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sarisataka

(20,255 posts) Sat Sep 7, 2024, 01:06 PM Sep 7

Ukraine's 'dragon drones' rain molten metal on Russian positions in latest terrifying battlefield innovation

Ukraine’s ‘dragon drones’ rain molten metal on Russian positions in latest terrifying battlefield innovation

Ukraine appears to be calling on a fleet of fire-spewing “dragon drones” in its war with Russian invaders, putting a modern twist on a munition used to horrific effect in both world wars.

A series of videos posted on social media, including on Telegram from the Ukrainian Defense Ministry on Wednesday, show the low-flying drones dropping torrents of fire – actually molten metal – onto Russian-held positions in tree lines.

The white-hot mixture of aluminum powder and iron oxide, called thermite, burns at temperatures up to 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,200 degrees Celsius). It can quickly burn off trees and vegetation giving cover to Russian troops, if not killing or disabling the troops outright.

As it falls from the drone, the thermite resembles the fire coming from the mouth of the mythical dragon, giving the drones their nickname.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/07/europe/ukraine-thermite-dragon-drones-intl-hnk-ml/index.html

That is one vicious weapon. I have seen thermite burn clear through an engine block after going through a five gallon metal can full of water.

6 replies

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Ukraine's 'dragon drones' rain molten metal on Russian positions in latest terrifying battlefield innovation (Original Post) sarisataka Sep 7 OP

Is it any worse than hyerbaric bombs or 1500 kg guided bombs? getagrip_already Sep 7 #1

Not saying it's better or worse sarisataka Sep 7 #3

I saw the video soandso Sep 7 #6

Very scary stuff. pecosbob Sep 7 #2

That war has revolutionized warfare. The Generals are gonna have to re-think EVERYthing. nt albacore Sep 7 #4

They did a couple of experiments on the old "Mythbusters" show with thermite... keep_left Sep 7 #5

getagrip_already

(16,908 posts)

1. Is it any worse than hyerbaric bombs or 1500 kg guided bombs?

Reply to sarisataka (Original post)

Sat Sep 7, 2024, 01:13 PM

Sep 7

Both of which the russians are using against civilian and military targets.

War isnt pretty. Russia will use any weopon short of nukes (so far) in its war on ukraine.

sarisataka

(20,255 posts)

3. Not saying it's better or worse

Reply to getagrip_already (Reply #1)

Sat Sep 7, 2024, 02:57 PM

Sep 7

Though I could see it upsetting those who believe white phosphorus is a war crime no matter how it is used

"War isn't pretty"- something I know far too well.

soandso

(374 posts)

6. I saw the video

Reply to sarisataka (Reply #3)

Sat Sep 7, 2024, 05:52 PM

Sep 7

And was disgusted by it. I don't care who uses what weapon from Hell, I can't stand to see the shit humans do to each other and to whatever other animals and living creatures are in that environment.

pecosbob

(7,817 posts)

2. Very scary stuff.

Reply to sarisataka (Original post)

Sat Sep 7, 2024, 01:22 PM

Sep 7

Worse than white phosphorus, I should think.

albacore

(2,500 posts)

4. That war has revolutionized warfare. The Generals are gonna have to re-think EVERYthing. nt

Reply to sarisataka (Original post)

Sat Sep 7, 2024, 03:17 PM

Sep 7

keep_left

(2,143 posts)

5. They did a couple of experiments on the old "Mythbusters" show with thermite...

Reply to sarisataka (Original post)

Sat Sep 7, 2024, 03:51 PM

Sep 7

...inspired, as I recall, by the infamous use of the substance on the show Breaking Bad. Here's a clip where they put a bucket of thermite on top of a huge block of ice. In another experiment (a clip is on YouTube), they use a half-ton of thermite to burn through an SUV. The stuff isn't to be trifled with, as it burns at more than 4000 degrees F and gives off dangerous UV radiation; however, it's also quite useful for welding everything from railroad ties to huge ship propellers.

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