#Tos_2
#ukraine
#russiaukrainewar
The TOS-2 is a new Russian flamethrower system. It is also nicknamed as the Tosochka. It is a lighter, less expensive and more mobile version of the TOS-1A system. The TOS-2 is based on a wheeled 6x6 chassis. A couple of pre-production units were first publicly revealed in 2020 during a military parade. However at the time this system was not yet in operational service. During the same year the TOS-2 was delivered to troops for trials and evaluation. This system could be adopted by the Russian military in the near future.

The TOS-2 is based on a Ural-63704-0010 military truck chassis. It has 18 launch tubes for 220 mm rockets. This rocket system is used to clear out buildings, bunkers and field fortifications using its thermobaric rockets.

The TOS-2 uses the same rockets as the previous systems. There are at least two types of 220 mm rockets. These are 3.3 and 3.7 m long and weight 173 and 217 kg respectively. Both of these rockets use the same 45 kg warhead. Maximum range of fire is around 6 km. Minimum range is around 400 m.

There are at least two types of warheads including incendiary and thermobaric. The thermobaric weapons are also called vacuum or fuel-air explosive weapon. This type of munitions releases a large cloud of flammable gas and causes massive explosions.

The cab is armored and provides protection for the crew against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. However the TOS-2 can not match the previous TOS-1 and TOS-1A systems in terms of armor protection. The previous systems were based on a tank chassis and offered similar level of protection as main battle tanks. However the TOS-2 is more mobile and can rapidly self-deploy on roads over long distances.

The launcher vehicle can stop and fire at a visible target within 90 seconds from traveling.

This artillery system is fitted with battlefield management system.

Vehicle has extended cab which accommodates the entire crew of around 5. All guidance and firing procedures are made from inside of the truck, without exposing the crew to enemy fire.

Vehicle is powered by a YaMZ-652 diesel engine, developing 440 hp. This vehicle can self-deploy on roads over long distances. The previous TOS-1 and TOS-1A systems required a tractor truck with a semi-trailer in order to relocate over significant distances. Though the TOS-2 looses to tracked systems in terms of off-road mobility.

The TOS-2 is fitted with hydraulic crane, which is used to reload rockets. This system can pick and load rockets from the ground, or from escorting resupply truck. Hence there is no need for a dedicated reloading vehicle. This also reduces procurement and operating costs.

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