According to information published on the "Ukrainian Front" Twitter account on April 18, 2023, the Ukrainian army uses for the first time captured Russian army TOS-1A flamethrower 220mm rocket launcher system to strike Russian troops in the area of Bakhmut.
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Russian heavy flamethrower system TOS-1A "Solntsepek" in service with the Armed Forces of 🇺🇦Ukraine in the area of Bakhmut. (Picture source Ukrainian Front)
Citing open source information, currently, the Russian armed forces will have lost 6 TOS-1A 220mm flamethrowers, and four were reportedly captured by the Ukrainian army. This artillery system is considered a destructive weapon due to its capability to fire rockets equipped with thermobaric warheads. These warheads release a cloud of flammable gas or aerosol upon impact, which then ignites and creates a powerful blast wave and intense heat. The resulting explosion is much more destructive than conventional high-explosive warheads, as it can cause extensive damage to structures and personnel in the target area.
The TOS-1A, a Russian-made heavy flamethrower system, has garnered significant attention due to its devastating capabilities. Also known as "Solntsepyok," meaning "Sunheat" or "Blazing Sun," this formidable weapon system is mounted on a T-72 tank chassis and is specifically designed to obliterate enemy fortifications, bunkers, and entrenched personnel. The TOS-1A also serves to create smoke screens and clear minefields.
Equipped with thermobaric warheads, the TOS-1A's rockets release a cloud of flammable gas or aerosol upon impact. This highly volatile mixture then ignites, generating a powerful blast wave and intense heat that far surpasses conventional high-explosive warheads. With its wide-area effect, the TOS-1A can engage and devastate multiple targets simultaneously, causing extensive damage over a large area.
Beyond its sheer destructive power, the TOS-1A's use of thermobaric warheads has a significant psychological impact on enemy troops. The fear and shock induced by such a devastating weapon can erode morale and impair the effectiveness of enemy forces. The TOS-1A's versatility on the battlefield, including its ability to create smoke screens and clear minefields, makes it a valuable asset in a variety of combat scenarios.
The weapon station of the TOS-1A houses the MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System), which consists of 24 launch tubes for 220mm unguided rockets. The turret can rotate 360 degrees, allowing for rapid target acquisition and engagement in all directions. The TOS-1A is operated by a crew of three, consisting of a commander, a driver, and a gunner.
The TOS-1A can fire 24 unguided rockets in rapid succession, delivering a massive amount of firepower in a brief period. This overwhelming force can quickly break down enemy defenses, making it difficult for opposing forces to react effectively.
The TOS-1A can fire two main types of rockets, each designed for specific mission requirements including the Thermobaric rockets armed with thermobaric warheads, which contain fuel-air explosives (FAE). Upon impact, the warhead releases a cloud of flammable gas or aerosol that ignites to create a powerful blast wave and intense heat.
The TOS-1A can also fire incendiary rockets designed to ignite fires upon impact. They can be used to create smoke screens, destroy fuel and ammunition depots, or cause damage to infrastructure and equipment. Incendiary rockets are particularly useful for disrupting enemy logistics and limiting their combat capabilities.
Russian army TOS-1A flamethrower 220mm MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System. (Picture source Army Recognition)
