õhupumba

Õhupumba is a type of smoke bomb widely used in Estonia during World War II and the subsequent Soviet occupation. The term "õhupumba" translates to "cloud bomb" in English. These smoke bombs were designed to release a dense cloud of smoke, which could be used for several purposes.

Military personnel used õhupumba to create a smoke screen for tactical purposes such as obscuring enemy vision, aiding in escape and evasion, and covering the withdrawal of troops. Civilians also used õhupumba to signal for help, as a smoke signal could be seen from a distance.

Õhupumba were hand-thrown devices that produced a significant amount of smoke when detonated. They were typically made from a mix of gunpowder and pyrotechnic chemicals, which, when ignited, created a thick smoke cloud. Due to their widespread use, õhupumba became an iconic symbol of Estonian resistance during World War II.

Despite the device's effectiveness, it had its drawbacks. Õhupumba were often inefficacious, as the smoke cloud would often dissipate quickly due to wind, making them less useful in some situations. Additionally, the smoke from õhupumba could sometimes cause problems for the thrower, as the intense cloud could obscure their vision and hinder their ability to see the surroundings.

After Estonia declared independence in 1991, the use and production of õhupumba were largely phased out. Today, the device is largely of historical significance and serves as a reminder of Estonia's fight for freedom during World War II.