TOS-1A

   The TOS-1A is an improved version of the original TOS-1 heavy flamethrower system. It was adopted by the Russian Army in 2001. Sometimes this systems is nicknamed the "Solntesepek". The TOS-1A was first used by the Russian Army in Chechnya. Some sources report that this system was used during Russian military agression in Ukraine in 2014. It was also used during the following Russian invasion to Ukraine in 2022. This heavy flamethrower system has been exported to Armenia (6), Azerbaijan (18), Iraq (4) and Kazakhstan (3). Algeria reportedly ordered a number of these systems. A small batch of these systems is in service with Saudi Arabia. Iraqi systems have seen combat during the fights with Islamic State fighters. The TOS-1A was used during the Syrian Civil War. In 2020 Armenian and Azerbaijani systems were used during a military conflict between the countries. In 2022 Saudi Arabia used its systems against Houthi rebels.

   The TOS-1A heavy flamethrower system is intended for direct fire support of advancing infantry units and main battle tanks and moves in their combat orders. It is extremely effective against entrenched personnel. The TOS-1A is used to clear out buildings, field fortifications and bunkers. It is also effective against light armored vehicles. The heavy flamethrower system is generally similar to multiple launch rocket systems, however it fires different types of rockets and has a much shorter firing range.

   The main element of the TOS-1A system is the BM-1 launcher vehicle. Comparing with the original TOS-1 a number of launching tubes was reduced from 30 to 24, arranged in three rows of eight tubes each. New launching tubes are longer in comparison with the previous heavy flamethrower system. There are at least two types of 220 mm rockets. These are 3.3 and 3.7 m long and weight 173 and 217 kg respectively. The TOS-1A uses longer rockets and has a longer range than its predecessor. Maximum range of fire was increased to 6 000 m. Minimum range is 400 m.

   There are at least two types of warheads - incendiary and thermobaric. The thermobaric weapons are also called vacuum or fuel-air explosives. This type of munitions releases a large cloud of flammable gas and causes massive explosions. It is used to clear out buildings, bunkers and other fortifications. The TOS-1A heavy flamethrower system launches a single rocket, or a pair of two rockets within 0.5 s. Full salvo duration is 12 seconds when launching rockets manually an  6 seconds when launching all rockets in automatic mode.

   The BM-1 launching vehicle is operated by a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver. It is fitted with a modern fire control system. All guidance and firing procedures are made from inside of the vehicle, without exposing the crew to enemy fire. The launcher vehicle can stop and fire at a visible target within 90 seconds from traveling.

   Initially TOS-1A launchers were mounted on modified chassis of the T-72A main battle tanks. These were powered by a V-46 diesel engine developing 780 hp, or a more powerful V-84MS diesel developing 840 hp. Upgraded Russian Army's TOS-1A systems have similar features as the upgraded T-72B3 main battle tanks. Newer export versions are based on the T-90S main battle tank chassis and are powered by a V-92 diesel engine, developing 1 000 horsepower. This system is fitted with a self-entrenching blade. Armor protection is similar to that of the T-72A and T-90S MBTs respectively. There was at least one prototype of the TOS-1, based on T-80U main battle tank chassis.

   This heavy flamethrower is supported by a new TZM-T reloading vehicle, which is used to transport and reload rockets. It carries a full set of reload rockets in two pods for 12 rockets each. A crane is mounted between these units. Reloading vehicle also carries 400 liters of fuel for the BM-1 launcher vehicle. The TZM-T is operated by a crew of three.

   Also recently appeared a reloading vehicle, based on KamAZ-6350 8x8 truck. It also carries two pods of reload rockets with a crane mounted in between.

   Price of the TOS-1A rocket systems is over $6.5 million. Though this figure might also include servicing, training and ammunition.

Variants

   TOS-2 is a newer heavy flamethrower system, based on Ural-63704-0010 military truck with 6x6 configuration. It has 18 launch tubes for 220 mm rockets. It was first publicly revealed in 2020. Essentially it is a lighter, less expensive and more mobile version of the TOS-1A.

Article by SERGEI V. GUROV    Want to publish your own articles? Visit our guidelines for more information.

TZM-T reloading vehicle