RPO-A Shmel (Russian: реактивный пехотный огнемёт-А Шмель (РПО-А Шмель), Rocket-propelled Infantry Flamethrower-A Bumblebee) is a man-portable disposable rocket-assisted flamethrower, although it is classified as a rocket launcher by some in the West.The Shmel is designed, produced and exported by the Russian Federation and previously by the Soviet Union.
The RPO-A is a single-shot, self-contained tube shaped launcher that operates much like the LAW rocket launchers, a sealed tube, carried in a man-pack in pairs. The same person can remove the tube, place it in firing position, and launch the weapon without assistance
The thermobaric warhead's blast effect is equivalent to 5.5 kg (12 lb) of TNT, comparable to a 155 mm artillery shell.
