MLRS
TOS-1A Solntsepek
The TOS-1A Solntsepek is a Russian heavy flamethrower system built by Omsktransmash, in service since about 2001. It fires 24 thermobaric 220 mm rockets from a T-72 chassis out to roughly 6 km, and has been used in Syria, Karabakh, Iraq and Ukraine.
Russia|OmsktransmashWhat Is the TOS-1A Solntsepek? Overview, History and Development
The TOS-1 was first shown in 1989 after development by the Splav and VNIIStali design institutes, and the first version saw use in Afghanistan and Chechnya. The improved TOS-1A Solntsepek entered service around 2001 to 2003 with longer range. It mounts a 24-tube launcher for 220 mm thermobaric or incendiary rockets on a T-72 chassis, with a crew of 3, a weight of about 45 t, an 840 hp V-84 engine, 60 km/h on road and a range of about 550 km.
A full salvo of 24 rockets takes about 7.5 seconds and covers an area cited at around 200 by 400 m. Maximum range is about 6 km (10 km is claimed for newer rockets), and a TZM-T vehicle reloads it. Operators include Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Armenia (reportedly 5 to 6), Algeria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia (reported). Combat use includes Syria, the 2020 Karabakh war, Iraq against ISIS and Ukraine. The newer TOS-2 Tosochka reaches up to 15 km. Thermobaric munitions are controversial, and use against civilians is prohibited under international humanitarian law.
TOS-1A Solntsepek Specifications: Weight, Armament, Armor and Mobility
TOS-1A Solntsepek Variants and Versions Compared
TOS-1 is the original system shown in 1989 and used in Afghanistan and Chechnya.
TOS-1A is the improved Solntsepek in service from about 2001 with greater range and a 24-tube launcher.
TOS-2 Tosochka is the newer successor on a modern chassis with a range of up to 15 km.
Which Countries Use the TOS-1A Solntsepek? Operators and Users
Russia
Azerbaijan
Armenia
Algeria
Iraq
Kazakhstan
Saudi ArabiaTOS-1A Solntsepek FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
What is the range of the TOS-1A Solntsepek?
The TOS-1A Solntsepek has a maximum range of about 6 km with its current rockets. Older rockets reached 3.5 km, and a range of about 10 km is claimed for newer munitions.
Which countries use the TOS-1A?
The TOS-1A is operated by Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Algeria and Iraq, and Saudi Arabia is reported to have bought it. Armenia reportedly received 5 to 6 systems, and Syria’s current status is unclear.
What is the TOS-1A used for?
The TOS-1A Solntsepek is used to destroy fortified positions, infantry and light vehicles with thermobaric and incendiary rockets. It fires 24 rockets in about 7.5 seconds from a T-72 chassis.
How many rockets does the TOS-1A fire?
The TOS-1A Solntsepek fires 24 x 220 mm rockets from a 24-tube launcher in about 7.5 seconds. A TZM-T transport-loader vehicle is used to reload it.
What is the difference between TOS-1A and TOS-2?
The TOS-2 Tosochka is the newer successor to the TOS-1A, using a more modern chassis and reaching up to 15 km, while the TOS-1A reaches about 6 km on a T-72 chassis.
Did Iraq use the TOS-1A?
Yes, Iraq used the TOS-1A against ISIS in Mosul and Tikrit. Iraq and Algeria are confirmed Arab operators, and Saudi Arabia’s purchase has been reported.
