Incendiary weapon. Incendiary weapons of a potential enemy and protection against them Protection against incendiary weapons is

Damage to personnel by biological means. Prevention of lesions

Pathogens can enter the human body in various ways: by inhaling contaminated air, by consuming contaminated water and food, by microbes entering the bloodstream through open wounds and burn surfaces, by the bite of infected insects, as well as by contact with sick people, animals, infected objects, and not only at the time of use of biological agents, but also for a long time after their use, if sanitary treatment of personnel was not carried out.

Common signs of many infectious diseases are high body temperature and significant weakness, as well as their rapid spread, which leads to the occurrence of focal diseases and poisoning.

Direct protection of personnel during a biological attack by the enemy is ensured by the use of individual and collective protective equipment, as well as the use of emergency prevention equipment available in individual first-aid kits.

Personnel located in the source of biological contamination must not only use protective equipment in a timely and correct manner, but also strictly follow the rules of personal hygiene: do not remove personal protective equipment without the permission of the commander; do not touch weapons, military equipment and property until they are disinfected; do not use water from sources and food products located in the source of infection; do not raise dust, do not walk through bushes and thick grass; not to come into contact with personnel of military units and the civilian population not affected by biological agents, and not to transfer to them food, water, uniforms, equipment and other property; immediately report to the commander and seek medical help when the first signs of illness appear (headache, malaise, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.).

Under incendiary weapons understand incendiary substances and means of their combat use. It is intended to destroy personnel, destroy and damage weapons, equipment, structures and other objects. Incendiary substances include petroleum-based incendiary compositions, metallized incendiary mixtures, incendiary mixtures and thermite compositions, ordinary (white) and plasticized phosphorus, alkali metals, as well as a mixture based on triethylene aluminum, which is self-igniting in air.

The following incendiary compositions are used to equip incendiary ammunition.

Napalms– viscous and liquid mixtures prepared on the basis of petroleum products. When they burn, temperatures up to 1200 °C are reached.

Pyrogels– metallized mixtures of petroleum products with the addition of powdered or in the form of magnesium shavings and other substances. The combustion temperature of pyrogens reaches 1600 °C.

Thermite and thermite compounds– a powdered mixture of iron and aluminum oxide, pressed into briquettes. Sometimes other substances are added to this mixture. Thermite combustion temperature reaches 3000 °C. A burning thermite mixture can burn through sheets of steel.

White phosphorus– a waxy toxic substance that spontaneously ignites and burns in air, reaching temperatures up to 1200°C.

Electron– an alloy of magnesium, aluminum and other elements. It ignites at a temperature of 600 °C and burns with a dazzling white and blue flame, reaching temperatures up to 2800 °C. Electron is used to make casings for aircraft incendiary bombs.

The means of combat use of incendiary substances include incendiary bombs of various calibers, aircraft incendiary tanks, artillery incendiary shells, flamethrowers, land mines, hand incendiary grenades and various types of cartridges.

The most reliable protection of personnel from incendiary weapons is achieved through the use of fortifications. To increase their resistance to fire, open elements of wooden structures are covered with earth, coated with fire-retardant coatings, and fire breaks are created in the slopes of trenches and trenches.

For short-term protection from incendiary weapons, personnel can use personal protective equipment, as well as overcoats, peacoats, jackets, and raincoats.

If you receive burns, bandages soaked in water or a 5% solution of copper sulfate should be applied to the affected area.

To protect armored vehicles, it is necessary to tear out trenches and pit-type shelters and use natural shelters (ravines, recesses, etc.). In addition, a tarp thrown over it, covered with earth or covered with mats of green branches and fresh grass can serve as good protection.

RADIATION, CHEMICAL EVENTS
AND BIOLOGICAL PROTECTION, THE ORDER OF THEIR IMPLEMENTATION
IN SUBORDINATE DEPARTMENT

Radiation, chemical and biological protection of the unit is organized by the commander in full during combat, both with and without the use of weapons of mass destruction.

Radiation, chemical, biological reconnaissance conducted to obtain data on the radiation, chemical and biological conditions. It is carried out using radiation, chemical and biological reconnaissance instruments and visually. The main method of reconnaissance in all types of combat is observation. The radiation, chemical and biological observation post consists of two or three observers, one of whom is appointed senior. The post is provided with NBC reconnaissance and surveillance devices, a large-scale map or diagram of the area, an observation log, a compass, a clock, communications and warning signals. The RCB observation post conducts continuous observation and reconnaissance in the specified area, at a set time, and also during each artillery and air raid, turns on radiation and chemical reconnaissance devices and monitors their readings.

If radioactive contamination is detected (radiation dose rate 0.5 rad/h and above), the senior post (observer) immediately reports to the commander who posted the post and, on his instructions, gives the signal: “Radiation danger.”

When a chemical contamination is detected, the observer gives the signal: “Chemical alarm” and immediately reports to the commander who set up the post. The observation results are recorded in the radiation, chemical and biological observation log.

Radiation control carried out to determine the combat effectiveness of personnel and the need for special processing of the unit. It is carried out using military dose meters (dosimeters) and radiation and chemical reconnaissance instruments. The main task of radiation monitoring is to determine the radiation doses of personnel and the degree of contamination of personnel, weapons and military equipment with radioactive substances.

The following technical means of radiation monitoring are used: military dose meters for military radiation monitoring; individual dose meters (dosimeters) for individual exposure monitoring. Dose meters are usually worn in the chest pocket of the uniform.

Military units (units) are provided with technical means for monitoring exposure at the rate of one military dose meter per department, crew and equal units.

The issuance, taking (reading) of readings, charging (recharging) of military dose meters is carried out in units by direct commanders (chiefs) or persons appointed by them, and recording of radiation doses is carried out by persons appointed by order of the commander of the military unit.

Taking (reading) readings from military dose meters and charging (recharging) them are carried out, as a rule, once a day.

The time for taking (reading) readings and charging (recharging) is set by the commander of the military unit (headquarters) taking into account the specific situation. After each reading (reading), ready-to-use military dose meters are returned to the military personnel to whom they are assigned.

Chemical control(chemical contamination control) is organized and carried out to determine the need and completeness of special treatment (degassing) of weapons and military equipment, structures and terrain, and to establish the possibility of personnel acting without protective equipment. Chemical control is carried out using chemical reconnaissance (control) devices by specially trained departments (crews) of units to establish the presence of chemical agents in the areas (on routes) of their operations, detect contamination of standard (service) weapons and military equipment, materiel and water sources, determine the degree the danger of their infection for the personnel of the unit.

Warning of personnel about the immediate threat and the beginning of the use of weapons of mass destruction by the enemy, as well as notification of radioactive, chemical and biological contamination, is carried out by uniform and permanent signals established by the senior commander, which are communicated to all personnel.

Upon receipt of a warning signal, personnel continue to perform assigned tasks and transfer their protective equipment to the “ready” position.

When the enemy delivers a nuclear strike, personnel take protective measures following the outbreak of an explosion: when in combat vehicles, they close hatches, doors, loopholes, blinds and turn on the system of protection against weapons of mass destruction; when in open vehicles, he must bend down, and when located outside the vehicles, he must quickly take available shelter nearby or lie on the ground with his head in the direction opposite to the explosion. After the shock wave passes, the personnel continue to perform their assigned tasks.

Upon warning signals about radioactive, chemical and biological contamination, personnel operating on foot or in open vehicles, without stopping the performance of assigned tasks, immediately put on personal protective equipment when they are in closed mobile objects not equipped with a system of protection against weapons of mass destruction, – only respirators (gas masks), and in facilities equipped with this system, closes hatches, doors, loopholes, blinds and turns on this system. Personnel located in shelters include a collective protection system. At the “Radiation Hazard” signal, personnel put on respirators (gas masks), and at the “Chemical Alert” signal, they put on gas masks.

Timely and skillful use of individual and collective protective equipment, the protective properties of the terrain, equipment and other objects is achieved by: constant monitoring of their availability and serviceability; advance preparation and training of personnel in the use of these means in various situations; correct determination of the time for transferring personal protective equipment to the “combat” position and their removal; determining the regime and operating conditions of protection systems against weapons of mass destruction, weapons and military equipment and the procedure for using objects equipped with filter-ventilation devices.

Special processing consists of carrying out sanitary treatment of personnel, decontamination, degassing and disinfection of weapons, military equipment, protective equipment, uniforms and equipment. Depending on the situation, the availability of time and the funds available in the unit, special processing can be carried out partially or in full.

Partial special treatment includes partial sanitization of personnel, partial decontamination, decontamination and disinfection of military equipment. Such processing is organized by the unit commander directly in combat formations, without ceasing to perform the assigned task. It is carried out immediately after infection with toxic substances and biological agents, and in case of infection with radioactive substances - within the first hour directly in the infection zone and is repeated after leaving this zone.

Partial sanitary treatment of personnel consists of:

in removing radioactive substances from open areas of the body, uniforms and protective equipment by rinsing with water or wiping with tampons, and from uniforms and protective equipment, in addition, by shaking them out;

in the neutralization (removal) of toxic substances and biological agents on open areas of the body, individual areas of uniform and protective equipment using individual anti-chemical bags.

Partial decontamination, degassing and disinfection of weapons, military equipment and transport consists of removing radioactive substances by sweeping (wiping) the entire surface of the object being treated and in disinfecting (removing) toxic substances and biological agents from areas of the surface of the objects being treated with which personnel come into contact when performing the assigned task. tasks.

Partial special processing is carried out by crews (crews) using personnel equipment located in the units.

After partial special treatment, personal protective equipment is removed (in case of contamination with radioactive substances - after leaving the contaminated area, and in case of infection with toxic substances and biological agents - after complete special treatment).

Aerosol counteraction to enemy reconnaissance and weapons control systems carried out in the unit using smoke bombs and grenades, unified smoke grenade launch systems (system 902) and thermal smoke equipment.

To camouflage platoon combat operations, it is advisable to assign two or three soldiers in each squad with 10–12 hand smoke grenades or 3–5 smoke bombs for each.

On the battlefield, smoke grenades and small smoke bombs are carried in duffel bags. A box with fuses and graters is placed on top of the checkers. Carry fuses in pockets prohibited as friction can cause them to catch fire and cause severe burns. Checkers with lids can be carried with the fuses inserted and the lids closed. The supply standards for aerosol products are indicated in table. 6.

Before and after the use of aerosol weapons, the soldiers allocated to set up the aerosol screen act as arrows (numbers of crews, crews).

The intervals between aerosol foci when setting up aerosol curtains must be: in case of frontal wind - up to 30 m; with oblique wind – 50–60 m; with a flank wind – 100-150 m.

Protection from 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 area, taking into account protection from incendiary weapons;
>use of the protective and camouflage properties of the terrain;
>fire prevention measures;
>use of personal protective equipment and the protective properties of military equipment;
>rescue operations in affected areas;
>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 characteristics of the impact of incendiary weapons on both personnel and the structures themselves. Additional equipment includes the installation of various ceilings, canopies, and canopies. Protective ceilings are made of non-flammable or difficult to ignite materials and are covered with a layer of soil at least 10-15 cm thick. To prevent burning incendiary substances from entering the structures, exits are equipped with ditches or thresholds, and the canopies are tilted towards the parapet. Entrances to shelters are covered with mats made of non-combustible materials. The spread of fire along the trenches is prevented by installing fire breaks every 25-30 m. To coat elements of fortifications made from flammable materials, special materials or materials prepared from local resources (clay, etc.) are used.

To protect weapons and military equipment from incendiary weapons, canopies made of local materials sprinkled with soil should be installed over the shelters, and the sides should be covered with shields made of non-flammable materials or treated with protective coatings. If it is not possible to equip canopies, then the equipment is covered from above with shields or tarpaulins. If burning incendiary substances come into contact with equipment, tarpaulins and shields must be quickly discarded.

Weapons, ammunition and other property must be placed in shelters and special niches.

The use of the protective and camouflaging properties of the terrain weakens the impact of incendiary weapons on personnel, weapons and military equipment and materiel. When performing assigned tasks, while on the march and positioned on site, personnel must skillfully use the camouflage properties of the terrain, ravines, hollows, beams, underground workings, caves and other natural shelters.

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

Units are provided with fire-fighting equipment, personnel are trained in how to stop fires and extinguish them, weapons and military equipment are coated with fire-resistant paints, tarpaulins, covers, awnings, camouflage nets and wooden products are impregnated with fire-retardant substances. When locating units in a forest, especially in a coniferous forest, it is necessary to clear the occupied area of ​​dry grass, dead wood, and dry leaves.

To prevent the exposed wooden structures of fortifications from catching fire, they are covered with clay coating (in case of snow cover - with a solution of lime and chalk). Car bodies are cleared of flammable materials. Weapons and various property held by personnel are placed in shelters or special niches.

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

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 come into contact with them, they are quickly discarded, and the incendiary substance is extinguished.

Equipment, especially armored equipment, is capable of reliably protecting personnel from direct contact with burning incendiary substances. To enhance the protective properties of equipment in the field, mats made of green branches, grass and other coverings can be used. Awnings, covers, tarpaulins are not secured. This allows them to be quickly reset when they catch fire. If the enemy uses incendiary weapons, the personnel quickly take their places in the equipment. Doors, hatches, inspection slots and other openings through which incendiary substances may enter are closed. If incendiary substances come into contact with equipment, it is necessary to tightly cover the burning area with any available means.

Rescue operations include: rescue of personnel, evacuation of those affected to medical facilities; rescue from fire of weapons and military equipment, material resources.

Rescue operations begin immediately after the enemy uses incendiary weapons and are carried out by the forces of the units exposed to them. Since the destructive effect of the resulting fires increases over time, the provision of self- and mutual assistance directly in the units becomes of particular importance.

Rescue of personnel consists of searching for the injured, putting out incendiary substances and burning uniforms on them, removing the injured to a safe place and providing them with first aid.

Providing first aid to personnel begins with extinguishing incendiary substances that have come into contact with the skin or uniform, either by the victim himself or with the help of a friend. To extinguish a small amount of an incendiary substance, it is necessary to tightly cover the burning area with a sleeve, a hollow overcoat, a raincoat, a military protective raincoat, wet clay, earth or snow. If a significant amount of an incendiary substance comes into contact with a person, extinguishing is carried out by covering the victim with an overcoat, a raincoat, a military protective raincoat, pouring abundant water on him, or covering him with earth or sand.

After extinguishing burning incendiary substances, areas of uniforms and underwear at the site of burns are carefully cut and partially removed, with the exception of burnt pieces. The remains of the extinguished incendiary substance are not removed from the burned skin, as this is painful and threatens to contaminate the burned surface. A bandage moistened with water or a 5% solution of copper sulfate is applied to the affected area; the uniform is doused with the same solution. In summer, the bandage moistened with water should be kept moist until arriving at the medical center. In the absence of copper sulfate solution, 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 health instructor. Personnel who have received severe burns are sent to a medical center by order of unit commanders. In case of mild damage (redness on a limited surface or single small blisters), the victim is given first aid and left in line.

The rescue of weapons, military equipment and materiel consists of their timely evacuation from threatened areas in compliance with precautionary measures. When weapons and military equipment are exposed to incendiary weapons, a fire occurs in most cases due to the ignition of rubber tires, various coatings, and the property located on them, followed by an explosion of fuel tanks and ammunition. The time it takes for a fire to spread throughout the entire facility is 10-15 minutes, so rescue operations must be clear, decisive actions carried out in a short time. Extinguishing a burning incendiary substance on 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 deciduous shrubs.

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

Extinguished incendiary substances can easily ignite from a fire source, and if they contain phosphorus, they can spontaneously ignite. 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 is carried out primarily in cases where they threaten personnel, weapons and military equipment and materiel or interfere with the solution of assigned tasks, and are carried out in units on their own. Fire localization is an action aimed at limiting the spread of fire. When extinguishing a fire, 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 of deciduous trees, brooms, raincoats, tarpaulins, hisses, blankets) are used , entrenching tools, fire extinguishers, autonomous fire-fighting installations, fire tankers, truck pumps, etc.). Fires must be localized and extinguished quickly, decisively, skillfully and in strict compliance with safety requirements.

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

The results of exposure to airborne explosives on people are similar to injuries from radioactive substances formed during nuclear explosions. BRVs can be alpha, beta and gamma active and are used in the form of liquid solutions, powder, smoke and mist. Renewed attention to radiological weapons is currently due to the rapid development of nuclear energy and the accumulation of large reserves of radioactive materials, as well as the emergence of simple and convenient means of delivering nuclear warheads to the target. According to expert calculations, more than 50 countries with nuclear reactors are already capable of setting up the production of nuclear reactors without large capital expenditures. The raw materials necessary for this can be obtained from waste nuclear fuel, as well as by irradiation in reactors of specially selected substances, for example, phosphorus, cobalt, antimony, etc. Radioactive isotopes strontium-90, ruthenium-106, cerium can be used from waste of nuclear power plants -144, zirconium-45, etc.

Unmanned vehicles can be used to deliver ballistic missiles. 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. only a hundred CRs are required, the infection will usually be persistent. Cobalt-60 sprayed onto an area will make it uninhabitable for 50 years

New types of weapons of mass destruction include: beam (laser), radio frequency (electromagnetic radiation of ultra-high frequencies), infrasonic, geophysical (use of natural phenomena).

Beam weapon. The concept of "beam weapon" includes:

Laser;

X-ray;

Beam or accelerator;

Gamma laser.

Incendiary Weapon:

Napalm – thickened mixtures with a temperature of 1200 o C;

Pyrogel – metallized napalm with a temperature of 2000 o C;

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

Incendiary ammunition are intended to destroy people, destroy by fire buildings and structures of industrial facilities and populated areas, rolling stock and various warehouses.

The basis of incendiary ammunition is incendiary mixtures and substances. They are divided into groups:

Incendiary mixtures based on petroleum products (napalm);

Metallized incendiary mixtures (pyrogels);

Thermite and thermite compounds;

Regular or plasticized phosphorus.

Of the first group, napalm “B” is considered the most effective. In addition to petroleum products, napalm “B” includes polystyrene and salts of naphthenic and palmitic acids. In appearance, it is a gel that adheres well even to wet surfaces. When napalm “B” burns, temperatures reach 1200 PS and toxic gases are released. Burning napalm is capable of penetrating through holes and cracks and causing damage to people in shelters and equipment.

Pyrogels- thickened metallized fire mixtures based on petroleum products. They contain magnesium or aluminum shavings (or powder), so they burn with flashes, developing a temperature of up to 1600 o C. The slag formed during combustion is capable of burning through thin sheets of metal.

Thermite compounds- these are mechanical mixtures consisting of powdered metals (for example, aluminum) and metal oxides (for example, ferrous oxide). These compositions can burn without access to atmospheric oxygen, because When a chemical reaction occurs, oxygen is released from metal oxides and temperatures reach 3000.

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

The basis of incendiary ammunition of various types are aviation incendiary bombs and tanks. In addition, it is possible to use incendiary weapons with barrel and rocket artillery, with the help of incendiary landmines, 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 enterprises in emergency situations:

1) Protection of personnel in shelters and 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 banked, valuable equipment is stored in the basements and basements. The supply of water, gas, electricity and 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 allow the damaged sections to be disconnected and the remaining lines to be used. Shut-off valves with remote control and taps should be installed on gas pipelines that automatically shut off the gas if the pipes are destroyed.

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

6) Industrial facilities must have two sources of steam and heat - external (CHP) and internal (local boiler houses). The heating network is looped. Shut-off and control devices are installed on thermal steam networks.

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

8) Minimize the reserves of explosive, flammable and hazardous chemical substances on the premises. Excessive reserves are stored at safe distances.

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

10) To ensure continuous management, the enterprise must have reliably protected control points, an automatic telephone exchange and a radio center, and a backup power station.

11) Reliability of material and technical supplies is ensured by establishing stable relationships with supplier enterprises; advance preparation of warehouses for storing finished products; transition to local sources of raw materials and fuel.

12) Preparing 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 should be stored in branches of the enterprise or higher organizations.

Chapter 7
Incendiary weapons and protection from It
7.1 Concept of incendiary weapons
Incendiary weapon– these are incendiary ammunition and substances, as well as the means of delivering them to the target.

Incendiary substance– a special selected substance or mixture of substances that can ignite, burn steadily and ensure maximum manifestation of the damaging factors of incendiary weapons during combat use.

All modern incendiary substances, depending on their composition, are divided into three main groups: incendiary mixtures based on petroleum products, metallized incendiary mixtures based on petroleum products, and incendiary mixtures based on thermite.

A special group of incendiary substances consists of ordinary and plasticized phosphorus, alkali metals, and a self-igniting mixture based on triethylene aluminum.

Incendiary mixtures based on petroleum products are divided into unthickened (liquid) and thickened (viscous).

Unthickened incendiary mixtures are prepared from gasoline, diesel fuel and lubricating oils. They ignite well and are used from backpack flamethrowers.

Thickened incendiary mixtures are viscous, gelatinous substances consisting of gasoline or other liquid fuel mixed with various thickeners. They were called napalm. They are a viscous mass that adheres well to various surfaces and resembles rubber glue in appearance. The color of the mass ranges from pink to brown depending on the thickener.

Napalm is highly flammable, but burns with a combustion temperature of 1100-1200 0 C and a duration of 5-10 minutes. In addition, napalm B has increased adhesion even to wet surfaces and, when burned, emits toxic fumes that cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory system. It is also lighter than water, which allows it to burn on its surface.

Metallized mixtures based on petroleum products (pyrogels) are a type of napalm mixtures with the addition of aluminum, magnesium powders or heavy petroleum products (asphalt, fuel oil) and some types of flammable polymers.

In appearance, it is a thick mass with a grayish tint, burning with flashes with a combustion temperature of up to 1600 0 C, a burning time of 1-3 minutes.

Pyrogels are distinguished according to the quantitative content of the combustible base. When light metals (sodium) are added to napalm, the mixture is called "super napalm", which spontaneously ignites on a target, especially water or snow.

Thermite compounds are powdery mixtures of iron and aluminum oxide. Their compositions may include barium nitrate, sulfur, and binders (varnishes, oils). The ignition temperature is 1300 0 C, the combustion temperature is 3000 0 C. burning thermite is a liquid mass that does not have an open flame, burning without air access. Capable of burning through sheets of steel and duralumin, and melting metal objects. Used to equip incendiary mines, shells, small-caliber bombs, hand-held incendiary guarantors and checkers.

White phosphorus is a solid, waxy substance that ignites spontaneously in air and burns to produce thick, acrid white smoke. The ignition temperature is 34 0 C, the combustion temperature is 1200 0 C. It is used as a smoke-forming substance, as well as an igniter for napalm and pyrogel in incendiary ammunition.

Plasticized phosphorus is a mixture of white phosphorus with a viscous solution of synthetic rubber. It is pressed into granules, which, when broken, are crushed, acquiring the ability to stick to vertical surfaces and burn through them. It is used in smoke ammunition (aircraft bombs, shells, mines, hand grenades) as an igniter in incendiary bombs and fire mines.

Electron is an alloy of magnesium, aluminum and other elements. Ignition temperature 600 0 C, combustion temperature 2800 0 C burns with a dazzling white or bluish flame. Used for the manufacture of casings for aircraft incendiary bombs.

Self-igniting incendiary mixture - consists of polyisobutylene and triethylene aluminum (liquid fuel).

Means of using incendiary substances:

In the Air Force - incendiary bombs, incendiary tanks, cassettes;

In the ground forces - artillery shells, mines, tank, self-propelled, backpack flamethrowers, incendiary grenades, fire mines.

Incendiary aircraft munitions are divided into napalm (fire) incendiary bombs and incendiary cassettes and cassette launchers.

Napalm bombs are thin-walled, made of steel and aluminum alloys with a thickness of (0.5 - 0.7 mm) filled with napalm.

Napalm bombs that do not have stabilizers and an explosive projectile are called - tanks. They are used on fighter-bombers and attack aircraft.

Aviation cassettes (create fires over large areas) are disposable shells containing from 50 to 600-800 small-caliber incendiary bombs and a device that ensures their dispersion. Used in aircraft and helicopter aviation.

Artillery incendiary ammunition is used in multi-barrel rocket launchers (made from thermite, electron, napalm, phosphorus).

Backpack flamethrowers, the action of which is based on the release of a fire mixture through compressed air.

The four-barreled 66-mm rocket launcher M 202A1 has, in addition to an incendiary grenade, a cumulative and a chemical grenade loaded with a CS toxic substance. Firing range up to 730m.

Rifle incendiary bullets - designed primarily to destroy manpower, as well as to ignite engines, fuel and flammable materials. Firing range – 120m.

An incendiary smoke cartridge is an individual infantry weapon and is designed to combat manpower and armored vehicles. It is loaded with a mixture of powdered phosphorus and magnesium. Flame temperature 1200 0 C, throwing range 100m, effective 50-60m. When burning, a large amount of smoke is released.

Fire bombs - designed to destroy manpower, equipment, as well as to strengthen explosive and non-explosive obstacles.

7. 2 Protection from incendiary weapons
Basic measures to protect against incendiary weapons in the department are: identifying the enemy’s preparation for the use of incendiary weapons; fortification equipment of the area, 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 of equipment; rescue work in affected areas; localization and extinguishing of fires.

Detecting enemy preparation to use incendiary weapons determined by external signs: the presence of enemy soldiers with tanks with flexible hoses and special protective clothing; fire hoses protruding from the towers or hulls of tanks, armored personnel carriers and differing from the barrels of standard cannons or machine guns; the presence of fire mixture tanks on tanks or armored personnel carriers.

Fortification equipment of the area taking into account the provision of protection against incendiary weapons, ensures effective protection of personnel, equipment and other materiel from damage by incendiary weapons. The most reliable protection is provided by closed structures: shelters, dugouts, ceilings, trench sections.

Additional equipment of fortifications in the interests of protection against incendiary weapons includes: installation of various ceilings, awnings, canopies. Protective ceilings are made of non-flammable or hard-to-burn materials and covered with a layer of soil at least 10-15 cm thick to prevent burning incendiary substances from entering the structures. The exits are equipped with level thresholds, and the canopies are inclined towards the parapet. Entrances to shelters are covered with mats made of non-combustible materials. The spread of fire along the trenches is prevented by the installation of fire breaks every 25-30 m.

To protect weapons and military equipment from incendiary weapons, canopies covered with soil are installed over the shelters, and the sides are covered with shields treated with coatings. You can cover the equipment with tarpaulins, sandbags placed on the frame, which are quickly discarded when hit by incendiary weapons.

Using the protective and camouflaging properties of the terrain weakens the impact of incendiary weapons on personnel, weapons, military equipment and materiel. When performing assigned tasks, being on the march and positioning on site, the squad personnel must skillfully use the camouflage properties of the terrain, ravines, hollows, beams, underground workings, caves and other natural shelters.

Fire prevention measures are aimed at completely or partially eliminating the causes of the occurrence and development of fires and include: production of coatings for coating wooden structures; cleaning the area where the separation is located from dry grass and dead wood; equipment of clearings with a width equal to 1-2 tree heights; reconnaissance of water sources; fire control equipment; checking and preparing fire extinguishing equipment of standard equipment.

For coating of fortifications the following are used:

In summer 1) - thickly diluted clay - one volume, sand - five to six volumes, lime dough - one volume; 2) – thickly diluted clay – four volumes, sawdust – four volumes, lime dough – one volume; 3) – liquid clay – five volumes, gypsum – one volume, sand – seven volumes, lime paste – one volume;

In winter, the following are used: snow-brush floors, as well as a solution of lime and chalk.

Thickly diluted coatings are applied with a spatula or by hand, liquid coatings are applied with a brush. The thickness of the layer of coatings is 0.5 - 1 cm, along with coatings, protective paints of the PKhVO type are used, 1-2 mm thick, applied in a double layer.

The use of personal protective equipment and the protective properties of equipment In the event of a threat of massive use of incendiary weapons, it is carried out as follows: protective raincoats are worn in the “ready” position, and overcoats are put on over the equipment, fastened to the top hook, which are quickly discarded when incendiary substances hit them. Tanks, RHM, BRDM, and fortifications provide reliable protection against incendiary weapons.

An effective means of fire extinguishing is the fire-fighting equipment system installed on the RHM and BRDM. This system includes several cylinders with fire extinguishing agent, temperature sensors and other devices. If a fire occurs inside the facility, a light signal is given and the fire-fighting equipment system is automatically activated.

Military equipment can also be covered with mats coated with clay solutions. In addition, military equipment is equipped with fire extinguishing equipment and pre-prepared water, sand, and turf.

In the event of the use of incendiary weapons, the squad personnel quickly take their places in the equipment, sealing it. If an incendiary substance gets on the equipment, it is tightly closed with any available means.

Rescue work in affected areas begin immediately after the enemy uses incendiary weapons and consists of: rescuing personnel; evacuation of those affected to medical institutions; saving military equipment and materiel from fire.

The rescue of the squad personnel consists of searching for the injured, putting out incendiary substances and sunburned uniforms on them, taking the injured to a safe place and providing them with first aid, which begins with extinguishing the incendiary mixture with a raincoat or protective raincoat. Extinguishing incendiary substances is carried out by covering the victims with an overcoat, pouring abundant water on them, or covering them with earth or sand. In the absence of extinguishing means, the flame is knocked out by rolling on the ground.

After extinguishing, areas of uniforms and linen are cut and partially removed. Residues of extinguished incendiary substances are not removed from burned skin, as this is painful and can lead to infection of the burned surface. A bandage moistened with water or a 5% solution of copper sulfate or a regular bandage from an individual dressing bag is applied to the affected area.

For large burns, victims are sent to medical centers.

The rescue of weapons, military equipment and materiel consists of timely evacuation in compliance with precautionary measures, and if necessary, covered with tarps, covered with sand or earth. It must be remembered that extinguished incendiary substances can easily ignite from fire sources, and if they contain phosphorus, they can spontaneously ignite. 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 is carried out in cases where they threaten the personnel of the department, the armament of military equipment and materiel, or interfere with the solution of assigned tasks.

Fire localization– this is a limitation of the spread of combustion. Extinguishing a fire – stopping the burning. To extinguish a fire, all available means are used (water, fire extinguishers, sand, soil, earth, snow). When localizing and extinguishing fires, the department acts quickly, decisively, skillfully, and strictly adheres to safety requirements.

An important place in the system of 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 classified as weapons of mass destruction. The ability of incendiary weapons to have a strong psychological effect on the enemy is also taken into account. The use of incendiary weapons by a potential enemy can lead to massive damage to 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 troops and will significantly complicate their performance of their combat missions.

Incendiary weapons include incendiary substances and means of their use.

1. Incendiary substances

The basis of modern incendiary weapons are incendiary substances, which are used to equip incendiary ammunition and flamethrowers.

All US Army incendiaries are divided into three main groups:
- based on petroleum products;
- metallized incendiary mixtures;
- thermite and thermite compounds.

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

a) Incendiaries based on petroleum products are divided into unthickened (liquid) and thickened (viscous). To prepare the latter, special thickeners and flammable substances are used. Napalm is the most widely used petroleum-based incendiary.

Napalms are incendiary substances that do not contain an oxidizer and burn when combined with oxygen in the air. They are jelly-like, viscous substances with strong adhesion and a high combustion temperature. Napalm is obtained by adding a special thickener powder to liquid fuel, usually gasoline. Napalm usually contains 3 - 10 percent thickener and 90 - 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 of up to 1000 - 1200 degrees. The duration of napalm burning is 5 - 10 minutes. They easily stick to various types of surfaces and are difficult to extinguish.

The most effective is napalm B, adopted by the US Army in 1966. It is characterized by good flammability and increased adhesion even to wet surfaces, and is capable of creating a high-temperature (1000 - 1200 degrees) fire with a burning duration of 5 - 10 minutes. Napalm B is lighter than water, so 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 smoking flame, saturating the air with caustic hot gases. When heated, it liquefies and acquires the ability to penetrate shelters and equipment. Contact with unprotected skin of even 1 gram of burning napalm B can cause severe injuries. Complete destruction of openly located manpower is achieved at a napalm consumption rate 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 spontaneous ignition of napalm on wet surfaces and on snow. If you add powdered or shavings of magnesium to napalm, as well as coal, asphalt, saltpeter and other substances, you get a mixture called pyrogel. The combustion temperature of pyrogens reaches 1600 degrees. Unlike ordinary napalm, pyrogens are heavier than water and burn for only 1 to 3 minutes. When pyrogel gets on a person, it causes deep burns not only on open areas of the body, but also on those covered by uniform, since it is very difficult to remove clothes while the pyrogel is burning.

c) Thermite compounds have been used for a relatively long time. Their action is based on a reaction in which crushed aluminum combines with the oxides of refractory metals, releasing a large amount of heat. For military purposes, the powder of a thermite mixture (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, thermite has the disadvantage that when it burns, no flame is formed, so 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 capable of self-ignition when combining with oxygen in the air. Combustion temperature 900 - 1200 degrees.

White phosphorus is used as a smoke-forming substance and also 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 it to be used for loading bombs, mines, and 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 use 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-propelled incendiary grenade launchers;
- fire (incendiary) landmines.

a) Napalm bombs are thin-walled containers filled with thickened substances. Currently, US air forces are armed with napalm bombs ranging from 250 to 1000 pounds in caliber. Unlike other ammunition, napalm bombs create a three-dimensional lesion. At the same time, the area affected by 750-pound caliber ammunition of openly located personnel is about 4 thousand square meters, the rise of smoke and flame is 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 loaded with thermites. Due to their insignificant mass, bombs of this group create separate sources of fire, thus being incendiary ammunition.

c) Aviation incendiary cartridges are intended 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 cassette installations have a purpose and equipment similar to aviation incendiary cassettes, but unlike them, they are reusable devices.

e) Artillery incendiary ammunition is made on the basis of thermite, napalm, and phosphorus. Thermite segments, tubes filled with napalm, and pieces of phosphorus scattered during the explosion of one ammunition can cause the ignition of flammable materials over an area of ​​30 - 60 square meters. The duration of burning of thermite segments is 15 - 30 seconds.

f) Flamethrowers are effective incendiary weapons for infantry units. They are devices that emit a stream of burning fire mixture using compressed gas pressure.

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

• See article: Flamethrowers RPO Shmel and Lynx

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

Based on materials freely distributed on the Internet