TOS-2 "Tosochka": from tests to series
On June 24, the first samples of the newest TOSochka-2 Tosochka heavy flamethrower system passed along Red Square as part of a ceremonial column of military equipment. The development of this project was completed recently, but experimental equipment has already been built and is being tested. Also, some details of current plans and the expected future of the new model become known.
In the wake of the parade
Four promising vehicles with launchers of a new type took part in the Moscow parade. This technique was created by several enterprises, and shortly after the parade, they published relevant press releases.
So, the developer of TOS-2, JSC NPO Splav, once again in his message revealed the main design features of this combat vehicle and advantages over other flamethrower systems.
Similar information on the trail of the parade was published by PJSC Motovilikhinsky Plants, which completed the construction of the equipment shown. At the same time, they told not only about the technical features of “Tosochki”, but also about the progress of work. It is reported that new products are now undergoing combined arms tests. No further details were provided.
In early July, the Rostec state corporation, which includes all the TOS-2 project participants, held a meeting in Perm on the prospects of ammunition and new weapons systems. During this event, the leadership of the NGO “Splav” again raised the topic “Socks”. It is alleged that tests of experimental equipment are currently being completed. Developers expect orders from both the Russian army and foreign countries.
On July 7, Rossiyskaya Gazeta clarified this information. It is about completing preliminary tests. According to their results, the project will be assigned the letter "O", which allows them to enter state tests. These events will last until next year. And only then will the issue of adopting TOS-2 into service with the launch of the series be resolved.
Production cooperation
Recent posts on the topic of TOS-2 regularly mention the modernization of production facilities and other activities, as a result of which the industry will be able to produce new equipment. The further fate of “Tosochki” directly depends on the success of a number of enterprises responsible for both the manufacture of individual units and the final assembly.
Self-propelled flamethrower installation is being built on a wheeled chassis "Ural-63706" or "Tornado-U". This is a three-axle four-wheel drive vehicle with an armored cab, capable of carrying various target equipment. The total weight of the Tornado-U is 30 tons, of which 16 tons fall on the payload. The car shows high driving characteristics both on the highway and on rough terrain.
Over the past few years, the Ural-63706 has been repeatedly shown at various military-technical exhibitions; in parallel, tests continued and a series was being established. In October last year, the Ural automobile plant announced the start of deliveries of serial Tornado-U to the armed forces.
Thus, “Tosochka” received a modern platform, tested and completed, as well as being in production. It can be assumed that the new project of the flamethrower system in the future will not have problems along the chassis line.
The artillery unit for TOS-2 is produced by the Motovilikhinsky factories. There they completed the final assembly of equipment for testing and for the parade. In the future, the company will start mass production. Recent meetings have focused on modernizing production facilities and optimizing control loops.
It is expected that all these measures will simplify the interaction between enterprises in the region, as well as create new production links and additional jobs. As a result, production of modern military equipment will be ensured, moreover, not only Tosochki, but also the economic situation in the Perm Region will improve.
Upgrading production and changing control loops will take some time. However, the TOS-2 project is not yet ready for mass production, and its completion will take some time. It is likely that both of these processes will be completed in a short time. Accordingly, Tosochka will be ready for production at the same time that the plants are ready for it.
Mastering new
The main features of TOS-2 "Tosochka" are already well known and show that this project is significantly different from previous developments of its own or related classes. A number of already tested and proven solutions are used, but at the same time new components are introduced that have the most serious impact on the result. Thus, the development of the production of new equipment will not be overly complicated, but one cannot also expect excessive simplicity.
The TOS-2 project provides for equipping the basic chassis with a launcher and other units for various purposes. The use of a wheeled platform has given significant advantages over previous flamethrower systems. Such a combat vehicle is characterized by improved mobility and easier to operate.
The launcher with 18 guides provides the use of rockets for TOS-1 (A). It was also reported on the development of new ammunition with enhanced characteristics. TOS-2 is equipped with a modern automated fire control system. In preparation for the shooting, "Tosochka" does not need the help of a transport-loading machine. Ammunition is reloaded from vehicles using its own crane.
Developer organizations mention that TOS-2 gets some means of reducing visibility. A complex of optoelectronic suppression is also used to increase survivability. Thus, not having a tank reservation, like its predecessors, "Tosochka" can protect itself from attack.
It is assumed that in the troops the new TOS-2 will become easier to operate and more mobile addition to the existing TOS-1 and TOS-1A. Depending on the specific situation and the conditions that have arisen, it will be possible to apply one or another technique that is most convenient at the moment - and have a close destructive effect on the enemy.
In the early stages
The TOS-2 project is based on both proven and completely new ideas. Their correct combination allows you to get a promising model of a combat vehicle with significant advantages over existing ones. Moreover, such samples already exist in the metal. However, so far it is only about testing.
In the near future, “Socks” will go through a full cycle of testing and refinement. In parallel, the enterprises participating in the project will prepare their production facilities for the future series. The adoption of TOS-2 into service is still a matter of the future, but all current work brings this moment closer. So far, the situation around the project and organizational issues looks good and gives cause for optimism. The army will not be left without new equipment - it will receive it in a reasonable amount of time.
- Ryabov Kirill
- Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, "Motovilikhinsky factories"
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