In addition to the ground-based smoke dispersal system, Russian forces also use an unmanned ground vehicle [UGV] for the same. A video on the Internet shows how an easy-to-assemble or customer-made ground-based drone spreads smokescreens on the battlefield.
The vehicle is simple. The chassis is constructed of crossed metal frames with four rubber wheels. A frame at the top of the chassis mounts the device that disperses the smoke. It strongly resembles an anti-tank mine, although this cannot be confirmed. The gas that is activated and burned, apparently at a distance, is very heavy, observers note.
There is no official information on the operational range of the unmanned ground vehicle. Nor does it show the extent of the smoke emitted. It makes a strong impression that initially the Russian UGV began to produce and disperse white thick smoke, which is the most common on the battlefield. But just a few seconds later, apparently through some chemical compound, the smoke thickened, thickened and turned black.
Black smoke
The military often uses various chemical compounds to create smoke screens for concealment and signaling purposes. One of the most commonly used compounds for creating a heavy black smoke screen is hexachloroethane [HC]. Hexachloroethane is a white crystalline solid that produces thick, dense black smoke when burned. This smoke is highly effective at obscuring vision and can be used to mask troop movements, equipment, and other activities from enemy observation.
The black smoke generated by hexachloroethane is primarily composed of carbon particles. These particles effectively absorb and scatter light, making smoke particularly opaque and difficult to see. In addition to hexachloroethane, other compounds such as zinc chloride and aluminum chloride can be used in smoke-producing mixtures. These compounds can increase the density and persistence of the smoke, making it more effective for military applications.
Although hexachloroethane-based smoke screens are highly effective, they also carry certain risks. Combustion of hexachloroethane can produce toxic byproducts, including hydrochloric acid and phosgene gas, which can pose health risks to both deployed forces and the enemy.
TDM-2K
Amid the ongoing tensions, smokescreen vehicles have emerged as an essential part of the Russian military’s toolkit. In the recent past, many TDM-2K vehicles have been deployed along the Ukrainian Line of Contact. These specialized military assets are tasked with a distinct primary responsibility – the creation of dense smokescreens that cover the movements of infantry and battle tanks.
The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation recently released a video offering a rare glimpse into these operations. This video shows an interview with a tactical unit commander deeply involved in keeping Russian troop movements secret. Although his identity remains confidential, he provides extensive information on how his respective unit operates.
According to the anonymous commander, the TDM-2K is praised for its exceptional ability to create a smoke screen with a span of a thousand meters. “It maximizes the survivability of our troops by shielding them from the enemy’s gaze,” the commander explains. Russian reports indicate that there has been a significant increase in the deployment of the TDM-2K on the battlefield since the beginning of this year. This increase potentially stems from the ongoing shortage of ammunition in the Ukrainian armed forces. As a result, the Russian military increased the frequency of its aerial bombardments and ground ambushes. In these challenging conditions, the TDM-2K proved to be an essential asset for ground troops.
***
Follow us anytime, anywhere. BulgarianMilitary.com has a responsive design and you can open the page from any computer, mobile device or web browser. For more breaking news, follow our Google News, YouTube, Reddit, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook pages. Our Standards: Manifesto and Ethical Principles.