OVERVIEW: The PLAB-200M-71 is an unguided, free-falling incendiary bomb developed by the Soviet Union for anti-personnel and anti-material purposes.

DETAIL: Designed during the Cold War, the PLAB-200M-71 uses a thickened fuel incendiary composition, typically based on a napalm-like mixture. The bomb features a cylindrical steel body with stabilizing tail fins for aerodynamic drop characteristics. On impact, a central burster charge disperses the incendiary filler across a wide area, igniting it instantly to produce intense heat and fire. Its effect is optimized for destroying light fortifications, soft-skinned vehicles, and disrupting troop concentrations.

The PLAB-200M-71 was engineered for compatibility with standard Soviet aircraft bomb racks and fuzing systems. Its construction focused on mass production efficiency and robust handling. Though replaced in many inventories by thermobaric and precision incendiary systems, the PLAB-200M-71 remained in service with several countries into the early 2000s.

It was typically deployed by tactical bombers and attack aircraft at low to medium altitude. Targeting was visual, relying on area saturation and psychological impact. Its use has been documented in regional conflicts involving legacy Soviet aircraft fleets.

NOTE:
IOC: ~1970s
Operators: Soviet Union (former), various post-Soviet and aligned states
Platform: Su-17, MiG-23BN, Su-22, Su-24, Su-25, MiG-21
Conflicts: Afghanistan (1979–89), various post-Soviet and Middle Eastern conflicts

SOURCE:
Russian Air Weapons Handbook ; Jane’s Weapons: Air-Launched ; Soviet Tactical Aviation Manual Series ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS) ; Military Balance (IISS)
https://www.fas.org ; https://www.janes.com ; https://www.iiss.org