NewsUkrainian forces neutralize feared 'hellish' Russian artillery system

Ukrainian forces neutralize feared 'hellish' Russian artillery system

TOS-1A, illustrative photo

Images source: © X, NEXTA

4 April 2024 08:27

A video has surfaced online, confirming that Ukrainians have successfully destroyed the enemy's TOS-1A system, often referred to as the Russian hellish weapon due to its firepower and method of operation. Here's a reminder of its key features.

Russians have been using TOS-1A systems to terrorize Ukraine for a long time. This time, the defenders managed to eliminate this weapon using an unmanned vehicle. Reports on social media indicate that this incident occurred near the town of Terny, a region in the Donetsk reserve where intense clashes occur. There, Ukrainians and Russians are vying for control, including over abandoned Stridsvagn 122 tanks in "no man's land".

Successful attack on the Russian TOS-1A system

The destruction of another TOS-1A unit is credited to the 12th Special Purpose Brigade (Azov) actions. A First Person View (FPV) drone, i.e., an unmanned vehicle with live viewing, was employed, allowing its pilot to see the live feed until the moment of impact.

The TOS-1A is a rocket artillery system that began production in 1987. Despite its relatively simple design, it has gained a reputation as one of the most terrifying weapons in the Russian arsenal used in Ukraine. This is due to its use of 220 mm thermobaric missiles.

Each of the 24 missiles in the launcher carries approximately 45 kg of thermobaric explosive charge. Upon detonation, the explosion can reach temperatures up to 3,000 degrees Celsius, comparable to a small nuclear explosion without radiation.

The system is mounted on the chassis of a T-72 tank, is 9.4 metres long, 3.6 metres wide, and weighs about 46 tonnes. Powered by an 840 horsepower engine, it can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h and performs well in challenging terrain thanks to its tracked traction.

However, it has a notable disadvantage due to its limited range of about 6 km. This limitation often forces Russians to relocate their TOS-1As, exposing both the systems and their three-person crews to attacks by Ukrainians.