent that is part of them (most often nitric acid salts).

Napalm is used to equip tank, mechanized and knapsack flamethrowers, aviation bombs and tanks, as well as various types of land mines. Pyrogels are used for incendiary aviation ammunition of small and medium caliber. Napalms and pyrogels are capable of inflicting severe burns on manpower, setting fire to equipment, and also creating fires on the ground, in buildings and structures. Pyrogels, in addition, are able to burn through thin sheets of steel and duralumin.

Thermites and thermite compounds

During the combustion of thermites and thermite compositions, thermal energy is released as a result of the interaction of oxides of one metal with another metal. The most widespread are iron-aluminum thermite compositions containing oxidizing agents and binding components. Thermites and thermite compounds during combustion form a liquid molten slag with a temperature of about 3000°C. Burning thermite mass is capable of melting elements of weapons and military equipment made of steel and various alloys. Thermite and thermite compositions burn without access to air; they are used to equip incendiary mines, shells, small-caliber bombs, hand-held incendiary grenades and checkers.

White phosphorus and plasticized white phosphorus

White phosphorus is a hard, poisonous, waxy substance that ignites spontaneously in air and burns with the release of large amounts of acrid white smoke. The combustion temperature of phosphorus is 1200°C.

Plasticized white phosphorus is a mixture of white phosphorus with a viscous synthetic rubber solution. Unlike ordinary phosphorus, it is more stable during storage; when broken, it breaks into large, slowly burning pieces. Burning phosphorus causes severe, painful, long-lasting burns. Applied in artillery shells and mines, aerial bombs, hand grenades. As a rule, incendiary-smoke-producing ammunition is equipped with white phosphorus and plasticized white phosphorus.

2. The concept of ammunition volumetric explosion

Introduced in the 1960s, volumetric explosion munitions will remain one of the most destructive non-nuclear munitions into this century.

The principle of their operation is quite simple: the initiating charge undermines a container with a combustible substance, which instantly forms an aerosol cloud in a mixture with air, this cloud is undermined by a second detonating charge. Approximately the same effect is obtained in the explosion of domestic gas.

Modern volumetric explosion ammunition is most often a cylinder (its length is 2-3 times the diameter) filled with a combustible substance for spraying on optimal height above the surface.

After separation of the ammunition from the carrier at a height of 30-50 m, a brake parachute is opened, located in the tail section of the bomb, and the radio altimeter is switched on. At a height of 7-9 m, an ordinary explosive charge explodes. When this happens, the destruction of the thin-walled body of the bomb and the sublimation of the liquid explosive (the recipe is not given). After 100-140 milliseconds, the initiating detonator explodes, located in a capsule attached to the parachute, and an explosion of the fuel-air mixture occurs.

In addition to the powerful destructive effect, volume explosion ammunition produces a colossal psychological effect. For example, during Operation Desert Storm, the British special forces, who were on a mission behind Iraqi troops, accidentally witnessed the use of a volume explosion bomb by the Americans. The action of the charge produced such an effect on the usually imperturbable British that they were forced to break radio silence and broadcast information that the Allies had used nuclear weapons.

Ammunition of a volumetric explosion in terms of the strength of the shock wave is 5-8 times greater than conventional explosives and has a colossal lethality, however, they currently cannot replace conventional explosives, all conventional projectiles, aerial bombs and rockets for the following reasons:

First, volume burst ammunition has only one damaging factor- shock wave. They do not and cannot have a fragmentation, cumulative effect on a target;

Secondly, the brisance (i.e., the ability to crush, destroy the barrier) of the cloud of the fuel-air mixture is very low, because they use a "burning" type explosion, while in very many cases a "detonation" type explosion and the ability of the explosive to crush the destroyed element are required. During an explosion of the “detonation” type, the object in the explosion zone is destroyed, crushed into pieces, because. the rate of formation of explosion products is very high. During an explosion of the “burning” type, an object in the explosion zone, due to the fact that the formation of explosion products is slower, is not destroyed, but thrown away. Its destruction in this case is secondary, i.e. occurs in the process of discarding due to collision with other objects, the ground, etc.;

Thirdly, a volumetric explosion requires a large free volume and free oxygen, which is not required for the explosion of conventional explosives (it is contained in the explosive itself in bound form). That is, the phenomenon of a volumetric explosion is impossible in an airless space, in water, in soil;

Fourth, to the work of the volumetric explosion ammunition big influence render weather. At strong wind, pouring rain the fuel-air cloud either does not form at all, or is strongly dissipated;

Fifth, it is impossible and inexpedient to create small-caliber volume explosion ammunition (less than 100-kg bombs and less than 220-mm projectiles).

3. Use of incendiary substances

For combat use of incendiary substances are used:

In the air force - incendiary aviation bombs and incendiary tanks;

IN ground forces ah - artillery incendiary shells and mines, tank, mechanized, jet and knapsack flamethrowers, incendiary grenades, checkers and cartridges, land mines.

Incendiary aviation munitions

Incendiary aviation ammunition is divided into two types:

Incendiary bombs filled with pyrogel and thermite incendiaries (small and medium caliber);

Incendiary bombs (tanks) equipped with incendiary compositions such as napalm.

Small caliber incendiary bombs designed to destroy wooden structures by fire, storage facilities, railway stations, forest areas (during the dry season) and other similar purposes. Along with the incendiary effect, small-caliber bombs in a number of cases can also have a fragmentation effect. They create fires in the form of burning small pieces of incendiary mixture within a radius of up to 3-5 m. The burning time of the main mass is 2-3 minutes. Bombs have a penetrating effect and are able to penetrate wooden buildings, vulnerable objects of equipment such as aircraft, helicopters, radar stations, etc.

medium caliber incendiary bombs designed for fire industrial enterprises, urban buildings, warehouses and other similar facilities. When they explode, they create fires in the form of separate burning pieces of an incendiary mixture scattered within a radius of 12-250 m. The burning time of the bulk of the pieces of the mixture is 3-8 minutes.

Aircraft incendiary tanks designed to destroy manpower, as well as to create fires on the ground and in settlements. The capacity of the tanks, depending on the caliber, is 125-400 liters, they are equipped with napalm. By design, these are thin-walled lightweight spherical tanks made of aluminum alloys or steel. When meeting with an obstacle, the incendiary tank creates a volumetric zone of continuous fire for 3-5 seconds; in this zone, manpower receives severe burn injuries. total area the zone of continuous fire is, depending on the caliber, 500-1500 m 2. Separate pieces of the incendiary mixture can be scattered over an area of ​​3000-5000 m 2 and burn up to 3-10 minutes.

Artillery incendiary (incendiary-smoke-producing) ammunition are used to set fire to wooden buildings, warehouses of fuel and lubricants, ammunition and other flammable objects. They can also be used to inflict damage on manpower, weapons and equipment. Incendiary and smoke-producing ammunition is represented by shells and mines of various calibers, equipped with white and plasticized white phosphorus. During the explosion of ammunition, phosphorus is scattered within a radius of up to 15-20 m, a cloud of white smoke is formed at the place of the rupture.

Along with phosphorus ammunition, cannon artillery is in service with a potential enemy incendiary unguided rocket, designed to defeat manpower and used using a portable launcher with one rail, mounted from a packaging container or from a multi-barreled launcher transported by car. The volume of incendiary substance (napalm) in the rocket is 19 liters. A salvo of a 15-barreled launcher strikes manpower over an area of ​​more than 2000 m2 .

Flamethrower weapons of the ground forces of the armies of a potential enemy

The principle of operation of all jet flamethrowers based on the ejection of a jet of a burning mixture by pressure of compressed air or nitrogen. When ejected from the flamethrower barrel, the jet is ignited by a special igniter device.

Jet flamethrowers are designed to destroy manpower located openly or in various kinds of fortifications, as well as to set fire to objects with wooden structures.

For backpack flamethrowers different types are characterized by the following basic data: the amount of fire mixture is 12-18 l, the range of flame throwing with an unthickened mixture is 20-25 m, with a thickened mixture 50-60 m, the duration of continuous flame throwing is 6-7 s. The number of shots is determined by the number of incendiary devices (up to 5 short shots).

Mechanized flamethrowers on the chassis of a light tracked amphibious armored personnel carrier, they have incendiary mixture capacities of 700-800 liters, a flame throwing range of 150-180 m. Flame throwing is carried out in short shots, the duration of continuous flame throwing can reach 30 seconds.

Tank flamethrowers, being the main armament of tanks, are installed on medium tanks. The incendiary mixture reserve is up to 1400 l, the duration of continuous flamethrowing is 1-1.5 minutes or 20-60 short shots with a firing range of up to 230 m.

Jet Flamethrower. The US Army is armed with a 4-barreled 66-mm jet flamethrower M202-A1, designed for firing at single and group targets, fortified combat positions, warehouses, dugouts and manpower at distances up to 700 m with incendiary explosive reactive ammunition with a warhead, equipped with a self-igniting mixture in the amount of 0.6 kg in one shot.

Hand incendiary grenades

Standard samples of incendiary weapons of the army of a potential enemy are hand incendiary grenades various types, equipped with thermite or other incendiary compositions. The maximum range when throwing with a hand is up to 40 m, when fired from a rifle 150-200 m; the duration of burning of the main composition is up to 1 min. To destroy various materials and materiel that ignite at high temperatures, a number of armies adopted incendiary checkers and cartridges, depending on their purpose, equipped with various incendiary compositions with a high combustion temperature.

land mines

In addition to standard equipment, widely used are manufactured incendiaries from local materials. They are primarily various devices explosive action - fire bombs. land mines are various metal containers (barrels, cans, ammunition boxes, etc.) filled with viscous napalm. Such land mines are installed in the ground along with other types of engineering barriers. To undermine fire mines, fuses of pressure or tension action are used. The radius of destruction during an explosion from a fire mine depends on its capacity, the power of the explosive charge and reaches 15-70 m.

4. The damaging effect of incendiary substances on personnel, weapons, equipment, protection against them

The damaging effect of incendiary substances is expressed in the burn action in relation to skin and human respiratory tract; in a burning action in relation to combustible materials of clothing, weapons and military equipment, terrain, buildings, etc .; in igniting action in relation to combustible and non-combustible materials and metals; in heating and saturating the atmosphere enclosed spaces toxic and other products of combustion harmful to human habitation; in a demoralizing moral and psychological impact on manpower, lowering its ability to actively resist.

To protect personnel from the damaging effects of incendiary weapons, the following are used:

Closed fortifications (dugouts, shelters, etc.);

Tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, covered special and transport vehicles;

Means of individual respiratory and skin protection;

Summer and winter uniforms, short fur coats, wadded jackets, raincoats and raincoats;

Natural shelters: ravines, ditches, pits, underground workings, caves, stone buildings, fences, sheds;

Various local materials (wooden boards, decking, mats of green branches and grass).

Fortifications: shelters, dugouts, underbracket niches, blocked gaps, blocked sections of trenches and communication passages are the most reliable protection of personnel from the effects of incendiary weapons.

tanks, combat vehicles infantry, armored personnel carriers with tightly closed hatches, doors, loopholes and blinds provide reliable protection of personnel from incendiary weapons; vehicles covered with conventional tarpaulins or tarpaulins provide only short-term protection, as the coverings ignite quickly.

Personal protective equipment for respiratory organs and skin (gas masks, combined arms protective raincoats, protective stockings and gloves), and summer and winter uniforms, sheepskin coats, wadded jackets, trousers, raincoats are means of short-term protection. If burning pieces of an incendiary mixture hit them, they should be immediately dumped.

Summer uniforms practically do not protect against incendiary mixtures, and its intense burning can increase the degree and size of burns.

Timely and skillful use of the protective properties of weapons, military equipment, individual and collective protection equipment significantly reduces the damaging effect of incendiary weapons and ensures the safety and protection of personnel during operations in fire zones.

In all cases of combat activity of troops in the conditions of the use of incendiary weapons, personnel use personal protective equipment. Timely and correct use of personal protective equipment provides reliable protection against direct exposure to incendiary substances at the time of their use by the enemy.

If the combat situation allows, it is first of all recommended to immediately leave the zone of fire, if possible to the windward side.

A small amount of a burning incendiary mixture that has fallen on uniforms or open areas of the body can be extinguished by tightly covering the burning place with a sleeve, a hollow jacket, wet earth or snow.

It is impossible to remove a burning incendiary mixture by wiping, as this increases the burning surface, and therefore the area of ​​\u200b\u200bdestruction.

If a large amount of a burning incendiary mixture gets into the victim, it is necessary to cover it tightly with a jacket, raincoat, combined arms protective raincoat, and pour plenty of water on it. Extinguishing a burning incendiary mixture in weapons, military equipment, fortifications and material means it is carried out: with a fire extinguisher, falling asleep with earth, sand, silt or snow, covering with tarpaulin, burlap, raincoats, knocking down the flame with freshly cut branches of trees or hardwood shrubs.

Fire extinguishers are reliable tools for extinguishing fires. Earth, sand, silt and snow are quite effective and readily available means for extinguishing incendiary mixtures. Tarpaulins, burlaps and raincoats are used to extinguish small fires.

Extinguishing a large amount of incendiary mixture with a solid jet of water is not recommended, as this can lead to scattering (spreading) of the burning mixture.

An extinguished incendiary mixture can easily ignite again from a fire source, and if it contains phosphorus, it can ignite spontaneously. Therefore, extinguished pieces of the incendiary mixture must be carefully removed from the affected object and burned in a specially designated place or buried.

To protect weapons and military equipment from incendiary weapons, the following are used:

trenches and shelters equipped with ceilings;

Natural shelters (forests, beams, hollows);

Tarpaulins, awnings and covers;

Coatings made from local materials; service and local fire extinguishing means.

Tarpaulins, awnings and covers protect against incendiary substances for a short time, therefore, when weapons and military equipment are located in place, they are not fastened (not tied) and, if burning incendiary substances hit them, they are quickly dropped to the ground and extinguished.