New batch of TOS-1A "Solntsepek" for the army
TOS-1A from the new batch. Photo "Omsktransmash"
The Russian military-industrial complex continues to produce new equipment and repair the vehicles available to the troops. The other day it became known about another result of such activities: a new batch of heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A Solntsepek was handed over to the armed forces. These vehicles will help maintain the quantitative and qualitative indicators of the entire fleet at the required level and, most likely, will take part in solving real combat missions.
Recent successes
On September 26, the Omsk Transport Engineering Plant (part of the NPK Uralvagonzavod of the Rostec State Corporation) announced the successful continuation of work under government contracts of the Ministry of Defense. This time we are talking about the shipment of a batch of TOS-1A systems. It is noted that the batch is transferred to the customer ahead of schedule.
The number of delivered combat vehicles is not specified. Published photos and videos show no more than two "Solntsepekov" at the same time, but their number may be more. It is also not reported whether these are new machines or whether it is about the repair and modernization of equipment from combat units. Which formation or unit will receive armored vehicles, for obvious reasons, is also not said.
At the same time, a surprise awaits the recipients of the equipment. The cars are loaded with letters from the children of Omsktransmash employees. The guys sent good wishes and drawings to the flamethrowers.
Omsktransmash, Uralvagonzavod and Rostec have published several photos and a short video showing the dispatch of armored vehicles to the troops. Two "Solntsepekas" installed and fixed on railway platforms are demonstrated. In addition, in the background, a couple of modern tanks, also ready to be sent to the troops.
Repair and modernization
The TOS-1A Solntsepek heavy flamethrower system was created on the basis of the TOS-1 Pinocchio product and entered service with the ground forces in the XNUMXs. Armored vehicles of a specific appearance with special capabilities were produced in a small series. According to various estimates, the flamethrower units of the radiation, chemical and biological defense troops received up to several dozen Solntsepeks.
Since February-March, units of flamethrowers on TOS-1A from different military districts have been participating in the Special Operation to protect Donbass. Flamethrower systems with enviable regularity go to firing positions and fire at the enemy. Rocket projectiles with a thermobaric warhead effectively hit various objects and manpower.
Active operation of equipment in the area of the operation and regular combat work are associated with increased loads on the structure as a whole and its units. As such a service, "Solntsepeki" gradually develop a turnaround time. In addition, armored vehicles operate at the forefront and are exposed to known risks, and there is a need for some kind of repair.
Accordingly, there is a need to withdraw equipment to the rear for work. In addition, it is required to send new combat vehicles to the combat zone in order to maintain the required strength of the existing group. It is quite possible that the Suns, recently handed over to the Ministry of Defense, were previously in the Special Operations zone and then were withdrawn for repairs, and also, probably, for modernization.
Apparently, we are talking about the restored and updated armored vehicles, but not about the equipment of the new construction. So, contracts for the production of new TOS-1A have not been reported in recent years. At the same time, the Ministry of Defense previously issued an order to NPK Uralvagonzavod for the modernization of combat vehicles.
Probably, on September 26, the next result of such an order in the form of several updated machines left the factory. At the same time, according to the existing order and due to the current situation, new batches of Solntsepekov should be expected after one or another repair. Whether completely new machines of this type will be built is not yet known.
With high efficiency
The TOS-1 and TOS-1A systems have been repeatedly used in real military operations and have demonstrated their combat potential. During the current Special Operation, they once again confirm the high tactical and technical characteristics and show the need for such equipment.
"Sun" involved in the Special Operation. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
The high efficiency of the "Solntsepeka" is due to several main factors and features of the system. In fact, we are talking about a successful combination of ready-made and newly developed components, each of which contributes to the characteristics of the complex and affects the overall result.
TOS-1A can be considered as a specialized multiple launch rocket system. At the same time, unlike the vast majority of modern MLRS, it is made on a tank chassis. The caterpillar undercarriage and tank power unit give the Solntsepek high mobility and maneuverability and allow the use of positions in hard-to-reach areas.
In addition, the tank chassis retained the combined anti-projectile armor of the frontal projection, and it is planned to supplement it with dynamic protection units. This drastically reduces the risks when working on the front line. The chances of the enemy to defeat such a machine with the available means are sharply reduced.
"Solntsepek" uses specially designed 220-mm unguided rockets of several modifications with a thermobaric warhead. Modern missiles of this family have a firing range of up to 6 km. It was reported about the development of promising ammunition with a range of up to 8 km and the same combat equipment.
The TOS-1A launcher carries 24 rockets. One volley, depending on different parameters, covers an area of up to 35-40 thousand square meters. A reliable defeat of manpower, unfortified buildings, unprotected equipment, etc. is ensured. Armored vehicles or fortifications take significant damage.
Rocket launch. Photo UNM DNR
The combat vehicle is equipped with a special fire control system that ensures high accuracy in the use of heavy missiles with special ballistics. It includes a control panel, a ballistic computer, a laser rangefinder, and a set of machine position sensors.
Thus, even one Solntsepek combat vehicle is capable of covering a significant area with fire and inflicting great damage on the enemy. It is also possible to fire salvos with a smaller number of missiles at targets of a small area or firing a whole battery. At the same time, the system is protected from most threats. High survivability is ensured both by its own armor and by a high firing range that exceeds the capabilities of the main modern anti-tank weapons.
Service continues
Thus, the Russian army continues the regular operation of its TOS-1A Solntsepek flamethrower systems. Training events are held with the participation of RKhBZ flamethrowers, and, if necessary, the equipment is being repaired and modernized. Over the past few months, combat use in the Special Operations zone has been added to these activities.
A few days ago, the army received a new batch of repaired Suns, which will now return to one of the units and continue their regular service. Perhaps in the near future they will go to the zone of the Special Operation. In any case, the repaired equipment will remain in service along with other machines. It will again contribute to the overall combat effectiveness of the ground forces and to the solution of the assigned tasks.
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