TOS-1 Buratino
Overview
TOS-1 launch vehicle
TOS-1 Buratino launch vehicle on display alongside other prototype vehicles.
Source: Russian internet -
© Copyright lies with original owner
1995 (formal adoption)
1980 (Soviet state trials)
1985 (thermobaric missile trials)
Soviet Union - NIIFP Lukin (thermobaric warhead)
Soviet Union - NPO Splav (artillery rocket
Soviet Union - Splav (artillery rockets)
Nickname, Russian for "Pinocchio"
Obyekt 634
Index for BM launch vehicle
Description
Introduction
The TOS-1 Buratino is a multiple rocket launcher of Soviet origin. It was developed in the 1970's and 1980's as a standoff weapon for the chemical troops. In the Soviet Union the chemical troops are tasked with providing flamethrower support. The nickname "Buratino" translates to "Pinocchio" and refers to the massive launcher. The original TOS-1 system described in this article was produced and used only in very small numbers. The improved TOS-1A Solntsepyok incorporated many of the lessons learned. The TOS-1A remains in production today and has been exported to various nations.
Layout
The TOS-1 system consist of a tracked launch vehicles, a transloader and a 220mm artillery rocket designed specifically for this system. The launch vehicle is based on the T-72A tank chassis. Two large outriggers are fitted at the rear of the vehicle. The turret is replaced by a turntable that mounts the elevation and launch controls. The iconic large box launcher holds up to 30 of the 220mm artillery rockets. The transloader is based on a KrAZ-255B tactical truck. This 6x6 truck is fitted with crane and guide rail system and a storage area for the 220mm artillery rockets.
Firepower
The TOS-1 fires the 220mm MO.1.01.04 artillery rocket that was specifically designed for the TOS-1. The design was derived from naval anti-submarine rocket systems, most likely the RBU-6000. At first and incendiary warhead was developed. This was later augmented with a thermobaric warhead. This is more effective against troops both in the open and in cover. The effective range of the artillery rockets is rather limited, being less than many light mortars systems. Incendiary rounds can be fired out to 3.5 km and thermobaric warheads up to 2.7 km. The rockets are launched at a high angle. All 30 rockets can be launched in several seconds, with a massive overpressure blast on target as a result.
Protection
The TOS-1 launch vehicle is operated from under armor protection. The crew of 3 is seated in the hull and this retains the protection level of the T-72A main battle tank. The launcher and is front and rear covers protect the artillery rockets from small arms fire and shell splinters. Reloading is carried out in the open and the transloader is a soft-skin KrAZ-255 tactical truck. Therefore reloading is to be carried out away from the frontline.
Mobility
The TOS-1 is based on the T-72A tank chassis. This provides a good off road mobility, which is a necessity due to the very short range of the rockets. The mobility is slightly less due to the higher center of gravity and increased combat weight. The 780 hp engine provides a maximum road speed of 65 km/h.
Users
The TOS-1 Buratino was officially adopted by Russian forces in 1995, but was already used in combat around 1987. Only a very limited number of TOS-1 was produced. Reports vary between 2 and 8 launch vehicles being produced. The TOS-1 Buratino was used in the late stages of the Soviet Afghan war. Despite the many shortcomings it was reportedly used with great effect. The TOS-1 Buratino was also used in Chechnya in the 1990's. The improved TOS-1A is the successor and has been produced in larger numbers. The older short range rockets can be fired by the TOS-1A. It is likely that the original TOS-1 launch vehicles are no longer in active service and held in reserve.
System composition
Components of the TOS-1 system
BM
Launch vehicle of the TOS-1 system. Based on T-72 chassis. Can be distinguished from the later TOS-1A system by its 30 round missile launcher with four rows of rockets.
TZM
Transloader for the TOS-1 launch vehicle. It is based on the KrAZ-255B 6x6 truck chassis. Reloading the BM is carried out by using the vehicle mounted crane.
MO.1.01.04
Artillery rocket with thermobaric warhead. This model is shorter than the MO.1.01.04M rocket used in the improved TOS-1A system. The effective range is rather short at 2.7 km.
Details
Media
TZM
TZM transloader using its crane to resupply a TOS-1 in Afghanistan.
Source: Russian internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
MO.1.01.04
Artist impression of MO.1.01.04 artillery rocket design.
Source: Russian internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
TOS-1 launch vehicle
TOS-1 launch vehicle on the move in Afghanistan in the late 1980's.
Source: Russian internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
TOS-1 launch vehicle
Forward view of TOS-1 Buratino. Note that this is the original TOS-1 model with 30 round missile launcher.
Source: Russian internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
TOS-1 launch vehicle
Two TOS-1 launch vehicles side by side. This photo is reportedly taken in Afghanistan.
Source: Russian internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
TOS-1 launch vehicle
Two TOS-1 launch vehicles with protective convoy in Afghanistan in the late 1980's.
Source: Russian internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
TOS-1A Solntsepyok
The TOS-1A is an improved version of the original TOS-1 system. Compared to the TOS-1 the TOS-1A is produced in larger numbers and is the model that has been exported to various nations.
KrAZ-255
The transloader for the TOS-1 Buratino is based on the KrAZ-255B tactical truck chassis. On the improved TOS-1A system this was replaced by a transloader based on a T-72A tank chassis.