He was supposed to create hell on earth for Ukrainians. They turned him into a fireball

The Russian heavy flamethrowers TOS-1A, which are simply rocket launchers with a thermobaric warhead, are some of the most terrifying war inventions created by man. However, it should be noted that they are equally dangerous for the crews.

For this reason, each loss of this system is cause for celebration, as Russia had as few as several dozen of these vehicles in inventory, at least nine of which have already been destroyed (losses confirmed by photos according to a list compiled by the oryxspioenkop group.

TOS-1A is a heavy tracked self-propelled 24-guide unguided rocket launcher with a thermobaric warhead dedicated to eliminating opponents who are hiding even in powerful fortifications with a range of up to 3.7 miles.

For this reason, TOS-1A systems need to be used very close to the front lines, which exposes them to danger. In the recording below, we can see how the TOS-1A launcher was hit by something during preparations for firing a deadly salvo, causing a huge explosion. Judging by the recording, the object was moving very quickly (it was not captured on the video), which could suggest, for example, a sub-caliber shell from a tank gun.

The TOS-1A systems are systems that can destroy everything that lives. They were introduced into service in the Russian army as so-called heavy flamethrowers during the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan. Their design is quite simple - a launcher for 24 unguided 220 mm caliber rockets was placed on the T-72 tank chassis. Each of these rockets contains 45 kg of thermobaric explosive charge, which indicates the power of this weapon.

A thermobaric charge differs from ordinary explosive charges in that it does not contain oxygen in its structure. Instead, oxygen is taken from the air. Because of this, just before the explosion, the thermobaric charge is dispersed in the air in the form of an aerosol. Only a moment later, the main detonator detonates.

As a result of an explosion, in the zero zone, the temperature can reach up to 5432 degrees Fahrenheit and all the oxygen in the area is used up, creating a vacuum. In addition to this, there is a shock wave that, due to the created vacuum, returns after a moment, causing pressure jumps reaching even several thousand pounds per square inch.

Such an explosion causes not only tearing of soft tissues, leading to the death of people who survived other effects of the explosion, but it can also damage even the lining of airplanes. Furthermore, the tearing effect is amplified in closed areas such as buildings or fortifications, as shock waves resonate.