Ukrainian Forces Turn a Toyota Mirai Into a Hydrogen Bomb
Sep 19, 2024
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Photo Credit: Deep State UA / Khorne Group
Hydrogen fuel could be the future of the automotive industry. In early August, it became a serious weapon of war.
The Ukrainian military converted the Toyota Mirai — the most prominent hydrogen-powered car on the market — into a bomb.
Here’s how they did it.
Ukrainian Forces Searching for a Solution
No, Ukrainian forces didn’t launch a full-sized Toyota Mirai at the opposition and watch it explode. However, the event was quite unique.
The Euromaidan Press — a Ukrainian-based English news website — said the country’s military used a hydrogen fuel cell and plastic explosives against Russian forces.
The opposing nations battled in Vovchansk in early August near the Russian border. After the Russians retreated to the Vovcha River, the Ukrainian military used unique strategies to advance its position.
Wars tear down countries, leaving debris on the city streets. You may see a car resembling a rat rod truck, but it’s destroyed by explosives.
In Vovchansk, Ukrainian forces searched damaged vehicles for parts. With these pieces, they can construct drones, bombs and other useful tools. When you’re in combat, you’ll search for any advantage possible.
How Did They Use the Toyota Mirai?
Ukrainian forces encountered a damaged Toyota Mirai in their search. This hydrogen-powered vehicle was a useful discovery — hydrogen is valuable in war because it produces fireballs, mushroom clouds and unmistakable blasts.
Fortunately for the Ukrainian military, this vehicle had a complete fuel cell — capable of running 400 miles on a normal day — for the job. However, the superb range wasn’t necessary here.
With the Mirai, the Ukrainian forces created a deadly explosive — a 200kg bomb — and leveraged a drone to carry it.
Ground drones were necessary because the Russian military disrupted the electronic systems. Therefore, the Ukrainian forces had to carry it over a bridge and launch it toward the target.
Next, the Ukrainian military lit up the sky with one of the most creative bombs in modern war history.
What Happened With the Hydrogen Bomb?
The Euromaidan Press said the Ukrainian military targeted an aggregate plant with its makeshift hydrogen bomb. Other reporting from early summer indicated Russian troops were in the facility, with Ukrainian forces searching for ways to infiltrate it.
The Ukrainian military targeted the west side of the property and progressed toward the building. Upon detonation, the hydrogen bomb exploded and significantly damaged the aggregate plant.
Experts believe ammunition was inside the facility, leading to a more intense explosion and succeeding fire.
After the explosion, the Russian forces retreated from the building and altered their strategy to combat the Ukrainian Army.
Using an Everyday Car for the War Effort
Countries often get creative when developing wartime technology. While leaders spend millions of dollars on tanks and missiles, soldiers sometimes have to improvise.
In this case, the Ukrainian military successfully used a Toyota Mirai from the side of the road. A damaged car turned out to be a powerful bomb.
