Progress is being made within the area of heavy flamethrower techniques by Russian engineers. Their newest creation, the TOS-3 Dragon, includes a tracked chassis and is distinguished by its new ammunition and expanded firing vary. This info emerged in an interview carried out by the TASS company with the economic director of the state company Rostec, revealed on April 8, 2024.
“At the moment, our focus is on the event of the brand new TOS-3 heavy flamethrower system. This revolutionary tracked car is about to come back outfitted with a state-of-the-art launcher system. Because of this, we anticipate a rise not solely in firing vary but in addition within the versatility of ammunition use. In truth, now we have already rolled out our first prototype,” said Behzad Ozdoev.
What stands out within the preview picture of the flamethrower system is the decreased variety of operators wanted in comparison with earlier TOS variations. This might point out the usage of newer, bigger missiles to maximise each the vary and precision of strikes on enemy targets.
Uniquely related to the realm of specialised army operations, the TOS-1A Solntsepek heavy flamethrower system performs a pivotal function within the Russian military’s operations. Enhancing that is the newly launched TOS-2 Tosochka system. Along with these, the Russian army proudly showcases the Vozrozhdenie salvo launch missile system–a complicated fight resolution developed on the ISDM Agriculture chassis, designed to make the most of rockets from flamethrower techniques.
Rumors
In February of this 12 months, BulgarianMilitary.com revealed the Russian military’s anticipation for the cutting-edge TOS-3 thermobaric variant. This sparked native observers’ curiosity when the Omsk Machine-Constructing Plant rolled out the trademark, title, and classification registration.
Across the identical time, rumors swirled relating to Saudi Arabia’s eager curiosity within the TOS-3’s predecessor, the TOS-1A. Rosoboronexport’s present CEO, Alexander Mikheev, subtly alluded to Riyadh’s potential acquisition of this uniquely Russian MLRS system. It’s worthwhile to notice that Russia confidently showcased its weaponry on the 2024 World Protection Expo held in Riyadh. Including to the hypothesis, sure Italian sources reported that Saudi Arabia had already made a monetary dedication to the Russian weapon system, particularly the cellular anti-aircraft missile system, Pantsir-S1.
Whereas exact particulars concerning the working parameters and weaponry of the TOS-3 proceed to be a topic of hypothesis, some Russian insiders posit that the missiles of TOS-3 could also be outfitted with thermobaric warheads.
Thermobaric warhead
Thermobaric missile warheads, or fuel-air explosives [FAEs] as they’re additionally recognized, are a singular class of explosives. They harness oxygen from the ambient air to generate a high-temperature, high-intensity explosion, distinguishing them from conventional explosives which depend on a balanced mixture of an oxidizer and propellant within the type of a secure compound.
The functioning of a thermobaric warhead begins with an preliminary burst from the propellant cost. This major explosion disperses a gasoline cloud within the air, forming an aerosol cloud. This cloud then promptly combusts, pushed by a secondary cost, producing a sustained blast wave that outlasts the blast from a typical condensed explosive.
The affect of a thermobaric warhead on its goal is totally formidable. Its instant blast is able to inflicting intensive harm on each personnel and bodily buildings. Following this, the vacuum created extends this harm additional by forcing buildings like buildings to break down, consequent to the highly effective outward unfold of the blast and the fast subsequent stress drop.
Furthermore, the immense warmth from the blast additional intensifies the weapon’s harmful efficiency. Not solely does it trigger extreme burn accidents, however it additionally ignites fires. As well as, the oxygen-depleting nature of the explosion can result in asphyxiation for these lucky, or maybe unlucky, sufficient to have survived the preliminary blast.
They declare in Russia
What extra insights may be gleaned concerning the TOS-3 “Dragon” by exploring the views of Russian consultants? It’s clear inside the strategic framework of the potential TOS-3 “Dragon” that the system homes solely 15 missiles—considerably fewer than its predecessors. It’s believable that the smaller ammunition capability of the TOS-3 is expounded to the load of NURS, the inclusion of additional gear, and the implementation of an energetic, dynamic safety system.
The TOS-3 “Dragon” is more likely to undertake the newly engineered TBS-M3 missiles. These missiles are identifiable by their 3.7-meter size, an enlarged thermobaric warhead, stable propellant mass, and a formidable vary, clocking in at 15 km. At the moment, they’re built-in into the TOS-2 “Tosochka.” Variants of those missiles, such because the MO.1.01.04M and M0.1.01.04M2, boast ranges of 6 km and 10 km, respectively.
When fitted with a load of 24 missiles, the TOS-1 “Solntsepek” tops the scales at 46 tons. Nevertheless, engineers are strategizing on how one can trim this weight all the way down to round 40-42 tons. By decreasing its mass, it may well enhance each its velocity and maneuverability, enhancing its total fight efficiency.
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