- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

Hell on Earth: Russian Heavy Flamethrower Shocks Viewers

© Sputnik / Alexander Vilf / Go to the mediabankThe TOS-1A heavy flamethrower system
The TOS-1A heavy flamethrower system - Sputnik International
Subscribe
The burning projectile fired by Russia’s TOS-1A heavy flamethrower system during a recent drill near Volgograd is capable of making life a living hell for the enemy, a US science and technology magazine wrote.

Uragan Multiple-Launch Rocket System fires during an exercise in missile strike and artillery fire control at the Chebarkul firing range of the Central Military District in the Chelyabinsk Region. - Sputnik International
Iron Fist: Russian Uragan Multiple Rocket Launcher Becoming Deadlier
“This Russian tank-mounted rocket launcher can incinerate eight city blocks,” Popular Mechanics wrote on Monday, adding that the TOS-1A Heavy Flamethrower System, in addition to traditional incendiary rockets, can also fire thermobaric rockets.

Thermobaric rockets are a "fuel-air" weapon system. When fired, the rockets disperse a cloud of flammable liquid into the air around the target, and then ignite it.

“The results are devastating — not only is the explosion significantly longer and the shockwave significantly hotter and stronger than a conventional warhead, but all the oxygen in the near vicinity is also consumed, creating a partial vacuum. This makes them horrifying weapons to use against infantry and entrenched personnel in bunkers and caves—exactly what the TOS-1 was designed for,” Popular Mechanics noted.

“A full salvo of the system’s 24 rockets will make a rectangle 200 meters by 400 meters – a bit more than eight city blocks – hell on earth for anyone caught inside.”

The TOS-1A Heavy Flamethrower System is a 220mm 24-barrel multiple rocket launcher and thermobaric weapon mounted on a T-72 tank chassis.

It was designed for defeating enemy personnel in fortifications, in open country, and in lightly armored vehicles and transport. First combat tests took place in 1988-1989 in Afghanistan.

The combat system, which consists of the combat vehicle, rockets, and loading vehicle, was developed in 1979 by the design bureau of the Transport Machine Factory in Omsk and was named TOS-1. It remained a secret development for a long time.

© Sputnik / Alexey Malgavko / Go to the mediabankHeavy flamethrower system TOS-1 "Buratino" during demonstration firing conducted at the 10th Russia Arms Expo international exhibition's opening.
Heavy flamethrower system TOS-1 Buratino during demonstration firing conducted at the 10th Russia Arms Expo international exhibition's opening - Sputnik International
1/3
Heavy flamethrower system TOS-1 "Buratino" during demonstration firing conducted at the 10th Russia Arms Expo international exhibition's opening.
© Sputnik / Artem Zhitenev / Go to the mediabankVolley from heavy flamethrower TOS-1 "Buratino" system during military exercises of military units and chemical protection organizations at the Shihansky garrison in the Saratov region.
The TOS-1A variant of the TOS-1 Buratino (Pinocchio) heavy flamethrower, nicknamed the 'Solntsepyok' (Sun Heat). - Sputnik International
2/3
Volley from heavy flamethrower TOS-1 "Buratino" system during military exercises of military units and chemical protection organizations at the Shihansky garrison in the Saratov region.
© Sputnik / Artem Zhitenev / Go to the mediabankHeavy flamethrower TOS-1 "Buratino" during military exercises of military units and chemical protection organizations at the Shihansky garrison in the Saratov region.
Heavy flamethrower TOS-1 Buratino during military exercises of military units and chemical protection organizations at the Shihansky garrison in the Saratov region - Sputnik International
3/3
Heavy flamethrower TOS-1 "Buratino" during military exercises of military units and chemical protection organizations at the Shihansky garrison in the Saratov region.
1/3
Heavy flamethrower system TOS-1 "Buratino" during demonstration firing conducted at the 10th Russia Arms Expo international exhibition's opening.
2/3
Volley from heavy flamethrower TOS-1 "Buratino" system during military exercises of military units and chemical protection organizations at the Shihansky garrison in the Saratov region.
3/3
Heavy flamethrower TOS-1 "Buratino" during military exercises of military units and chemical protection organizations at the Shihansky garrison in the Saratov region.
Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала