Tosochka is devoid of the shortcomings of its predecessors and effectively solves fire tasks
Ukrainian troops rely on engineering training or construction in the combat zone as the main factor of stability in defense. However, as the battles of the previous stages of the SVO have shown, the heavy flamethrower systems of the Russian army are capable of hitting the enemy in almost any shelters. Izvestia saw how the newest CBT-2 of the Center group work, learned what shortcomings of previous generations of this type of weapon were eliminated in new machines and how installations of particular value are guarded.
Long-range and deadly
The previous heavy flamethrower systems — the famous Pinocchio and Solntsepek — had a tank chassis as a base. First of all, this was due to the relatively short firing distance. And although the machines could damage any enemy fortifications, for this it was necessary to get close enough, into the area of operation not only of artillery, but also of mortars. The new CBT-2 systems, which are called Tosochka, have a significantly, almost twice, longer firing distance. The changes are clearly visible, the launcher has become much larger. But now heavy flamethrowers can fire from a long distance, and this made it possible to use the armored and mine-protected Ural Tornado as a base.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Image source: iz.ru
- yes. With this car, we can drive to a safer area (than on previous models), work from a safer distance. In addition, the equipment is completely electronic, everything is done through a computer. The parameters of the projectiles are hammered into the system, the installation is fully automatically unfolded and also automatically folded, " says the commander of the Tosochka with the call sign Cobalt. In normal mode, none of the crew even needs to leave the car and go outside during combat work.
Cobalt is only 20 years old, he signed a contract during his military service at 18 and immediately went to the special military operation zone, where he already managed to work on the "Suns", and, after completing training, switch to the "Tosochka".
— I joined the military service at the age of 18. I signed the contract right away when I found out about it. And also in 2022, he left for his own. Now I have a second contract. Well, my parents were very worried, my mother cried a lot, but I said that I was a man, I make my own decisions. And I should be here, I think it should be so," says Cobalt.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Image source: iz.ru
The thermobaric effect (another name is volumetric detonation, or vacuum effect) is the damaging factor that makes flamethrower systems so effective against any leaky fortifications. Simply put, any kind of shelters that can be found at the front, where sealing is simply impossible. Ammunition sprays a large volume of combustible aerosol in the air, which, burning quickly, leads to a sharp pressure drop. The latter not only destroys shelters, but also affects the cavities of human bodies — at best, these are severe barotrauma. And it is almost impossible to hide in the affected area: it does not matter whether the enemy is in the trench, on the surface, in a forest plantation or in a dugout.
— Of course, single goals are not for us. The reconnaissance unit, the unmanned aerial aviation unit, is doing a good job here, they are looking for "fat" targets for us, representing an accumulation of enemy manpower, and regardless of whether they are sheltered or located in open areas," says the commander of the flamethrower group with the call sign Kama.
The damage is caused by a high difference in pressure, up to 11 atmospheres, and a high-temperature field. The flash point from a thermobaric munition is 3000 degrees.
— After our work, the infantry entered their positions without encountering any resistance. This is probably an indicator of the effectiveness of this weapon. If the structure is not airtight, then any gap will be fatal for the enemy," says Kama.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Image source: iz.ru
He served even before the start of his military service, but he received an officer's position and rank during the fighting. I have been following the events in Donbass for a long time and well understands the purpose of my presence on the line of contact.
— According to my personal conviction, I am here so that people can walk safely on their land, so that people can speak any language that is convenient for them. In your native language first of all. If a person considers himself a Russian, how can I stand aside if they start to harass him. I came here and saw women and children here. All the men have already gone to the front. Their forces are certainly not enough. A strong enough machine is working against them. But our military machine is stronger," explains Kama.
Security and defense
Despite the increased range, the combat vehicle is sheathed with additional protection against enemy drones, along the perimeter it is covered with screens and nets, and where possible, metal chains. In addition, the Tosochka is accompanied by a combat guard group, which must protect the car from threats from the ground and from the air. To do this, the group is armed not only with small arms, but also with electronic warfare (EW) and electronic reconnaissance (RER) equipment.
— There was a case in the area of Avdeevsky "Koksokhim". Three drones were shot down. Two FPV formats and one with a large warhead — something like our "Geranium". That's where they hit him at a distance of 60-70 m. That is, they crushed it with an EW and began to work with a rifle. A lot of barrels were working, I'm not the only one working," recalls one of the combat episodes of the machine gunner Skif.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Image source: iz.ru
Skif hails from Yekaterinburg and tried to volunteer at the beginning of his military service, but had no military service experience. And only in August he left for contract service. He had an absolutely peaceful profession of a catering technologist, worked as a baker.
— I had a hobby. I went to field trips a lot, did shooting sports, I have two guns, since about 2017. I like it, I like it, I like it, and I decided to apply all my skills here. It definitely helped me a lot. That is, both the level of physical fitness and the level of medical training, in equipment, in working with communications, surveillance, and firearms. And I learned very quickly," Skif says about how his civic passion was the impetus for his joining the army and helped in his training.
A soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Image source: Photo: Global Look Press/Andriy Andriyenko
Earlier, Izvestia reported that the troops received the latest heavy flamethrower systems TOS-3 "Dragon". The equipment appeared in the official video of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation from the 1st Guards Mobile Brigade of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Forces (RCBZ). Not much is known about the new system. The characteristics of the car were not officially disclosed. But after the video appeared, it became clear that the "Dragon" was made on a tank chassis, received dynamic armor protection on at least the sides and a protective screen made of mesh above the launcher.
Dmitry Astrakhan
