Russia boosts TOS‑1A production amid Ukraine conflict
According to the press service of the Rostec corporation, the Russian army has received another shipment of TOS-1A Solntsepyok systems produced by Uralvagonzavod. The design of these heavy flamethrowers was modified, taking user experiences into account. These include efforts to enhance performance and reliability and the installation of anti-drone nets.
8 November 2024 18:46
In 2024, Uralvagonzavod, a subsidiary of Rostec, increased its production capacity by introducing a two-shift work system and boosting employment to meet the rising demand for TOS-1A Solntsepyok systems and to ensure constant supplies for the Russian army. These systems are actively used in Ukraine, where they pose a significant threat to defenders, mainly providing direct support to infantry and armoured units.
TOS-1A Solntsepyok - Another batch for the Russians
The exact number of rocket artillery systems delivered remains unknown. However, it is confirmed that Uralvagonzavod has introduced various enhancements to these flamethrowers, based on user feedback and experiences. The upgrades included improving vehicle performance and reliability, as well as installing anti-drone nets. The Russians report that these systems have undergone rigorous testing to confirm their effectiveness in various operational conditions.
TOS-1A System is an advanced launcher of 24 unguided rockets, each with a diameter of 220 mm, installed on a T-72 tank chassis. These rockets contain 45 kg of thermobaric material, providing an extremely high destructive force. The thermobaric warheads work by creating an aerosol and igniting it, resulting in a violent explosion and pressure surges, destroying everything in their range. The TOS-1A stands out for not requiring an internal oxygen source in the charges – oxygen is drawn from the environment, enhancing the explosion's efficiency.
The TOS-1A is referred to as a heavy flamethrower due to its exceptional combat capabilities. This system can eliminate enemies even if they are in heavily fortified positions. The effect of the thermobaric warhead combined with the shock wave and extremely high temperatures makes it comparable to a "poor cousin" of nuclear weapons. This type of weapon is extremely effective in open spaces and also inside buildings, where its destructive shock waves can resonate and amplify the destruction. Although the range of this system is only about 6.4 kilometres, its impact is highly destructive and is sometimes compared to "weapons from hell".
