Captured equipment left behind by Russian troops in their invasion of Ukraine is now turned against them, including tanks and the notorious TOS-1A Buratino thermobaric rocket launcher.
Ukrainian soldiers from the 67th Mechanized Brigade, Da Vinci Wolves Battalion, reportedly conducted strikes against Russian positions outside of Tors'ke in the Donetsk region Saturday (July 8) using the so-called heavy flamethrower the Russians also called "Solntsepyok" or "Sunheat."
The strikes were also confirmed by a certain Telegram user named @horevica.
TOS-1A: Both Flamethrower and Rocket Launcher
The TOS-1A is a multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) based on a T-72 tank chassis. The particular unit used in the strike was reportedly captured late last year in Balakliya with a number of rockets.
The vehicle has a rotating launch system capable of holding up to 24 220mm unguided thermobaric rockets, which could be launched within six to 12 seconds. The Buratino's munitions are vacuum bombs or fuel-air explosives that release a large cloud of flammable gas and cause massive explosions, which is perfect for attacking enemy-fortified positions and lightly-armored vehicles and transports in open terrain.
TOS-1As have a minimum firing range of approximately 600 meters and a maximum of 6 kilometers due to the size and weight of the thermobaric munitions it stores. Despite the limited range, the Buratino remains a highly devastating weapon due to the sheer destructive power of its rockets.
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