Why Russia's TOS-1A heavy flamethrower is a 'joker in the card deck'?

Russia's TOS-1A “Solntsepyok” heavy flamethrower is indeed a powerful weapon. An improved version of the TOS-1, when employed in a battleground, TOS-1A causes a long-duration high-pressure blast wave which creates a vacuum, then precipitates a reverse wave leading to a ripping effect on materials such as aeroplane skin, radar surface, or human lung tissue.

 

It has been said that walls and surfaces within the affected area do not necessarily shield victims, but cause multiple pressure waves, which amplify the tearing effects and can topple structures.

 

"An incomplete explosion renders a near-devastating effect, with a wide-area long-duration high-temperature flame. Even those outside of the blast area will be rendered ineffective with debilitating mental and physical trauma," details about the weapon system read.

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Russian state-owned defence conglomerate Rostec dubbed the heavy flamethrower a joker in the card deck of the Nuclear, Chemical, Biological (NCB) Protection Troops.

 

"Solntsepek heavy flamethrower is definitely a joker in the NCB deck of cards. The unique thermobaric projectile destroys practically everything. The long shock wave penetrates shelters and bunkers, fills all cracks of the landscape. It thus has a penetrating impact," Rostec said in a Telegram post.

 

According to news agency TASS, the thermobaric projectile spreads a dry mixture and then explodes it. This is followed by a fuel and air explosion, and the temperature produced in the explosion is 1,000 degrees Centigrade. A TOS-1A salvo covers about 40,000 square meters, which is nearly six football pitches.

 

TOS-1A effectiveness was numerously confirmed in the zone of the special military operation, Rostec added.

 

TOS-1A 220mm heavy combat vehicle, which has a minimum fire range of 400 metres and a maximum of 6,000 metres, weighs 44.3 tonnes and is manned by three people.

 

Specifically effective in mountains and fortifications, the time of a full salvo of the flamethrower is six seconds.

Defence