TOS-2 explained

Origin:	Russia
Type:	Multiple rocket launcher
Is Artillery:	yes
Is Vehicle:	yes
Service:	2021–present
Used By:	Russia
Wars:	2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine^[1]
Designer:	NPO Splav
Design Date:	2016
Production Date:	2021
Variants:	TOS-2
Cartridge:	18 MLRS
Caliber:	220mm

The TOS-2 (Tosochka) (Russian: тяжёлая огнемётная система [ТОС-2]|Tyazhyelaya ognemyotnaya sistema [TOS-2], Heavy Flamethrower System) is a Russian multiple rocket launcher capable of using thermobaric warheads, mounted on a 3-axle truck chassis. TOS-2 was designed to attack enemy fortified positions and lightly armoured vehicles and transports, in open terrain in particular.

History

On 12 January 2018, it was announced that NPO Splav was working on a prototype of a next generation TOS-1 system for preliminary tests. The system with improved tactical and technical characteristics will be made on a wheeled chassis.^[2]

The new TOS-2 (Tosochka) system was first unveiled during the 2020 Moscow Victory Day Parade, and further showcased during the Kavkaz-2020 drills in September 2020. It is equipped with a more powerful TBS-M3 rocket and its own crane. It has also an increased range and is protected from precision weapons.^{[3] [4]} The system uses the 6x6 Ural-63706-0120 all-terrain vehicle instead of the tracked armored chassis of the TOS-1A.

The TOS-2 entered service with the Central Military District on 6 January 2021.^[5]

In late May 2022, TASS reported that the system was deployed in Ukraine during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.^[6] In October 2023, the TOS-2 system was sighted in the area surrounding Kreminna, Luhansk Oblast.^[7] It was reported in August 2024 that the range of the system has been extended.^[8]

Munitions

• The MO.1.01.04 (Russian: неуправляемый реактивный снаряд) are 3.3m (10.8feet) long and weigh 173kg (381lb).^[9] The original rocket for the TOS-1A had a range of only 2700m (8,900feet). Modernized systems with active protection, new engine and launchers and other improvements were delivered in early 2018.^{[10] [11]}
• The MO.1.01.04M rocket is 3.7m (12.1feet) long and weighs 217kg (478lb).^[12] This version extends the range to 6000m (20,000feet). The system was modernized in 2016.^[13]
• The M0.1.01.04M2 rocket was upgraded in March 2020 to a heavier thermobaric warhead and better 10km range, to operate outside the range of modern ATGMs.^[12]

Notes and References

1. Web site: ЦАМТО / / Расчет ТОС-2 «Тосочка» подразделений РХБ-защиты ЦВО поразил скопление пехоты ВСУ в укрепрайоне . TsAMTO // TOS-2 "Tosochka" crew of the Central Military District's NBC protection units hit a concentration of Ukrainian Armed Forces infantry in a fortified area . armstrade.org.
2. Web site: Опытный образец тяжелой огнеметной системы нового поколения создается в России . . Russian.
3. Web site: New Russian military equipment used during 'Kavkaz 2020' exercise . janes.com . October 2020 .
4. Web site: Russian military use newest TOS-2 heavy flamethrower for the first time . TASS.
5. Web site: В войска ЦВО поступили новые тяжелые огнеметные системы "Тосочка" . 6 January 2021.
6. Web site: Russia deploys in Ukraine its new TOS-2 thermobaric rocket launcher system . armyrecognition.com . 28 May 2022.
7. 1714360674699157504 . EjShahid . Росіяни демонструють перші кадри роботи ТОС-2 "Тосочка" в населеному пункті Кремінна, Луганська область. Location: Kreminna, Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine 49.038123, 38.185804 @GeoConfirmed @UAControlMap Source: https://t.me/rian_ru/218519 . 18 October 2023 . 18 January 2024.
8. Web site: Firing range of Tosochka flamethrower system extended . TASS . 2024-08-13 . . 2024-08-14.
9. News: TOS-1A Solntsepyok . 15 February 2023 . WEAPONSYSTEMS.NET.
10. Web site: ЦАМТО / Новости / На вооружение полка РХБ защиты ЗВО поступили модернизированные тяжелые огнеметные системы ТОС-1А "Солнцепек" . 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.
11. Web site: ЦАМТО / Новости / В ЮВО поступили модернизированные тяжелые огнеметные системы ТОС-1А "Буратино" . 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.
12. News: M0.1.01.04M . deagel.com.
13. 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 . TASS.