Russia's Revolutionary TOS-2 Tosochka Flamethrower: Spark of Efficiency

What is known about the newest TOS-2 Tosochka flamethrower system, and why does its effectiveness make the enemy panic?

Sputnik explains what makes this weapon revolutionary.

The TOS-2 Tosochka is a heavy flamethrower system employed by the Russian Armed Forces. It is a natural evolution product of the TOS-1 Buratino (“Pinocchio”) and the TOS-1A Solntsepyok (“Scorching Sunlight”) systems. However, the TOS-2 also has a revolutionary component to it, which we will analyze further. The primary purpose of all TOS-systems is to:

It may be surprising that a weapon possessing such unparalleled combat efficiency is not utilized by every country. Nonetheless, there are no equivalents of these systems in the world.

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry released video footage showcasing the capabilities and efficiency of a unit equipped with the TOS-2 heavy flamethrower systems. Despite facing heavily fortified Ukrainian troops, the Tosochka effectively wiped out the enemy infantry. The adversary did not have any chances of surviving the attack.

The concept of a heavy flamethrower system was developed in the USSR from 1971 to 1979. This weapon received the name TOS-1 Buratino (“Pinocchio”). It still remains unknown why this intimidating weapon received such a playful name, but in 1980, the TOS-1 was recommended for adoption into service.

Almost immediately, the Soviet Army sent its brand new heavy flamethrowers to Afghanistan as part of their international duties. The TOS-1 had a stunning effect upon use, ensuring total annihilation on the battlefield.

Both the TOS-1 and the TOS-1A are constructed on a tracked tank base derived from the T-72. The first has a launcher with a set of 30 guide tubes. In the TOS-1A Solntsepyok, the number of guides was decreased from 30 to 24, whereas the armor plating has been significantly reinforced.

Simply put, the TOS-2 combines the improved TOS-1A Solntsepyok and the maneuverable Ural armored vehicle. The extended wheelbase resulted in a significant enhancement of the vehicle's maximum speed, which is crucial in battle due to a flamethrower's limited range.

The TOS-2 operates with fewer guide tubes (18 as opposed to 24), which was a necessary compromise to reduce the vehicle's weight, which was slashed by 50 percent to 20 tonnes from the previous 40+ tonnes. The TOS-2 possess its own crane-manipulator and thus doesn't require special support vehicles.

Additionally, the Tosochka is designed to be specifically shielded against radio detection and high-precision weaponry. It has a fully automated fire control system, resulting in enhanced firing accuracy and precision. Its 18 thermobaric missiles can devastate six hectares of territory.

The Tosochka is loaded with special high-power munitions, considerably extending its strike range. Although the Buratino missiles have a range of up to 4.5 kilometers, the Solntsepyok can reach 6 kilometers. However, the Tosochka can hit targets at a more than twice the distance: 10–15 kilometers.

Due to the successful refinement of both the propulsion powder mixtures and warhead composition by the designers, the Tosochka can wreak utter destruction on a 50% greater area than the TOS-1A, despite having fewer missiles.

The TOS systems utilize thermobaric munitions that function according to a simple principle. Each warhead contains a combustible mixture and a fuse that are kept separate. Upon impact, the combustible mixture gets atomized into an aerosol cloud and seeps into every crevice.

After detonation, a powerful explosion occurs, generating overpressure across a broad area. Thermobaric munitions are also known as vacuum munitions due to their ability to incinerate all oxygen in the surrounding atmosphere within mere seconds after detonation.

If the enemy becomes aware of the approach of the flamethrower systems, they may panic. Nobody wants to be caught within the heart of a bright "solar" cloud. Additionally, the psychological effect may intimidate the enemy as much as the system's combat capabilities.