The joint work of different modifications of military equipment makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of defeat
The Russian military has mastered a new tactic of using heavy flamethrower systems. Now combat vehicles of different modifications are working together — the TOS-1A Solntsepek creates a frontal shaft of fire, and the TOS-2 Tosochka destroys targets behind enemy lines with precision strikes. Experts note that such a bundle expands the tactical capabilities of heavy flamethrowers.
New targets and ammunition
Calculations of heavy flamethrower systems (TOC) began to use new tactics. Now combat vehicles of different modifications are working together: the TOS-1A Solntsepek creates a frontal shaft of fire, and the wheeled and more mobile TOS-2 Tosochka precisely destroys targets located in the enemy's immediate rear, sources told Izvestia in the Ministry of Defense.
TOS-1A "Solntsepek"
Image source: Photo: RIA Novosti/Evgeny Biyatov
The wheeled Tosochka is more mobile than the Solntsepek on a tank chassis. This allows you to quickly change positions, deliver unexpected fire strikes, and successfully avoid return fire. It is also important that the system actively uses new, more accurate rockets that can destroy targets at a distance of up to 15 km, the interlocutors of the publication noted.
In a pair of Solntsepek and Tosochka, each flamethrower system is designed to solve its own combat mission, military expert Alexei Leonkov told Izvestia.
— The "sunburners" burn out the fortified areas located directly on the front line, — he explained. — Tosochka works on more remote targets. Thus, they divide the impact bands on the enemy. There are many important targets in the immediate rear. For example, tactical drone control points are located at depths of up to 10 km. They are the ones who work on the front edge and fly deep into our territory using repeaters for 10-30 km. The destruction of such control points is one of the priorities. In the latest reports of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the number of such affected objects is in the dozens.
TOS-2 "Tosochka"
Image source: Photo: RIA Novosti/Alexey Maishev
CBT is good for working on any closed positions. No shelters can save you from its damaging effects.
The expert recalled that thermobaric missiles of CBT cause a fire tornado, which, spreading, penetrates into any shelters. The main damaging factors are high temperature, shock wave and sudden pressure drop.
CBT was first used in Afghanistan, Oleg Zheltonozhko, a military expert in the field of radiation, chemical and biological protection, told Izvestia.
— Since then, several areas of development of heavy flamethrower systems have appeared, — the expert noted. — The first CBT had short-range ammunition and could only work along the front edge in MLRS mode, covering areas. They were made on a tank chassis — the armor helped to preserve the crews, provided high maneuverability. These include the "Sun". Then there was a "Tosochka" on a wheeled chassis. It is a lighter and more maneuverable vehicle with less ammunition. At about the same time, more long-range and precise ammunition appeared, which made it possible to hit point targets with the Tosochka.
TOS-2 "Tosochka"
Image source: Photo: RIA Novosti/Stanislav Krasilnikov
The distribution of roles among the types of CBT on the battlefield is to increase the effectiveness of heavy flamethrowers.
"Narrow specialization allows us to better cope with specific tasks," Oleg Zheltonozhko noted. — Our troops take into account their combat experience and develop more effective tactics.
The accuracy of the Tosochka
Tosochka was created on the basis of the Ural wheeled chassis with an armored cabin. This system is a more modern modification of heavy flame—throwing systems such as the TOS-1 Pinocchio and TOS-1A Solntsepek.
TOS-1 "Pinocchio"
Image source: Photo: TASS/Ladislav Karpov
TOS-2 is designed to destroy enemy manpower, lightly armored vehicles, as well as destroy fortifications using thermobaric ammunition.
The Russian Defense Ministry announced the start of combat use of new upgraded rockets for heavy flamethrowers in the spring of this year.
They allowed to increase the firing range to 15 km. They had an increased mass of the warhead, and an upgraded solid-fuel engine allowed them to hit enemy targets at a greater range. Early versions of CBT missiles had a range of up to 10 km.
The number of rocket guides on the Tosochki has been reduced from 24 (for the TOS-1A) to 18. At the same time, TOS-2 is equipped with a crane manipulator, which helps to quickly recharge without the involvement of a transport-charging machine.
TOS-2 "Tosochka"
Image source: Photo: RIA Novosti/Alexey Maishev
Tosochka received an improved ballistic computer and integration with automated artillery fire control systems. This allows the crew to fire without leaving the cockpit. All the calculations necessary for accurate shooting are done by a computer.
Thermobaric "Dragon"
Izvestia wrote that the Russian troops had received the latest heavy flamethrower systems TOS-3 "Dragon". The combat vehicle is made on the basis of a tank chassis and received 15 guides for rockets — less than that of heavy flamethrower systems of previous generations. The technical specifications of the Dragon have not been officially announced.
Photo: TASS/Alexey Konovalov
Image Source: iz.ru
Heavy flamethrower systems were originally in service with the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Forces The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. During a special military operation, these combat systems proved themselves well and they began to arm units where they had not been before.
Izvestia wrote that for the first time in history, Russian mountain riflemen began receiving heavy flamethrower systems. They are already being mastered by the 34th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle (mountain) brigade.
Earlier, the Airborne Troops received such combat vehicles - also for the first time in their history. They were armed with the "Sunbeams". The new systems should create serious fire support for assault units, increasing their capabilities.
Bogdan Stepovoy
Andrey Fedorov
