Firearm of the 21st Century The modern armed forces of Russia possess unique examples of equipment that combine the power of artillery with the destructive effect of thermobaric weapons. Among them, a special place is occupied by the heavy flamethrower system "Solntsepek" — a system that inspires not only fear but also respect for its engineering accuracy. This weapon was created not for intimidation, but to solve specific tasks — to destroy fortified positions, engineering structures, and enemy manpower on limited areas of terrain. Historical Development and Predecessors The origins of the creation of "Solntsepek" date back to the Soviet era. In the 1980s, development of a new type of combat vehicles capable of delivering thermobaric strikes began based on the multiple rocket launcher system "Grad." The first embodiment of the idea was the TOC-1 "Bуратин," which distinguished itself by a high density of salvo and an effect of an area explosion. However, the battles at the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st centuries showed the need for modernization. Thus, an improved version — TOC-1A "Solntsepek" — appeared. It preserved the basic principles of its predecessor but received a new launch installation, an improved chassis, and more long-range rocket projectiles. Production was carried out at the Omsk Transport Machine Building Plant with the participation of NPO "Spлав". Technical Essence of the Thermobaric Effect The principle of action of "Solntsepek" is based on the use of warheads with volume detonating mixture. After launch, the rocket creates an aerosol cloud of flammable particles, which is ignited by a secondary charge in fractions of a second. As a result, a zone with extreme temperature and pressure increase is formed, causing instantaneous air ignition and complete destruction of everything living within a radius of several dozen meters. Unlike conventional explosives, the thermobaric mixture uses atmospheric oxygen, making the explosion more pr ... Read more