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Russia Deploys Radio-Absorbing Camouflage to Conceal TOS-2 Flamethrower System in Ukraine.
On October 30, 2024, Russian defense conglomerate Rostec, through its subsidiary Ruselectronics, announced the development and initial delivery of an advanced radio-absorbing camouflage system for the TOS-2 "Tosochka" heavy flamethrower. This innovative coating technology is designed to provide effective concealment against detection across optical and near-infrared spectrums, enhancing survivability by countering precision weapon systems.
The TOS-2 "Tosochka" is the latest generation in the Russian army’s thermobaric flamethrower systems. (Picture source: Russian MoD)
The camouflage system incorporates specialized radio-absorbing fabric and camouflage panels discreetly affixed to the TOS-2’s armored structure. This design ensures the system remains concealed not only in stationary positions but also while moving or during combat. This approach allows dynamic camouflage, adapting to deployment scenarios and environmental factors. The radio-absorbing material is optimized to counter modern targeting systems, including thermal imaging devices and other sensor-based detection methods.
Rostec specifies that the coating's durability allows easy maintenance, with dust and soil removable through standard cleaning methods, ensuring continuous camouflage effectiveness during operations. Initial units have already been deployed in active combat zones, reportedly demonstrating a significant reduction in vulnerability to detection.
The TOS-2 "Tosochka" is the latest generation in the Russian army’s thermobaric flamethrower systems, specifically designed for increased mobility and destructive capabilities suited to modern combat environments. Unlike its predecessors, the TOS-1 and TOS-1A, which are mounted on tracked armored chassis, the TOS-2 uses a Ural 6x6 military truck chassis, a choice that enhances its speed and ease of movement on roads. The armored crew cabin at the front protects against light arms fire and shell fragments, while the rear houses a launch station with three rows of tubes for rocket firing.
The TOS-2 employs 220 mm thermobaric munitions, also known as fuel-air explosive munitions, which create an exceptionally powerful explosion using a mixture of fuel and air. Upon impact, this combination produces intense heat and a shockwave capable of neutralizing troops in open or entrenched areas. These rockets generate high pressures and temperatures that cause internal organ damage, targeting tissues of varying densities, such as the lungs and inner ear.
The TOS-2 is optimized for engagements against lightly armored vehicles and personnel in fortified positions. Its firing range, between 3.5 and 10 kilometers, enables it to operate from a distance while avoiding direct counterattacks. With modern navigation systems, including a laser rangefinder, satellite navigation, Doppler speed sensor, and inertial measurement unit, the TOS-2 can be rapidly deployed and fired within 90 seconds of positioning. Its integrated guidance and fire control system also provides high autonomy and increased accuracy, negating the need for an additional loading vehicle for ammunition, as it features its own loading mechanism.
These attributes make the TOS-2 a formidable and highly adaptable weapon, bolstering the Russian army's capabilities on the ground. Its design combines destructive power with mobility, making it suited to the tactical needs of modern forces in varied terrains.
With this innovative camouflage technology, Rostec advances defensive capabilities, enhancing the TOS-2's strategic functionality and adaptability across diverse operational environments.
Rostec announced the development and initial delivery of an advanced radio-absorbing camouflage system for the TOS-2 "Tosochka" heavy flamethrower. (Picture source: Rostec)