TOS 1

[dosbox]

SYSTEM Alternative Designations: Buratino Date of Introduction: Early 1990s Proliferation: At least 1 country Description: Crew: 3 in vehicle Chassis/Carriage: T-72 tank chassis (data based on T-72M1) Combat Weight (mt): 46.0 Chassis Length Overall (m): 6.91 Height Overall (m): INA Width Overall (m): 3.59 Automotive Performance: Engine Type: 780-hp Diesel Cruising Range (km): 550 without external fuel tanks Speed (km/h): Max Road: 60 Max Off-Road: INA Fording Depth (m): 1.2 Unprepared Radio: R-173M Protection: Armor, Turret Front (mm): 500/560 against HEAT Applique Armor (mm): Side of hull over track skirt Explosive Reactive Armor (mm): Available Self-Entrenching Blade: Yes NBC Protection System: Yes Smoke Equipment: Smoke grenade launchers (4x 81-mm front hull) ARMAMENT Launcher: Caliber, Type: 220-mm rocket launcher Number of Tubes: 30/24 current launcher Launch Rate, Full Salvo Time: 30 rounds in 7.5 seconds/6 sec current Loader Type: Crane hoist on truck transloader FIRE CONTROL Direct Fire: Unidentified gunner and commander sights Laser rangefinder: Yes Fire Control Computer: Ballistic computer with roll sensors MAIN ARMAMENT AMMUNITION Type: FAE rocket Range (m): Maximum Range: 3,500/6,000 current launcher Minimum Range: 400 Area of effects, 30-rocket salvo (m): 200 x 400 assured destruction Much larger area for suppression NOTES Launchers are maintained with chemical troops, but are often employed with artillery. Other applications include defoliation and mine clearing. A variety of enhanced blast mixtures (varying from improvised out of common matericals to sophisticated) can be used to produce thermobaric or fuel-air explosive (FAE) effects. The sophisticated mix for TOS-1 may be enhanced with powdered tetranite. The primary FAE effect is a longduration high-pressure blast wave, which creates a vacuum - then precipitates a reverse wave. The pressure/vacuum surges (up to 427 pounds per sq inch) cause a ripping effect on soft materials (such as airplane skin, radar surface, human lung tissue). Walls and surfaces within the affected area do not necessarily shield victims, rather cause multiple pressure waves which amplify the tearing effects and can topple structures. A secondary effect is high-temperature heat - 2,500-3,000° C. An incomplete explosion renders a near-devastating effect, wide-area long-duration hightemperature flame. Even those outside of the blast area will be rendered ineffective with debilitating mental and physical trauma. Primary TOS-1 use considerations are: (1) it works best under conditions which normally protect targets from weapons: (2) it has a high assurance of devastation within a large area. The TOS-1 is designed primarily for use against emplacements, defilade areas (such as terrain folds and tunnels), fighting positions, ships, buildings, as well as personnel and other soft targets. High angles-of-fire and steep impact angles support its use in defilade and urban areas. Despite the seeming short range, the weapon was effectively used in Chechnya to disable defenders within a specific sector just prior to an assault, to halt assaults, and to level buildings. Chinese Type 81 and Type 87 heavy rocket launchers employ FAE rockets for minefield clearing, and other missions (with lethal effects).