TOS-1 explained

ТОС-1
TOS-1 Buratino/TOS-1A Solntsepyok
Object 634/634B/MO.1.01.00
Origin:Soviet Union
Type:Multiple rocket launcher
Is Artillery:yes
Is Vehicle:yes
Service:1988–present
Used By:Soviet Union (historically), Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Algeria, Syria, Iraq, Ukraine (captured from Russia)
Wars:Soviet–Afghan War
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
Second Chechen War
War in Iraq (2013–2017)[1]
Syrian Civil War
War in Donbas
Second Nagorno-Karabakh War
2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
Designer:Omsk Transmash Design Bureau
Design Date:1988
Manufacturer:Uralvagonzavod
Production Date:TOS-1: 1987–present
TOS-1A: 2003–present
Variants:TOS-1A
Weight:45.3t
Length:9.5m (31.2feet)
Width:3.6m (11.8feet)
Height:2.22m (07.28feet)
Crew:3
Caliber:220mm
Rate:30 rounds/15 s
Range:.5-3 km (TOS-1)
10 km (TOS-1A)
Engine:V-84 Diesel
Engine Power:840hp
Vehicle Range:550km (340miles)
Speed:60km/h

TOS-1 Buratino (Russian: тяжёлая огнемётная система [ТОС-1]|Tyazhyelaya ognemyetnaya sistema [TOS-1], Heavy Flamethrower System) is a Soviet 220 mm 30-barrel (original system, Object 634 or TOS-1M) or 24-barrel (Object 634B or TOS-1A Solntsepyok) multiple rocket launcher capable of using thermobaric warheads, mounted on a T-72 / T-90 tank chassis. TOS-1 was designed to attack enemy fortified positions and lightly armored vehicles and transports, particularly in open terrain. The system’s first combat tests took place in 1988 and 1989 in the Panjshir Valley during the Soviet–Afghan War. The TOS-1 was shown for the first time in public in 1999 in Omsk.

TOS-1 is not assigned to the artillery units of the Russian Armed Forces but is found in Russian NBC Protection Troops.[2]

Development

The idea of a heavy short-range MLRS to launch rockets equipped with incendiary and thermobaric warheads arose in the late 1970s. The combat system consisting of the combat vehicle, rockets, and loading vehicle was developed in early 1980s at KBTM in Omsk and was named TOS-1, remaining a secret development for a long time.

The TOS-1 Buratino is intended to engage military personnel, equipment, and buildings, including fortified constructions. The nickname "Buratino" originates with the name of the hero of a Russian retelling of the Pinocchio tale (by Alexey Tolstoy), given the perception of the big "nose" of the launcher (in the original Italian text of Pinocchio, the protagonist is a "burattino", the Italian word for "puppet"). The combat vehicle acts within the combat order of infantry and tanks. The large mass of the launcher, combined with the short range of rockets launches (3500abbr=offNaNabbr=off), forced an increase in the level of armor and use the chassis of the T-72 main battle tank. The TZM reloading vehicle was built on the chassis of a KrAZ-255B cross-country truck and equipped with a crane for loading/unloading of the launcher. Production of KrAZ-255B has officially stopped in 1994. Therefore, TZM-T for later Soltsepyok was created based on the chassis of a T-72 variation T-72A.

In 2003, the improved TOS-1A Solntsepyok ("Scorching sunlight") system entered service with the range extended to 6km (04miles) and a better ballistic computer.[3]

In March 2020, Russia introduced a new rocket for the TOS-1A with a range of 10km (10miles), achieved in part by weight and size reductions of a new fuel air explosive mixture in the warhead, while also increasing its power. Minimum range is extended from 400mto1600mm (1,300feetto5,200feetm), so the shorter-range M0.1.01.04M rocket will be retained for close combat environments.[4] In 2018, Russian NBC Protection Troops received 30 TOS-1A Solntsepyok (Sunburn) 220 mm multiple rocket launchers.[5]

In October 2017 Saudi Arabian Military Industries signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Rosoboronexport for the local production of the TOS-1A.[6]

Combat history

TOS-1s were first used in combat in Afghanistan's Panjshir valley by the Soviet Union during the Soviet–Afghan War.[7] [8] Later, they were used during the Second Chechen War.[9]

TOS-1As were first used in combat in Iraq by the Iraqi Army in the recapture of Jurf Al Sakhar on 24 October 2014, from ISIL forces.[10] The Iraqi Army launched at least three TOS-1 rockets on 18 June 2017 during the first day of an offensive to recapture the Old City of Mosul, Iraq, from the Islamic State, targeting school buildings held by Islamic State forces and known to be devoid of civilians.[11]

The OSCE reported in September 2015 that the TOS-1 was sighted in a rebel training area in eastern Ukraine.[12]

The TOS-1 was used in Syria on 10 October 2015, by Syrian Army forces against rebel forces in Hama.[13] [14] In 2016, it was used against rebel forces in the Latakia mountains,[15] with at least one being destroyed by a rebel Kornet ATGM near Northern Aleppo.[16] It was used again by the Syrian Arab Army in April 2017 in the area of Palmyra,[17] and later in the same month to destroy an ISIS camp. In November 2018, the system was deployed by the SAA against ISIS in Al-Safa region.[18]

Azerbaijan used the TOS-1A against the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army on 4 April 2016[19] and 28 September 2020.

It took part in the large-scale Russian-Belarusian exercise Zapad in September 2021.[20]

TOS-1A units were being deployed during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.[21] Several sightings of the system were reported during the invasion. A verified image of a TOS-1A claimed to have been captured by the Ukrainian Army has been widely shared across social media.[22] On 9 March 2022, the UK Ministry of Defense said on Twitter that the Russian Ministry of Defense had confirmed the use of the weapon system in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[23] [24] Ukrainian forces went on to capture several units which were left abandoned by the Russians, and have used a captured unit against the Russians.[25] [26] [27]

The TOS-1A was reportedly used by Russian forces during the Battle of Pisky in 2022.[28] One was destroyed by Ukrainian forces in February 2023 during the Battle of Vuhledar.[29] On 9 June 2023, another TOS-1A was claimed to be destroyed in Zaporizhzhia region during the 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive. However no video evidence exist for this claim.[30] Another TOS-1A was reportedly destroyed on the left bank of the Dnipro River in November using a drone dropping bombs.[31]

TOS-1A was also reportedly used during the Battle of Chasiv Yar in 2024.[32] [33] In August 2024, Ukrainian forces reported a TOS-1A had been destroyed in the Zaporizhzhia region.[34]

System description

The TOS-1A Solntsepyok (Russian: Солнцепёк, Blazing Sun) system consists of the following items:[35] [36]

Operators

Current operators

Status unknown

Former operators

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Iraq: See the EXPLOSIVE Russian firepower helping Iraqi forces fight IS. YouTube. 23 December 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20160118160658/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1a755ybJbE. 18 January 2016. live.
  2. Web site: Ukrainian army fires TOS-1A Heavy Flamethrower against its former Russian owner. 6 April 2022.
  3. Web site: ЦАМТО / Новости / В декабре исполняется 15 лет со дня принятия на вооружение ВС РФ ТОС-1А "Солнцепек" . TsAMTO / News / In December it will be 15 years since the adoption of TOS-1A "Solntsepyok" in the Russian Armed Forces . ru. 2018-12-24 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181224170601/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/1224/122050259/detail.shtml . 2018-12-24 . live .
  4. Web site: Troops fire next-generation shells for heavy flamethrowers in Siberia drills.
  5. Web site: Russian CBRN protection troops receive 30 TOS-1A MRLs Jane's 360. www.janes.com. 2018-09-12. https://web.archive.org/web/20180905143814/https://www.janes.com/article/82729/russian-cbrn-protection-troops-receive-30-tos-1a-mrls. 2018-09-05. live.
  6. Web site: Saudi Arabia signs agreement to manufacture Russian weapons locally. english.alarabiya.net. 5 October 2017. 2017-10-06. https://web.archive.org/web/20171006113509/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2017/10/05/Saudi-Arabian-Military-Industries-signs-agreement-to-manucafture-Russian-weapons-locally-.html. 2017-10-06. live.
  7. Web site: Putin schickt nach Syrien & Irak die effektivste Waffe gegen den IS - TOS-1A . Putin sends to Syria & Iraq the most effective weapon against the IS - TOS-1A . de. Deutschland+Russland. 21 September 2015. YouTube. 10 June 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170506202925/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euWFB3nRXxE. 6 May 2017. live.
  8. Web site: This Russian Tank-Mounted Rocket Launcher Can Incinerate 8 City Blocks. 14 September 2015. 1 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170507035207/http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a17324/the-scariest-soviet-tank-mounted-rocket-launcher-ever-will-blow-you-up-now/. 7 May 2017. live.
  9. Web site: The Chechen Wars Cast a Long Shadow. War Is. Boring. 28 March 2015. 1 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170628202624/https://medium.com/war-is-boring/the-chechen-wars-cast-a-long-shadow-7b058a84ffe9. 28 June 2017. live.
  10. Web site: Salami. Jassem Al. Led by an Armored Bulldozer, Shia Militia Fought to Restore Their Credibility. War is Boring. 26 November 2014. Medium.com. 27 November 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141219052004/https://medium.com/war-is-boring/led-by-an-armored-bulldozer-shia-militia-fought-to-restore-their-credibility-8a6467a29174. 19 December 2014. live.
  11. News: Morris, Loveday, "Iraqi forces fight their way into the narrow streets of Mosul's historic center," Washington Post, June 18, 2017. . . June 19, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170618085301/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/they-will-fight-to-the-death-iraqi-forces-start-offensive-to-retake-last-area-of-mosul-held-by-militants/2017/06/18/ca390f08-53f3-11e7-be25-3a519335381c_story.html . June 18, 2017 . live .
  12. News: Ukraine rebels 'have new rockets'. BBC News. 2 October 2015. 21 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180819225354/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34425454. 19 August 2018. live.
  13. Web site: YouTube. www.youtube.com. 2017-04-26. https://web.archive.org/web/20170810171420/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fUgOJpuf50. 2017-08-10. live.
  14. Web site: TOS-1 Buratino Russian MLRS, burn up islamic terrorists in Hama. odzadze123. 25 November 2015. YouTube. 26 April 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170816134112/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWdNdHB4BCk. 16 August 2017. live.
  15. Web site: YouTube. www.youtube.com. 2017-04-26. https://web.archive.org/web/20170817011732/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Cf5RzijSRs. 2017-08-17. live.
  16. Rebel44CZ . 1495506928826519552 . Jakub . Janovsky . 2016.06.04 Tal Sheikh Yusef. N. Aleppo. Kornet vs. TOS-1 MRLS, hit (Fatah Halab) . 20 February 2022 . 2022-03-16.
  17. Web site: "Солнцепек" работает под Пальмирой (видео) . https://web.archive.org/web/20170408111902/http://vpk-news.ru/news/36062. dead. "Solntsepyok" in action near Palmyra (video). April 8, 2017. vpk-news.ru.
  18. Web site: Российский спецназ и ТОС-1А помогают сирийской армии добивать боевиков . Russian special forces and TOS-1A help the Syrian army to finish off the militants . ru . vpk-news.ru. 2018-11-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181120055147/https://vpk-news.ru/news/46368 . 2018-11-20 . live .
  19. Web site: For the first time Azerbaijan has used heavy flamethrower systems. AZERI DAILY. 4 April 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160414213024/http://azeridaily.com/reality/17758. 14 April 2016. live.
  20. Web site: Remote minelayer, heavy flamethrower first used together in Zapad exercise.
  21. Web site: Russian army deploys its TOS-1 heavy flamethrower, capable of vaporizing human bodies, near Ukrainian border, footage shows. Joshua. Zitser. Business Insider.
  22. Web site: Putin nightmare: Ukrainian army captures Russian TOS-1A thermobaric rocket launcher . 2022-03-02 . www.express.co.uk. 2 March 2022 .
  23. News: 9 March 2022 . Russia-Ukraine war: Russia admits using thermobaric weapons, UK says . en-GB . The Guardian . 9 March 2022.
  24. Web site: 9 March 2022 . Russian MoD confirmed the use of the TOS-1A . 9 March 2022 . Twitter . en.
  25. Web site: 2022-04-05 . ЗСУ вперше застосували проти росіян їхню ж вогнеметну систему ТОС-1А "Солнцепек" . For the first time, the Ukrainian Armed Forces used their own TOS-1A "Solntsepyok" flamethrower system against the Russians. 2022-04-07 . novynarnia.com . uk.
  26. Web site: Бють окупантів їхньою ж зброєю: ЗСУ вперше застосували трофейний ТОС-1А Солнцепек . Fighting the occupiers with their own weapons: Ukrainian Armed Forces use trophy TOS-1A Solntsepyok for the first time. 2022-04-07 . Голос Карпат.
  27. News: Grylls . George . Ukrainian forces use Russians' 'blazing sun' thermobaric weapon against them . . en . 2022-04-07 . 0140-0460.
  28. News: Yahoo News. Russian vacuum bombs destroy Ukrainian town in horrifying new footage. 12 August 2022. 28 August 2022.
  29. Web site: Axe . David . When Russian Troops Got Stuck In a Minefield Near Vuhledar, They Deployed A 'Flamethrower' Rocket Launcher. The Ukrainians Blew It Up. . 2023-02-19 . Forbes . en.
  30. Web site: Ukrainian troops blow up Russia's heavy flamethrower in huge explosion . 10 June 2023.
  31. Web site: Russia's TOS-1A Solntsepyok destroyed in left-bank Kherson region . 18 November 2023.
  32. News: Russians target Chasiv Yar with vacuum bombs that burn down everything . Ukrainska Pravda. 6 June 2024. 6 July 2024.
  33. News: Kyiv Independent. Ukraine repels Russian troops from eastern Chasiv Yar neighborhood, military says. 27 June 2024. 10 July 2024.
  34. https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3891675-russias-solntsepyok-heavy-flamethrower-destroyed-in-zaporizhzhia-region.html
  35. Web site: TOS-1A Heavy Flamethrower System - Military-Today.com. ARG. www.military-today.com. 2011-08-22. https://web.archive.org/web/20110928004901/http://www.military-today.com/artillery/tos_1a.htm. 2011-09-28. live.
  36. Web site: Тяжёлая огнемётная система ТОС-1А . Heavy flamethrower system TOS-1A . ru. 23 December 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20120531074206/http://rbase.new-factoria.ru/missile/wobb/tos-1a/tos-1a.shtml. 31 May 2012. live.
  37. Web site: ЦАМТО / Новости / На вооружение полка РХБ защиты ЗВО поступили модернизированные тяжелые огнеметные системы ТОС-1А "Солнцепек". TsAMTO / News / The NBC protection regiment of the Western Military District received the upgraded heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A "Solntsepyok". ru. www.armstrade.org. 2018-03-31. https://web.archive.org/web/20180401004811/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/0326/110045981/detail.shtml. 2018-04-01. live.
  38. Web site: ЦАМТО / Новости / В ЮВО поступили модернизированные тяжелые огнеметные системы ТОС-1А "Буратино". TsAMTO / News / The upgraded heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A "Buratino" were received by the Southern Military District. ru. www.armstrade.org. 2018-04-11. https://web.archive.org/web/20180411175105/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/0410/142046252/detail.shtml. 2018-04-11. live.
  39. Web site: ЦАМТО / / Новая система топопривязки повысит оперативность и точность стрельбы «Солнцепеков» и убережет их от огня ВСУ . ЦАМТО / Центр анализа мировой торговли оружием . 2023-10-24 . ru . . 2023-10-26.
  40. News: TOS-1A Solntsepyok . 15 February 2023 . WEAPONSYSTEMS.NET.
  41. News: M0.1.01.04M .
  42. Web site: Russian defense contractor puts new types of armament into production this year. 2016-12-23. https://web.archive.org/web/20161223162841/http://tass.com/defense/921184. 2016-12-23. live.
  43. The Military Balance 2023, p. 316
  44. The Military Balance 2023, p. 172
  45. The Military Balance 2023, p. 329
  46. Web site: TOS-1 multiple rocket launcher . Bubblews . 23 December 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141218181744/http://www.bubblews.com/news/5388164-tos-1-multiple-rocket-launcher . 18 December 2014 .
  47. News: Войска ЦВО получили комплект тяжелых огнеметов "Солнцепек" . Troops of the Central Military District received a set of "Solntsepyok" heavy flamethrowers . ru. . 2018-02-14 . 2018-02-14 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180214103208/https://rg.ru/2018/02/14/reg-urfo/komplekt-tiazhelyh-ognemetov-solncepek.html . 2018-02-14 . live .
  48. Web site: ЦАМТО / Новости / ТОС-1А "Солнцепек" последней модификации впервые поступили в общевойсковую армию ВВО в Приамурье . TsAMTO / News / TOS-1A "Solntsepyok" of the latest modification was first received by the combined arms army of the Eastern Military District in the Amur region . ru. www.armstrade.org. 2018-04-22. https://web.archive.org/web/20180423102047/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/0418/102046369/detail.shtml. 2018-04-23. live.
  49. Web site: Solntsepek triples fire power of RChB troops, Eastern Military District : Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation. eng.mil.ru. 2018-05-08. https://web.archive.org/web/20180508185929/http://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12174278@egNews. 2018-05-08. live.
  50. Web site: ЦАМТО / Новости / Новое подразделение РХБ защиты на Алтае получило на вооружение тяжелые огнеметные системы "Солнцепек" . TsAMTO / News / A new radio-chemical defense unit in Altai received "Solntsepyok" heavy flamethrower systems in service . ru. www.armstrade.org. 2018-05-28. https://web.archive.org/web/20180529054213/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/0528/092046937/detail.shtml. 2018-05-29. live.
  51. Web site: Janes | Latest defence and security news . 2018-09-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180904192448/https://www.janes.com/article/82729/russian-cbrn-protection-troops-receive-30-tos-1a-mrls . 2018-09-04 . live .
  52. Web site: ЦАМТО / / "Омсктрансмаш" отправил в войска партию ТОС-1А . TsAMTO / / "Omsktransmash" sent a batch of TOS-1A to the troops . ru. armstrade.org.
  53. Web site: В войска ЦВО поступили новые тяжелые огнеметные системы "Тосочка" . Troops of the Central Military District received new heavy flamethrower systems "Tosochka" . ru. 6 January 2021.
  54. Web site: Omsktransmash delivers batch of flamethrowers to Russian military ahead of time .
  55. Web site: ЦАМТО / / Подразделения РХБ защиты ЦВО в ноябре получили около 15 образцов современной военной техники . TsAMTO / / CBRN defense units of the Central Military District received about 15 samples of modern military equipment in November. ru. armstrade.org.
  56. Web site: Oryx . Attack On Europe: Documenting Russian Equipment Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine . 2024-01-17 . Oryx.
  57. Web site: Моисеев . Алексей . ТОС-1А "Солнцепек" и ТОС-2 "Тосочка" по опыту СВО получили дополнительную защиту . Российская газета . 2024-04-12 . ru . 2024-04-14.
  58. Web site: Королева . Алена . Российский "Волнорез" защитил от дронов ВСУ оставленный в поле "Солнцепек" . Российская газета . 2024-04-19 . ru . 2024-04-26.
  59. The Military Balance 2023, p. 351
  60. Web site: Saudi Arabia signs agreement to manufacture Russian weapons locally. Al Arabiya. 5 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171006113509/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2017/10/05/Saudi-Arabian-Military-Industries-signs-agreement-to-manucafture-Russian-weapons-locally-.html. 6 October 2017. live.
  61. Web site: Saudi Arabian Military Industries Signs Agreement And MOU With Russia's ROSOBORONEXPORT. The Saudi Center for International Communication. October 5, 2017. April 9, 2019. April 28, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190428143820/https://cic.org.sa/2017/10/saudi-arabian-military-industries-signs-agreement-and-mou-with-russias-rosoboronexport/. dead.
  62. Web site: Hier zerstört Putins Höllenkanone eine Festung der Rebellen . 24 October 2015 . Here Putin's infernal cannon destroys a rebel fortress . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160209021430/http://www.stern.de/digital/technik/raketenwerfer-tos-1--putins-hoellenkanone-zerstoert-acht-haeuserblocks-auf-einmal-6504704.html . 9 February 2016 . 2 February 2016 . STERN.de . de.
  63. The Military Balance 2023, p. 355
  64. Web site: Mitzer . Stijn . Oliemans . Joost . 4 October 2022 . Central Asian Armour: Tajikistan's Inventory Of AFVs . Oryx Blog.
  65. The Military Balance 2023, p. 198
  66. Web site: 24 February 2022 . Attack On Europe: Documenting Russian Equipment Losses During The 2022 Russian Invasion Of Ukraine . Oryx Blog.
  67. Web site: Axe . David . 17 April 2022 . Ukrainian Troops Reportedly Fired A Captured Russian Rocket Launcher ... Back At The Russians . Forbes.

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