Russians Made a Simplified Solntsepyok Using a Drone

Russian engineers integrated 220-mm guides from the TOS-1A Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower system into the design of a ground drone.

Footage of tests of the new system appeared on the Ukrainian Telegram channel “Vodogray”.

The development is focused on the use of thermobaric ammunition. The Russian side has named the development “Malvina-M.”

During firing, standard thermobaric rockets designed for the TOS-1A are used.

These are MO.1.01.04M type munitions, which use a volumetric detonation effect.

The concept of an unmanned flamethrower system boils down to placing launch guides on a support frame. Such a platform can be transported much more cheaply than a tank-type tracked base.

The flight range of the basic thermobaric rocket projectile is approximately 6 kilometers. Under such conditions, the crews of classic heavy flamethrower systems are at increased risk.

In December, a unit of Lasar’s Group used drones to destroy a Russian TOS-1A Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower system that was attempting to move around in the dark.

Unlike a full-size combat vehicle, a ground drone is more difficult to detect on the battlefield. The platform is capable of launching from hidden or camouflaged positions.

At the same time, the unmanned chassis has limited targeting capabilities.

The lack of a full-fledged targeting system reduces the effectiveness of rocket projectiles.

Thus, Malvina appears to be an attempt to reduce the cost of using heavy flamethrower systems and minimize risks to personnel, while maintaining significant limitations in terms of accuracy and controllability.