ТОС-1
TOS-1 Buratino/TOS-1A Solntsepyok
Object 634/634B/MO.1.01.00
TOS-1A Solntsepyok during the Army-2020 exhibition
TypeMultiple rocket launcher
Place of originSoviet Union
Service history
In service1988–present
Used bySoviet Union (historically), Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Algeria, Syria, Iraq, Ukraine(captured from Russia)
WarsSoviet–Afghan War
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
Second Chechen War
War in Iraq (2013–2017)[1]
Syrian Civil War
War in Donbas
2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
Production history
DesignerOmsk Transmash Design Bureau
Designed1988
ManufacturerUralvagonzavod
ProducedTOS-1: 1987–present
TOS-1A: 2003–present
VariantsTOS-1A
Specifications
Mass45.3 t (100,000 lb)
Length9.5 m (31 ft 2 in)
Width3.6 m (11 ft 10 in)
Height2.22 m (7 ft 3 in)
Crew3
Caliber220 mm (8.7 in)
Rate of fire30 rounds/15 s
Effective firing range.5-3 km (TOS-1)
10 km (TOS-1A)
EngineV-84 Diesel
840 hp (630 kW)
Operational
range
550 km (340 mi)
Maximum speed 60 km/h (37 mph)

TOS-1 Buratino (Russian: тяжёлая огнемётная система [ТОС-1], romanized: 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

BM-1 - Russian 24-barrel multiple rocket launcher, part of ТОS-1A system

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 (3,500 metres, 3,800 yards), 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 6 kilometres (6,600 yd) and a better ballistic computer.[3]

In March 2020, Russia introduced a new rocket for the TOS-1A with a range of 10 kilometres (11,000 yd), 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 400 to 1,600 metres (440 to 1,750 yd), 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-1A in action

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]

Remains of a TOS-1 in Izium (Ukraine) after the battle for the city

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]

System description

The TOS-1A Solntsepyok (Russian: Солнцепёк, Blazing Sun) system consists of the following items:[32][33]

  • The "combat vehicle" BM-1 (Russian: боевая машина) (Object 634B) based on a modified T-72A chassis and fitted with a rotating launch system for 24 unguided thermobaric rockets. All rockets can be launched within 6 to 12 seconds. The launch vehicle is equipped with a fire control system with a ballistic computer, aiming sight and 1D14 laser range finder. The other standard equipment consists of a TKN-3A sight for the commander, a GPK-59 navigation system, an R-163-50U radio station, an R-174 intercom and a 902G smoke grenade launcher with four barrels. The 3-man crew is armed with one AKS-74, one RPKS-74, three RPG-26s, and 10 F-1 hand grenades. The BM-1 is fitted with the same equipment as the T-72 tank (NBC protection, fire-fighting, observation etc.). Modernized systems with active protection, new engine and launchers and other improvements were delivered in early 2018.[34][35] A new topographic orientation system is being reportedly installed as of October 2023.[36]
TZM-T loader-transport vehicle for TOS-1A during the "Armiya 2020" exhibition
TZM-T with a cover off one of the rocket storage racks, with two rockets
  • Two TZM-T (Russian: транспортно-заряжающая машина) (Object 563) re-supply vehicles, fitted with a 10 kN crane. Each vehicle carries 2x12 spare rockets and 400 litres of fuel for the BM-1 and has a combat weigh of 39 t (86,000 lb). The TZM-T has a crew of three, armed with two AKS-74s, one RPKS-74, five RPG-26s, and 10 F-1 hand grenades.
  • The MO.1.01.04 (Russian: неуправляемый реактивный снаряд) are 3.3 m (10 ft 10 in) long and weigh 173 kg (381 lb).[37] The original rocket for the TOS-1A had a range of only 2,700 m (8,900 ft).
  • The MO.1.01.04M rocket is 3.7 m (12 ft 2 in) long and weighs 217 kg (478 lb).[38] This version extends the range to 6,000 m (20,000 ft). The system was modernized in 2016.[39]
  • The M0.1.01.04M2 rocket was upgraded in March 2020 to a heavier thermobaric warhead and better 10 km range, to operate outside the range of modern ATGMs.[38]

Operators

TOS-1 operators
  Current
  Former

Current operators

  •  Algeria – 18[40]
  •  Azerbaijan – 17[41]
  •  Iraq – 6[42]
  •  Kazakhstan – 3[43]
  •  Russia – ~45 TOS-1A[44][45][46][47][48][49] and a number of TOS-2 before the war.[50] New batches of TOS-1A were delivered in September and November 2022.[51][52] At least 19 lost in combat[53]
  •  Saudi Arabia: 10.[54] A license to produce TOS-1A was granted to Saudi Arabia in 2017.[55][56]

Status unknown

  •  Syria – 8+[57]. Unknown whether these vehicles belonged to Russian or Syrian army. Not included in armement commissioned[58]
  •  Tajikistan[59]. Unknown if vehicles were bought and commissioned or just shown on an exhibition. Not included in armament commissioned[60]
  •  Ukraine – at least 3 TOS-1As and four TZM-Ts captured during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.[61] One was reportedly used in combat against Russian forces in early April 2022.[62] No ammo production in Ukraine means the only ammo for the systems which can be used is captured.

Former operators

  •  Soviet Union – Passed on to Russia.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Iraq: See the EXPLOSIVE Russian firepower helping Iraqi forces fight IS". Archived from the original on 18 January 2016. Retrieved 23 December 2014 – via YouTube.
  2. ↑ "Ukrainian army fires TOS-1A Heavy Flamethrower against its former Russian owner".
  3. ↑ "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] (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2018-12-24. Retrieved 2018-12-24.
  4. ↑ "Troops fire next-generation shells for heavy flamethrowers in Siberia drills".
  5. ↑ "Russian CBRN protection troops receive 30 TOS-1A MRLs | Jane's 360". www.janes.com. Archived from the original on 2018-09-05. Retrieved 2018-09-12.
  6. ↑ "Saudi Arabia signs agreement to manufacture Russian weapons locally". english.alarabiya.net. 5 October 2017. Archived from the original on 2017-10-06. Retrieved 2017-10-06.
  7. ↑ Deutschland+Russland (21 September 2015). "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] (in German). Archived from the original on 6 May 2017. Retrieved 10 June 2017 – via YouTube.
  8. ↑ "This Russian Tank-Mounted Rocket Launcher Can Incinerate 8 City Blocks". 14 September 2015. Archived from the original on 7 May 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  9. ↑ Boring, War Is (28 March 2015). "The Chechen Wars Cast a Long Shadow". Archived from the original on 28 June 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  10. ↑ Salami, Jassem Al (26 November 2014). "Led by an Armored Bulldozer, Shia Militia Fought to Restore Their Credibility". War is Boring. Medium.com. Archived from the original on 19 December 2014. Retrieved 27 November 2014.
  11. ↑ "Morris, Loveday, "Iraqi forces fight their way into the narrow streets of Mosul's historic center," Washington Post, June 18, 2017". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on June 18, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
  12. ↑ "Ukraine rebels 'have new rockets'". BBC News. 2 October 2015. Archived from the original on 19 August 2018. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  13. ↑ "YouTube". www.youtube.com. Archived from the original on 2017-08-10. Retrieved 2017-04-26.
  14. ↑ odzadze123 (25 November 2015). "TOS-1 Buratino Russian MLRS, burn up islamic terrorists in Hama". Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 26 April 2017 – via YouTube.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  15. ↑ "YouTube". www.youtube.com. Archived from the original on 2017-08-17. Retrieved 2017-04-26.
  16. ↑ Janovsky, Jakub [@Rebel44CZ] (February 20, 2022). "2016.06.04 Tal Sheikh Yusef. N. Aleppo. Kornet vs. TOS-1 MRLS, hit (Fatah Halab)" (Tweet). Retrieved 2022-03-16 – via Twitter.
  17. ↑ ""Солнцепек" работает под Пальмирой (видео)" ["Solntsepyok" in action near Palmyra (video)]. vpk-news.ru. Archived from the original on April 8, 2017.
  18. ↑ "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]. vpk-news.ru (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2018-11-20. Retrieved 2018-11-19.
  19. ↑ "For the first time Azerbaijan has used heavy flamethrower systems". AZERI DAILY. Archived from the original on 14 April 2016. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  20. ↑ "Remote minelayer, heavy flamethrower first used together in Zapad exercise".
  21. ↑ Zitser, Joshua. "Russian army deploys its TOS-1 heavy flamethrower, capable of vaporizing human bodies, near Ukrainian border, footage shows". Business Insider.
  22. ↑ "Putin nightmare: Ukrainian army captures Russian TOS-1A thermobaric rocket launcher". www.express.co.uk. 2 March 2022. Retrieved 2022-03-02.
  23. ↑ "Russia-Ukraine war: Russia admits using thermobaric weapons, UK says". The Guardian. 9 March 2022. Retrieved 9 March 2022.
  24. ↑ "Russian MoD confirmed the use of the TOS-1A". Twitter. 9 March 2022. Retrieved 9 March 2022.
  25. ↑ "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]. novynarnia.com (in Ukrainian). 2022-04-05. Retrieved 2022-04-07.
  26. ↑ "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]. Голос Карпат. Retrieved 2022-04-07.
  27. ↑ Grylls, George. "Ukrainian forces use Russians' 'blazing sun' thermobaric weapon against them". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 2022-04-07.
  28. ↑ "Russian vacuum bombs destroy Ukrainian town in horrifying new footage". Yahoo News. 12 August 2022. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
  29. ↑ Axe, David. "When Russian Troops Got Stuck In a Minefield Near Vuhledar, They Deployed A 'Flamethrower' Rocket Launcher. The Ukrainians Blew It Up". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-02-19.
  30. ↑ "Ukrainian troops blow up Russia's heavy flamethrower in huge explosion". 10 June 2023.
  31. ↑ "Russia's TOS-1A Solntsepyok destroyed in left-bank Kherson region". 18 November 2023.
  32. ↑ ARG. "TOS-1A Heavy Flamethrower System - Military-Today.com". www.military-today.com. Archived from the original on 2011-09-28. Retrieved 2011-08-22.
  33. ↑ "Тяжёлая огнемётная система ТОС-1А" [Heavy flamethrower system TOS-1A] (in Russian). Archived from the original on 31 May 2012. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  34. ↑ "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"]. www.armstrade.org (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2018-04-01. Retrieved 2018-03-31.
  35. ↑ "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]. www.armstrade.org (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2018-04-11. Retrieved 2018-04-11.
  36. ↑ "ЦАМТО / / Новая система топопривязки повысит оперативность и точность стрельбы «Солнцепеков» и убережет их от огня ВСУ". ЦАМТО / Центр анализа мировой торговли оружием (in Russian). 2023-10-24. Retrieved 2023-10-26.
  37. ↑ "TOS-1A Solntsepyok". WEAPONSYSTEMS.NET. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  38. 1 2 "M0.1.01.04M".
  39. ↑ "Russian defense contractor puts new types of armament into production this year". Archived from the original on 2016-12-23. Retrieved 2016-12-23.
  40. ↑ The Military Balance 2023, p. 316
  41. ↑ The Military Balance 2023, p. 172
  42. ↑ The Military Balance 2023, p. 329
  43. ↑ "TOS-1 multiple rocket launcher". Bubblews. Archived from the original on 18 December 2014. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  44. ↑ "Войска ЦВО получили комплект тяжелых огнеметов "Солнцепек"" [Troops of the Central Military District received a set of "Solntsepyok" heavy flamethrowers]. Rossiyskaya Gazeta (in Russian). 2018-02-14. Archived from the original on 2018-02-14. Retrieved 2018-02-14.
  45. ↑ "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]. www.armstrade.org (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2018-04-23. Retrieved 2018-04-22.
  46. ↑ "Solntsepek triples fire power of RChB troops, Eastern Military District : Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation". eng.mil.ru. Archived from the original on 2018-05-08. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  47. ↑ "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]. www.armstrade.org (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2018-05-29. Retrieved 2018-05-28.
  48. ↑ "Janes | Latest defence and security news". Archived from the original on 2018-09-04. Retrieved 2018-09-04.
  49. ↑ "ЦАМТО / / "Омсктрансмаш" отправил в войска партию ТОС-1А" [TsAMTO / / "Omsktransmash" sent a batch of TOS-1A to the troops]. armstrade.org (in Russian).
  50. ↑ "В войска ЦВО поступили новые тяжелые огнеметные системы "Тосочка"" [Troops of the Central Military District received new heavy flamethrower systems "Tosochka"] (in Russian). 6 January 2021.
  51. ↑ "Omsktransmash delivers batch of flamethrowers to Russian military ahead of time".
  52. ↑ "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]. armstrade.org (in Russian).
  53. ↑ Oryx. "Attack On Europe: Documenting Russian Equipment Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine". Oryx. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
  54. ↑ The Military Balance 2023, p. 351
  55. ↑ "Saudi Arabia signs agreement to manufacture Russian weapons locally". Al Arabiya. 5 October 2017. Archived from the original on 6 October 2017.
  56. ↑ "Saudi Arabian Military Industries Signs Agreement And MOU With Russia's ROSOBORONEXPORT". The Saudi Center for International Communication. October 5, 2017. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2019.
  57. ↑ "Hier zerstört Putins Höllenkanone eine Festung der Rebellen" [Here Putin's infernal cannon destroys a rebel fortress] (in German). STERN.de. Archived from the original on 9 February 2016. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
  58. ↑ The Military Balance 2023, p. 355
  59. ↑ Mitzer, Stijn; Oliemans, Joost (4 October 2022). "Central Asian Armour: Tajikistan's Inventory Of AFVs". Oryx Blog.
  60. ↑ The Military Balance 2023, p. 198
  61. ↑ "Attack On Europe: Documenting Russian Equipment Losses During The 2022 Russian Invasion Of Ukraine". Oryx Blog. 24 February 2022.
  62. ↑ Axe, David (17 April 2022). "Ukrainian Troops Reportedly Fired A Captured Russian Rocket Launcher ... Back At The Russians". Forbes.
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