OVERVIEW: The FAB-3000M-46 is a Soviet-era unguided, general-purpose bomb with a 1,400 kg high-explosive warhead, designed for strategic strikes on heavily fortified or high-value area targets. It is one of the largest conventional free-fall bombs ever deployed by Soviet tactical and strategic aviation.

DETAIL: The FAB-3000M-46 is part of the FAB ("Fugasnaya Aviatsionnaya Bomba" high-explosive aviation bomb) series, with "3000" indicating total nominal mass in kilograms and "M-46" denoting the 1946 modernization. The bomb has a thick-walled steel casing optimized for delayed-action fuzing, maximizing penetration and internal detonation effects. Its warhead produces extensive blast and fragmentation damage, making it effective against bunkers, reinforced buildings, hardened aircraft shelters, and industrial facilities. Due to its size, it requires large aircraft and specialized mounting procedures.

This model was primarily designed for use with strategic bombers such as the Tu-4 and Tu-16 and later adapted for carriage by the Tu-22 and Tu-95 platforms. It lacks guidance and relies on inertial bombing from high altitude or medium altitude with calculated release parameters. The design prioritizes raw explosive yield over accuracy, reflecting its Cold War-era doctrinal role in large-scale saturation or strategic infrastructure attacks.

The FAB-3000M-46 is used in high-altitude bombing missions against fixed installations, critical logistics hubs, or hardened enemy positions. Its deployment requires careful flight planning due to its weight and impact on aircraft handling and takeoff distance. Modern use is limited due to platform constraints and the increasing shift toward precision-guided munitions.

NOTE:
IOC: Late 1940s
Operators: Soviet Union (historically), Russian Federation (limited legacy stock), possibly North Korea (unconfirmed)
Platform: Tu-4, Tu-16, Tu-22, Tu-95
Conflicts: Cold War (strategic stockpiles), training, potential legacy reserves

SOURCE:
Russian Ministry of Defence Archives ; Jane’s Weapons: Air-Launched ; Soviet Air Force Historical Data Reports ; Military Balance (IISS) ; Central Air Force Museum Monino (Russia)