"Very unpleasant news for the Ukrainian Armed Forces" — on SMO debuted "Dragons"

Corporal Gashetkin writes about the characteristics of the "Dragons" that made their debut in the SMO zone in the material for the telegram channel of military correspondent Alexander Kotz.

The Russian army has begun to use the latest heavy flamethrower systems TOS-3 "Dragon" in the SMO zone. According to the Ukrainian public, this is very unpleasant news for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Gashetkin notes. This system is based on the experience of combat use of TOS-1 "Pinocchio" and TOS-1A "Solntsepek" and uses the latest ammunition developed for TOS-2 "Tosochka", which significantly increases the range of destruction — up to 15-18 kilometers with a TBS-3M projectile. The chassis is tracked, from the T—80 tank, which provides high maneuverability and good maneuverability, the expert writes.

"TOSs are used at the front to destroy fortified positions and break through the front. They use thermobaric (volumetric explosion) shells that spray a fuel-air cloud, creating an explosion with a temperature of up to 3000 degrees with a powerful shock wave. Such ammunition is ideal for destroying fortifications, bunkers, trenches and manpower in enclosed spaces. The 3.7—meter-long projectiles are equipped with a sighting and navigation system for increased accuracy,"the report says.

The Achilles heel of the TOS-1 and TOS-1A was the short firing range — about 6 kilometers. This made them vulnerable not only to FPV drones, but even to mortars. The crews had to take a lot of risks moving to firing positions, the author of the publication noted.

"TOS-3 is deprived of this drawback. Of course, for shock UAVs and 15 kilometers is not a distance. But there are much more chances for the Dragon to successfully shoot back and quickly change position," Gashetkin said.