Three weeks is the approximate amount of time russian recruits need to start operating TOS-1 or TOS-2 heavy flamethrower systems, or simply self-propelled thermobaric rocket launchers. During this period, they learn theory, hone skills with improvised simulators, and show them in live fire exercises, including a deployment on firing position and use of real rockets.
Any serviceman of the russian army who has a few dozen combat deployments operating these systems can apply as an instructor for this training, as follows from a video report for a russian state TV channel, published online.
Read more: First Video of russian Tosochka Flamethrower System Appears a Year After Alleged Arrival on Frontline
First of all, we should point out the simplistic design of the simulators used to prepare russians to operate the TOS-1 rocket system. On the one hand, the simulator features some elements replicating the original interfaces, control panels, and input devices inside the cabin of a real flamethrower system. On the other hand, it looks like the russians focus on training muscle memory rather than visual memory of TOS-1 crews.
Another noteworthy detail is that the crew in this report received only two spare rockets, most probably, defused practice ones. That is, while the full package capacity of TOS-1A Solntsepyok is 24 rockets. Thus very likely that the trainees have their first firing of real thermobaric rockets already in the battles of the Ukrainian Defense Forces on the frontline.
Also, the fact that they work out shooting primarily at infantry and armored vehicles tells a lot. It can explain why the russian army takes so much risk using the TOS-1 that way in Ukraine, which has already resulted in at least four systems lost in October 2023 alone.
As for the training on the TOS-2 system, there is a nuance: if the russians presume their TOS-2 Tosochka is ergonomically more advanced than preceding TOS-1, then it should mean that those who already have experience operating TOS-1 would be allowed to the TOS-2 in the first place.
The russian reported says the TOS-2 has a EW system to protect itself against "enemy weapons." The detailed specifications are not disclosed and internal displays are not shown to the viewer.
Two weeks ago, Defense Express shared the first video of the TOS-2 Tosochka system appearing on Ukrainian frontlines, as the russian media claimed. We also briefly covered its history and specifications.
Read more: In October, Four russia’s TOS-1A Solntsepyok MLRs Already Destroyed in Ukraine, Most Were Burned by Kamikaze Drones
