Self-propelled artillery installations. Vehicles based

Good day! So we got to the Soviet round of art-sau development in patch 0.8.6. The Soviet branch looks almost as conservative as the French one. Added 2 self-propelled guns: SU-122A (tier V) and SU-14-1 (tier VII). Up to level IV inclusive, everything remained unchanged (except global changes, which affected the entire artillery as a whole), the SU-8 was moved to level VI, and the SU-14-2 (the good old refrigerator), Object 212A and Object 261 became levels VII, IX and X, respectively. The ability to upgrade the S-51 with
KV-2, only Buratos has now also grown to level VII.

Soviet development branch ART_SAU
Level II – SU-18 (170 experience 3,550 credits)
Level III – SU-26 (1,400 experience 53,000 credits)
Level IV – SU-5 (3,600 experience 147,000 credits)
Level V – SU-122 A (12,570 experience 385,000 credits)
Level VI – SU-8 (29,800 experience 932,000 credits)
Level VII – SU-14-1 (62,200 experience, 1,370,000 credits)
– S-51 (93,000 experience 1,400,000 credits)
Level VIII – SU-14-2 (118,600 experience 2,720,000 credits)
Level IX – Object 212A (217,500 experience, 3,700,000 credits)
Level X – Object 261 (273,000 experience 6,100,000 credits)

Let's take a closer look at the new cars in the branch.

SU-122 A
Project of an artillery self-propelled gun based on the SU-76. Development was stopped at the preliminary design stage.
Booking
Housing – 22/15/15
Strength 210
The chassis turning speed is 24-26 degrees/sec.
Horizontal aiming speed – 16 degrees/sec.
Viewing range – 340m
Communication range –360-625m
Weapons:

Crew: 4 people

SU-122 A – stock with 122 mm M 30 howitzer

SU-122 A – top with 152 mm howitzer D 1

As a result of experiments on installing a howitzer on a spinning top, we get a rather heavy-duty unit. Just think about it - the average damage of a top howitzer is 910(!) units. damage (by the way, a weapon with the same damage appears only on the SU-8, and this is already level VI), and this is on level IV, where the maximum durability of the vehicle is 380 units! One-time damage, provided it penetrates, which is not so difficult with an average armor penetration of 88 mm, is enough to take a Tier VI TT into the hangar. However, all this is to some extent compensated for by the low rate of fire, accuracy, long aiming, small horizontal aiming angles and ammunition of only 15 shells (one for each enemy ). The car turned out to be quite mobile, of course not the SU-76, but not much inferior to it. It seems that the SU-122A and SU-5 have been swapped. It’s somehow strange that after such a wonderful car in every sense, we change to the SU-5, which is inferior to its predecessor in almost all respects. In general, we have before us a new Pedobir tank, which replaced the nerfed SU-26 and SU-5.

SU-14-1
SU-14-1 is the first version of the SU-14 self-propelled gun, designed and built in 1934. According to the designers, the self-propelled gun was supposed to be a platform for installing a 152mm high-power gun, a 203mm howitzer mod. 1929/33 and 305mm mortars 1933. The so-called high-power “triplex” was designed to solve all possible and impossible combat missions. The armored cabin of the SU-14 was received much later in 1940. During the Finnish Company, the Red Army was in dire need of means to combat bunkers defensive line Mannerheim. Two SU-14s were shielded with armor plates 20-50mm thick, but due to delays in the supply of armor plates, they did not have time to take part in hostilities.

Booking
Housing – 20/20/10
Durability 350
The chassis turning speed is 14-16 degrees/sec.
Horizontal aiming speed – 12 degrees/sec.
Viewing range – 360m
Communication range – 360-625m

SU-14-1 – stock with 152mm ML-20 howitzer

SU-14-1 – pre-top with a 152mm BR-4 gun

SU-14-1 – top with 203mm B-4 gun

Weapons:

So, before us is a “refreshed” version of the good old refrigerator. A very beautiful, highly detailed model of a self-propelled gun immediately catches your eye. Even the onboard machine guns are drawn. After the first wave of delight, you suddenly realize that there is no cutting at all in this art! And the 20mm thick armor leaves little chance... Damn, it doesn’t leave any chance of not being penetrated!!! And coupled with its impressive dimensions... In general, in terms of survivability, things are worse than ever. They lit it up - a corpse. But not everything is as bad as it really is! Thanks to its reduced weight, the SU-14-1 picks up speed quite quickly, and in this regard it can easily compete with the S-51. A view of only 360m looks a little strange, and this is in the complete absence of a wheelhouse. Either they only hire weak-sighted commanders for self-propelled guns, or it’s the machinations of the West... Armament. Things are very interesting with weapons. There are 3 guns to choose from: 152mm ML-20 (top barrel with SU-8), 152mm BR-4 and 203mm B-4. The last two guns are also installed on Buratinka, and the BR-4 in this case is stock, and falls from the sky for free . The top gun B-4 will remain so until level 9. It would seem - hurray, we get a Tier IX gun at the seventh level! But that was not the case. On Tier VII vehicles it takes a very, very long time to recharge. The reload speed of the B-4 as the level of technology increases looks something like this: Level VII – S-51 – 1.06; SU-14-1 – 1.08; VII level SU-14-2 – 1.22; Level IX Object 212A – 1.38. Thus, in my opinion, it would be most advisable to equip both the SU-14-1 and S-51 with the BR-4 cannon. This gun has sufficient armor penetration for its level, more high speed recharging, and consequently the DPM. Plus, it is also much more accurate. The B-4 gun will fully reveal itself later, on the SU-14-2 and object 212A. If we compare the SU-14-1 and S-51, the SU-14-1 is less armored, shoots a little faster (the rate of fire of the BR-4 on the S-51 is 2.15) and, oddly enough, drives a little faster. That's all.
Good luck in your battles! Posted by Madspider

Self-propelled artillery systems hold a leading position on the front line. Below we discuss the available wheeled and tracked self-propelled gun versions available on the market.

Recent military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have stimulated the development and delivery of various mine-resistant armored vehicles, and there is also an order for enhanced precision artillery systems to provide deterrent fires.

Some countries use both towed and self-propelled (SP) artillery systems, while others plan to switch to using only self-propelled systems.

There are certainly situations in which standard towed artillery systems are used, as are mortars and surface-to-surface missile systems. For airborne and amphibious assault, towed artillery systems provide a number of significant tactical advantages over heavier self-propelled artillery guns. Towed systems with a conventional barrel caliber of 105-155 mm are quickly transported by helicopter and to at the moment successfully used in Afghanistan.

However, self-propelled artillery systems continue to lead the battlefield, driven by improvements in projectiles and loading systems, and supported by a number of different systems currently in production and development around the world.

Track systems

Chinese firm North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) has marketed several 152mm and 122mm self-propelled artillery systems, and today releases the PLZ 45, which is a 155mm/45 caliber system originally developed to meet the needs of the National Liberation Army (PLA). It has also been exported to Kuwait and, more recently, Saudi Arabia.

PLZ 45

The maximum range of a standard high-explosive fragmentation projectile with improved aerodynamics and leading band (HE ER FB) is 30 km, although this range can be increased to 50 km using the newly developed HE ER FB with rocket booster and gas generator (BB RA).

To support the PLZ 45, the PCZ 45 ammunition support vehicle was developed and released. It carries up to 90 rounds.

The PLZ 45 and PCZ 45 are marketed by NORINCO as a complete battery and regimental level artillery system.

NORINCO has also launched the new fully tracked 122mm SH 3 self-propelled artillery system, which has a combat weight of 33 tons. The system is equipped with a turret whose cannon is loaded with 122 mm projectiles with a maximum range of 15.3 km, provided that it is an HE charge, and a range of 27 km with the HE BB RA charge.

In addition, China is testing a number of new artillery systems, including the PLZ 52 with a 152mm/52 caliber charge and a new 122mm amphibious self-propelled system.

The only currently used cannon artillery system operated by the German Army is the 155 mm/52 caliber self-propelled system PzH 2000 manufactured by Krauss Maffei Wegmann.

PzH 2000

The German army received a batch of 185 systems, export deliveries were carried out to Greece (24 systems), Italy (70 systems from Italian production line) and the Netherlands, which ordered 57 systems; many of them have already been delivered, but some remain as surplus due to incoming restructuring requirements. Production of all ordered PzH 2000 will be completed before the end of this year, but delivery to the market continues.

The combat weight of the PzH 2000 is more than 55 tons, including a semi-automatic projectile loading system and a manually loaded modular charge system (MCS). Carries 60 155-mm projectiles and 288 MCS charges. The maximum flight range of the 155-mm HE L 15 A 2 charge is 30 km, but with improvements to the projectile, its flight range can be increased to 40 km.

The German Army, like a number of other countries, places a special emphasis on rapid reaction forces, and Krauss Maffei Wegmann has privately developed the 155mm/52 caliber Artillery Gun Module (AGM).

The first AGM consisted of the remaining M 270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) tracked chassis, at the rear of which was a remote control turret loaded with the same 155mm/52 caliber rounds as the PhZ 2000. At the front of the vehicle was a protected cockpit from which the crew controls the weapon.

The result of further joint developments between Krauss Maffei Wegmann and the Spanish company General Dynamics Santa Barbara Sistemas (GDSBS) was the DONAR - 155 mm / 52 caliber self-propelled artillery system, which was first shown publicly in mid-2008 and is now being tested.

DONAR

The DONAR is the latest AGM model mounted on a new chassis developed by GDSBS based on the latest Pizarro 2 airborne fighting vehicle chassis currently being produced for the Spanish Army. DONAR weighs 35 tons and is operated by a team of two people.

The German Army has now retired all 155mm M 109A3G self-propelled artillery guns, some of which have been sent overseas. Privately, Rheinmetall Weapons and Munitions modularized the M 109, producing the M-109 L52, which allows the use of the entire range of 155mm/52 caliber PhZ 2000 ammunition. It was marketed as a modular system that can be adapted to personal user requirements .

The standard 155mm self-propelled artillery system of the Italian Army today is the modernized M 109 L, equipped with a full complement of 155mm/39 caliber ammunition carried by the FH -70. They are now being replaced by 70 PzH 2000, the first 2 of which came from Germany, and the rest are produced under license by Oto Melara. By early July, Oto Melara had produced 51 PzH 2000s, 42 of which were delivered to the Italian Army. Production will be completed in September 2010.

Oto Melara developed the Palmaria 155mm/41 caliber self-propelled artillery system for export, which was sold to Libya and recently also to Nigeria.

Palmaria 155mm

The turret is used in the TAMSE VCA 155 155 mm artillery system operated by Argentina. The system is based on the extended TAM tank chassis.

It is known that Iran has developed at least two tracked self-propelled systems, which are now operated by the Iranian army.

Raad-1 is a 122mm tracked system, equipped with components from the chassis of the Boraq tracked armored personnel carrier. This system is equipped with a turret similar to the one installed on the Russian 122mm self-propelled system 2S1. The standard maximum projectile range is 15.2 km.

Raad-2

The larger Iranian system is Raad-2. It has a combat weight of 16 tons and a 155mm/39 caliber barrel, it uses projectiles similar to the US-made M 185 used in the late production version of the M 109. The maximum range of the standard M 109 HE projectile is 18.1 km. It is possible to increase the range by upgrading the projectile.

Japan has also been developing its own self-propelled artillery systems for many years. An upgraded version of the old Type 75 155mm, the Type 99 has a longer range thanks to the installation of a 155mm/39 caliber barrel. Like many other Japanese products, the Type 75 was not offered for export.

Type 75 155mm

The South Korean company Samsung Techwin, under license from the current BAE Systems US Combat Systems, assembled 1040 pieces of M109A2 155mm self-propelled artillery systems, which are now operated by South Korea. However, since that time, the South Korean armed forces have been replenished with the 155 mm/52 caliber K9 system manufactured by Samsung Techwin, which has been in service for 10 years and is another modification of the M109A2.

M109A2 155mm

The K 9 has a combat weight of 46.3 tons and a standard range of 155 mm M107HE projectile - 18 km, which can be increased to 40 km using the HE BB projectile.

In support of the K9, the K10 vehicle was developed to supply additional ammunition; It is currently in production and is being put into operation.

The K9 is also produced in Turkey using equipment from the Turkish Ground Forces Command. More than 250 units were produced under the local name Firtina.

To replace the self-propelled artillery systems currently in use, Poland chose the 155 mm/52 caliber Krab system. It is produced locally, is a tracked system, and is equipped with one of the versions of the AS 90 turret with a 155-mm 52-caliber barrel manufactured by BAE Systems Global Combat Systems. The first order was made for 8 systems, which will be assigned to 2 batteries, 4 systems each. This order must be completed by 2011.

The Russian army still uses a large number of older self-propelled artillery systems, including the 203mm 2S7, 152mm 2S5, 152mm 2S3 and 122mm 2S1. It is planned that these systems will remain in operation for several more years.

The newest Russian self-propelled system, the 152mm 2S19 MSTA-S, entered service in 1989, but since then it has been constantly modernized, especially in the field of fire control systems.

2S19 MSTA-S

The 155 mm/52 caliber system 2С9M1 was offered as an export test, but no sales have been made to date.

Several years ago, Russia completed a prototype of the unique 152-mm twin self-propelled artillery system Coalition-SV, but it remained at the testing stage.

Coalition-SV

In Singapore, following the development and launch of a number of towed 155mm systems - including the FH-88 (39 gauge), FH-2000 (52 gauge) and the more recent Pegasus (39 gauge) light towed howitzer, equipped with an additional power unit (APU) ) - Singapore Technologies Kenetics (STK) has taken up a new self-propelled artillery system. It's called Primus and, needless to say, all 54 systems produced were sent to the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Primus is a tracked system that fires 155 mm/39 caliber projectiles, equipped with a semi-automatic loading system, the fuzed projectile is loaded automatically, and the powder charge is loaded manually. The ammunition consists of 26 155-mm projectiles and corresponding powder charges (charge modules).

Primus 155mm

The Spanish Army, meanwhile, operates a fleet of 155mm M109A5E self-propelled systems, and their local manufacturer, GDSBS, is currently upgrading this system, one aspect of which is the installation of a digital navigation, aiming and guidance system (DINAPS).

M109A5E

DINAPS is a modular system that combines a hybrid navigation system (inertial and GPS), radar, muzzle velocity sensor, navigation and ballistic software, allowing you to connect to the command and control system of the Spanish Army.

The navigation unit determines the horizontal and vertical angles of the barrel, makes automatic adjustments to the projectile, charge and meteorological conditions, while the automatic guidance system (AGLS) is used in combination with DINAPS to point the weapon at the target.

In Switzerland, RUAG Land Systems modernized 348 M109 self-propelled artillery systems, the improved model was named Panzerhaubitze 88/95 and is now presented on the export market.

Panzerhaubitze M109

The complete modernization affected the installation of a 155mm/47 caliber artillery gun, which is accompanied by 40 155mm projectiles with the corresponding number of charge modules. The maximum flight range of a standard projectile is 23 km. The system is equipped with a gun temperature sensor and a semi-automatic charger, which increases the rate of fire to 3 shots in 15 seconds. The Panzerhaubitze 88/95 is also equipped with a navigation and gun guidance system, which continuously provides the commander, gunner and driver with the necessary information displayed on the displays.

Other innovations include an upgraded electrical system, a remote gun release system and a fire detection and suppression system.

Switzerland also supplied additional M109A3 systems to Chile (24) and joint Arab Emirates, however, they were not upgraded prior to delivery.

The Royal Artillery of the British Army currently exclusively uses the 155mm/39 caliber AS90 self-propelled system manufactured by the current company BAE Systems Global Combat Systems. These systems total number 179 units were supplied by a company then called Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd (VSEL). It was planned to modernize the systems with the installation of an extended range artillery gun (52 caliber) and a modular charge system (MCS), but the program was suspended.

The AS90 is currently undergoing upgrades in a number of key areas as part of the Capability Enhancement Program (CEP) to extend its service life, but BAE Systems Global Combat Systems no longer offers the system on the market.

AS90

In the United States, due to the end of service life of the 203 mm M110 and 175 mm M 107, the only self-propelled system in service is the 155 mm M109.

The newest version - the M109 A6 Paladin - is equipped with a 155 mm/39 caliber artillery gun, a new turret and an upgraded chassis.

M109 A6 Paladin

The US Army has received delivery of 975 M109 A6 Paladin self-propelled systems from BAE Systems US Combat Systems, plus the same number of M 992 A2 ammunition support vehicles (FAASV).

The US Army hopes to improve most of M109A6 Paladin fleet to M109A6 Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) standard. The first model of this system was released at the end of 2007.

The M 109 A 6 Paladin PIM has an upgraded M 109 A 6 Paladin turret mounted on a new chassis that is also used for the Bradley Airborne Fighting Vehicles used by the US Army.

At the same time, development of a new 155 mm self-propelled system began following the reduction of the program of the promising 155 mm Crusader self-propelled system. The 155mm/38 caliber NLOS-C (Non - Line - of - Sight Cannon) produced by the current BAE Systems US Combat Systems was part of the US Army's Advanced Combat Systems (FCS) program, and the first NLOS-C P 1, one of the first five prototypes produced , was released in 2008.

The NLOS-C P1 is crewed by two people and the system is equipped with a 155mm/38 caliber artillery gun with an automatic shell loading system that loads the shell first and then the MCS.

NLOS-C P1

Earlier this year, the US Department of Defense announced the closure of that part of the Advanced Combat Systems program that is associated with controlled equipment, including NLOS-C, and at the moment all work is frozen. The US Army is currently studying its future requirements for self-propelled artillery.

BAE Systems Global Combat Systems continues to supply the 155mm/52 caliber International Howitzer to the market, and may also upgrade additional US Army M 109s for export.

Wheel systems

In recent years, there has been a clear trend towards the creation and introduction of wheeled self-propelled artillery systems.

Compared to their tracked counterparts, wheeled self-propelled systems offer a number of significant operational advantages. These include greater strategic mobility, because they move quickly over long distances without the assistance of Heavy Equipment Transporters (HETs). They were also claimed to have lower operating costs and were more affordable to operate and maintain.

China has developed a number of self-propelled wheeled artillery systems, and NORINCO is marketing at least 2 of them - SH 1 and SH 2 - to potential overseas customers.

The most powerful system is SH 1 (6 x 6) with an all-terrain chassis, a protected cabin and artillery piece 155mm/52 caliber, mounted in the stern. The vehicle is operated by a team of 6 people, has a combat weight of 22 tons and maximum speed 90 km/h.

SH 1 (6 x 6)

It is equipped with a computerized fire control system, the ammunition load is 20 155-mm projectiles and the corresponding charge modules with a maximum projectile range of 53 km when firing HE E RFB BB RA manufactured by NORINCO.

Less powerful NORINCO products include the SH 2 system, based on a new 6x6 all-terrain chassis with front and rear wheel steering. The 122mm gun, developed from NORINCO's internally produced D-30 towed gun, is mounted on a platform in the center of the chassis.

The maximum flight range of the SH 2 projectile when firing the HE BB RA is 24 km. The combat kit consists of 24 projectiles with charge modules. Like the larger SH 1, the SH 2 has an integrated computerized fire control system.

SH 2

NORINCO has begun production of a new version of the SH 2 - SH 5 - which replaces the 122mm D-30 gun with a 105mm/37 caliber gun. This system is operated by a team of 4 people and has a maximum projectile range of 18 km when firing HE BB projectiles.

China has developed a number of other self-propelled wheeled artillery systems, including one based on an 8x8 armored personnel carrier chassis, which could well be used in PLA warfare in the future.

In France, Nexter Systems privately developed the 155mm/52 caliber CAESAR self-propelled artillery system, the first trial model of which was presented in 1994.

CAESAR

This was followed by a pre-production model, which the French Army upgraded before ordering 5 systems for testing in late 2000. They were delivered in 2002/2003, four of them were assigned to artillery units, and the fifth was left for combat training in reserve.

The French army has decided to upgrade part of its fleet of tracked 155-mm GCT systems (AUF1) to the AUF2 configuration level, including the installation of a 155mm/52 caliber gun.

As a result, the decision was made to remove the existing 155 mm AUF1 guns, and in 2004 the French Army entered into a contract with Nexter Systems for the supply of 72 CAESAR systems. The first copies were provided in July 2008, and by mid-2009 there were 35 of them.

The French Army CAESAR is based on a 6x6 Sherpa truck chassis manufactured by Renault Trucks Defense with a fully protected cab.

The 155mm/52 caliber gun is mounted at the rear of the vehicle, equipped with a large coulter that lowers before opening fire to provide a stable platform.

The system has a computerized fire control system to ensure automatic operations; the ammunition load includes 18 rounds and a corresponding number of charge modules. The maximum flight range of the HE BB projectile is 42 km.

To date, 2 foreign buyers have placed orders for the CAESAR system. The Royal Thai Army has ordered 6 systems (they have now been delivered) and an unnamed export buyer has been identified as the National Guard Saudi Arabia(SANG) – placed an order for 100 units. The latter are based on the Mercedes-Benz 6x6 truck chassis.

The Israeli company Soltam Systems has extensive experience in the design, development and production of various towed artillery systems and tracked self-propelled systems.

It has now entered the wheeled system market with the ATMOS 2000 (Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System), which is currently being marketed with a 155mm barrel in 39, 45 and 52 calibers, with fire control system options varying depending on customer preference.

ATMOS 2000 (Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System)

The system has been evaluated by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and is scheduled to be introduced into the IDF fleet in support of the upgraded 155mm M109 Doher systems.

ATMOS can be installed on any chassis, the control cabin is located in the front of the system, the implement is installed in the rear. The maximum projectile range depends on the projectile/charge combination, averaging 41 km.

The first export buyer of this system was Uganda, which accepted delivery of the first batch of 3 units. To meet the needs of Romania, the company developed the 155 mm/52 caliber ATROM together with the Romanian company Aerostar. It is based on a domestically developed 6x6 ROMAN cargo chassis and an ATMOS 155mm/52 caliber gun mounted at the rear of the system.

The Russian 122mm towed gun D-30 is the most commonly used in the world. To increase its mobility, Soltam Systems has developed a self-propelled version of the D-30, called the Semser.

Semser D-30

Kazakhstan became the first buyer of Semser. The system is adapted to the rear of the 8x8 KamAZ all-terrain chassis.

The former Yugoslavia has significant experience in the creation and production of towed artillery systems, as well as in the modernization of older systems.

Serbia has continued this tradition and currently produces the 155 mm/52 caliber NORA B-52 self-propelled system, which is based on the KamAZ 63510 8x8 truck chassis.

NORA B-52

The 155mm/52 caliber gun is mounted on a turntable at the rear of the chassis; During driving, the barrel is fixed at the front of the system, and during fire, the gun fires from the rear. The ammunition load consists of 36 projectiles and a corresponding number of charge modules; the maximum flight range of the ER FB BB projectile is currently 44 km.

As with many systems of this type of recent production, it is possible to install various fire control systems, including latest version with automatic guidance, control and command system and additional power supply.

In the 70s of the 20th century, Czechoslovakia developed the Dana 152-mm self-propelled artillery system, which was based on the Tatra 8x8 armored cargo chassis. About 750 units were produced for the domestic and foreign markets, many of which are currently in service.

Further development of Slovak self-propelled guns culminated in the production of the 155mm/45 caliber Zuzana, modernized in many aspects. The system is based on the Tatra 815 series all-terrain chassis, has a protected crew cabin at the front of the system, a fully enclosed turret in the middle and a protected engine compartment at the rear.

Zuzana

In addition to being used by the Slovak Army, Zuzana was also sold to Cyprus and a little later to Georgia.

For test purposes, the turret was placed on a T-72 M1 tank chassis and as a result of further developments, the Zuzana 2 155mm/52 caliber system was obtained, which is based on the new Tatra chassis and is still at the prototype testing stage.

In order to meet the needs of the army South Africa A 155mm/45 caliber 6x6 self-propelled howitzer-gun G6 was developed, using the same gun as the towed G5.

self-propelled howitzer gun G6

South Africa received 43 units, 24 units were exported to Oman and 78 to the United Arab Emirates.

The G6 has a combat weight of 47 tons, is usually operated by a team of 6 people, and has a range of 700 km. The ammunition load is 45 155 mm projectiles and charges developed by Rheinmetall Denel Munitions.

The maximum range of the 155mm HE BB is 39.3km, but this range can be extended to 50km by using a High Explosive Long Range Projectile (VLAP) already produced for export.

The result of further developments carried out by Denel Land Systems was the 155mm/52 caliber self-propelled artillery system G6-52, which is based on a modernized chassis, has a new turret system with a built-in automatic loading system for 155mm projectiles. This contributes to a high rate of fire of up to 8 rounds per minute. The turret has an ammunition load of 40 155 mm rounds, and an additional 8 155 mm rounds are located in the chassis.

self-propelled artillery system G6-52

This system is based on the latest G6 chassis, and was also successfully tested on the T-72 MVT chassis (for India), and in this form the system is called T6. The development of this system has not yet been completed.

Denel Land Systems is also developing the T5 Condor 155mm self-propelled artillery system for export. The first example was installed on a Tatra truck chassis with a payload capacity capable of towing a 155mm/52 caliber G5-2000 artillery system. An automatic implement control system is integrated into the system as standard. The complex can also be installed on another chassis.

Denel Land Systems is developing new version A 105mm towed LEO (Light Experimental Weapons) system, a feature of which will be its installation on a truck. Together with General Dynamics Land Systems, it developed a trial self-propelled version of the system, with a turret mounted on an 8x8 light armored fighting vehicle (LAV) chassis.

At the same time, BAE Systems Global Combat Systems is currently finishing work on the 6x6_ FH-77 BW L52 Archer self-propelled system. An order for 48 units of this model is expected, 24 of which will be shipped to Norway, and another 24 to Sweden.

FH-77 BW L52 Archer

Archer is based on a 6x6 Volvo all-terrain chassis, has a fully protected cabin at the front of the system and a 155mm/52 caliber gun at the rear. The weapon is controlled, aimed and fired by a crew located in the cockpit.

The ammunition load is 34 projectiles and the corresponding number of charges, the average flight range is 40 km for a standard projectile, and 60 km for an extended range projectile.

In addition to using conventional projectiles, the system can use more advanced technologies such as BONUS overhead attack projectiles and Excalibur precision-guided projectiles.

Projectile development

In recent years, there have been numerous developments in the field of ammunition, especially artillery shells and charge modules.

Traditional types of ammunition: high-explosive, smoke and light have been supplemented by extended range projectiles with a gas generator or rocket accelerator, or projectiles combining these characteristics.

To repel a massive armed attack, 155-millimeter (and other caliber) container projectiles filled with a large number of smaller projectiles equipped with HEAT-type cumulative anti-tank warheads were developed and put into use.

Some shells had a self-destruct mechanism, others did not, resulting in large areas being littered with unexploded shells that impeded the advance of friendly troops.

As a result of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the use of cluster munitions as well as missiles with such subcharges was introduced, but a number of countries still produce and use such munitions.

To suppress high-value targets such as tanks and artillery systems, improved 155mm top-attack rounds were developed and put into production. These include the BONUS rounds manufactured by Nexter Munitions/BAE Systems Global Combat Systems (used by France and Sweden) and the German SMArt rounds used by Australia, Germany, Greece, Switzerland and the UK.

The US Army introduced the Copperhead Artillery Guided Projectile (CLGP) many years ago, and although they are almost past their expiration date, they are still on the registry.

Russian Design Bureau Instrument Engineering (KBP) has developed a whole series of laser-beam-controlled artillery shells, including the 152-mm Krasnopol (now there is also a 155-mm version). These rounds were sold to France and India, where they were subsequently used in Bofors 155mm FH-77B systems during hostilities with Pakistan. NORINCO is currently supplying the market with 155-mm projectiles similar in characteristics to the Russian Krasnopol.

Russia has also developed a 120mm version of laser-guided artillery shells, the Gran (the entire system is called KM-8) for use in 120mm mortar systems, as well as Kitolov, a 122mm version for towed and self-propelled systems.

Canada and the United States have successfully used early versions of Raytheon's 155mm Excalibur precision guided missiles (PGM) in Afghanistan. In the future, mass production of such missiles is planned. Every effort is being made to reduce their cost and make them widely used.

The ATK company also took part in the competition, providing the US Army with artillery shells equipped with a precision guidance system with remote detonation functions (PGK), they replaced the existing artillery fuses.

During testing, the system showed a total probable deflection of 50 m with a 155 mm M589A1 projectile having a range of 20.5 km.

The introduction of PGK will contribute to a significant reduction in the required number of projectiles to neutralize a target, which will consequently entail an overall reduction in ammunition costs.

Conventional balloon-type projectiles are currently being actively replaced by modular MCS or uni-MCS, where 5 modules are used in the 155mm/39 caliber system and six in the 155mm/52 caliber system.

They are easier to control and are suitable for any self-propelled system with an automatic loading system.

Many countries are paying special attention to ISTAR's developments, which help facilitate target detection by artillery units. Such developments include unmanned aircraft(UAV) various types radars and other military sensors, such as laser rangefinders/pointers and daytime/thermal imaging devices, which allow the detection and detection of targets at long ranges.

Future Requirements

With recent advances in ammunition and charge modules, towed and self-propelled systems will continue to play a major role in warfare, but other systems are likely to be introduced to complement them.

For example, the US Army's FCS (Advanced Combat Systems) program developed the NLOS (LS) missile launcher, consisting of a canister launch unit (CLU) containing 15 vertically mounted precision-guided missiles (PAMs) or cruise missiles(LAM). Currently, developments are underway on the LAM, with the goal of increasing its flight range to 70 km. Despite the order to stop the entire program, work on NLOS - LS for the US Army is still ongoing.

The United Kingdom is currently implementing the Team Complex Weapons program, within which the development of the Fire Shadow winged ammunition, supplied by MBDA, is in the first place. She strives to secure command ground forces the ability to quickly lock on and hit targets at greater distances and with greater accuracy.

A large number of countries are now focusing on fire control and ammunition development rather than the firing platform itself.

Traditionally, fire operations are conducted at the battalion, battery or troop level, but many of the newly fielded self-propelled artillery systems are equipped with an on-board computerized fire control system integrated with a ground navigation system that would allow fire missions to be conducted autonomously.

This feature, combined with an automatic shell loading system, allows you to achieve high level rate of fire and implementation of MRSI fire missions (simultaneous impact of multiple projectiles, “barrage of fire”).

These systems spring into action much faster, carry out the fire mission and also quickly move away to avoid retaliatory artillery fire.

Since the World of Tanks game is far from new, we will begin our article with a detailed analysis of artillery VI, VII and VIII levels. If you want to know why great importance constant change of positions, whether it would be advisable to fire at tracers and what differences do the art of different factions have.

Arta in World of Tanks: basic tactics

But first let's figure it out how to play art in World of Tanks.

First you need to understand what a tracer is. This is the flight path of an artillery shell, which you will see for several seconds after a particular shot is fired. The most noticeable trajectory will be for vehicles with large-caliber guns. Thanks to this, the gamer controlling the art will be able to easily calculate the location of such a combat vehicle.

If you want to survive, it is advisable to change your position after almost every shot. You can drive forward and backward, or drive diagonally. But there are also certain troubles here. If the artillery is located in the forest or near destructible objects, if the howitzer mode is activated, then movement will be difficult.

We suggest you read the guide, which tells in detail how to kill using tracers:

If you want to become an ideal tanker, and especially love to control artillery, then be sure to remember every little detail on the ground - broken trees, insurmountable fences, buildings. Before you make a shot, pay attention to all this, and immediately plan an escape route so as not to hit anything. To perform such a maneuver, depending on the specific artillery vehicle, it will take approximately 10-20 seconds.

NOTE. It is interesting that artillery, which takes more than 20 seconds to reload, does not move at the expense of its rate of fire. Thus, the minimum recharge time is far from what you should strive for.

Is it still relevant to shoot at a tracer with World of Tanks art?

In the next part of the article, we will try to figure out with you whether it is still relevant today to shoot at tracers left by shells from enemy guns.

If you want to shoot an artilleryman, then, of course, it is best to fire at tracers. But the fact is that in this case you will only destroy the laziest opponents. But more experienced fighters will change positions every time. Because of this, when shooting like this, you will lose a lot of precious things - from time to shells. Moreover, such actions will begin to harm your team!

The reason for this lies in the following. So, let's assume that you notice the trajectory of a projectile fired from an enemy artillery piece. Most likely, in this case artillery vehicle hit an ally and caused him serious damage. If you fail to kill the enemy vehicle, then the fired projectile, as well as the time spent aiming, will be wasted. Imagine repeating your attempts, aiming at the tracers. The artillery continues to attack your allies, changing its location after each shot. Thus, you do not cause her any inconvenience, but allow you to destroy your own allies.

Summarizing the above, we can safely say: it is beneficial to fire at tracers only in cases where there are no other enemy targets in direct visibility.

Each battle will give you certain moments when you should transfer shooting from square A to square B as quickly as possible. To do this, you will need to fix the guns. Hold RMB, then rotate the body of the artillery itself using the keyboard. At the same time, you need to move the camera along the sight. Once the body is turned in the desired direction, return the cursor to the aiming point. At first, this method may seem difficult and ineffective to you, but with gaming experience you will understand that this is one of the most practical methods of emergency mixing.

Arta in World of Tanks sixth level

The most powerful guns are equipped with two sixth-level self-propelled guns - SU14 and SAU 51. These guns are capable of inflicting 1850 units of average damage. At the same time, the spread of fragments from shells is quite wide, amounting to 6.5 meters.

But you have to pay a lot for such advantages - the cars have reduced dynamics and a very long recharge time. The supply of shells is far from ideal. In protracted battles, 12 shells for the SU 14 and self-propelled gun 51 are nothing. For this reason, these machines are suitable for experienced players who are not used to rushing and make decisions with a cool head.

The last artillery German branch The self-propelled gun is the GW Panther combat vehicle. It has decent aiming angles in the horizontal plane, thanks to which its guns control a huge sector of the location. On the other hand, the damage from guns is significantly lower compared to similar vehicles of the Soviet army. Again, compared to them, the German “tank” has a higher rate of fire and accuracy.

M12 - an American artillery vehicle at the sixth level is characterized by a high rate of fire and low damage compared to Soviet vehicles, which makes it a twin brother of the German "Panther" (GW Panther).

Lorraine 155 50

The fastest self-propelled gun at the sixth level is the Lorraine 155 50. The maximum speed is 60 km/h with the fastest acceleration. In some cases, this vehicle is capable of overtaking not only medium, but even light tanks (what can we say about heavy tanks?). It is better to use this combat vehicle in order to constantly change your position on the map, remain hidden from enemies, and instantly choose a different direction of fire. But there are also some disadvantages here - the lowest damage for sixth-level artillery, amounting to only 960 units. To destroy armored targets, you will have to hit several times.

Level seven art in WoT

At the seventh level, let's pay attention to “Object 212”. This combat vehicle received a 203 mm gun from its predecessors with increased accuracy and rate of fire. Another advantage is that during a battle you are unlikely to have time to use up the entire combat kit of self-propelled guns. For this reason, the owner of this device will be able to carry other shells with him without harming normal shooting.

For example, you can easily take gold high-explosive fragmentation shells with an increased dispersion radius. With their help, you can easily destroy an enemy hiding behind cover. Due to armor-piercing shells, which you can also take with you into battle, you can save your self-propelled gun with one precise shot if you accidentally find yourself close to the enemy.

The German artillery GW Tiger took the laurels of being the slowest self-propelled gun at the seventh level. The minimum speed of turns has led to the fact that, when you get close, any enemy will twist and twirl you around his finger, and you won’t even be able to do anything. No matter how experienced the player controlling the Tiger is. But there is also a significant advantage here - the art deals 2000 units of damage per shot, which is the best indicator within its level. The price for this was not only low maneuverability, but also prolonged aiming, poor accuracy compared to other self-propelled guns of the seventh level, as well as minimal angles during horizontal aiming.

GW Tiger

The American self-propelled gun M40 43 is, one might say, the most universal artillery piece. The guns are similar to those on the Soviet Object 212 and deal the same 1850 damage. The main advantage compared to other self-propelled guns at the level is the largest aiming angles in the horizontal plane. Art covers the largest sector! The dynamics are also higher compared to Soviet and German counterparts.

The French artillery Lorraine 155 51 is practically no different from the self-propelled guns of this nation at other levels. This is still the same dynamic and fast car, developing a maximum speed of 60 km/h, equipped with an 850 engine. horsepower with a relatively low weight - 32 tons. An important advantage is that if the enemies approach you, then with this self-propelled gun you can easily hide from them, away from danger. She has the best accuracy at level seven. The best and reduction, but there is a minus - weak damage equal to 1250 units.

Artwork in World of Tanks, level eight

The eighth level is a real crown for the entire branch of artillery vehicles. In this case, there will be a huge difference between each self-propelled gun.

Let's start with the Soviet art “Object 261”. This combat vehicle stands out significantly from its predecessors. If they were slow and clumsy, then “Object 261” became one of the most best art World of Tanks in terms of dynamics and accuracy in the game within the eighth level. On the other hand, the damage has decreased - average is 1700 points. And this is the lowest parameter in the game! But due to the increased accuracy and unsurpassed rate of fire, you can even use armor-piercing shells. This artillery can easily hide from opponents and also cover the rear of its ally.

The German artillery GW TIGR is equipped with exactly the same gun as the GW Tiger P, but with minor changes. Firstly, its rate of fire has been increased, and secondly, its accuracy and aiming speed have been increased. On the other hand, it is the most stationary option at the eighth level, so it is rational to use this self-propelled gun in battles on global maps or companies, where it will remain under constant protection.

T92 is characterized by the most powerful damage, amounting to 2250 units. The dispersion of fragments for high-explosive shells is also maximum - 9 meters for conventional shells and 13 for gold ones. Thanks to this, you will be able to destroy opponents hidden behind any obstacles. The artillery piece paid for such high firepower with a long reload time - 40 seconds, as well as long aiming, which makes it impossible to instantly switch from flank to flank.

T92

The French artillery vehicle Bat Chatillon 155 is unique in its kind. It has a drum, the reload time of which exceeds a minute. But for one such reload you get 4 projectiles, each causing 1250 units of damage. The firing time between these projectiles is 5 seconds. This allows you to unleash massive amounts of focused fire on enemy targets.

Its turret rotates 360 degrees - the second self-propelled gun in the game after the SU 26. This ensures quick convergence and control of all flanks. As with other French self-propelled guns, the Bat Chatillon 155 has high maneuverability, which allows it to quickly change positions throughout the battle.

The best World of Tanks art at every level

Now let’s try to single out one of the most best art in World of Tanks within each level. But here we need to make a reservation: for an individual gamer, another self-propelled gun may be better, since for him, for example, the dynamics of the aiming will be more important than increased damage. We tried to combine everything strengths each art and highlight for you those self-propelled guns that had the highest number of advantages.

At the second level we give preference to T57

The advantages include a large supply of shells for one battle (40 pieces), high maneuverability, which allows you to change location after one shot (also preventing your enemy if he is about to circle the T57), huge dimensions, allowing you to ram enemies, aiming angle of 320 m, powerful frontal armor, high accuracy.

Of course, there are disadvantages, but they are fewer - low alpha damage, as well as the presence of an open control room, which is why your enemies can easily incapacitate crew members. But if you consider that we are talking about the second level, then this artillery will most likely be destroyed faster than the crew will dismantle it.

At the third level, let's highlight the World of Tanks M7 Priest art

Advantages:

• High dynamics and maneuverability - you can quickly change your location while remaining safe from counter-shots.
• A powerful weapon with decent accuracy and a high rate of fire.
• Excellent NLD armor.
• The horizontal aiming angle ranges from “-12” to “+26”.
• The ammunition load includes 69 shells. Enough for any, even the most protracted battle. You can shoot mercilessly and without hesitation.

Flaws:

• Vulnerable to high-explosive shells, since the wheelhouse is open.
• Low probability of penetration with high-explosive fragmentation shells. On the other hand, this is offset by the lack of “fat” tanks at the first levels.

At the fourth level we highlight Sturmpanzer II

Advantages:

• Increased accuracy of the gun, good rate of fire, enormous power.
• Among all fourth-level self-propelled guns, it has the maximum penetration rate - this speeds up the destruction of thick tanks.
• The dynamics are above average.
• Decent camouflage due to the small profile.

Sturmpanzer II

Flaws:

• Low UGN.
• Weak range - no more than 500 meters.

On the fifth level we will highlight Grille

Advantages:

• If the enemy tank is not higher than 4-5 levels, then with the help of the guns of this self-propelled gun you will send any enemy to rest just for the first successful hit.
• In addition, the guns of this self-propelled gun inflict enormous damage on Tier 6 tanks. But if you manage to strike with cumulative projectile, then you will probably send the sixth level tank home.
• As the shells fly mounted trajectory, then you can hit enemy targets by hitting their roof. But that’s where the lowest armor is located!
• This self-propelled gun has an excellent radio station. This module for art is perhaps one of the most important!

Flaws:

• Due to the small aiming angles, you will not be able to hit fast targets located close to the artillery.
• Long recharge time.

At the sixth level we select FV304

As they say, this is a real IMBA on the sixth level!

Advantages:

• This self-propelled gun is more dynamic, maneuverable and faster than many light tanks in the game!
• The gun has a high rate of fire and fires along a hinged trajectory. Thus, enemies located in cover will not be able to escape from your shots.
• Due to its small dimensions, this art is easy to hide from opponents.
• There is enough ammunition for the longest battles.
• Large horizontal aiming angle.

Flaws:

• The projectiles fly relatively short distances.

At the seventh level, we highlight the World of Tanks G.W. Panther

Advantages:

• Excellent dynamics, allowing artillery to quickly hide from pursuers or even set up an ambush for medium tanks.
• High rate of fire, which is an advantage in battles with high-speed French vehicles.
• A tower that allows you to aim at any enemy.

G.W. Panther

Flaws:

• Weak damage.
• Low dispersion of fragments, which is why in most cases it is pointless to attack heavy tanks of the “slipper” type.

At the eighth level we will select M40/M43

Advantages:

• Small dimensions, lack of a muzzle brake, which is why the self-propelled gun is one of the most camouflaged tanks in the game.
• High dynamics, which the art inherited from the M4 tank.
• A high-powered weapon that can send level seven tanks into the hangar with one shot, as well as most French vehicles up to level 9.
• The aiming angle is 18 degrees. You can pursue a target without making dashes. Comfort when playing this self-propelled gun is guaranteed!

Flaws:

• The presence of an open cabin.
• Lower rate of fire and higher dispersion when moving the hull compared to other level 8 artefacts.

At the ninth level we will highlight M53/M55

Advantages:

• High dynamics, allowing you to hide not only from medium, but also from light tanks.
• Due to the presence of the turret, the aiming angle is 29 degrees.
• An excellent weapon with high damage, unsurpassed accuracy and a good rate of fire.

Flaws:

• The view is only 350 meters.
• Large sizes, which is why camouflage is minimal.

At the tenth level we will highlight G.W. E 100

Advantages:

• Thick armor along the entire perimeter even protects you from enemy artillery fire.
• The weapon is as balanced as possible. The flight path is hinged, thanks to which you throw shells behind cover.
• Smooth chassis to reduce scatter when driving.
• Large supply of shells for one battle.
• High HP for all vehicles.

G.W. E 100

Flaws:

• Large overall dimensions, which makes it quite easy to highlight the art.
• Low maneuverability, which also has its advantages - read about the smooth chassis above.

Introduction
Sau- Self-propelled artillery unit or simply “Arta”. A vehicle armed with a howitzer cannon. They are not tanks or armored vehicles. They differed from tanks in their armor and armament and were used for tactical purposes.

Differences Art:

In World of Tanks there are many differences between the arts.
Accurate art from the USSR, armored art from Germany, big damage the American artillery, the accuracy and dynamics of the French artillery, the high damage and radius of the British artillery.

Object 261– Features the smallest dispersion of only 0.66 and convergence of 6.5 seconds. which he ranks 2nd, BB damage is 1700 HP. Not bad dynamics. Unfortunately, the GN angles -5...+5 are the worst angles of all art. Because of the speed, you can change positions on the maps.

G.W. E 100– Features armor and BB damage of 2000 HP, dispersion of 0.84 and reduction of 7 seconds. But there is a minus speed, due to the reservation from G.W. E 100 has no speed, GN angles -6...+6, only Object 261 is worse.

T92– The highest damage among art 2250 HP, spread 0.92 and convergence 8 sec., GN angles -12...+12. Poor mobility and inability to lower the gun.

Bat.-Châtillon 155 58– The fastest mixing is 5.5 sec. and good accuracy of 0.68. Penetration is 85mm, which is extremely small and damage is 1250 HP, but we do not always inflict that amount of damage on average 500-700 HP, in addition we have a turret that rotates 360 degrees and good speed to take a good position.

Conqueror G.C.– The largest spread is 1.1 and the longest mixing of all art is 8.5 seconds. But its damage is 2200 HP, although this is pleasing and the angles of rotation are not bad -29...+29, the dynamics are poor and the gun does not lower. With this art, you are not afraid of maps like Himmelsdorf, etc., that is, maps in which there are hills; the Conqurer GC has a mortar gun and shells can fly through obstacles.

What is Arta used for:

Arta is a machine that is invisible to the enemy, but inflicts huge damage on him. Arta is on the last line, because in close combat she is very weak, although she can cause great damage to the enemy. I'm sure someone has had a moment when you have 1-113 HP left, and when a full tank comes at you, then, as you know, everyone is preparing to meet with the hangar, but then the artillery throws in and saves you, that's when you are pleased with the presence of the artillery in your team. Arta is capable of both giving joy and sadness, namely when arta is in the enemy team, when you leave with a whole supply of HP and arta takes you to the hangar with one blow. Arte is not as important to the level of battle in which she is thrown as other vehicles, she will always be able to cause damage. The presence of art is especially important for fireflies, for example: you go to shine, shine and see there is no damage to opponents, because there is no art, and the allies have dispersed. An artillery vehicle is irreplaceable in battle, especially if a skilled artillery driver is behind the artillery vehicle. Some artillery leaders can even drag out the battle. For this reason, I advise you to underestimate art. As we know, art is researched the longest, so this advice is to upgrade yourself to something else before art. And a few screenshots dragged the players.

Here's the news today:

The artillery units of the Eastern Military District (EMD) received a batch of 203-mm Pion self-propelled artillery systems.

The head of the district's press service, Colonel Alexander Gordeev, told Interfax-AVN on Thursday. »Today, the Pion self-propelled gun is considered the most powerful self-propelled artillery unit in the world. Its main armament is a 203-mm cannon, weighing more than 14 tons. It is located at the rear of the installation. The gun is equipped with a semi-automatic hydraulic loading system, which allows this process to be carried out at any barrel elevation angle,” said A. Gordeev.

He noted that when developing the chassis of the installation, components and assemblies of the T-80 tank were used. “The self-propelled gun has an individual torsion bar suspension,” the officer specified.

Let's learn more about this weapon:

On August 29, 1949, the first Soviet atomic bomb was tested: both warring factions began to possess nuclear weapons. With the buildup of strategic nuclear weapons by both sides in the conflict, it became obvious that an all-out nuclear war was unlikely and pointless. The theory of “limited nuclear war” with limited use of tactical weapons has become relevant. nuclear weapons. In the early 1950s, before leaders warring parties There was a problem with the delivery of these weapons. The main means of delivery were strategic bombers B-29, on the one hand, and Tu-4, on the other; they could not effectively strike at the advanced positions of enemy troops. The most suitable means were considered to be corps and divisional artillery systems, tactical missile systems and recoilless rifles.

The first Soviet artillery systems armed with nuclear ammunition were the 2B1 self-propelled mortar and self-propelled gun 2A3, however, these systems were bulky and could not meet the requirements for high mobility. With the beginning of the rapid development of rocket technology in the USSR, work on most samples of classical artillery, on the instructions of N. S. Khrushchev, was stopped.

Photo 3.

After Khrushchev was removed from the post of First Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee, work on artillery topics was resumed. By the spring of 1967, a preliminary design of a new heavy-duty self-propelled artillery mount (SAU) based on the Object 434 tank was completed and wooden mockup life-size. The project was a closed-type self-propelled gun with a chopping mount for a gun designed by OKB-2. The model received negative reviews from representatives of the Ministry of Defense, but the proposal to create a self-propelled gun of special power interested the USSR Ministry of Defense, and on December 16, 1967, by order No. 801 of the Ministry of Defense Industry, research work was begun to determine the appearance and basic characteristics of the new self-propelled gun. The main requirement put forward for the new self-propelled guns was the maximum firing range - at least 25 km. The selection of the optimal caliber of the gun, as directed by the GRAU, was carried out by the M. I. Kalinin Artillery Academy. During the work, various existing and developed artillery systems were examined. The main ones were the 210 mm S-72 gun, the 180 mm S-23 gun and the 180 mm MU-1 coastal gun. According to the conclusion of the Leningrad Artillery Academy, the ballistic solution of the 210-mm S-72 gun was considered the most suitable. However, despite this, the Barrikady plant, in order to ensure continuity of manufacturing technologies for the already developed B-4 and B-4M guns, proposed reducing the caliber from 210 to 203 mm. This proposal was approved by GRAU.

Simultaneously with the choice of caliber, work was carried out on the selection of the chassis and layout for the future self-propelled guns. One of the options was the chassis of the MT-T multi-purpose tractor, based on the T-64A tank. This option received the designation “Object 429A”. A variant based on the T-10 heavy tank, designated “216.sp1”, was also being developed. Based on the results of the work, it turned out that an open installation of the gun would be optimal, while none of the existing types chassis, due to the high force of resistance to rollback of 135 tf when firing. Therefore, it was decided to develop a new chassis with the maximum possible unification of components with the tanks in service with the USSR. The resulting developments formed the basis of the development work under the name “Peony” (GRAU index - 2S7). "Peony" was supposed to go into service with the artillery divisions of the reserve of the Supreme High Command to replace the 203-mm towed howitzers B-4 and B-4M.

Photo 4.

Officially, work on a new self-propelled gun of special power was approved on July 8, 1970 by Resolution of the CPSU Central Committee and the USSR Council of Ministers No. 427-161. The Kirov plant was appointed the lead developer of the 2S7; the 2A44 gun was designed at OKB-3 of the Volgograd Barrikady plant. On March 1, 1971, tactical and technical requirements for new self-propelled gun. According to the assignment, the 2S7 self-propelled gun was supposed to provide a non-ricochet firing range from 8.5 to 35 km with a high-explosive fragmentation projectile weighing 110 kg, while it was supposed to be able to fire a 3VB2 nuclear shot intended for the 203-mm B-4M howitzer. The speed on the highway had to be at least 50 km/h.

The new chassis with a stern mounted gun was designated “216.sp2”. In the period from 1973 to 1974, two prototypes of the 2S7 self-propelled guns were manufactured and sent for testing. The first sample underwent sea trials at the Strugi Krasnye training ground. The second sample was tested by fire, but could not meet the requirements for firing range. The problem was solved by selecting the optimal composition of the powder charge and the type of shot. In 1975, the Pion system was put into service Soviet army. In 1977, at the All-Union Scientific Research Institute of Technical Physics, nuclear weapons were developed for the 2S7 self-propelled gun and entered into service.

Photo 5.

Serial production of the 2S7 self-propelled guns began in 1975 at the Leningrad Kirov Plant. The 2A44 gun was produced by the Volgograd Barricades plant. Production of the 2S7 continued until the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 1990, the last batch of 66 2S7M vehicles was transferred to the Soviet troops. In 1990, the cost of one 2S7 self-propelled artillery mount was 521,527 rubles. Over 16 years of production, more than 500 units of 2S7 of various modifications were produced.

In the 1980s, there was a need to modernize the 2S7 self-propelled guns. Therefore, development work was started under the code “Malka” (GRAU index - 2S7M). First of all, the question was raised about replacing the power plant, since the V-46-1 engine did not have sufficient power and reliability. For the Malka, the V-84B engine was created, which differed from that used in the T-72 tank in the features of the engine layout in the engine-transmission compartment. With the new engine, the self-propelled gun could be refueled not only with diesel fuel, but also with kerosene and gasoline.

Photo 6.

The chassis of the car was also modernized. In February 1985, the self-propelled gun with a new power plant and modernized chassis was tested. As a result of the modernization, the service life of the self-propelled guns was increased to 8,000-10,000 km. To receive and display information from the senior battery officer's vehicle, the gunner's and commander's positions were equipped with digital indicators with automatic data reception, which reduced the time it took to transfer the vehicle from the traveling to the combat position and back. Thanks to the modified design of the stowage, the transportable ammunition load was increased to 8 rounds. The new loading mechanism made it possible to load the gun at any vertical pumping angle. Thus, the rate of fire was increased by 1.6 times (up to 2.5 rounds per minute), and the fire mode by 1.25 times. To monitor important subsystems, regulatory monitoring equipment was installed in the vehicle, which continuously monitored weapons components, the engine, the hydraulic system and power units. Serial production of the 2S7M self-propelled gun began in 1986. In addition, the crew of the vehicle was reduced to 6 people.

At the end of the 1970s, based on the 2A44 cannon, a project for a naval artillery installation under the code “Pion-M” was developed. The theoretical mass of the artillery mount without ammunition was 65-70 tons. The ammunition load was supposed to be 75 rounds, and the rate of fire was up to 1.5 rounds per minute. The Pion-M artillery mount was supposed to be installed on Project 956 ships of the Sovremenny type. However, due to the fundamental disagreement of the Navy leadership with the use large caliber, work on the Pion-M artillery mount did not progress beyond the project.

Photo 7.

Armored Corps

The 2S7 “Pion” self-propelled gun is made according to a turretless design with an open installation of the gun in the rear of the self-propelled gun. The crew consists of 7 (in the modernized version 6) people. During the march, all crew members are placed in the self-propelled gun hull. The body is divided into four compartments. In the front part there is a control compartment with a seat for the commander, driver and a place for one of the crew members. Behind the control compartment is the engine and transmission compartment with the engine. Behind the engine-transmission compartment there is a crew compartment, in which there are stowages with shells, a place for a traveling gunner and places for 3 (in the modernized version 2) members of the crew. In the aft compartment there is a folding opener plate and a self-propelled gun. The 2S7 body is made of two-layer bulletproof armor with the thickness of the outer sheets being 13 mm and the inner sheets being 8 mm thick. The crew, being inside the self-propelled guns, is protected from the consequences of the use of weapons of mass destruction. The housing weakens the effect of penetrating radiation three times. Loading of the main gun during self-propelled gun operation is carried out from the ground or from a truck using a special lifting mechanism installed on the platform on the right side relative to the main gun. The loader is located to the left of the gun, controlling the process using the control panel.

Photo 8.

Armament

The main armament is the 203-mm 2A44 cannon, which has a maximum rate of fire of 1.5 rounds per minute (up to 2.5 rounds per minute on the modernized version). The gun barrel is a free tube connected to the breech. A piston valve is located in the breech. The gun barrel and recoil devices are placed in the cradle of the swinging part. The swinging part is fixed to the upper machine, which is mounted on an axis and secured with bastings. Recoil devices consist of a hydraulic recoil brake and two pneumatic knurling devices located symmetrically relative to the barrel bore. This scheme of recoil devices allows you to reliably hold the recoil parts of the gun in the extreme position before firing a shot at any angle of vertical pointing of the gun. The recoil length when fired reaches 1400 mm. Sector-type lifting and rotating mechanisms provide gun guidance in the angle range from 0 to +60 degrees. vertically and from -15 to +15 degrees. along the horizon. Guidance can be carried out either by hydraulic drives, powered by the SAU 2S7 pumping station, or by manual drives. The pneumatic balancing mechanism serves to compensate for the moment of imbalance of the swinging part of the implement. To facilitate the work of crew members, the self-propelled gun is equipped with a loading mechanism that ensures that shots are fed to the loading line and delivered to the gun chamber.

A folding base plate, located at the rear of the hull, transfers the force of the shot to the ground, providing greater stability of the self-propelled gun. With charge No. 3, the Peony could fire directly without installing a coulter. The transportable ammunition load of the Pion self-propelled gun is 4 rounds (8 for the modernized version); the main ammunition load of 40 rounds is carried in the transport vehicle attached to the self-propelled gun. The main ammunition includes 3OF43 high-explosive fragmentation shells; in addition, 3-O-14 cluster shells, concrete-piercing and nuclear ammunition can be used. Additionally, the 2S7 self-propelled gun is equipped with a 12.7-mm NSVT anti-aircraft machine gun and portable anti-aircraft guns missile systems 9K32 "Strela-2".

Photo 9.

To aim the gun, the gunner's position is equipped with a PG-1M artillery panoramic sight for firing from indirect firing positions and an OP4M-99A direct fire sight for firing at observed targets. To monitor the terrain, the control department is equipped with seven prismatic periscopic observation devices TNPO-160, two more TNPO-160 devices are installed in the hatch covers of the crew compartment. To operate at night, some of the TNPO-160 devices can be replaced by TVNE-4B night vision devices.

External radio communication is supported by the R-123M radio station. The radio station operates in the VHF range and provides stable communication with similar stations at a distance of up to 28 km, depending on the height of the antenna of both radio stations. Negotiations between crew members are carried out through intercom equipment 1B116.

Photo 10.

Engine and transmission

The power plant in the 2S7 was a V-shaped 12-cylinder four-stroke diesel engine V-46-1, liquid-cooled, supercharged with a power of 780 hp. The V-46-1 diesel engine was created on the basis of the V-46 engine installed on T-72 tanks. Distinctive features of the B-46-1 were minor layout changes associated with its adaptation for installation in the engine compartment of the 2S7 self-propelled gun. The main difference was the changed location of the power take-off shaft. To facilitate starting the engine in winter conditions, a heating system is installed in the engine-transmission compartment, developed on the basis of a similar system in the T-10M heavy tank. During modernization on self-propelled guns 2S7M power point was replaced by a multi-fuel diesel engine V-84B with an output of 840 hp. The transmission is mechanical, with hydraulic control and a planetary rotation mechanism. Has seven forward and one reverse gears. The engine torque is transmitted through a bevel gearbox with a gear ratio of 0.682 to two onboard gearboxes.

Photo 11.

The 2S7 chassis is based on the main T-80 tank and consists of seven pairs of double rubber-coated road wheels and six pairs of single support rollers. There are guide wheels at the rear of the machine and drive wheels at the front. In the combat position, the guide wheels are lowered to the ground to give the self-propelled gun greater resistance to loads when firing. Lowering and raising is carried out using two hydraulic cylinders attached to the axles of the wheels. Suspension 2S7 - individual torsion bar with hydraulic shock absorbers.

Photo 12.

Special equipment

The preparation of the firing position was carried out using a coulter in the rear of the self-propelled gun. Raising and lowering the opener was carried out using two hydraulic jacks. Additionally, the 2S7 self-propelled gun was equipped with a 9R4-6U2 diesel generator with a power of 24 hp. The diesel generator was designed to ensure the operation of the main pump of the hydraulic system of the self-propelled gun during parking, when the vehicle engine was turned off.

Vehicles based

In 1969, in the Tula NIEMI, by decree of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated May 27, 1969, work began on the creation of a new anti-aircraft missile system Front-line S-300V. Research carried out at NIEMI together with the Leningrad VNII-100 showed that there was no chassis suitable in terms of load capacity, internal dimensions and cross-country ability. Therefore, KB-3 of the Leningrad Kirov Plant was given the task of developing a new unified tracked chassis. The following requirements were imposed on the development: total weight - no more than 48 tons, payload capacity - 20 tons, ensuring the operation of equipment and crew under conditions of the use of weapons of mass destruction, high maneuverability and cross-country ability. The chassis was designed almost simultaneously with the 2S7 self-propelled gun and was maximally unified with it. The main differences include the rear location of the engine-transmission compartment and the drive wheels of the tracked propulsion unit. As a result of the work carried out, the following modifications of the universal chassis were created.

- “Object 830” - for the 9A83 self-propelled launcher;
- “Object 831” - for the 9A82 self-propelled launcher;
- “Object 832” - for the 9S15 radar station;
- “Object 833” - in the basic version: for the multi-channel missile guidance station 9S32; in version "833-01" - for the 9S19 radar station;
- “Object 834” - for command post 9S457;
- “Object 835” - for launch-loading installations 9A84 and 9A85.
The production of prototypes of the universal chassis was carried out by the Leningrad Kirov Plant. Serial production was transferred to the Lipetsk Tractor Plant.
In 1997, by order Corps of Engineers The Russian Federation has developed a high-speed trenching vehicle BTM-4M “Tundra” for making trenches and digging in frozen soil.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, funding for the armed forces in Russia sharply decreased, and military equipment practically ceased to be purchased. Under these conditions, a military equipment conversion program was carried out at the Kirov Plant, within the framework of which civil engineering vehicles were developed and began to be produced on the basis of the 2S7 self-propelled guns. In 1994, the highly mobile crane SGK-80 was developed, and four years later its modernized version, the SGK-80R, appeared. The cranes weighed 65 tons and had a lifting capacity of up to 80 tons. In 2004, by order of the Department of Traffic Safety and Ecology of the Ministry of Railways of Russia, self-propelled tracked vehicles SM-100 were developed, designed to eliminate the consequences of rolling stock derailments, as well as to carry out emergency rescue operations after natural and man-made disasters.

Photo 13.

Combat use

During operation in the Soviet army, self-propelled guns "Pion" were never used in any armed conflict, but were intensively used in high-power artillery brigades of the GSVG. After the signing of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, all self-propelled guns "Pion" and "Malka" were withdrawn from service Armed Forces Russian Federation and redeployed to the Eastern Military District. The only episode combat use The 2S7 self-propelled gun was used during the war in South Ossetia, where the Georgian side of the conflict used a battery of six 2S7 self-propelled guns. During the retreat, Georgian troops hid all six 2S7 self-propelled guns in the Gori area. One of the 5 self-propelled guns 2S7 discovered by Russian troops was captured as a trophy, the rest were destroyed.
In November 2014, Ukraine, in connection with the armed conflict, began reactivating and bringing its existing 2S7 installations into combat condition.

In the 1970s, the Soviet Union attempted to re-equip the Soviet army with new types of artillery weapons. The first example was the 2S3 self-propelled howitzer, presented to the public in 1973, followed by the 2S1 in 1974, 2S4 in 1975, and the 2S5 and 2S7 were introduced in 1979. Thanks to new technology, the Soviet Union significantly increased the survivability and maneuverability of its artillery forces. By the time mass production of the 2S7 self-propelled gun began, the United States already had a 203-mm M110 hull self-propelled gun in service. In 1975, the 2S7 was significantly superior to the M110 in key parameters: OFS firing range (37.4 km versus 16.8 km), transportable ammunition (4 shots versus 2), power density (17.25 hp/t versus 15, 4), however, the 2S7 self-propelled gun was served by 7 people versus 5 on the M110. In 1977 and 1978, the US Army received improved M110A1 and M110A2 self-propelled guns, which had a maximum firing range increased to 30 km, but they could not surpass the 2S7 self-propelled gun in this parameter. An advantageous difference between the Pion and the M110 self-propelled guns is the fully armored chassis, while the M110 has only the engine and transmission compartment armored.

In the DPRK in 1978, on the basis of the Type 59 tank, the 170-mm Koksan self-propelled gun was created. The gun allowed firing at a distance of up to 60 km, but had a number of significant disadvantages: low barrel survivability, low rate of fire, low chassis mobility and lack of portable ammunition. In 1985, an improved version was developed; this weapon resembled the 2S7 self-propelled gun in appearance and layout.

Attempts to create systems similar to the M110 and 2S7 were made in Iraq. In the mid-1980s, development of the 210 mm AL FAO self-propelled gun began. The gun was created as a response to the Iranian M107, and the gun was supposed to be significantly superior to this self-propelled gun in all respects. As a result, a prototype of the AL FAO self-propelled gun was manufactured and demonstrated in May 1989. The self-propelled artillery mount was a chassis self-propelled howitzer G6, which was equipped with a 210 mm gun. The self-propelled gun was capable of reaching speeds on the march of up to 80 km/h. The barrel length was 53 calibers. Firing could be carried out either with conventional 109.4 kg high-explosive fragmentation projectiles with a bottom notch and a maximum firing range of 45 km, or with projectiles with a bottom gas generator with a maximum firing range of up to 57.3 km. However, the economic sanctions against Iraq that followed in the early 1990s prevented further development of the weapon, and the project did not go beyond the prototype stage.

In the mid-1990s, the Chinese company NORINCO, based on the M110, developed a prototype of a 203-mm self-propelled gun with a new artillery unit. The reason for the development was the unsatisfactory firing range of the M110 self-propelled gun. The new artillery unit made it possible to increase the maximum firing range of high-explosive fragmentation shells to 40 km, and active-reactive shells to 50 km. In addition, the self-propelled gun could fire guided, nuclear projectiles, as well as cluster projectiles that lay anti-tank mines. The production of the development prototype did not progress further.

As a result of the completion of the Pion development work, the self-propelled guns entered service with the Soviet Army, embodying the most advanced ideas for designing high-power self-propelled guns. For its class, the 2S7 self-propelled gun had high performance characteristics(maneuverability and relatively short time for transferring the self-propelled guns to the combat position and back). Thanks to the 203.2 mm caliber and the maximum firing range of high-explosive fragmentation shells, the Pion self-propelled gun had a high combat effectiveness: So, in 10 minutes of fire attack, the self-propelled gun is capable of “delivering” about 500 kg of explosive to the target. The modernization carried out in 1986 to the 2S7M level allowed this self-propelled gun to meet the requirements for promising artillery systems weapons for the period until 2010. The only drawback noted by Western experts was the open installation of the gun, which did not allow the crew to be protected from shell fragments or enemy fire when working in position. It was proposed to further improve the system by creating guided projectiles of the “Daredevil” type, the firing range of which could be up to 120 km, as well as improving the working conditions of the self-propelled gun crew. In fact, after the withdrawal from the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and redeployment to the Eastern Military District, most of the 2S7 and 2S7M self-propelled guns were sent for storage, and only a small part of them remained in operation.

Photo 14.

But look at this interesting example of a weapon:

Photo 16.

Experimental self-propelled artillery unit. The development of the self-propelled guns was carried out by the Central Design Bureau of the Uraltransmash plant, the chief designer was Nikolai Tupitsyn. The first prototype of the self-propelled gun was built in 1976. In total, two copies of the self-propelled gun were built - with a 152-mm caliber gun from the Akatsiya self-propelled gun and with a gun from the Giatsint self-propelled gun. The “object 327” self-propelled gun was developed as a competitor to the “Msta-S” self-propelled gun, but being quite revolutionary, it remained an experimental self-propelled gun. The self-propelled gun was distinguished by a high degree of automation - reloading of the gun was carried out regularly by an automatic loader at external location guns with ammunition racks placed inside the self-propelled gun hull. During tests with guns of two types, the self-propelled guns showed high efficiency, but preference was given to the more “technological” samples - 2S19 “Msta-S”. Testing and design of self-propelled guns were discontinued in 1987.

The name of the object “puck” was unofficial. The second copy of the self-propelled gun with the 2A37 gun from the Giatsint self-propelled gun stood at the test site since 1988 and is preserved in the Uraltransmash PA museum.

There is also a version that the prototype self-propelled gun shown in the photo is the only prototype that was also tested on the topics “object 316” (prototype of self-propelled gun “Msta-S”), “object 326” and “object 327”. During testing, guns with different ballistics were installed on a rotating platform turret. The presented sample with a cannon from the Giatsint self-propelled gun was tested in 1987.

Photo 17.

Photo 18.

sources

http://wartools.ru/sau-russia/sau-pion-2s7

http://militaryrussia.ru/blog/index-411.html

http://gods-of-war.pp.ua/?p=333

Look at the self-propelled guns, and here recently. Look at what it looked like before The original article is on the website InfoGlaz.rf Link to the article from which this copy was made -