ASELSAN has shared the technical specifications of TOLUN-S, the surface-launched configuration of the TOLUN small-diameter bomb using the GÖKTAN launch system.
Having some differences from the baseline TOLUN, the TOLUN-S was first shared by ASELSAN in the a-Bülten, a series of ASELSAN’s news releases prior to the announcement of the GÖKTAN/TOLUN-S launch test.
TOLUN-S has been specifically modified for surface launch via the GÖKTAN launch system using the rocket developed by DeltaV. An important feature regarding the guidance is waypoint following to navigate through terrain or evade detection.
ASELSAN disclosed the TOLUN-S range as 115 km and the warhead as 105 kg, penetrating the type like the one on baseline TOLUN. The penetration capability of TOLUN’s warhead was stated as 1 meter of reinforced concrete. Underground structures often utilised by insurgents and aircraft hangars are suitable targets for this type of warhead.
A range competing with 300 mm artillery rockets and penetrating warheads might make TOLUN-S a new alternative against hardened structures. Most artillery rockets use HE-FRAG warheads, and their main objective is to lay firepower on an area. Thus, they are likely to have issues against hardened targets, no matter how accurate the guidance system is.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
