Sep 13 2007
The Russian military have used nanotechnology in the development of a new successfully tested weapon. The weapon, a bomb containing 7 tons of explosives, has been called the "father of all bombs" and it is reportedly around four times more powerful than its U.S. equivalent.
"The results of the trial of the newly created aviation bomb have shown that its effectiveness and potential are comparable to a nuclear bomb," Colonel General Aleksandr Rukshin, the deputy chief of Russia's armed forces said. "At the same time I particularly want to emphasize that this bomb does not cause ecological or environmental pollution, in contrast to a nuclear bomb."
The basic technology behind the bomb is not new and has been used for at least 40 years. It is technically known as a thermobaric device. Such a bomb is filled with flammable liquid and uses a two charge system. When dropped the initial charge releases and disperses the liquid. The second charge ignites this fuel / air cloud resulting in a massive shock wave and very high temperatures.
The new aspect of this bomb is shrouded in secrecy but it is believed the Russians have used nanotechnology to increase the power of the device. It stands to reason that they have developed a method for ensuring the flammable cloud is composed of extremely small droplets thereby increasing the speed and intensity of the explosive reaction.