Russia's TDA‑3: The modern smokescreen marvel reshaping battlefield tactics
Can a dense cloud of smoke be created in moments capable of concealing valuable assets, such as weapons? A recent video surfacing on the internet confirms this, showcasing a tactic employed by the Russians in 2023. This piece delves into the capabilities of the TDA-3 vehicles.
2:41 PM EDT, March 24, 2024
On May 24, 2023, atop the Crimean Bridge, massive smoke clouds emerged, enveloping the structure and complicating any precise assault attempts. These clouds weren't born from bombardments or explosions but were produced by the innovative smoke-generating TDA-3 systems, as revealed in a new video by @HowThingsWork_ on the X platform.
A vehicle that conjures a smokescreen against adversaries
The TDA-3, integrated into the Russian Federation Army between 2016 and 2017, is designed to obscure valuable resources and personnel from aerial detection. Thanks to the dense clouds it emits, the equipment shrouded within becomes invisible to infrared reconnaissance, rendering accurate targeting nearly impossible.
The TDA-3 system is affixed to a 6x6 drive truck (KamAZ-5350), weighing about 34,500 pounds. Compared to its precursor, the TDA-2, it requires only a two-member crew to operate. They manage three modules of the modular smoke generation system:
- the first module houses the power supply and batteries;
- the second contains tanks for the smoke mixture;
- the third module is tasked with mixing the ingredients.
This setup controls the thickness of the smoke veil and broadens the vehicle's utility beyond mere smoke generation. It is adaptable for dispersing biological agents and chemical solutions aimed at decontamination, mold eradication, and cleansing expansive territories.
According to the Top War portal, gearing up the TDA-3 for action is swift. The device is operational within five minutes of activation and can expel a 29-pound aerosol smoke screen within a minute. Once filled, the tanks provide continuous smoke coverage for up to six hours.
