Development trends of domestic heavy flamethrower systems
TOS-1 "Buratino" in the process of reloading
Over the past several decades, the Soviet and Russian defense industry has been developing heavy flamethrower systems - a special kind of rocket artillery with thermobaric ammunition. To date, several samples of this class have been created, each of which has its own characteristics and characteristics. Due to such differences, due to the use of new ideas, each subsequent model shows higher characteristics and combat qualities.
History of development
The development of the first domestic modern heavy flamethrower system, later designated TOS-1 and Buratino, started in the early seventies. The next few years were spent searching for optimal solutions and components that would form the overall appearance of the complex. At the end of the decade, the first prototypes were built and then successfully passed the necessary tests.
Due to various factors, TOS-1 went into production and entered service only in the second half of the eighties. Soon after this, the system was tested in practice in Afghanistan. At the turn of the nineties and two thousand, “Pinocchio” was used in Chechnya to fight gangs. In all cases, high fire efficiency was demonstrated.
TOS-1A "Solcepek", involved in the Special Operation to protect Donbass
In 2001, a modernized version of TOS-1 was developed under the designation TOS-1A “Solntsepek”. Over time, modified combat vehicles replaced the equipment of the first model in the troops. In addition, TOS-1A attracted the interest of foreign countries and became a fairly successful export product.
Like “Buratino”, “Solntsepeki” repeatedly participated in battles. Thus, in Syria they were used by Russian and local troops. Several combat vehicles of this type were sold to Iraq, and it also used them against terrorists. Since last year, the Russian army has regularly used the TOS-1A as part of the Special Operation to demilitarize Ukraine. This technique once again demonstrates its ability to inflict significant damage on the enemy.
At the end of the tenth years, using the accumulated experience, a new flamethrower system was developed - TOS-2 “Tosochka”. In its architecture, it is radically different from its predecessors, but has similar or higher tactical and technical characteristics. Since 2020, Tosochki have repeatedly participated in exercises, and recently it became known about their use in Special Operations.
According to known data, the industry is now engaged in the production and fine-tuning of existing types of TOC. There are plans to develop existing samples, primarily “Tosochka”. In addition, the possibility of creating new flamethrower systems based on promising tracked platforms has been mentioned in the past. Whether these plans remain relevant is unknown.
"Solntsepek" and standard TZM
Technical evolution
The TOS-1 “Pinocchio” product had a characteristic, recognizable appearance. It was built on a chassis tank T-72, due to which a high level of mobility and protection was obtained. Jacks appeared at the rear of the chassis for stabilization when firing. Instead of the standard turret, they installed an original launcher with 30 220 mm caliber guides. An original fire control system was developed, which ensured the effective use of standard shells.
TOS-1 was armed with the MO.1.01.04 missile. It was a 220 mm caliber rocket and approx. 3,3 m with a starting weight of 173 kg. About two-thirds of the body of such a missile is occupied by a thermobaric warhead with a liquid fire mixture. The remaining volume is allocated for a solid fuel engine. Due to its limited size, it provided a firing range of only 3,6 km. At the same time, the short firing range was compensated by the power of the warhead.
The transport-loader was supposed to work together with the Buratino combat vehicle. Initially, it was built on a KrAZ vehicle. On the cargo platform of the vehicle there were fastenings for transporting missiles and a crane for loading them onto the launcher.
The modernized TOS-1A combat vehicle retained the general architecture of the base model, but received updated units. The most noticeable changes have been made to the launcher. It lost the top row of guides, which reduced the ammunition load to 24 missiles. At the same time, the pipe package received improved ballistic protection. Fire control devices have undergone significant modifications. They also developed an improved MO.1.01.04M projectile with a length of 3,7 m and a weight of 217 kg, capable of flying 6 km.
The launch of missiles
For the purpose of unification, a new TZM was developed. It was carried out on the chassis of the T-72 tank, retaining the means of transportation and reloading of ammunition. In addition, the TZM received removable armored casings to protect missiles from external influences.
The TOS-2 Tosochka combat vehicle was actually developed from scratch and without using ready-made components from previous models. It is built on a three-axle Ural truck chassis with a protected cabin. A new smaller 18-rail launcher is used. A highly effective fire control system was also reassembled from modern components. Unlike its predecessors, TOS-2 does not require TZM. It has its own crane and can accept ammunition from any transport vehicle.
It is reported that Tosochka retains the ability to use MO.1.01.04(M) rockets. In addition, TBS-M3 ammunition has been developed for it. With the same dimensions, it flies at a range of up to 15 km and delivers an effective thermobaric charge to the target. Whether such a missile can be used by Solntsepek is unknown.
Development trends
It is easy to see how the family of domestic TOS developed, as well as how and for what reasons the appearance of these combat vehicles changed. As this line of equipment developed, promising and effective solutions were proposed and implemented, as well as compromises of various kinds. At the same time, the main goal and task has always been to improve the basic tactical and technical characteristics.
TOS-2 "Tosochka" at a firing position
TOS-1 and TOS-1A were built on tank chassis. This made it possible to obtain maximum maneuverability and protection. However, the use of such a base was partly a forced decision. The fact is that the first rocket of a specific design had a flight range of only 3,6 km, and the combat vehicle had to approach the target at a minimum distance, not always being able to choose a convenient position or approaches to it. At the same time, risks were expected, which had to be met with an increased level of protection.
The modernized Solntsepek with a projectile flying 6 km has become a more difficult target for return fire. At the same time, they preserved the tank chassis with all its features, and also better protected the guides with missiles. The latest TOS-2 project uses a projectile with a range of up to 15 km, dramatically reducing threats to the combat vehicle. Thanks to this, it was possible to get by with only bulletproof/fragmentation-proof armor.
The increased firing range also simplified the choice of position for combat work. At the same time, the requirements for cross-country ability dropped and it became possible to use a car chassis. In turn, such a base improved the overall mobility of the system and in a certain way simplified its production and operation.
An important area was the development of fire control systems. In each project, the management system was rebuilt using modern components that had the necessary functions and capabilities. Due to this, the accuracy of topographical reference, the speed of data calculations for firing at an increased range, etc. were increased. All this makes it possible to more fully use the potential of missiles, incl. having increased characteristics, as well as fire faster and escape from return fire.
TOS-2 calculation at work
In parallel with combat vehicles, rockets for them are being developed. Basically, measures were taken to increase the firing range. The first modernization of this kind led to an increase in this parameter by about one and a half times, and the newest TBS-M3 projectile flies twice as far as the product for Solntsepek and can already be compared with traditional MLRS missiles.
Apparently, not only the general design of the projectile and its engine were improved. New compositions of liquid warhead could be developed, giving increased power of a volumetric explosion, a larger radius of impact, etc. For obvious reasons, details of this kind remain unknown.
Practical results
Thus, as part of the overall development of the field of heavy flamethrower systems, the Russian defense industry is constantly working on several basic issues and offering new solutions of various kinds. Engineering problems are solved in the context of mobility, protection, parameters of the projectile itself and the systems responsible for its use. Moreover, such tasks often turn out to be interrelated, and the solution to one has a positive effect on the others.
Currently, the Russian army is armed with two heavy flamethrower systems – TOS-1A “Solntsepek” and TOS-2 “Tosochka”. They differ from each other in technical appearance, combat and operational characteristics, etc. Despite all the differences, they solve common problems and successfully complement each other in different situations. Perhaps, based on the experience of joint use of two different TOCs, new samples of this class will be developed in the future. And you can already imagine how they will differ from current machines and what advantages they will receive.
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