Thermobaric Weapons
With the recent second testing of infantry, I am placing forward discussion posts to explore potential equipment and mechanics, and this one focuses on thermobaric-style weapons. The idea isn’t to simply introduce a stronger explosive, but to look at how these could function differently in gameplay focusing on enhanced blast and pressure effects, particularly in enclosed environments like buildings, bunkers, or tight urban spaces, while being less effective in open terrain. In-game, this could translate to stronger interior clearing capability, increased suppression or shock effects, and wider but short-duration blast impact rather than extreme or unavoidable damage. Deployment could be through launchers, rockets, or specialized charges. As with any addition, clear drawbacks and counterplay would be important to prevent frustration. Curious to hear what others think would this add meaningful depth for dealing with fortified positions, or risk being too strong in close-quarters combat?
What is a Thermobaric Weapon?
A thermobaric weapon works very differently from typical fire-based weapons like napalm or Molotov cocktails. Instead of relying mainly on burning, it uses a fuel-air explosion first dispersing a cloud of fuel into the air, then igniting it. This creates a powerful pressure wave (blast) and intense heat, especially effective in enclosed or confined spaces where the pressure can build. In gameplay terms, this would act more like a high-pressure shock effect with strong impact indoors, rather than something that leaves lingering fire.
Examples of Thermobaric Weapons
- RPO-A “Shmel” (infantry portable rocket system)
- RPO-M “Shmel-M” / “Shmel-M Modernized”
- TBG-7V thermobaric rocket (RPG-7 ammunition type)
- M202 FLASH (U.S. incendiary rocket launcher with fuel-air–type effects)
- AGM-114N Hellfire (thermobaric variant used by aircraft and drones)
- ODAB-series fuel-air bombs (air-dropped thermobaric munitions)
- YES ✅
- NO 💢😡💢
- MAYBE 🤔
- I have an idea → chat
If you got some ideas feel free to share them on how Thermobaric Weapons could change WarThunder infantry and what could be brought into the game or ways it could work.
