Russian state sources have reported continued progress in efforts to enhance the capabilities of the international locations TOS sequence thermobaric rocket artillery methods, referred to domestically as “heavy flamethrower” methods, as they proceed to play a central function on the frontlines within the Ukrainian theatre. A big landmark in these efforts has been the event of the TOS-2 Tosochka system, which has been reported by native sources to have surpassed the scope of an assault weapon, and been in a position to perform as a sophisticated fireplace assist system. Commenting on the brand new system’s capabilities, state defence know-how company Rostec introduced: “As a rule, after such a salvo, the assault squad has nothing to do within the space — there’s merely no enemy left to withstand. Thus, the TOS-2 retains the thermobaric weapon potential of its ‘huge brother,’ the tracked [TOS-1] Solntsepek system.”
Additional elaborating on the brand new potentials offered by the TOS-2, Rostec said: “Varied enhancements have been made to the Tosochka’s design – it has been fitted with the wheeled chassis, the automated reloading system has been upgraded, and the fireplace management system has been improved. Because of this, the car’s idea has already exceeded the scope of an “assault breacher car.” “It has change into a extra versatile, cellular, and technologically superior fireplace assist system, tailored to the calls for of contemporary warfare,” Rostec representatives added. They additional famous that the system has improved fireplace controls which permits it to have interaction exact targets, whereas its wheeled chassis permits it to shortly deploy to an unprepared positions, obtain focusing on info, contact a command publish, fireplace a salvo, and shortly depart the place, contrasting to the heavier tracked TOS-1 system which has decrease mobility.
The TOS-2 was first unveiled throughout a victory parade in Could 2020, and is mounted on the 6×6 Ural-63706-0120 all-terrain car. The system first entered service in January 2021, though way more restricted numbers had been accessible to take part in hostilities within the Ukrainian theatre than the way more extensively operated TOS-1.It was reported in August 2024 that the vary of the system has been prolonged, as much as 20 kmContinued work to enhance the system’s capabilities reportedly resulted in an extension of its engagement vary to twenty kilometres, which was introduced in 2024. The TOS-2 supplies the Russian Armed Forces with considerably higher flexibility in launching thermobaric assaults, and whereas missing the firepower and all terrain capabilities of the TOS-1, its a lot decrease upkeep wants and gas consumption, far higher mobility, and lighter weight permitting it to be moved by air and sea, make it extremely complementary.
Russian thermobaric artillery methods has gained vital consideration on account of its fight performances within the Ukrainian theatre, with their ammunition functioning by dispersing a gaseous cloud of chemical compounds into the air, that are subsequently detonated by a vacuum explosive, releasing a excessive stress shock wave that sucks air out of confined areas with large drive. The result’s the rupturing of the lungs of all current within the neighborhood. Footage launched from an unknown location on the frontlines between has proven the in depth use of TOS-1A to devastate Ukrainian forces in cowl. The methods had been beforehand extensively fight examined in opposition to Turkish-backed jihadist rebel teams in Syria and Iraq.
In parallel to the modernisation of the TOS-2, the TOS-1’s capabilities have additionally been improved considerably, with CEO of the Sign Analysis Institute Vladimir Pimenov having revealed {that a} new navigation system for the system had “improved working accuracy to some meters.” “CBR [Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection] troops requested whether or not we have now analysis options for higher flexibility of Solntsepyok operation at firing positions. We provided our positioning system, which makes it doable to cut back fight time at a firing place with out the fight car leaving by a crew and a commander,” he elaborated. The system’s superior efficiency has led Russian defence conglomerate Rostec to announce the event of a extra succesful successor in April 2024 beneath the designation TOS-3, with the subsequent era variant first seen in June that 12 months.
