In the 1970-1980s, at the height of the "arms race" in the USA and the USSR, the active development of "volumetric detonating" ammunition began: aerial bombs, artillery shells, and even infantry flamethrowers.
The flamethrowers that now exist in many armies of the world work according to the same scheme - a jet of a combustible mixture is fired under pressure and ignited. In the USSR, they went the other way - incendiary mixtures were placed in capsules and fired from grenade launchers (such hand-held flamethrowers were called "Bumblebee").
The test of the latter showed the promise of using volumetric detonating warheads on multiple launch rocket systems. It was entrusted to the Omsk Design Bureau of Transport Engineering to carry out the relevant research and development of a new MLRS, designed specifically for vacuum projectiles.
In the 1970s, a multiple launch rocket system was created that fired 220-mm rockets "with a volumetric detonating incendiary mixture." Each rocket contained 100 kg of this mixture.
When the warhead was blown up in a certain radius, the temperature reached 3000 degrees. Everything living and non-living was burned. In addition, there was the effect of the so-called "vacuum bomb" due to the burning of air. It was impossible for the enemy infantry to survive in the "hellish" flame and instantaneous pressure drops.

Since the range of fire required quick and precise actions, and the type of ammunition obliged to shoot as accurately as possible, a number of special equipment was installed on the BM: optical sight for guidance, laser rangefinder 1D14 with a measurement accuracy of up to 10 meters, a machine skew sensor PB2.329.04 and a computer system that automatically determines the required elevation angle of the guide block based on the readings of the rangefinder and sensors. Manual guidance is also possible, but it requires more time and better crew skills.
To transport rockets and facilitate loading, a transport-loading vehicle (TZM) was created with a crane and guides for loading the BM package. Initially, TZM was on the chassis of the KrAZ-255B truck.
There was a problem right away: warhead the missiles will be too dangerous for the crew, therefore, in order to avoid accidental hits and detonation of ammunition, it was decided to book the guide package. And added armor excess weight. I had to abandon the idea of ​​​​a chassis based on a truck. The chassis was decided to be based on the T-72 tank. Instead of a turret, a package of 30 missile guides on a swivel base was installed on it, and all the necessary equipment was placed inside. The crew consisted of three people: commander, driver and operator. That's how it was created fighting machine complex (BM, or "object 634").

After some improvements, the complex went into service with the USSR Armed Forces under the name TOS-1 "Pinocchio", due to the characteristic "sharp-nosed" fairings-detonators of the warhead of the ammunition.

Rockets of 220 mm caliber made a splash - there was almost nothing left of the training targets at the training ground. This effect more than compensated for the relatively short combat range, up to 3600 meters.
In the stowed position, the TZM guide block with missiles is covered by an armored box. Tests of the new complex, which received the TOS index (heavy flamethrower system), began in 1980.
Late 80s new system was tested in Afghanistan.
It was installed on the chassis of the T-72 tank, its firing range was up to 4.5 km. The armor left from the original T-72 significantly increased the survivability of the vehicle on the battlefield. Nevertheless, the manual for the combat use of TOS-1 recommended that you go to the firing position immediately before the salvo, under the cover of tanks, quickly shoot the entire set of missiles and go into cover. For safety, the three outer barrels on each side of the bag were left empty. The installation was intended to be used cutting edge. In the period from December 1988 to February 1989, two Pinocchio vehicles (1978 and 1980 of release) took part in the hostilities in the Charikar Valley and on the South Salang (during Operation Typhoon). It was first used to destroy caves and bunkers in which the Mujahideen were hiding. The use of Pinocchio in Afghanistan made a terrible impression on the dushmans. Those who saw the sea of ​​fire even at a distance could no longer forget it. "Pinocchio", under the cover of armored vehicles, attacked the positions of the Mujahideen using the "hit and go" tactics. In the mountainous conditions of Afghanistan, the effect of vacuum munitions was enhanced due to the reflection of shock waves from the mountains.
Second case combat use TOS-1 was in March 2000, in Chechnya, in the battle for the village of Komsomolskoye. Then the general public learned about the system, and unscrupulous representatives of the press began to spread unreliable rumors and legends about it.
At the exhibition "Pinocchio" was shown for the first time only in 2001.

Since the late 90s, work has been carried out at the Omsk Design Bureau of Transport Engineering to improve Pinocchio.
In 2001, a lighter and more advanced version of the flamethrower was created - TOS-1A "Solntsepyok", including on the basis of the T-90 tank.

TOS-1A "Solntsepyok" is equipped with a central control and navigation unit, L-1 and L-2 satellite navigation systems, an inertial measurement unit, a laser target designator, Doppler speed meters, a display device with a gyrocompass interface, a gyrocourse indicator and a navigator.

Since the previous TOS-1 "Buratino" had 6 empty missile barrels in combat conditions (3 on each side), the TOS-1A "Solntsepyok" had a smaller number of missile barrels installed - 24 instead of 30. It features an improved fire control system, enhanced armor protection and new ammunition. The firing range has increased to 6 km, while maintaining the same accuracy and accuracy, and the radius of destruction of each missile has increased.

Now the system included a new combat vehicle BM-1 (object 634A) with an updated set of equipment and a package of guides for 24 missiles (3 rows of 8 pieces).

The TZM was also updated, unifying it with the BM-1: a crane, loading guides and a protective cover were installed on the chassis of the T-72 tank. One calculation includes two such machines called TMZ-T (object 563).

Currently, the troops are armed with radiation, chemical and biological protection Russia consists of both types of complexes - TOS-1 "Pinocchio" and TOS-1A "Solntsepek".
TOS-1A "Solntsepyok" with shells with an increased flight range was adopted by the Russian army on April 4, 2001. Since 2008, the export of the system has been allowed. The heavy flamethrower was purchased by the armies of Kazakhstan (the contract was concluded in 2010, 3 BM-1 units were delivered from Russia in 2011) and Azerbaijan (6 BM-1 units on the T-90 chassis were delivered from Russia in 2013, 6 more units - in 2014 year; a total of 18 TOS-1A systems are planned to be delivered). In the photo - unloading of the TOS-1A "Solntsepyok" complexes in the Baku port:

Since 2014, TOS-1A "Solntsepyok" has been delivered to Iraq (at least 5 TOS-1A complexes as of August 2014).
The total number of heavy flamethrower systems in service with Russia was not officially named. According to open sources, organizational structure are:
1st mobile brigade RKhBZ, at least 4 units of BM-1 and 1 unit of TZM-T.
28th separate brigade of the RKhBZ (Volgograd region, Kamyshin), at least 2 units of BM-1 and 1 unit of TZM-T.
70th separate flamethrower battalion (Primorsky Territory, Razdolnoye village), at least 2 units of BM-1.

Materials provided by: S.V. Gurov (Tula)

The heavy flamethrower system TOS-1A "Solntsepyok" is designed for fire support of infantry and tanks, destruction of enemy manpower, open and closed firing positions in various types offensive and defensive combat, as well as to disable lightly armored vehicles and Vehicle. The greatest effect of the action of unguided rockets in thermobaric equipment is achieved in mountainous conditions due to the mutual superposition of air shock waves and their multiple reflections from the surrounding rocks, the creation of screes of soil and stone blockages. TOS-1A operates in combat formations of supported troops from open and closed positions.

High accuracy of salvo firing at an area target is ensured by direct sighting (aiming) of the launcher at the target, automated guidance at a firing range of up to 6000 m.

The system was developed by JSC “Design Bureau of Transport Engineering” (Omsk).

Heavy flamethrower system TOS-1A "Solntsepek" with projectiles with increased flight range was adopted by the Russian Army on April 4, 2001. It is in service with the troops of radiation, chemical and biological protection (RHBZ). In March 2006, at the Shilovsky training ground of the Siberian Military District, TOS-1A participated in tactical anti-terrorist exercises with live firing. Was presented at VIII International Exhibition military equipment, technologies and weapons ground forces"VTTV-Omsk-2009".

Currently, TOS-1A is offered for export; in 2008, an advertising passport for the system was approved.

It is in service with the Russian Army, the armies of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, Iraq, Armenia and Algeria. In 2019, the system was delivered to Saudi Arabia.

It was used during the fighting in the Syrian Arab Republic.

Since 2017, the demand for shells for the Syrian Arab Republic has increased 9 times.

Compound

The TOS-1A system includes:

• combat vehicle BM-1 with a launcher on a tank chassis - 1 unit;
• transport-loading vehicle TZM-T on a tank chassis - 2 units.
• unguided rockets (NURS) of 220mm caliber (see diagram, photo1, photo2, photo3).

The BM-1 combat vehicle is a multiple launch rocket system on a tank chassis and includes the following components:

• a turntable with a swinging part;
• fire control system (FCS), which includes:
  • aiming device
  • rangefinder;
  • specialized computer complex;
  • electrohydraulic drives;
  • firing equipment;
• means of communication;
• fire-fighting equipment;
• camouflage systems;
• equipment for self-digging;
• weapons and ammunition;
• auxiliary equipment;
• auxiliary equipment hydraulic system;
• personal property and spare parts.

The combat vehicle (BM) is used to place NURS and launch them at designated targets. BM is equipped with a turntable with a swinging part, which includes a package of 24 tubular guides (see photo) for rockets, as well as power servo drives and a fire control system located on the chassis of the main battle tank T-72A. The guide package is mounted in an armored oscillating part, which provides protection of the ammunition from the B-32 armor-piercing bullet with a caliber of 7.62 mm from a distance of at least 620 m. ballistic computer. Depending on the situation, fire on targets can be carried out with single and double shots from two barrels. NURS launch control - automatic, NURS exit rate - 0.5s. The duration of a full salvo with paired launches is 6s, with single launches - 12s. The time of readiness to open fire on a visible target from the moment the combat vehicle stops is 90 s. The crew of the car is 3 people: commander, gunner, driver.

Shooting is carried out with unguided rockets of 220mm caliber of two types. Projectiles are designed to deliver a thermobaric mixture to the target, actuate it and create excess pressure and a thermal field on the target area. NURS provide hitting targets at ranges up to 6000 m. The projectile MO.1.01.04 has a length of 3300mm and a weight of 173kg. The projectile MO.1.01.04M has a length of 3700mm and a weight of 217kg. NURS consist of a head part of a thermobaric or incendiary action, a fuse and a solid propellant jet engine.

The fire control system includes an optical sight, a 1D14 laser periscope rangefinder, a PB2.329.04 roll-trim sensor (electric, pendulum type) and a specialized electronic digital computer system with MO.1.01.01.03M2 sensor equipment. With the help of a laser rangefinder, distances to the target are determined with an accuracy of 10m. These data are automatically entered into the ballistic computer, which calculates the required elevation angle of the launcher. The angle of roll and trim of the guide package is fixed automatically and taken into account by the calculator.

Auxiliary weapons of the BM-1: RPKS-74 machine gun (1440 rounds of ammunition), AKS-74 assault rifle (300 rounds of ammunition), three RPG-26 anti-tank grenades and 10 F-1 hand grenades.

The power drive for pointing the launcher in the horizontal plane is electromechanical, in the vertical plane - electro-hydraulic. To ensure the accuracy of shooting, the BM-1 is equipped with outriggers (see photo) and hydrofriction stoppers (HFS). Outrigger and HFS control - remote, electro-hydraulic.

Commander's device TKN-ZA - combined (day and night), electron-optical, binocular, periscopic.

Observation devices: TNPO-160 - daytime, prismatic, heated, with built-in temperature controller (1 pc.), TNPA-65 - daytime, prismatic, unheated (3 pcs.), TVNE-4B - night, periscope, electron-optical, heated ( 1 pc.), TNPO-168V - daylight, single, heated, prismatic with temperature controller (1 pc.), TNP-165A - daytime, prism, unheated (1 pc.), TNP-350B - daytime, prismatic, unheated (1 pc.) . Orientation device - gyroscopic heading indicator gyro-semi-compass GPK-59.

Power plant - V-84MS maximum power (n = 2000 rpm) when operating on diesel fuel 840l.s. Power transmission - mechanical. The main launch system is air, additional - electric. Power supply system - direct current, single-wire. On-board network voltage - 27 + 1V, batteries - starter, lead-acid 6STEN-140M (4 pieces) Total battery capacity - 280Ah.

DC starter-generator set SG-10-1S. The rated power of the generator mode is 10kW, the rated voltage is 26.5-28.5V. The rated power of the starter mode is 19kW, the rated voltage is 48V. Relay-regulator R-10TMU - non-contact with weather-directed adjustment.

As a means of camouflage, the BM-1 is equipped with 4 launchers of the 902G smoke grenade launch system with a firing range of up to 100m and thermal smoke equipment that creates an invisible smoke screen 250-400m long.

Weapon protection system mass destruction- collective, providing protection for the crew from damaging factors nuclear explosion and toxic substances by sealing the habitable compartment. The system sensor is a GO-27 radiation and chemical reconnaissance device; a filter-ventilation unit (FVU) is used to create excess pressure and clean the air entering the habitable compartment from dust and radioactive substances. Way of control of actuating devices - automatic and semi-automatic.

Fire protection system - automatic, triple action. Control equipment ZETs11-3 with automatic and semi-automatic control of actuators.

The TZM-T transport-loading vehicle is designed for transporting NURS, loading and unloading the launcher (see photo). It is a set of loading and unloading devices placed on a caterpillar base. TZM-T is a combat vehicle and includes the main components:

• modified chassis of the T-72A tank;
• crane arm;
• hydraulic drive of the crane-manipulator;
• removable armor protection of ammunition;
• equipment for the loading mechanism;
• special equipment for laying NURS;
• means of communication;
• day and night observation devices;
• system of protection against weapons of mass destruction;
• fire-fighting equipment;
• weapons and ammunition;
• personal property and spare parts.

Crew - 3 people (commander, operator, driver).

Armament: RPKS-74 machine gun (1440 rounds of ammunition), two AKS-74 assault rifles (600 rounds of ammunition), 5 RPG-26 anti-tank grenades, 10 F-1 hand grenades.

Observation devices: TNPO-160 daytime, prismatic, heated with built-in temperature controller (4 pcs.), TVNE-4B night, periscope, electro-optical, heated (1 pc.), TNPO-168V daytime, single, heated, prism with temperature controller (1 pc.), TNPA-65 daytime, prismatic, unheated (2 pcs.) Orientation device - gyroscopic heading indicator gyro semi-compass GPK-59.

Communication facilities - transceiver, ultra-shortwave, with 10 pre-prepared frequencies (ZFC) R-163-50U, operating frequency range 30025 - 79975 kHz. The range with the same type of radio stations in medium-rough terrain is 20 km. Equipment for intercom and switching R-174 for 4 subscribers for BM-1 and for 3 for TZM.

Special equipment - hydraulic two-mode crane installation with a lifting capacity of 1000 kg. Crane control - remote, electro-hydraulic. TZM loading time - 24 min. Ammunition protection - armored, removable.

The power plant, power supply systems, fire extinguishing and protection against weapons of mass destruction of the TZM-T transport-loading vehicle are similar to the BM-1.

As a means of camouflage, the TZM-T is equipped with thermal smoke equipment that creates an invisible smoke screen 250-400m long.

Equipment for self-digging - built-in bulldozer.

Delivery set of the TOS-1A system:

• Combat vehicle BM-1 (ed. 634B) - 1 pc,
• Single spare parts kit BM-1 (634B ZI-0) - 1 piece,
• Group spare parts kit BM-1 (634B ZI-1) - 1 pc. for 5 units,
• Transport-loading vehicle TZM-T (ed. 563) - 2 pcs.,
• Single spare parts kit TZM-T (563 ZI-0) - 1 pc.

The number of sets of unguided rockets (MO.101.04, MO.1.01.04M) - at the request of the customer.

Tactical and technical characteristics

Name of the export sample	Rocket projectile MO.1.01.04	Projectile MO.1.01.04M	Projectile MO.1.01.04M.OP
Cipher	Pinocchio	"Sun"	"Sun"
Index	MO.1.01.04	MO.1.01.04M	MO.1.01.04M.OP
Caliber, mm	220	220	220
Weight, kg	173	217	204
Length, mm	3300	3723	3723
Firing range, m:
maximum	2800	6000	6700
minimal	400-600		600
minimum for areal targets		1600	1600
minimum for vertical targets		600
Temperature range of normal operation (in the absence of snow cover and water), ° С	from - 30 to +50	from - 40 to +50	from - 30 to +50

Unguided missile equipped with a thermobaric mixture for heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1, TOS-1A (index MO.1.01.04)

The projectile MO.1.01.04 is designed to deliver a thermobaric mixture to the target, actuate it and create excess pressure and a thermal field on the target area.

The MO.1.01.04 rocket projectile export sample includes: the MRV-U1 fuse, the MO.1.01.04.01 head part and the MO.1.01.02.02 missile part. (probably a typo and should be MO.1.01.04.02)

Unguided missile in thermobaric equipment for the TOS-1A system (index MO.1.01.04M)

The projectile MO.1.01.04M is designed to deliver a thermobaric mixture to the target, actuate it and create excess pressure and a thermal field on the target area.

The composition of the export sample of the MO.1.01.04M rocket projectile includes: the fuse MRV-U1, the warhead MO.1.01.04M.01 and the rocket part MO.1.01.04M.02.

The export sample does not differ from the analogue created in the interests of the Russian customer.

The MO.1.01.04M.OP rocket projectile is designed to deliver a metallized mixture to the target, set it into action, create fires and place blinding aerosol curtains on the ground.

The composition of the export sample of the MO.1.01.04M.OP rocket projectile includes: the fuse MRV-U1, the warhead MO.1.01.04M.OP.01 and the rocket part MO.1.01.04M.02.

The export sample does not differ from the analogue created in the interests of the Russian customer.

Fighting vehicle BM-1
Number of guide pipes, pcs	24
Guide tube length, mm	3725
The area of ​​destruction of open and located in open trenches manpower when firing at maximum range, m 2	up to 40000
Mass of BM-1 combat equipment, t	44.3±1.5%
	0,09 (0,9)
Main dimensions, mm: - length over rear outriggers - width over removable shields - height over welded parts on the roof of the swinging part	7240 3580 3073 470
	60
Fuel range, km	550
Overcome obstacles: - moat width, m - wall height, m - ford depth, m	30 25 2,6-2,8 0,85 1,2
Transport-loading vehicle TZM-T
Weight of TZM-T with NURS kit, t	39
Average specific ground pressure, MPa (kgf/cm2)	0,079 (0,79)
Main dimensions, mm: - length - width over removable shields - height - Clearance on the main bottom	7000 3580 3050 477
Travel speed (maximum on the highway), km/h	60
Fuel range, km	550
The number of ammunition carried for the BM-1, pcs	24
Transportable fuel for BM-1, l	400
Overcome obstacles: - maximum elevation angle, hail, - maximum bank angle, deg. - moat width, m - wall height, m - ford depth, m	30 25 2,6-2,8 0,85 1,2

This heavy flamethrower system is in service with the troops of radiation, chemical and biological protection. Russian Army since April 2001. Specialization - defeating enemy manpower, open and closed firing positions in various types of offensive and defensive combat, disabling armored vehicles.

The greatest effect from its unguided rockets in thermobaric equipment is achieved in mountainous conditions: due to the mutual superposition of air shock waves and their multiple reflections from surrounding rocks, soil destruction and stone blockages. The ammunition creates a cloud of explosive mixture and then undermines it, forcing all the oxygen in the cloud to enter into this reaction.

After an instantaneous detonation, the pressure rises sharply, and then drops below atmospheric by about 160 mm mercury column. Thus, even if the enemy managed to survive after the explosion, the pressure drop leads to his guaranteed death from the gap internal organs. The high accuracy of salvo firing of the flamethrower system is ensured by direct aiming of the launcher and automated targeting, which can be at a distance of up to 6 km.

Tell me, what's his name?

TOS-1A "Solntsepek" is a modification of a heavy multiple rocket launcher based on the T-72 tank. TOS-1 was developed between 1971 and 1979. First prototypes on the T-72 chassis were manufactured at the Design Bureau of Transport Engineering in Omsk. The complex included a combat vehicle (BM) - a launcher with a package of 30 guides on the chassis of the T-72 tank and a transport-loading vehicle (TZM) on the KrAZ-255B chassis. In 1980, the machine successfully passed state tests and was recommended for adoption by the Soviet Army.

The Pinocchio system was intended to disable lightly armored and automotive vehicles, set fire to and destroy structures and buildings, destroy enemy manpower with fragments and a shock wave created by the massive use of unguided rockets in thermobaric and smoke-incendiary equipment.

A significant mass of a package of guide tubes with shells required a chassis with a high carrying capacity, and a small firing range (from 400 to 4500 meters) required a certain level of protection for the entire combat vehicle, which made it heavier up to 46 tons. A package of 30 guides for unguided rockets (NURS) was mounted on a turntable launcher.

The crew performed all actions to aim the installation at the target without leaving the car - with the help of a sight and electric drives. The trajectory of the projectiles to the target required accurate consideration of the firing conditions and the creation of a special fire control system, which consisted of an optical sight, a laser rangefinder, a roll sensor and an electronic ballistic computer.

From Pinocchio to Solntsepek

In 2001, the Pinocchio system was modernized and received the name TOS-1A "Solntsepek". Distinctive features new items were: the number of shells reduced to 24, the firing range increased to 6 kilometers, the KrAZ chassis was replaced with an upgraded tracked base of the T-72A tank.

The composition of the system TOS-1A "Sun" includes:
- combat vehicle BM-1 ("Object 634B") with a launcher on the T-72A chassis;
- transport-loading vehicle TZM-T ("Object 563") on the T-72A chassis;
- NURS MO.1.01.04 or MO.1.01.04M caliber 220 mm.

Fire battery!

The BM-1 is a multiple launch rocket system. It is equipped with a V-84MS diesel power plant with a capacity of 840 hp. With. at 2000 rpm. on the T-72A chassis, a turntable with a swinging part, which includes a package of 24 tubular guides for rockets, electric drives and a fire control system.

The guide package is mounted in an armored oscillating part, which protects the ammunition load from the B-32 armor-piercing bullet with a caliber of 7.62 mm from a distance of at least 620 meters. Guidance of the swinging part of the launcher on the target in the horizontal and vertical planes is carried out by electro-hydraulic drives using a laser rangefinder and a ballistic computer.

Depending on the situation, fire on targets can be carried out with single and double shots from two barrels. NURS launch control is automatic, the duration of a full volley with paired launches is 6 seconds, with single launches - 12 seconds, and the time for readiness to open fire on a visible target from the moment the combat vehicle stops is 90 seconds. The crew of the vehicle consists of three people: a driver-mechanic, a gunner and a commander.

Shooting is carried out with unguided rockets of 220 mm caliber. The projectiles are designed to deliver a thermobaric mixture, actuate it and create an overpressure and thermal field on the target area. The MO.1.01.04 projectile has a length of 3300 mm and a weight of 173 kg, while the MO.1.01.04M projectile is slightly longer and heavier - 3700 mm and 217 kg, respectively. NURS consist of a head part of a thermobaric or incendiary action, a fuse and a solid propellant jet engine.

The fire control system includes an optical sight, a 1D14 laser periscope rangefinder, a PB2.329.04 roll-trim sensor (electric, pendulum type) and a specialized electronic digital computer system MO.1.01.01.03M2. With the help of a laser rangefinder, the distance to the target is determined with an accuracy of up to 10 meters. These data are automatically entered into the ballistic computer, which calculates the required elevation angle of the launcher. The angle of roll and trim is fixed automatically and taken into account by the calculator.

Auxiliary weapons of the BM-1: RPKS-74 machine gun (1440 rounds of ammunition), AKS-74 assault rifle (300 rounds of ammunition), three RPG-26 anti-tank grenades and ten F-1 hand grenades.

The power drive for pointing the launcher in the horizontal plane is electromechanical, in the vertical plane - electro-hydraulic. To ensure the accuracy of shooting, the BM-1 is equipped with outriggers and hydro-friction stoppers with remote electro-hydraulic control. Commander's device TKN-ZA - combined (day and night) electro-optical, binocular, periscopic. The remaining observation devices are both prismatic and telescopic, and the orientation device is a gyroscopic heading indicator gyro-semi-compass GPK-59.

BM-1 is equipped with built-in bulldozer equipment for self-digging, four 902 G smoke grenade launchers with a firing range of up to 100 meters and thermal smoke equipment that creates an impenetrable curtain up to 400 meters long. The system of protection against weapons of mass destruction provides protection for the crew from toxic substances by pressurizing the cabin. The filter-ventilation unit with the GO-27 radiation and chemical reconnaissance device cleans the air entering the crew compartment from dust and radioactive substances. The average range of communication with the same type of radio stations is about 20 km. Fire protection system - automatic, triple action.

Get up for charging

The transport-loading vehicle TZM-T is designed for transporting the NURS, loading and unloading the launcher.

TZM-T is a set of loading and unloading devices placed on a caterpillar base. The crew of the vehicle also consists of three people: a driver-mechanic, an operator and a commander. They are armed with an RPKS-74 machine gun (1440 rounds of ammunition), two AKS-74 assault rifles (600 rounds of ammunition), five RPG-26 anti-tank grenades and ten hand grenades F-1.

The lifting capacity of the hydraulic dual-mode crane installation is 1000 kg. The charging time of the installation by a remotely controlled electro-hydraulic crane is 24 minutes. Ammunition protection - armored, removable. The power plant, power supply systems, fire extinguishing and protection against weapons of mass destruction of the TZM-T transport-loading vehicle are similar to the BM-1.

Sunstroke

Today, TOS-1A are in service with the 1st mobile brigade of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Forces (at least four units of BM-1 and one unit of TZM-T), the 28th separate brigade of the RKhBZ in the city of Kamyshin Volgograd region(at least two BM-1 units and one TZM-T unit), as well as the 70th separate flamethrower battalion in the village of Razdolnoye, Primorsky Krai (at least two BM-1 units).

In the period from December 1988 to February 1989, two TOS-1 Buratino complexes took part in hostilities in the Charikar Valley and South Salang (Afghanistan) during Operation Typhoon. The tactics of use consisted in a sudden fire engagement of the enemy, the rapid withdrawal of combat vehicles from a possible retaliatory fire and withdrawal to points of permanent deployment Soviet troops. The effect of the application thermobaric ammunition in the mountains exceeded all expectations. During the battle for the village of Komsomolskoye (Chechen Republic) in 2000, TOS-1 fired at militant positions.

TOS-1A Solntsepek is exported to Azerbaijan (6 BM-1 units on T-90 chassis were delivered in 2013 and 6 more units will be delivered in 2014), Kazakhstan (3 BM-1 units were delivered in 2011) and Iraq (several units to be delivered before the end of 2014).

Tactical and technical characteristics of TOS-1A "Solntsepek"
Caliber, mm: 220
Number of guide pipes, pcs: 24
Firing range, m:
- minimum: 400
- maximum: 6000
Area of ​​damage when firing at maximum range, sq. m.: 40000

Fighting vehicle BM-1
Mass of BM-1 in combat gear, t: 44.3
Main dimensions, mm:
- length over rear outriggers: 7240

- height on details on the roof of the swinging part: 3073
- Clearance on the main bottom: 470

Highway speed, km/h: 60
Power reserve, km: 550

Overcome obstacles:
- maximum elevation angle, degrees: 30
- maximum roll angle, degrees: 25
- moat width, m: 2.6
- wall height, m: 0.85
- ford depth, m: 1.2

Transport-loading vehicle TZM-T
Weight of TZM-T with a set of NURS, t: 39
Main dimensions, mm:
- length: 7000
- width over removable shields: 3580
- height: 3050
- Clearance on the main bottom: 477
The number of ammunition carried for the BM-1, pcs: 24
Transportable fuel for BM-1, l .: 400

Heavy flamethrower system TOS-1 is one of the means (infantry jet flamethrower "Bumblebee", volumetric detonating bomb ODAB-500, etc.) for the use of thermobaric and volumetric detonating ammunition.

The system, consisting of a combat vehicle (BM) with unguided rockets (NURS) and a transport combat vehicle (TZM), was developed in the late 70s by the design bureau of the State Unitary Enterprise Omsk Transport Engineering Plant (head contractor, chief designer A.A. Morov) together with JSC "Motovilikhinskiye Zavody" (manufacturer of MLRS "Grad", "Hurricane", "Smech"). The tracked chassis of the main battle tank T-72 ("Object 634") was used as a self-propelled base.

Currently, there are 2 options for a heavy flamethrower system. The first version of the combat vehicle weighing 42 tons was designated TOS and equipped with a package of 24 guide pipes for rockets, the second version - TOS-1 ("Pinocchio", weight 46 tons) with an increased ammunition load is equipped with a package of 30 guide pipes. The system was made in a small batch.

Purpose

The heavy flamethrower system TOS-1 "Buratino" is designed to destroy enemy manpower in open areas and in structures, as well as his lightly armored vehicles and vehicles in the course of direct support of motorized rifle and tank units in offensive and defensive combat by hitting designated targets with missiles from warheads of thermobaric, incendiary, and other actions. TOS-1 operates in combat formations of supported troops from open and closed positions.

Composition and features

The combat vehicle (BM) serves to accommodate 30 NURS of 220 mm caliber and launch them at designated targets. It is a rotating launcher (PU) with an oscillating part in the form of a package of 30 tube guides for rockets with power servo drives and a fire control system, placed on the chassis of the T-72 main battle tank. The oscillating part of the launcher is aimed at the target in the horizontal and vertical planes by power servo drives using a laser range finder and a ballistic computer. Depending on the situation, fire on targets can be carried out with single and double shots from two barrels, as well as a volley with the launch of all 30 missiles in no more than 15 seconds. BM does not have equipment for underwater driving and can be transported by An-22 aircraft. The crew of the car is 3 people. Weight BM TOS-1 46 t.

fire control system includes a sight, laser range finder, ballistic computer and roll sensor.

NURS is a 220 mm unguided rocket with a thermobaric or incendiary warhead that occupies most of the length of the rocket. Depending on the modification of the missile, the firing range is 400-3500 m. The upgraded NURS ensures hitting targets at ranges up to 6000 m.

Transport-loading vehicle(TZM) is designed to transport NURS, loading and unloading the launcher. It is a set of loading and unloading devices placed on a tracked base or chassis of a wheeled off-road truck.

The heavy flamethrower system was used in combat operations in Afghanistan and Chechnya, where it operated, as a rule, under the cover of 3-4 tanks. After the salvo was fired, the car immediately went into cover to ensure its safety from being hit by grenade launchers and artillery. For the first time, the results of the use of TOS-1 "Buratino" (village of Komsomolskoye, Chechnya) were demonstrated in March 2000. In March 2006, at the Shilovsky training ground of the Siberian Military District, TOS-1A participated in tactical anti-terrorist exercises with live firing. It is in service with the troops of radiation, chemical and biological protection (RHBZ).

Main characteristics

Chassis	T-72 tank platform
Story
Developer country	Russia
Year(s) of production	1987-present time
Dimensions
Weight in combat position, kg	46000
Length in the stowed position, mm	6860
Width in the stowed position, mm	3460
Height in the stowed position, mm	2600 (estimated)
Clearance, mm	470
Armament
Caliber, mm	220
Barrel length, mm	5000 (estimated)
Number of guides	24 (30)
Minimum firing range, m	400
Maximum firing range, m	3600 (with new missiles - up to 6000)
Damage area, m²	1000 - incendiary, 2000 - thermobaric
Calculation of BM, pers.	3
Mobility
engine's type	V-12

Visual demonstration of the possibilities Russian weapons once again evoked both horror and admiration in the West.

This time, an explosion of emotions was provoked by the appearance of a video of an exercise in the Volgograd region, where the firing of the Russian heavy Buratino flamethrower system was carried out.

Journalists from Popular Mechanics, impressed by what they saw, published an article stating that “this tank-mounted rocket launcher can incinerate eight city blocks."

According to an emotional description by Popular Mechanics journalists, one full volley of Pinocchio can turn a 200 by 400-meter rectangle into "hell on earth for those who are inside."

At the same time, Pinocchio does not apply to the latest samples domestic military equipment - this system has been in service for three decades.

The development of a heavy flamethrower system began in the 1970s. The idea of ​​this type of weapons was based on the successes of Soviet chemists who developed a technique for creating highly effective ammunition. volumetric explosion, or thermobaric ammunition.

The essence of the use of such ammunition is as follows - the warhead of the rocket delivers a combustible substance to the target in the form of an aerosol, which, when sprayed, forms a gas cloud. The cloud detonates, causing a shock wave that is vastly superior to the shock wave from conventional munitions.

On the ground, such an explosion outwardly gave the impression of using a tactical nuclear device. The demonstration of the capabilities of new ammunition so impressed the Soviet General Staff that the military set the task of creating systems using such projectiles as soon as possible.

Tested in Afghanistan

The development of a heavy flamethrower system was carried out at the Design Bureau of Transport Engineering in Omsk. Launcher with a package of 30 guides was placed on the chassis of the T-72 tank.

During the tests, the system was codenamed "Object 634", and the proud name TOS-1 (heavy flamethrower system) "Pinocchio" was given to it after it was put into service.

The Pinocchio system is designed to disable lightly armored and automotive vehicles, set fire to and destroy structures and buildings, destroy enemy manpower located in open areas and in fortifications, with fragments, a shock wave created on the target area during the massive use of unguided rockets in thermobaric and smoke ignition equipment.

If necessary, TOS-1 "Pinocchio" is capable of firing 30 rounds of 220 mm caliber within 7.5 seconds.

The first use of TOS-1 "Pinocchio" in combat conditions took place in Afghanistan, shortly before the withdrawal of Soviet troops. Pinocchio strikes were delivered suddenly, with the support of tanks, after the strike of the TOS-1 installation was immediately withdrawn from positions to the rear. This was explained not only by the fact that Pinocchio was a secret type of weapon, but also by security issues.

Nightmare of Chechen terrorists

TOS-1, despite all its power, is very vulnerable to the enemy. The firing range of "Pinocchio" is from 400 to 4000 meters, which makes it necessary to place installations in close proximity from the enemy, which increases the likelihood of hitting them with return fire.

The 46-ton machine has weak armor, vulnerable even to a shot from a hand grenade launcher. In this regard, Pinocchio can only operate under the cover of other heavy equipment and, having completed combat mission, must leave the leading edge immediately.

In general, Pinocchio is designed to solve a narrow range of tasks in certain conditions and is not a miracle weapon for all occasions.

But those tasks for which TOS-1 was created, it solves brilliantly.

For the first time, Pinocchio was talked about all over the world in 2000, when the world media bypassed the footage of the combat use of TOS-1 in battles with Chechen fighters for the village of Komsomolskoye.

"I note that firepower TOS "Pinocchio" has become a good help in the operation. The high accuracy and high firing efficiency of this system made it possible to achieve results where other fire weapons were powerless, ”wrote the Russian army about the battles for Komsomolskoye. General Gennady Troshev.

Dangerous "Sunshine"

In 2001, taking into account the experience of using the TOS-1 "Pinocchio", a modification of the heavy flamethrower system was created, called the TOS-1A "Solntsepyok".

Unlike the Pinocchio, the Solntsepyok has a reduced number of launcher guides - 24 instead of 30. A new projectile has been developed for the Solntsepyok, capable of hitting targets at a greater distance. The launcher is based on a modified chassis of the T-72 tank. Also on the T-72 chassis, a transport-loading vehicle, previously located on the KrAZ vehicle chassis, is now made.

"Pinocchio" and "Sun" are not "ideal weapons", as people who are prone to exaggeration sometimes write about these systems. However, heavy flamethrower systems solve the tasks assigned to them effectively and efficiently.