This Russian Rocket Launcher Can Incinerate 8 City Blocks



Popular Mechanics: This Russian Tank-Mounted Rocket Launcher Can Incinerate 8 City Blocks

The pure fury of the TOS-1A Heavy Flamethrower System.

When the Soviets were thinking about landwar in the late 1970s, they struck upon idea: How about strapping as many rockets as possible to a T-72 tank chassis, and using it on the battlefield? Thus, the TOS-1 Heavy Flamethrower System was conceived.

If you're confused by the "flamethrower" bit in that designation, it's understandable. The TOS-1 (and its more modern variant, the TOS-1A) look nothing like traditional flamethrowers, either handheld or tank-mounted, used in World War II and other conflicts. Instead, the TOS-1 is designated a flamethrower because, in addition to traditional incendiary rockets, it can also fire thermobaric rockets.

WNU Editor: This weapon system will be extremely effective in a war zone like Syria.