Technical potential and features of the use of TOS-1A in the Special Operation
TOS-1A in a camouflaged parking lot
In March, units of the troops of radiation, chemical and biological protection, equipped with heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A Solntsepek, were involved in the Special Operation. They are tasked with delivering strikes against area targets and enemy clusters. The results of such combat use are regularly demonstrated, confirming the high efficiency of flamethrower systems, auxiliary means and methods of their work.
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On June 24, the Ministry of Defense published interesting new information about the combat work of flamethrowers. Features of the use of TOS-1A are revealed on the example of a unit from the Western Military District involved in the "Z" grouping. The main task of the unit and calculations at the moment is the destruction of fortified strongholds and positions of the enemy.
The Ministry of Defense reports that the Suns are working together with reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles. The latter are entrusted with the tasks of controlling and adjusting fire. Having executed the strike, the crew of the combat vehicle leaves the firing position in the minimum time and retreats to reload. After that, new launches are possible.
Exit to firing position
Videos are attached to the post. The first shows how the TOS-1A moves into position and prepares to fire. Rocket launches and the destruction of various enemy targets are also demonstrated. In another video, the deputy commander of the Solntsepekov platoon reveals some details of combat work. He noted that the machines have to work at a small distance from the enemy, from 500 m. In this regard, mobility and the ability to leave a position are of great importance. The crews have the necessary experience, and it takes about a minute to withdraw.
At the same time, great risks remain. So, in another video, the head of the calculation shows the damage to his combat vehicle. In the course of use, it came under fire, as evidenced by chips and holes from bullets and shrapnel. A hole from a rocket-propelled anti-tank grenade remained on the guide package. Nevertheless, the armored car continues to serve and performs new attacks on the enemy.
Thus, the TOS-1A flamethrower systems continue their combat work in different areas and successfully destroy the intended targets. In doing so, they reach their full potential. Anti-missile armor drastically reduces the risks for vehicles and crews, special rockets hit their intended targets, and modern reconnaissance and target designation tools increase overall combat effectiveness.
Technical capabilities
Recall that the TOS-1A Solntsepek heavy flamethrower system is actually a special version of a multiple launch rocket system for a specific ammunition. The complex includes a combat vehicle on a tank chassis, a unified transport-loading vehicle, as well as several types of missiles.
TOS-1A facilities are built on the chassis of the main tank T-72, which has undergone minimal changes. The previous power plant and chassis have been retained, which gives high mobility on off-road and rough terrain. Also remained the same armored body with a combined anti-projectile protection of the frontal projection. A rudimentary turret with a swinging artillery unit is installed on the hull. The guide package is made in an armored box that protects shells from bullets and shrapnel.
To ensure high firing accuracy, the Solntsepek is equipped with a full-fledged fire control system. It includes an optical sight, a laser rangefinder, a ballistic computer, a set of various sensors and other devices. In addition, there are modern navigation and communication tools that simplify the preparation for firing and receiving target designation. Calculation of data for shooting is carried out automatically; aiming is carried out by remotely controlled mechanisms.
The basic one weapons TOS-1A are unguided rockets of the MO.1.01.04 family. These are products in 220 mm caliber, 3,3-3,8 m long, weighing up to 217 kg, with an incendiary or volumetric detonating warhead. Missiles are characterized by a large mass, which affects their flight data. Products of the first modifications flew only 3 km. In the next generation of projectiles, a range of 6 km was obtained. It was reported about the creation of new ammunition, which will again show an increased range.
Regardless of the firing range, all compatible projectiles have a common range of tasks. They are intended for the destruction of manpower, unprotected and lightly armored vehicles in open spaces or in various structures. At the same time, volume-detonating warheads show the greatest efficiency. One volley with a full load of 24 rounds allows you to cover an area of 40 thousand square meters.
In order to increase the efficiency of combat work, TOS-1A are included in the existing reconnaissance and strike contours. The tasks of reconnaissance, target detection and determination of their coordinates in such a system are assigned to unmanned aviation complexes such as Orlan-10. Command posts and military communication systems of the tactical level are also involved. All these means ensure the detection of targets and the timely transmission of target designation to a fire weapon in the form of a "Sun".
Shooting results
Realizing the potential
The TOS-1A has a high combat potential, and it is easy to see how various features of this machine are used in real operations. At the same time, it is possible to neutralize the risks associated with objective limitations. The result of this is high efficiency in solving real combat missions.
The use of "Suns" in the current Special Operation once again shows the importance and necessity of creating reconnaissance and strike circuits with maximum speed. Without UAVs and appropriate communication channels, finding targets and adjusting fire would be much more difficult and would take more time. In addition, the reconnaissance drone is able to detect a threat to the flamethrower system in a timely manner, which reduces possible risks.
TOS-1A is built on a tank chassis, and practice confirms the correctness of this decision. Even with new extended-range projectiles, the combat vehicle is forced to work at the forefront, where it can come under fire. Recent materials from the Ministry of Defense show that tank armor can cope with such threats. Moreover, even getting into the guide package may not have negative consequences.
Damage from enemy fire
Missiles of the MO.1.01.04 series have long demonstrated the high power of volumetric detonating warheads. Now they are reaffirming their potential. A special charge successfully hits various targets, up to armored vehicles, both in open space and in shelters. In addition, rockets were used with high efficiency against enemy fortifications at industrial facilities.
Specialized tool
In general, the Solntsepek proves to be an effective and convenient means for solving fire missions. TOS-1A is able to quickly arrive at a given position, find and hit targets, and special ammunition does not leave the last chance. However, in terms of a number of characteristics and capabilities, the flamethrower system is inferior to the "traditional" MLRS. It has a shorter range, which forces it to work in the return fire zone, and also has a limited choice of ammunition.
"Sun" is actually a specialized system for a narrow range of tasks. However, it has no competitors in its field. No other rocket artillery system has a similar or close combination of fire capabilities and protection.
Therefore, TOS-1A will remain in operation, and specific combat missions will remain behind them. Other work will be assigned to conventional MLRS and distributed based on their capabilities and characteristics. At the same time, the simultaneous operation of flamethrower systems and multiple launch rocket systems has obvious theoretical and practical advantages. And now all this contributes to the speedy achievement of all the goals of the Special Operation.
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