TASS reported that Omsktransmash is carrying out work to upgrade the TOS-1A Solntsepyok (Scorching Sun) heavy flamethrower system at the Army-2021 International Military-Technical Forum. The work on the Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower will be completed in the immediate future. The appearance of this vehicle is a matter of the immediate future. Improvements involve the entire range of the vehicle’s design: its protection, communications and fire control systems. This will be a heavily upgraded vehicle. The Omsktransmash head pointed out, the TOS-1A heavy flamethrower keeps its relevance on the battlefield.
TOS-1A Solntsepyok (Object 634B) is a 24-barrel multiple rocket launcher and thermobaric weapon mounted on a T-72 tank chassis. The launch vehicle is equipped with a fire control system with a ballistic computer, aiming sight and 1D14 laser range finder. The other standard equipment consists of a TKN-3A sight for the commander, a GPK-59 navigation system, an R-163-50U radio station, an R-174 intercom and a 902G smoke grenade launcher with four barrels. The 3-man crew is armed with one AKS-74, one RPKS-74, three RPG-26s, and 10 F-1 hand grenades.
The TOS-1A based on a modified T-72A chassis and fitted with a rotating launch system for 24 unguided thermobaric rockets. All rockets can be launched within 6 to 12 seconds. A set of rockets NURS MO.1.01.04 and MO.1.01.04M. These are 3.3 m and 3.7 m long and weigh 173 kg (381 lb) and 217 kg (478 lb) respectively. The original rocket for the TOS-1A had a range of only 2,700 m (8,900 ft), but the improved version extends the range to 6,000 m (20,000 ft). Some sources say its range is 12 km. The system was modernized in 2016. Modernized systems with active protection, new engine and launchers and other improvements were delivered in early 2018.
Omsktransmash (Omsk transport machine factory) is a wholly state-owned engineering company based in the city of Omsk, Russia. The company was best known in the West during the Cold War period for its production of armoured vehicles such as the T-80 tank. The design bureau of the company, KBTM, was also responsible for the BTR-T, TOS-1 and 2S19 “Msta-S”. As well as formerly manufacturing tanks and other military vehicles, the company also produces a variety of wheeled industrial vehicles in both two- and four-wheel drive based on a ‘tractor’ chassis. In 2004 the design arm of the business was absorbed into Uralvagonzavod.
