Brief Operational History

Information about the T-5a 'Filin' is extremely difficult to find because of a combination of Cold War secrecy and their short service life.  The weapon used a single large rocket mounted on a transporter/launcher vehicle that was based on a JS-series chassis.

The T-5a rocket launcher was first seen by the West in 1957 at a May Day parade alongside the T-5c 'Mars' rocket launcher.  These two systems were the earliest of the Soviet unguided rocket family intended to provide long range fire support at the divisional level.. The T-5a would soon be dubbed the Free Rocket Over Ground or FROG-1.

According to our sources the weapon system was not exported.  Later versions would be equipped with chemical and nuclear warheads in addition to the conventional explosive types.  It was replaced by the FROG-3 in the 1960's and ultimately pulled from service in 1970.  Total production only amounted to 340 vehicles.

Tactical Use and Limitations

The T-5a 'Filin' is an unguided rocket system designed to be deployed some 15-20 kilometers behind the forward edge of battle area (FEBA).  It was originally intended to bombard cities, communications centers, and headquarters units.  The 3R-1 rocket was also capable of carrying a chemical payload for use against troop concentrations.  When used with nuclear or chemical munitions the weapon fell under the command of the Front rather than the divisional commander.

Beginning in 1957 the FROG-1 was equipped with a 10 kiloton nuclear warhead.  The warhead was increased in power in 1960 to have a 25 kiloton yield.  These warheads gave the weapon substantial capability against cities, armored formations, and other battlefield targets.  The 10kt warhead was withdrawn from service in 1967 and the 25kt version was withdrawn in 1970.

The chief limitation of the weapon is its slow reload time (30 minutes) and its unguided nature.  They are highly inaccurate as nuclear capable weapons go.  The FROG-1 also preformed almost the same role as the FROG-2.  The weapon systems needed to be integrated for logistics and command purposes.  This happened when both were replaced by the FROG-3.

Deployment Chronology

The T-5a 'Filin' saw limited service before it was replaced by more advanced rocket systems.  Here you can learn more about the heavy artillery systems that the T-5a 'Filin' replaced and what rocket system eventually replaced it.  You can find out more about each weapon system if we have them on our site by clicking on the links below.

Sources Cited

Here are some of the most informative sources that we have used in compiling this information for you.  We hope you can find them as useful as we have.

• The Soviet Army 1918 to the Present, by Albert and Joan Seaton, published in United States by Meridian Books, New York, New York, 1988