The FOAB (Father of All Bombs), officially designated as the Aviation Thermobaric Bomb of Increased Power (ATBIP), represents the pinnacle of conventional non-nuclear weapons development. First tested in 2007, this weapon system delivers unprecedented destructive power through advanced thermobaric principles.
| Parameter | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 7.0 meters | Total assembly including tail section |
| Diameter | 0.97 meters | Maximum body diameter |
| Total Weight | 7,100 kg | Including fuel, casing, and guidance systems |
| Fuel Weight | ~5,000 kg | Ethylene oxide + aluminum powder suspension |
| Casing Material | Aluminum alloy | Lightweight, fragmentable construction |
| Tail Configuration | Cruciform fins | Four stabilizing surfaces, deployable |
| Parameter | Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| TNT Equivalent Yield | 44 tons | Official Russian claim; 4× more powerful than MOAB |
| Cloud Dispersal Radius | 150 meters | Fuel aerosol expansion zone |
| Lethal Radius | 300 meters | Zone of guaranteed fatality |
| Effective Radius | 500+ meters | Significant blast damage zone |
| Peak Overpressure | 20-30 bar | At epicenter (2,900-4,350 psi) |
| Temperature Peak | 2,500-3,000°C | Fireball core temperature |
| Fireball Duration | 2-4 seconds | Primary combustion phase |
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Delivery Platform | Tu-160 Blackjack, Il-76 transport aircraft |
| Release Altitude | 5,000-10,000 meters |
| Guidance System | GPS/GLONASS with inertial backup |
| Delivery Method | Parachute-retarded free-fall |
| CEP (Circular Error Probable) | 10-15 meters |
The FOAB employs a sophisticated two-stage thermobaric detonation sequence that maximizes destructive efficiency through controlled fuel dispersal and delayed ignition.
Bomb is released from aircraft at altitude. Parachute deploys to stabilize descent and ensure precise impact point. Tail fins maintain aerodynamic stability. Barometric and GPS sensors monitor altitude and position continuously.
At optimal altitude (typically 5-10 meters above ground), primary high-explosive charges detonate. These burster charges rupture the fuel container and disperse the ethylene oxide/aluminum powder mixture in a spherical aerosol cloud approximately 150 meters in radius. The fuel mixes thoroughly with atmospheric oxygen.
Fuel aerosol continues to expand and mix with air. Aluminum particles remain suspended, creating an oxygen-rich explosive mixture. The cloud achieves optimal fuel-air ratio (stoichiometric mixture) across a wide volume. This phase is critical for maximizing yield.
Secondary detonators fire, igniting the fuel-air mixture from multiple points. Rapid deflagration begins, transitioning to detonation. The aluminum particles undergo exothermic oxidation, contributing massive additional energy. Temperature spikes to 2,500-3,000°C instantaneously.
Supersonic shockwave radiates outward at ~8,000 m/s. Peak overpressure of 20-30 bar at epicenter crushes structures and organic matter. Prolonged pressure wave (compared to conventional HE) causes enhanced structural damage. Thermal pulse ignites flammable materials across wide radius.
Vacuum effect follows initial blast as combustion consumes oxygen. Debris cloud expands. Secondary fires ignite from thermal effects. Ground crater forms from pressure wave reflection. Dust and combustion products create lingering aerosol that reduces visibility for minutes to hours.
Ethylene Oxide (C₂H₄O): Highly volatile, energy-dense fuel with excellent aerosolization properties. Low ignition energy requirement. Produces high-temperature combustion products.
Aluminum Powder: Micron-scale metallic particles that undergo rapid oxidation during detonation. Adds ~30% additional energy beyond hydrocarbon combustion. Creates brilliant flash and sustained thermal effects.
Suspension Medium: Proprietary carrier fluid maintains aluminum in suspension, prevents settling during storage and deployment.
The FOAB generates extreme overpressure that far exceeds conventional high explosives of similar weight. The sustained pressure wave is particularly effective against:
Combustion of the fuel-air mixture generates extreme temperatures and sustained thermal radiation:
The rapid combustion consumes atmospheric oxygen across the entire affected volume:
Blast wave reflection from ground surface creates enhanced cratering and seismic effects:
| Target Type | Effectiveness | Optimal Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Area fortifications | Excellent | Single weapon destroys fortified positions across 300m radius |
| Troop concentrations | Excellent | Complete elimination of exposed personnel within lethal radius |
| Cave/tunnel complexes | Excellent | Overpressure and oxygen depletion penetrate underground spaces |
| Vehicle parks | Very Good | Blast and thermal effects disable/destroy light-medium vehicles |
| Hardened bunkers | Good | Pressure wave enters via ventilation; surface structures destroyed |
| Urban structures | Very Good | Levels multi-story buildings, creates massive rubble field |
| Airfield/port facilities | Very Good | Wide area denial, destroys infrastructure and equipment |
The FOAB requires heavy-lift aircraft capable of carrying its 7,100 kg weight and accommodating its 7-meter length:
| Factor | Limitation | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | High winds affect dispersal pattern | Optimal use in calm conditions (<15 kt winds) |
| Altitude | Thin air reduces cloud density | Reduced effectiveness above 2,500m elevation |
| Target proximity | Cannot be used near friendly forces | Minimum safe distance: 1 km |
| Delivery accuracy | Requires GPS/GLONASS availability | Degraded performance in GPS-denied environment |
| Aircraft vulnerability | Requires air superiority | Cannot be used in contested airspace |
The FOAB serves multiple strategic functions in Russian military doctrine:
| Weapon | Country | Yield | Weight | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOAB (ATBIP) | Russia | 44 tons TNT | 7,100 kg | Thermobaric |
| GBU-43/B MOAB | United States | 11 tons TNT | 9,800 kg | Conventional HE |
| BLU-82 "Daisy Cutter" | United States | 7.5 tons TNT | 6,800 kg | Conventional HE |
| Grand Slam | United Kingdom | 4.7 tons TNT | 10,000 kg | Conventional HE |
| FAB-9000 | Russia | 4.5 tons TNT | 9,000 kg | Conventional HE |
| B61 (Tactical Nuclear) | United States | 0.3-340 kilotons | 320 kg | Nuclear fission |
Conventional High Explosives: Carry both fuel and oxidizer in the molecule itself (e.g., TNT, RDX). Limited by oxygen content of the explosive compound. Typical energy density: 4-5 MJ/kg.
Thermobaric Weapons: Use atmospheric oxygen as the oxidizer, allowing much higher fuel-to-weight ratio. The FOAB carries ~5,000 kg of pure fuel that combines with ambient air. Effective energy density: 10-15 MJ/kg when accounting for atmospheric oxygen.
Result: 2-3× more energy release per kilogram compared to conventional explosives, plus sustained pressure effects from distributed combustion.
Experience the FOAB detonation sequence in real-time with our interactive 3D visualization. See the five stages of the weapon's operation from drop to blast wave propagation.
Launch 3D Visualization