The TOS-1A Solntsepyok (Scorching Sunlight) is a formidable Russian 220mm-caliber multiple rocket launcher system. Mounted on a T-72 tank chassis, it has the capability to fire a salvo of 24 rockets, delivering high-explosive fragmentation, incendiary, and thermobaric warheads, making it effective against armored vehicles and fortifications. The recent upgrades to its electronic warfare (EW) system mark a significant advancement in its defensive capabilities.
The enhanced electronic warfare system integrated into the TOS-1A includes anti-drone guns and other sophisticated jamming and communication suppression technologies. This new system creates a protective dome around the vehicle, making it less vulnerable to air attacks from enemy drones, particularly those employing FPV (first-person view) and other drone technologies. The system’s ability to block signals on various frequencies used by these drones provides a critical layer of protection for the vehicle and its crew.
The TOS-1A’s upgrades are part of a broader modernization program aimed at enhancing its battlefield effectiveness. The Russian defense industry has ramped up production of the TOS-1A Solntsepek by 250%, reflecting the increased demand for these powerful weapons amidst ongoing military engagements, particularly in Ukraine. This surge in production underscores the importance placed on maintaining a robust and technologically advanced arsenal to support Russian military operations.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| System Name | TOS-1A Solntsepyok (Scorching Sunlight) |
| Type | Multiple Rocket Launcher System (MRLS) |
| Developer | Omsk Transmash Design Bureau |
| Operator | Russia |
| Chassis | T-72 tank chassis |
| Caliber | 220mm |
| Rocket Salvo | 24 rockets |
| Warhead Types | High-explosive fragmentation, incendiary, thermobaric |
| Firing Rate | Two missiles within 0.5 seconds |
| Operational Range | 400m to 6,000m |
| Maximum Speed | 60 km/h |
| Weight | 46,500 kg |
| Crew | 3 personnel (driver, commander, gunner) |
| Fire Control System | Ballistic data computer, observation equipment, rangefinder, control panel |
| Protection Features | Reinforced steel hull, advanced fire control system, electronic warfare system |
| Electronic Warfare System | Anti-drone guns, jamming and communication suppression technologies |
| Enhancements | Fully automated sighting, firing, and fire control systems; increased range for launching rockets |
| Production Increase | 250% increase in production for deployment in Ukraine |
| Deployment | Used in Syria, Ukraine; exported to Algeria, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Syria |
| Upgrades | Integration of new electronic warfare system; enhanced target acquisition and detection capabilities |
| Recent Contracts | Contract to receive up to 20 TOS-1A Solntsepyok rocket launchers signed in December 2017 |
| Notable Features | Capability to rotate 360° without interruption in firing; rockets equipped with detonating fuse and thermobaric explosives |
| Future Development | TOS-2 Tosochka with improved performance characteristics; mounted on Ural truck chassis; enhanced mobility |
In addition to the EW upgrades, the TOS-1A features a comprehensive fire control system. This includes a ballistic data computer, observation equipment for the commander, a rangefinder, and a control panel. These enhancements significantly improve target acquisition and detection capabilities, ensuring precise and effective strikes. The fully automatic launch control system enables the rapid firing of unguided missiles, with each rocket equipped with a detonating fuse, special thermobaric explosives, and a solid-fueled thrust engine. The system can launch multiple rockets within half a second, engaging targets at ranges between 400m and 6,000m.
The TOS-1A’s operational history and deployment strategies have been pivotal in various conflicts. For instance, it has been used extensively in Syria and Ukraine, where its destructive power and versatility have been demonstrated. The system’s ability to provide direct fire support to complement main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles has made it a valuable asset on the battlefield. The chassis, based on the T-72 main battle tank, retains the robust design of the tank with the turret replaced by the rocket launch facility. This design ensures durability and mobility in various combat scenarios.
Looking ahead, the continued development and deployment of the TOS-1A and its successors, such as the TOS-2 Tosochka, indicate a strategic focus on maintaining and enhancing Russia’s heavy flamethrower capabilities. The TOS-2, a derivative of the TOS-1A, features improved performance characteristics, including an increased range for launching rockets and fully automated sighting, firing, and fire control systems. Mounted on the wheeled chassis of the Ural truck, the TOS-2 offers enhanced mobility and a reduced logistical footprint compared to its predecessors.
The modernization of the TOS-1A Solntsepek and the introduction of advanced variants like the TOS-2 represent a significant evolution in Russian military technology. These systems not only enhance the offensive capabilities of the Russian armed forces but also provide critical defensive measures to protect against modern threats such as drones and precision-guided munitions. As these technologies continue to develop, they will likely play a crucial role in future military operations, underscoring the importance of electronic warfare and integrated defense systems in contemporary and future combat scenarios.
TOS-2 “Tosochka” Technical Data and Capabilities
Overview:
- Type: Thermobaric Multiple Rocket Launcher
- Country of Origin: Russia
- Developer: NPO Splav
Chassis and Mobility:
- Platform: Ural-63706 6×6 truck chassis
- Engine: YaMZ-652 diesel engine
- Speed: Up to 90 km/h on road
- Range: 1000 km on road
Armament:
- Rocket Type: 220mm thermobaric rockets
- Number of Launch Tubes: 18
- Rocket Length: 3.3 meters
- Warhead Weight: Approximately 90 kg (thermobaric)
Fire Control System:
- Guidance: Automated fire control system with satellite navigation (GLONASS)
- Targeting: Electro-optical and radar systems for improved accuracy
Capabilities:
- Firing Range: 10-15 kilometers
- Deployment Time: Capable of rapid deployment and firing in less than 3 minutes
- Reload Time: Approximately 24 minutes with integrated crane system
Protection and Survivability:
- Armor: Armored cabin to protect crew from small arms fire and shrapnel
- NBC Protection: Equipped with Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical protection systems
- Crew: 3 (commander, driver, and operator)
Operational Use:
- First Deployment: Displayed during the Victory Day parade in 2020
- Combat Use: Actively used in the Ukraine conflict for both offensive and defensive operations
- Primary Role: Designed to destroy fortified positions, enemy personnel, and light armored vehicles with high precision
Key Enhancements Over TOS-1A:
- Improved mobility with a wheeled chassis suitable for diverse terrains
- Extended range and precision with advanced fire control systems
- Enhanced crew protection with better armor and NBC systems
Scheme Table
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chassis | Ural-63706 6×6 truck chassis |
| Engine | YaMZ-652 diesel engine |
| Speed | Up to 90 km/h on road |
| Range | 1000 km on road |
| Rocket Type | 220mm thermobaric rockets |
| Number of Launch Tubes | 18 |
| Rocket Length | 3.3 meters |
| Warhead Weight | Approximately 90 kg |
| Firing Range | 10-15 kilometers |
| Guidance System | Automated fire control with GLONASS |
| Targeting | Electro-optical and radar systems |
| Deployment Time | Less than 3 minutes |
| Reload Time | Approximately 24 minutes |
| Armor | Armored cabin |
| NBC Protection | Equipped |
| Crew | 3 (commander, driver, operator) |
| First Deployment | Victory Day parade, 2020 |
| Combat Use | Used in Ukraine conflict |
| Primary Role | Destroy fortified positions, enemy personnel, and light armored vehicles |
| Key Enhancements Over TOS-1A | Improved mobility, extended range, better protection |
Here are some comparable systems from other countries:
| System | Chassis Base | Caliber | Number of Rockets | Warhead Types | EW Capabilities | Operational Range | Deployment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOS-1A Solntsepyok | T-72 tank chassis | 220mm | 24 | HE-Frag, Incendiary, Thermobaric | Advanced EW system | 6 km | Russia, Syria |
| M270 MLRS | M270 tracked chassis | 227mm | 12 (ATACMS) to 644 | HE-Frag, Incendiary, Guided, Cluster | EW countermeasures | Up to 300 km | USA, NATO countries |
| BM-30 Smerch | MAZ-543M wheeled | 300mm | 12 | HE-Frag, Incendiary, Cluster | Basic EW capabilities | 70-90 km | Russia, India, Algeria |
| PHL-03 | WS2400 wheeled chassis | 300mm | 12 | HE-Frag, Cluster | Limited EW capabilities | 70-130 km | China, Exported to several countries |
| F-227 Astros II | Astros II vehicle | 127mm to 300mm | 16 to 32 | HE-Frag, Incendiary, Thermobaric | None noted | 9-90 km | Brazil, Iraq, Saudi Arabia |
| K239 Chunmoo | K808 wheeled chassis | 239mm | 12 | HE-Frag, Cluster | None noted | Up to 160 km | South Korea |
| LAROM | LAROM launcher | 160mm to 300mm | 13 to 40 | HE-Frag, Cluster, Guided | None noted | 20-90 km | Romania |
| Type 89 | Type 89 tracked chassis | 122mm | 40 | HE-Frag, Cluster | None noted | 20-40 km | Japan |
| BM-21 Grad | Ural-375D truck | 122mm | 40 | HE-Frag, Incendiary, Cluster | None noted | 20-40 km | Widely used, over 60 countries |
| HIMARS | M1140 truck chassis | 227mm | 6 | Guided, HE-Frag, Incendiary, Cluster | Advanced EW countermeasures | Up to 300 km | USA, Exported to several allies |
| WS-1B | Truck-mounted | 302mm | 4 | HE-Frag, Cluster | None noted | Up to 180 km | China, Export markets |
| RM-70 | Tatra truck | 122mm | 40 | HE-Frag, Incendiary, Cluster | None noted | 20-35 km | Czech Republic, Export markets |
| A-100 | 8×8 wheeled truck | 300mm | 10 | HE-Frag, Cluster | None noted | 100 km | China |
| Pinaka | 8×8 wheeled truck | 214mm | 12 | HE-Frag, Incendiary, Guided | None noted | 40-75 km | India |
| T-122 Sakarya | Truck-mounted | 122mm | 40 | HE-Frag, Cluster, Incendiary | None noted | 40 km | Turkey |
| Jobaria Defense Systems MLRS | Mercedes truck | 122mm | 240 | HE-Frag, Cluster | None noted | 16-37 km | United Arab Emirates |
| Uragan-1M | 8×8 wheeled vehicle | 220mm | 12-24 | HE-Frag, Incendiary, Cluster, Thermobaric | None noted | 70 km | Russia |
| Tornado-G | Truck-mounted | 122mm | 40 | Guided, HE-Frag, Cluster | Advanced EW capabilities | Up to 120 km | Russia, Export markets |
| GMLRS | M142 HIMARS chassis | 227mm | 6 | Guided, HE-Frag, Incendiary | Advanced EW countermeasures | Up to 150 km | USA, NATO countries |
| Astros 2020 | Astros II vehicle | 180mm to 300mm | 16 to 32 | HE-Frag, Incendiary, Cluster, Guided | EW countermeasures | Up to 300 km | Brazil, Export markets |
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