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Although typically referred to as a flamethrower, the Shmel in fact launches a projectile which on detonation causes an extended blast effect in confined spaces. This gives rise to reference in Russian as a thermobaric weapon - s termobaricheskoy boyevoy chastyu. In addition the effect on victims and structures leads to description as a "vacuum bomb".

Shmel is fired from a disposable launcher tube, usually carried in pairs.

Launcher above, projectile cutaway below.

Another variant known as RPO-D produces smoke. A third variant, the RPO-Z, can be more properly called a flamethrower as it is designed specifically to start fires.

• RShG-1, a similar weapon but lighter and with shorter range

• Novyye Izvestiya report on criminal use of Shmel (login required)
• Marketing page on Shmel range (available in Russian and English)