Combat use of TOS-2 “Tosochka”: for the first time on camera
Entering a position
Since last year, the latest TOS-2 Tosochka heavy flamethrower systems have been regularly used in the area of the Special Operation to Protect Donbass. They successfully solve assigned tasks and hit various targets. At the same time, the Ministry of Defense for a long time did not show the combat operation of the new TOS-2. The first official video of this kind appeared only a few days ago and is of particular interest.
documentary footage
On October 17, the Ministry of Defense for the first time published a video about the combat use of the new TOS-2 flamethrower system. In less than a minute, it showed all the main stages of crew work and equipment to hit a target. In addition, the video was supplemented with footage of objective control. Where and when the shooting took place is not specified.
The video begins with the combat vehicle moving into a firing position. The latter is a section of a certain road at a suitable distance from the designated target. The crew brought the installation into position and deployed. By radio he was given the coordinates of the target - a concentration of enemy infantry in a fortified area. Using the fire control system, the system operator aimed and opened fire.
The process of preparing for firing was shown both outside the combat vehicle and from its cockpit. The crew worked with the consoles at their workplaces and performed the necessary operations. At the same time, some of the elements of the remote controls in the video had to be retouched to hide the system interface and the information displayed.
Preparation for shooting
The results of the shooting were monitored using a reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle. He recorded an explosion at the required point in the area, accompanied by a characteristic cloud of fire. The Ministry of Defense reports that the strike was successful and the TOS-2 hit its intended targets.
As noted in the explanation to the video, in this episode “Tosochka” used a rocket with a thermobaric warhead and an increased firing range. Such ammunition was developed together with TOS-2 and is now used against real targets.
Obviously, the episode of combat use of TOS-2 shown is far from the only one. First news the presence of such systems in the Special Operation zone appeared in the spring of 2022, and subsequently new similar reports were received repeatedly. In addition, the appearance of the combat vehicle speaks about intensive work. Under the influence of reactive gases, the paint on the frontal part of the launcher faded, and the crew probably simply did not have time to restore it. In addition, a visor is mounted on the guide package for protection against UAVs and various ammunition.
Latest development
It should be recalled that the TOS-2 “Tosochka” product appeared not too long ago. This model was developed at the end of the last decade by the Tula NPO Splav in collaboration with the Perm Motovilikha Plants (both enterprises are part of the Rostec corporation). At the same time, the necessary tests were carried out, based on the results of which the fate of the new product was decided.
Operator at work
In June 2020, the finished TOS-2 was first shown to the public at the Victory Parade. In the fall of the same year, during the Kavkaz-2020 exercises, the firing of this system was openly demonstrated. In addition, Rostec regularly showed Tosochka at major domestic exhibitions. Various photo and video materials about her were also published, which were of great interest.
Almost from the very beginning, units of the RKhBZ troops, equipped with heavy flamethrower systems, have been participating in the Special Operation. First, they attacked the enemy using the TOS-1A Solntsepek systems and their standard missiles. No later than April-May, newer TOS-2 “Tosochka” appeared at the front. As we can see, this combat vehicle has found its place in the troops and is successfully used to solve combat missions and inflict fire damage on the enemy.
Clear benefits
The TOS-2 project was developed based on the operating experience of previous TOS-1(A) systems. As a result, the overall appearance of the system was seriously redesigned with a revision of the architecture, the introduction of new devices, etc. As a result, it was possible to increase all the main tactical and technical characteristics and gain obvious advantages over Buratino / Solntsepek.
First of all, it was decided to abandon the tracked chassis in favor of a wheeled one. This measure increased the mobility and mobility of the combat vehicle, and also reduced the cost of production and operation. At the same time, the carrying capacity and, as a result, the ammunition carried were reduced. In addition, the placement of the crew has changed - now it is located in a car-type cabin with bulletproof and fragmentation-proof armor.
Start of a rocket
“Tosochka” received a modern digital fire control system, equipped with all the necessary means. There is a satellite navigation system for precise self-referencing, weather sensors, communications equipment, a ballistic computer and a launcher drive control system. The control system ensures the use of both existing ammunition from TOS-1(A) and new types of missiles.
The TOS-2 launcher is still made in the form of a package with tubular guides on a machine with the ability to aim in two planes. The rear part of the unit in the stowed position is covered with a movable shield. The transportable ammunition load has been reduced to 18 missiles in comparison with the Solntsepek - the tubes are placed in 3 horizontal rows of 8 units each. Shooting is carried out both single and in volleys.
Tosochka uses 220mm unguided rockets. It is possible to use MO.1.01.04 and MO.1.01.04M products from systems of previous generations that hit targets at ranges of up to 5-6 km. A new TBS-M3 missile has also been developed with a flight range of up to 10-15 km and an improved thermobaric warhead. Previously, some sources mentioned the possibility of further improving missiles and increasing range.
Systems in combat
Heavy flamethrower systems of two main types are actively used as part of the current Special Operation. With their help, they attack concentrations of enemy manpower and unprotected equipment, some structures and buildings, etc. At the same time, high efficiency is demonstrated, and in addition, the detonations of thermobaric charges look very impressive.
Target hit
A number of serial TOS-2 Tosochka systems have already found their place in the RKhBZ troops. Like Solntsepek, they are used regularly and cope with the assigned tasks. In addition, the technology of the latest model shows its advantages over its predecessors. Their proper use can significantly improve the results of operation and application.
Thus, due to the wheeled chassis, “Tosochka” is able to quickly move along asphalt or dirt roads and reach a given position in less time. New shells allow firing from a greater range, which reduces the time to reach a position and also reduces the likelihood of return fire. The last factor also allows you to do without tank habitable compartment armor.
TOS-2 differs from TOS-1 in having a smaller number of guides on the launcher. However, the reduction in the salvo is compensated by the increased accuracy of calculating the firing data. In addition, the overall combat qualities are positively affected by the increased characteristics of the new missile.
Useful novelty
In general, the new TOS-2 “Tosochka” system is a successful development option for the previous TOS-1(A) and has long shown and proven its right to exist. Now the flamethrower units of the Russian Army's RCBZ have both types of equipment, and they are used in the Special Operations area. “Solntsepek” and “Tosochka” complement each other and the traditional rocket artillery, resulting in an increase in the overall fire potential of our ground forces.
It should be expected that Rostec enterprises will continue serial production of TOS-2 machines and the necessary equipment for them. The army, in turn, will operate and use such equipment to solve existing combat missions. The results of heavy flamethrower systems are well known and should be expected to continue to contribute to overall military and political objectives.
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