On June 24, 2020, during the parade on Red Square, the first public demonstration of the promising TOS-2 Tosochka heavy flamethrower system took place. Then the technique went to tests, according to the results of which the further fate of the entire project will be determined. Reportedly, over the past year, the bulk of the necessary checks were carried out, and in the near future TOS-2 may be adopted by the Russian army.
Work progress
Experimental vehicles of a new type participated in last year's parade. In the near future, they had to complete factory tests and move on to the next stage of inspections. In August, the leadership of the Ministry of Defense revealed their plans for such equipment. In September, it was planned to involve her in firing as part of the Caucasus-2020 exercises. Later, before the end of the year, the first "Tosochki" were to go to the army. Apparently, then it was about military trials.
TOS-2, like their predecessors, are intended for the troops of radiation, chemical and biological protection. This branch reported on the receipt of the first samples of new equipment in mid-November. The vehicles, which had previously shown their fire potential, were taken into trial operation.
At the end of February 2021, it was announced that development organizations were preparing Tosochka to undergo state tests. These activities were to begin within the next month. The start and progress of state tests were not separately reported. However, in early June it became known that this stage of inspections would be completed by the end of this year.
At the beginning of March, it became known that this year a new rocket would also pass state tests. The designation of such a product was not reported. It is known that it differs from bulk shells for TOS-1 (A) in increased range, accuracy and power.
Based on the results of state tests, the Ministry of Defense will decide the further fate of the new development. If TOS-2 copes with all the checks, then it will be adopted, and the development enterprises will receive an order for serial production. The possible timing of the start of deliveries of serial equipment to the troops has not yet been specified. Apparently, the launch of production will not take much time.
Since the first information about Tosochka appeared, it has been repeatedly reported that this product has good export prospects. However, the conclusion of supply contracts has not yet been reported. Probably, orders will begin to be accepted after the industry satisfies the needs of the Russian army.
New look
The TOS-2 project was developed by several enterprises. The leading role in the project is assigned to NPO Splav named after A. N. Ganicheva. Fighting vehicles are being built by the Perm enterprise Motovilikhinskiye Zavody. The new "Tosochka" continues the line of domestic heavy flame-throwing systems, and its design uses both well-mastered and time-tested solutions and new ideas.
Unlike its predecessors, Tosochka is built on a wheeled chassis and has a completely new launcher. Also, a missile with increased characteristics has been specially developed for it. All proposed and implemented innovations should improve the combat and operational qualities of the system.
The TOS-2 is based on the Ural-63704-0010 three-axle all-wheel drive chassis from the newest Tornado-U family. It provides a quick transfer of the flamethrower system on highways and sufficient off-road maneuverability. The cockpit and vital units are protected by anti-bullet / anti-fragmentation armor. In addition, camouflage and optical-electronic countermeasures are provided.
A launcher of a new type is mounted on a wheeled chassis. Outwardly and in design, it differs from the installation for the TOS-1 and TOS-1A and carries an ammunition load of 18 rockets of a standard caliber of 220 mm. "Tosochka" is equipped with a manipulator crane, which allows you to recharge the installation yourself.
TOS-2 retains compatibility with all existing 220-mm projectiles from flamethrower systems. In addition, a new ammunition with a flight range of up to 15 km is being developed. An increase in the effectiveness of shooting is ensured. For this, the combat vehicle receives a modern fire control system based on satellite navigation and a digital computer. According to known data, "Tosochka" can start firing in 90 seconds. after entering the position.
Confirm characteristics
The TOS-2 project was developed practically from scratch, with the maximum use of new systems and units. All of them need to be checked, both independently and as part of a flamethrower system. This circumstance can in a known way affect the timing of testing and debugging. However, recent news does not dispose to pessimism and allows us to hope that all measures will be completed on time and in full.
The base truck "Tornado-U" developed by the "Ural" plant has passed all the necessary tests long ago and was adopted for supplying the army. A special superstructure in the form of a launcher and other units were created taking into account the peculiarities and limitations of the chassis, and their integration will not be associated with any problems. At the same time, the use of a modern wheeled chassis will provide obvious advantages.
The TOS-2 launcher is designed from the ground up and must prove its performance. The same goes for modern fire control systems. In addition, the installation and the OMS must show compatibility with the existing range of projectiles and with a promising extended-range product.
By the fall of last year, TOS-2 coped with the factory tests, which shows the absence of any serious problems. Then began state testing and experimental military operation, which continues to this day.
On the eve of the service
News of recent months shows that the promising TOS-2 "Tosochka" flamethrower system successfully copes with the necessary checks and has every chance of reaching service in the army. By the end of the year, the Ministry of Defense plans to complete state tests of a combat vehicle and a new rocket, and next year an order for their adoption should be expected.
Then "Splav" and "Motovilikhinskiye Zavody" will start supplying serial products to the RKhBZ troops. According to current plans, by 2025 the share of new models in service with this type of troops should reach 85%, and the supply of "Toosochek" will make a significant contribution to achieving this goal. In addition, such complexes will give the RChBZ troops several new opportunities.
In the medium term, a mixed fleet of heavy flamethrower systems on a well-protected tracked and highly mobile wheeled chassis will appear at the disposal of the RChBZ troops. It will be possible to choose a technique for performing a strike in accordance with the existing conditions and the capabilities of a particular sample. This will, to a certain extent, simplify the planning of combat work and the execution of strikes. In addition, the range of missiles used will be expanded - with an increase in overall combat effectiveness.
Thus, the direction of heavy flamethrower systems has been developed, and soon such processes will give a real positive result. However, there is no need to rush yet. Development organizations and the Ministry of Defense have yet to complete all stages of checks, and only after that "Tosochka" will go into service and give the troops all new opportunities.
