The Tosochka BM-2, also known as Armata TOS-2, is a missile launcher type designed to replace
the Russian Army TOS-1 Buratino. The TOS-2 heavy flamethrower system is an enhanced version of
the TOS-1A 'Solntsepyok' heavy flamethrower. Different from its predecessor, this weapon
is based on the Ural vehicle with increased carrying capacity and cross-country ability.
It has an increased launch range for unguided rockets.
The TOS-2's aiming, shooting, and fire control are all completely automated, in which the technology
does not require a transport-loading machine since this machine is equipped with a crane-manipulator.
The crane can pick and load rockets from the ground,
or from escorting resupply truck. Hence there is no need for a dedicated reloading vehicles
meaning that it can reduces procurement and operating costs.
The heavy flamethrower systems are designed to destroy light-armor vehicles,
incapacitation of personnel deployed on open spaces or in shelters, initiate fires and
smokescreens by smoke or incendiary munitions. The systems are equipped with fuel-air explosive
munitions which spray combustible material and then explode the resulting gas cloud.
On June 25th, 2020, the TOS-1A Solntsepek and TOS-2 Tosochka heavy flamethrower systems
were first shown to the general public at a parade on Red Square in Moscow as an event
to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory Day. At the International Military-Technical
Forum “Army-2021”, subsidiaries of the Rostec State Corporation showcased the
Remote Mine Laying System (ISDM) and the Heavy Flamethrower System (TOS-2).
Some important aspects to mention is that the TOS-2 was not likely the older TOS-1
and TOS-1A, it is equipped with a modern sight and a navigation system.
Since TOS-2 system operates in close tactical zones, it is equipped with electronic protection
system against high-precision weapons. It also carries state-of-the-art navigation equipment,
such as satellite positioning and an automated fire control system,
which allows its deployment at the unprepared firing positions.
The rockets used by the TOS-2 are the same as those used by the preceding systems,
that is the 220 mm rockets which come in at least two varieties.
These measure 3.3 and 3.7 meters in length and weigh 173 and 217 kg, respectively.
Both of these rockets have the same 45 kilogram warhead,
which has a maximum range of 6 km and a minimum range of 400 m.
The launcher vehicle can stop and fire at a visible target within 90 seconds from traveling.
This artillery system is equipped with battlefield management system. The Vehicle has extended
cab which accommodates the entire crew of around five personnel. All navigation and
firing operations are made from inside of the truck without exposing the crew to enemy fire.
The cab is armored and provides protection for the
crews against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters.
However, the TOS-2 cannot match the previous TOS-1 and TOS-1A systems in terms of armor protection.
The previous systems were based on a tank chassis and offered similar level of protection
as main battle tanks. Nevertheless, the TOS-2 is more mobile and can rapidly self-deploy on
roads over long distances. The vehicle is powered by a YaMZ-652 diesel engine developing 440 hp.
This vehicle can self-deploy on roads over long distances.
Meanwhile, the previous TOS-1 and TOS-1A systems required a tractor truck
with a semi-trailer in order to relocate over significant distances.
What else has changed in Tosochka TOS-2 compared to the previous system?
This weapon has become a lot more user-friendly. Unlike previous systems, TOS-2 has its own lifting
mechanism. This means that it does not need a separate transport-loading vehicle,
without the participation of which the former TOS could fire a maximum of one volley.
Ammunition for "Tosochka" can be delivered even by an ordinary car,
and the combat crew itself will provide the loading.
Another point to mention is that the new Tosochka is equipped with sophisticated
navigation equipment, a laser range finder, a Doppler speed meter, an inertial measurement unit.
As mentioned by the deputy general director of JSC NPK Tekhmash Alexander Kochkin,
the distinction between this machine and the previous generation of TOS-1 and TOS-1A
is that it is a fairly automated model of weapons. Today, this weapon model is equipped
with navigation equipment, that is capable of operating from unprepared firing positions, fire
guidance and fire control systems are automated, and a new ammunition is being developed.
In relation to this, the Defense Ministry of Russia reportedly offered India
its latest TOS-2 ‘Tosochka’ heavy flamethrower vehicles for defeating
enemy personnel in fortifications at Defence Expo 2020. Having a range of 3.5km to 10km,
Russians consider this as an effective offensive weapons system for deployment in the mountainous
area of Line of control against Pakistani forces who in their bid to push terrorists
into the Indian side of Kashmir, offering cover fire and target Indian posts regularly.
Since TOS-2 now coming mounted on a wheeled chassis, mobility in high mountains will no
longer be an issue since its predecessor TOS-1A was mounted on T-72 chassis.
Based on the current updates, Russia’s new TOS-2 Tosochka thermobaric rocket system has seen
its first combat operation during the ongoing Russian special military operation in Ukraine.
According to the Russian news agency, TOS-2 systems were used against positions of Kiev forces
near the city of Kharkiv. A flamethrower vehicle employs rockets equipped with incendiary or
thermobaric warheads able to destroy enemy troops from cities, bunkers, and tunnels.
These rockets mix fuel and air in a cloud that, when detonated, creates massive heat
and pressure effects, instantaneously burning all the surrounding oxygen.
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