Self-propelled artillery mounts. Tier VIII is the crown of the branch of all self-propelled guns. This is where all the differences between each machine are most noticeable.
Here is the news today:
Artillery units of the Eastern Military District (VVO) received a batch of 203-mm Pion self-propelled artillery mounts.
This was reported to Interfax-AVN on Thursday by the head of the press service of the district, Colonel Alexander Gordeev. »Today, the Pion self-propelled gun is considered the most powerful self-propelled artillery mount in the world. Its main armament is a 203-mm cannon, weighing more than 14 tons. It is located in the aft part of the installation. The gun is equipped with a semi-automatic hydraulic loading system, which allows this process to be carried out at any elevation angles of the barrel,” A. Gordeev said.
He noted that in the development of the undercarriage 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.
Learn more about this weapon:
On August 29, 1949, the first Soviet atomic bomb was tested: both opposing groups began to possess nuclear weapons. With the build-up of strategic nuclear weapons by both sides of the conflict, it became clear that an all-out nuclear war was unlikely and pointless. The theory of "limited nuclear war» with limited use of tactical nuclear weapons. In the early 1950s, before the leaders opposing sides there was a problem with the delivery of these weapons. The main means of delivery were B-29 strategic bombers, on the one hand, and Tu-4, on the other; they could not effectively strike at the advanced positions of enemy troops. Corps and divisional weapons were considered as the most suitable means. artillery systems, tactical missile systems and recoilless guns.
The first Soviet artillery systems armed with nuclear weapons were the self-propelled mortar 2B1 and self-propelled gun 2A3, however, these systems were bulky and could not provide high mobility requirements. With the beginning of the rapid development of rocket technology in the USSR, work on most of the samples of classical artillery was stopped at the direction of N. S. Khrushchev.
Photo 3. 
After Khrushchev was removed from the post of First Secretary of the Central Committee of the CPSU, work on artillery topics was resumed. By the spring of 1967, a preliminary design of a new heavy-duty self-propelled artillery mount (ACS) based on the Object 434 tank was completed and wooden layout real size. The project was a self-propelled gun of a closed type with a cutting installation of a tool designed by OKB-2. The layout received negative feedback from representatives of the Ministry of Defense, however, the Ministry of Defense of the USSR became interested in the proposal to create an ACS of special power, and on December 16, 1967, by order No. 801 of the Ministry of Defense Industry, research work was started to determine the appearance and basic characteristics of the new ACS. The main requirement put forward for the new self-propelled guns was the maximum firing range - at least 25 km. The choice of the optimal caliber of the gun, at the direction of the GRAU, was carried out by the M. I. Kalinin Artillery Academy. In the course of the work, various existing and developed artillery systems were considered. 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 recognized as the most suitable. However, despite this, the Barrikady plant, in order to ensure the 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 the GRAU.
Simultaneously with the choice of caliber, work was carried out on the choice of chassis and layout for the future self-propelled guns. One of the options was the chassis of the MT-T multi-purpose tractor, made on the basis of the T-64A tank. This option received the designation "Object 429A". A variant based on the T-10 heavy tank was also worked out, which received the designation "216.sp1". According to 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 high strength recoil resistance of 135 tf when firing. Therefore, it was decided to develop a new undercarriage with the maximum possible unification of the nodes with the tanks in service with the USSR. The resulting studies formed the basis of the R&D under the name "Peony" (GRAU index - 2C7). "Pion" was supposed to enter service with the artillery battalions of the reserve of the Supreme High Command to replace the 203-mm B-4 and B-4M towed howitzers.
Photo 4. 
Officially, work on the new self-propelled guns of special power was approved on July 8, 1970 by the Decree of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR No. 427-161. The Kirov Plant was appointed the lead developer of the 2S7, the 2A44 gun was designed in OKB-3 of the Volgograd plant "Barricades". March 1, 1971 were issued, and by 1973 approved tactical and technical requirements for a new self-propelled guns. According to the assignment, the 2S7 self-propelled gun was supposed to provide a ricochet-free firing range from 8.5 to 35 km with a high-explosive fragmentation projectile weighing 110 kg, while it should have been possible to fire a 3VB2 nuclear round intended for the 203 mm B-4M howitzer. The speed on the highway had to be at least 50 km / h.
New chassis with stern installation guns received the designation "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 passed sea trials at the Strugi Krasny training ground. The second sample was tested by firing, but could not fulfill the requirements for the 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 and put into service for the 2S7 self-propelled guns.
Photo 5. 
Serial production of self-propelled guns 2S7 was launched in 1975 at the Leningrad plant named after Kirov. The 2A44 gun was produced by the Volgograd plant "Barricades". 2S7 production 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 2C7 units of various modifications were produced.
In the 1980s, there was a need to modernize the ACS 2S7. 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 B-46-1 engine did not have sufficient power and reliability. For the Malka, the V-84B engine was created, which differed from the one used in the T-72 tank by the features of the engine layout in the engine compartment. With the new engine, the self-propelled guns could be refueled not only with diesel fuel, but also with kerosene and gasoline.
Photo 6. 
The undercarriage of the car was also upgraded. In February 1985, the self-propelled guns with a new power plant and upgraded undercarriage were tested. As a result of the modernization, the ACS motocross resource was increased to 8,000-10,000 km. To receive and display information from the car of the senior officer of the battery, the gunner's and commander's seats were equipped digital indicators with automatic data reception, which made it possible to reduce the time for transferring the vehicle from traveling to combat position and vice versa. Thanks to the modified design of the stowage, the ammunition load was increased to 8 rounds. The new loading mechanism made it possible to load the gun at any angle of vertical pumping. Thus, the rate of fire was increased by 1.6 times (up to 2.5 rounds per minute), and the mode of fire - by 1.25 times. To monitor important subsystems, routine control equipment was installed in the car, which carried out continuous monitoring of weapon components, the engine, the hydraulic system and power units. Serial production of self-propelled guns 2S7M began in 1986. In addition, the crew of the car was reduced to 6 people.
In the late 1970s, on the basis of the 2A44 gun, a project was developed for a shipborne artillery mount under the code "Pion-M". The theoretical weight of the artillery mount without ammunition was 65-70 tons. The ammunition load was 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 leadership of the Navy with the use of a large caliber, they did not advance beyond the project of work on the Pion-M artillery mount.
Photo 7. 
armored corps
The 2S7 Pion self-propelled gun was made according to a turretless scheme with an open installation of the gun in the aft part of the self-propelled guns. The crew consists of 7 (in the modernized version 6) people. On the march, all crew members are housed in the ACS hull. The body is divided into four sections. In the front part there is a control compartment with a place for a commander, a driver and a place for one of the crew members. Behind the control compartment is the engine compartment with the engine. Behind the engine-transmission compartment there is a calculation compartment, in which there are stowage with shells, a gunner's place for marching and places for 3 (in the modernized version 2) members of the calculation. In the aft compartment there is a folding coulter plate and a self-propelled gun. The hull 2S7 is made of two-layer bulletproof armor with a thickness of outer sheets of 13 mm, and internal sheets of 8 mm. The calculation, being inside the self-propelled guns, is protected from the consequences of the use of weapons mass destruction. The case weakens the effect of penetrating radiation by a factor of three. The loading of the main gun during the operation of the self-propelled guns is carried out from the ground or from a truck using a special lifting mechanism installed on the platform, on the right side of the main gun. In this case, the loader is located to the left of the gun, controlling the process using the control panel.
Photo 8. 
Armament
The main armament is a 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 upgraded version). The gun barrel is a free tube connected to the breech. A piston valve is located in the breech. The barrel of the gun and recoil devices are placed in the cradle of the swinging part. The swinging part is fixed on the upper machine, which is mounted on the axis and fixed with basting. The recoil devices consist of a hydraulic recoil brake and two pneumatic knurlers located symmetrically with respect to the bore. Such a scheme of recoil devices makes it possible to reliably hold the recoil parts of the gun in the extreme position before the shot is fired at any angles of vertical guidance of the gun. The recoil length when fired reaches 1400 mm. Lifting and turning mechanisms of the sector type provide gun guidance in the range of angles from 0 to +60 degrees. vertically and from -15 to +15 degrees. along the horizon. Guidance can be carried out both by hydraulic drives powered by the SAU 2S7 pumping station, and by manual drives. The pneumatic balancing mechanism serves to compensate for the moment of imbalance of the swinging part of the tool. To facilitate the work of crew members, the self-propelled guns are equipped with a loading mechanism that ensures that shots are fed to the loading line and delivered to the gun chamber.
The hinged base plate, located in the stern of the hull, transfers the forces of the shot to the ground, providing greater stability to the self-propelled guns. On charge number 3, "Pion" could fire direct fire without installing an opener. The portable ammunition of the Pion self-propelled gun is 4 shots (for the modernized version 8), the main ammunition of 40 shots is transported in the transport vehicle attached to the self-propelled guns. 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 guns are 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 panoramic artillery sight for firing from closed 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 TNPO-160 prismatic periscope observation devices, two more TNPO-160 devices are installed in the hatch covers of the calculation department. For operation 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 band and provides stable communication with stations of the same type 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 the intercom equipment 1V116.
Photo 10. 
Engine and transmission
The 2C7 used a V-shaped 12-cylinder four-stroke V-46-1 liquid-cooled supercharged diesel engine with an HP 780 power as a power plant. The V-46-1 diesel engine was created on the basis of the V-46 engine installed on the T-72 tanks. Distinctive features of the B-46-1 were small layout changes associated with its adaptation for installation in the engine compartment of the ACS 2S7. Of the main differences was the changed location of the power take-off shaft. To facilitate starting the engine in winter conditions, a heating system was installed in the engine compartment, developed on the basis of a similar system of the T-10M heavy tank. In the course of modernization on the 2S7M self-propelled guns, the power plant was replaced with a V-84B multi-fuel diesel engine with an HP 840 power. The transmission is mechanical, with hydraulic control and a planetary rotation mechanism. It has seven forward and one reverse gears. The engine torque is transmitted through a bevel gear with a gear ratio of 0.682 to two onboard gearboxes.
Photo 11. 
Chassis 2S7 is made on the basis of the main tank T-80 and consists of seven pairs of dual rubber-coated support rollers and six pairs of single support rollers. In the rear of the machine are the guide wheels, in the front - the drive. In the combat position, the guide wheels are lowered to the ground to make the ACS more resistant to the loads during firing. Lowering and raising is carried out with the help of two hydraulic cylinders fixed along the axles of the wheels. Suspension 2C7 - individual torsion bar with hydraulic shock absorbers.
Photo 12. 
Special equipment
The preparation of the position for firing was carried out with the help of an opener in the aft part of the self-propelled guns. Raising and lowering the coulter was carried out using two hydraulic jacks. Additionally, the 2S7 self-propelled gun was equipped with a 9R4-6U2 diesel generator with an HP 24 power. The diesel generator was designed to ensure the operation of the main pump of the ACS hydraulic system during parking, when the vehicle's engine was turned off.
Machines based
In 1969, in the Tula NIEMI, by decree of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR of May 27, 1969, work began on the creation of a new S-300V front-line anti-aircraft missile system. Studies conducted at the NIEMI together with the Leningrad VNII-100 showed that there was no chassis suitable for carrying capacity, internal dimensions and cross-country ability. Therefore, KB-3 of the Kirov Leningrad Plant was given the task of developing a new unified tracked chassis. The following requirements were imposed on the development: gross weight - no more than 48 tons, carrying capacity - 20 tons, ensuring the operation of equipment and crew in the conditions of the use of weapons of mass destruction, high maneuverability and maneuverability. The chassis was designed almost simultaneously with the 2S7 self-propelled gun and was unified with it as much as possible. The main differences include the rear location of the engine compartment and the drive wheels of the caterpillar mover. As a result of the work carried out, the following modifications of the universal chassis were created.
- "Object 830" - for self-propelled launcher 9A83;
- "Object 831" - for self-propelled launcher 9A82;
- "Object 832" - for the radar station 9S15;
- "Object 833" - in the basic version: for the multi-channel missile guidance station 9S32; performed by "833-01" - for the radar station 9S19;
- "Object 834" - for command post 9C457;
- "Object 835" - for launchers 9A84 and 9A85.
The production of prototypes of universal chassis was carried out by the Kirov Leningrad Plant. Serial production was transferred to the Lipetsk Tractor Plant.
In 1997 by order Engineering Troops The Russian Federation developed a high-speed trench machine BTM-4M "Tundra" for making trenches and digging in frozen soil.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in Russia, the financing of the armed forces was sharply reduced, 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 machines 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 appeared - SGK-80R. The cranes weighed 65 tons and had a lifting capacity of up to 80 tons. By order of the Department of Traffic Safety and Ecology of the Ministry of Railways of Russia in 2004, self-propelled tracked vehicles SM-100 were developed, designed to eliminate the consequences of rolling stock derailments, as well as to carry out rescue operations after natural and man-made disasters.
Photo 13. 
Combat use
During the period of operation in the Soviet army, Pion self-propelled guns were never used in any armed conflict, however, they were intensively used in high-capacity artillery brigades of the GSVG. After the signing of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, all Pion and Malka self-propelled guns were withdrawn from the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and redeployed to the Eastern Military District. The only episode combat use ACS 2S7 was the war in South Ossetia, where the Georgian side of the conflict used a battery of six ACS 2S7. During the retreat, Georgian troops hid all six self-propelled guns 2S7 in the Gori region. One of the 5 self-propelled guns 2S7 discovered by the Russian troops was captured as a trophy, the rest were destroyed.
In November 2014, in connection with the armed conflict, Ukraine began the reactivation and bringing into combat condition of its existing 2S7 installations.
In the 1970s, the Soviet Union attempted to re-equip the Soviet army with new models artillery weapons. The first example was the self-propelled howitzer 2S3, presented to the public in 1973, followed by: 2S1 in 1974, 2S4 in 1975, and in 1979 the 2S5 and 2S7 were introduced. Thanks to the new technology, the Soviet Union significantly increased the survivability and maneuverability of its artillery troops. By the time the mass production of the 2S7 self-propelled guns began, the 203-mm self-propelled gun M110 was already in service with the United States. In 1975, the 2S7 was significantly superior to the M110 in terms of the main parameters: the firing range of the OFS (37.4 km vs. 16.8 km), the ammunition load (4 shots vs. 4), however, at the same time, the 2S7 self-propelled guns served 7 people against 5 on the M110. In 1977 and 1978, the US Army received improved M110A1 and M110A2 self-propelled guns, which were distinguished by a maximum firing range increased to 30 km, however, they could not surpass the 2S7 self-propelled guns in this parameter. An advantageous difference between the Pion and the M110 self-propelled guns is a fully armored chassis, while the M110 only has an armored engine compartment.
In North Korea, in 1978, on the basis of the Type 59 tank, a 170-mm self-propelled gun "Koksan" was created. The gun made it possible to fire at a distance of up to 60 km, but had a number of significant drawbacks: low barrel survivability, low rate of fire, low chassis mobility and the lack of portable ammunition. In 1985, an improved version was developed, this gun resembled the 2S7 self-propelled gun in appearance and layout.
Attempts to create systems similar to the M110 and 2C7 were made in Iraq. In the mid-1980s, the 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 had to be significantly superior to this self-propelled gun in all respects. As a result, a prototype ACS AL FAO was manufactured and demonstrated in May 1989. Self-propelled artillery mount was a chassis self-propelled howitzer G6, which was equipped with a 210 mm gun. The self-propelled unit was capable of speeds up to 80 km/h on the march. The barrel length was 53 caliber. Shooting could be carried out both with conventional 109.4-kg high-explosive fragmentation shells with a bottom notch and a maximum firing range of 45 km, and shells 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 the further development of the gun, 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 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 guns. The new artillery unit made it possible to increase the maximum firing range of high-explosive fragmentation shells to 40 km, and of active-reactive shells to 50 km. In addition, the self-propelled guns could fire guided, nuclear projectiles, as well as cluster anti-tank mines. Further, the production of a prototype development did not advance.
As a result of the completion of the Pion R&D, the Soviet Army received self-propelled guns, which embodied the most advanced ideas for designing high-powered self-propelled guns. For its class, the 2S7 self-propelled guns had high performance characteristics (maneuverability and a relatively short time for transferring self-propelled guns to a combat position and back). Thanks to the caliber of 203.2 mm 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 a fire raid, self-propelled guns are capable of "delivering" about 500 kg of explosive to the target. The modernization carried out in 1986 to the level of 2S7M allowed this self-propelled guns to meet the requirements for advanced artillery weapons systems for the period up to 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. Further improvement of the system was proposed to be carried out by creating guided projectiles of the "Smelchak" type, the firing range of which could be up to 120 km, as well as improving the working conditions of the ACS crew. In fact, after the withdrawal from the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and redeployment to the Eastern Military District, most of the self-propelled guns 2S7 and 2S7M were sent for storage, and only a small part of them remained in operation.
Photo 14. 
But look at what an interesting sample of weapons:
Photo 16. 
Experimental self-propelled artillery mount. 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 guns was built in 1976. In total, two copies of the self-propelled guns were built - with a gun from the Acacia self-propelled guns of 152-mm caliber and with a gun of the Hyacinth self-propelled guns. ACS "object 327" was developed as a competitor to the ACS "Msta-S", but turned out to be very revolutionary, it remained an experimental self-propelled gun. ACS was different a high degree automation - the reloading of the gun was carried out regularly by an automatic loader with external location guns with the placement of the ammunition rack inside the body of the self-propelled guns. During tests with guns of two types, the self-propelled guns showed high efficiency, but preference was given to more "technological" samples - 2S19 "Msta-S". Testing and design of ACS were discontinued in 1987.
The name of the object "puck" was unofficial. The second copy of the self-propelled guns with the 2A37 gun from the self-propelled guns "Hyacinth" since 1988 stood at the training ground and was preserved in the Uraltransmash museum.
There is also such a version that the prototype of the self-propelled guns shown in the photo is the only mock-up image that was also worked out on the topics “object 316 ″ (prototype self-propelled guns “Msta-S“), “object 326″ and “object 327″. During the tests, guns with different ballistics were installed on a rotating platform tower. The presented sample with a gun from the self-propelled gun "Hyacinth" 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, but recently. Look at and how it looked before The original article is on the website InfoGlaz.rf Link to the article from which this copy is made -Hello dear tanker, today we will look at the best Self-Propelled Artillery
As everyone knows, artillery is a rather dangerous class in the game and in capable hands is capable of inflicting huge losses on the adversary's team. The list was compiled by comparing the main characteristics for self-propelled guns necessary for competent support of allies and causing considerable damage to the enemy team - this is the ability of self-propelled guns to survive (camouflage, dynamics) and to support the team with fire (damage, splash, accuracy of fire and rate of fire). So let's get to the review...
II level - Т57. Good armor and good rate of fire make it easy to destroy small and nimble LTs. And coupled with the small dimensions of the self-propelled guns, it has excellent camouflage performance.
Among the advantages:
● large ammunition for 40 shots;
● high speed, you can take cover and roll after each shot, as well as excellent maneuverability (it's not so easy to spin);
● the heaviest tank of the second level, which, combined with good dynamics, allows you to successfully ram the enemy;
● good overview of 320 meters;
● excellent frontal armor, excellent accuracy.
Among the cons:
● small alpha damage;
● open logging, crew members are easily disabled, although, given our LVL, we are more likely to be destroyed than to cripple the crew.
M7 Priest. III level we have the M7, which has a significantly increased DPM and projectile range compared to the previous self-propelled guns. He is also good, unusual for artillery, with armor. It is noteworthy that most of the players shoot at the NLD, and the NLD of this vehicle has armor, taking into account the slope in the region of 120-130 mm.
Among the advantages:
● good dynamics, allowing you to quickly change positions;
● lethal gun with good accuracy and rate of fire;
● surprisingly good NLD armor;
● good horizontal aiming angles (from -12 to +26);
● ammunition consisting of 69 shells, which we will not be able to spend until the end of the battle, even if we start firing left and right until the end of the battle;
Among the cons:
● due to the open cabin, we are very vulnerable to high-explosive shells;
● not the best penetration by land mines, however, there are not so many "thick" tanks at levels 3-5, so there are no particular problems.
Sturmpanzer II. german SPG Tier IV famous for its comfort of the game and excellent review. It is also important to note the low profile of the vehicle, which increases its camouflage and makes it more difficult for enemies to hit it, but it also has disadvantages, including a small number of shells in the ammunition load, which is offset by the good accuracy of the gun, thanks to which literally every shell with proper mixing will reach its goal.
Among the advantages:
● excellent gun with excellent accuracy, rate of fire and high power;
● the best level of penetration among self-propelled guns, which makes it easier for us to destroy enemy heavy loads;
● good camouflage performance due to low profile;
● good dynamics;
Among the cons:
● small UGN;
● low range of the gun (the projectile flies about 500 meters).
Level V - Grille. Second in power, but not in versatility level 5 car. It has excellent damage, good dynamics and is in demand in medium companies. It can easily destroy an enemy tank up to level 6, but the main disadvantage for us is small aiming angles, which are not conducive to fighting light tanks.
Among the advantages:
● a gun that with one hit sends any tank up to level 4-5 to the hangar and causes huge damage to tanks of level 6, if you manage to get a direct fire with a cumulative projectile, then this shot, as expected, is often critical for a tank of level 6;
● the trajectory of the projectile is mounted, therefore, most of the hits will be on the roof of the tank, where it has the thinnest armor;
● excellent radio station (an important module for artillery);
Among the cons:
● poor aiming angles do not allow to effectively hit nimble enemies at close range;
● quite a long recharge.
FV304. Imba Level VI, sand bender and just a good self-propelled gun. If she is not able to deal enough damage to an enemy tank, then she will perform a psychological attack on "Hurrah!". Critting modules every 10 seconds and dealing 60-100 damage to monsters like the 8.8 cm Pak 43 Jagdtiger will definitely destroy it. Morally.
Among the advantages:
● speed, just worth noting that it is faster than most LTs in the game;
● fast-firing cannon with a good hinged projectile flight path, even behind cover the enemy cannot escape from a hail of projectiles flying at him;
● small dimensions give excellent camouflage plus;
● large ammunition load;
● excellent horizontal aiming angles.
Among the cons:
● low projectile range.
G.W. Panther - Tier VII. Having a Panther base, this vehicle has excellent dynamics, an anti-aircraft gun with huge aiming angles and a good rate of fire. When playing on this self-propelled gun, it should be remembered that our shells do not fly along a hinged trajectory, therefore we will not be able to freely throw shells through shelters. However, the flat flight of the projectile will give it a faster arrival to the enemy tank.
Among the advantages:
● great dynamics, which allows us to quickly escape at our level at signs of danger or ambush an enemy CT encroaching on our base;
● good rate of fire of the gun, which is very useful against the fast French;
● the presence of a tower, thanks to which we can aim at the adversary's tank without a fierce spread;
● with proper skill can bring a lot of trouble to the enemy team.
Among the cons
● low damage and dispersion of fragments, which will not allow hitting heavy tanks like "Tapka" without any problems.
Tier VIII - M40/M43. A very vigorous self-propelled gun, which is distinguished by a rather powerful gun, good dynamics thanks to the Sherman base and small dimensions. The machine is also unique in its huge UGN. In close combat, he does not feel so bad, in comparison with his classmates.
Among the advantages:
● a good concealment factor is available to us due to the relatively small dimensions and the absence of a muzzle brake;
● good dynamics inherited from the base of the M4 tank;
● a powerful weapon capable of sending almost any level 7 tank and most French cardboard tanks up to level 9 into the hangar with one shot;
● aiming angles of 18 degrees in each direction will provide us with a “pursuit” of the target without jerks, as well as provide a comfortable game.
Among the cons:
● open felling will not save against an enemy landmine;
● Slightly slower rate of fire and more spread when moving the body than classmates.
M53/M55. American SPG Tier IX, which has excellent aiming angles due to the presence of a turret with a fairly accurate gun and good dynamics.
Among the advantages:
● excellent dynamics will allow you to quickly leave the position upon the arrival of the enemy CT or LT, or not let us swirl if we were taken by surprise;
● tower, thanks to it we have 29gr. horizontal aiming angles;
● a good weapon with fairly good parameters of damage, accuracy and rate of fire.
Among the cons:
● poor visibility at 350 meters;
● shed dimensions, thanks to which we have almost no disguise.
G.W. E 100 - X level. It has an excellent gun, screens, good armor, for which, however, it pays with poor dynamics. Although, due to poor agility, we have a weak dispersion in movement, which is an additional coin in the piggy bank of this car.
Among the advantages:
● thick screens and good armor can save even from an enemy self-propelled guns that exploded close;
● a balanced gun with a hinged projectile flight path will allow us to throw our projectile behind cover;
● smooth chassis, when turning which our sight goes astray slightly;
● huge ammunition;
● most a large number of HP among all artillery.
Among the cons:
● huge dimensions, due to which it is very easy to “light up” us;
● poor mobility (having its own pluses described above).
This is where our review comes to an end and, as a result, I would like to note that All of the above is the opinion of the author., Your and other players' opinions may differ significantly from this review. Thank you all for your attention and good luck!
Self-propelled artillery systems hold leading positions at the forefront. Below are the available wheeled and tracked variants of self-propelled guns available on the market.
Recent military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have spurred the development and delivery of a variety of anti-mine armored vehicles, and there is also an order for high-precision artillery systems to provide deterrent fire.
Some countries use both towed and self-propelled (SP) artillery systems, others plan to switch to using only self-propelled systems.
Of course, there are situations in which standard towed artillery systems are used, as are mortars and surface-to-surface missile systems. For airborne and amphibious assaults, towed artillery systems provide a number of significant tactical advantages over heavier self-propelled artillery pieces. Towed systems with a conventional barrel caliber of 105-155 mm are quickly carried by helicopter and are currently being successfully used in Afghanistan.
However, self-propelled artillery systems continue to lead the battlefield, with upgrades in projectiles and loading systems, and supported by a number of different systems currently being produced and developed around the world.
Track systems
The Chinese firm North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) has launched several 152mm and 122mm self-propelled artillery systems on the market, and today produces the PLZ 45, which is a 155mm/45 caliber system originally developed to meet the demands of the National Liberation Army (PLA). It has also been exported to Kuwait and more recently to Saudi Arabia.
PLZ 45
The maximum range of a standard HE ER FB projectile with improved aerodynamics and lead belt (HE ER FB) is 30 km, although this distance 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 produced. It carries up to 90 rounds.
The PLZ 45 and PCZ 45 are marketed by NORINCO as a complete battery and regimental artillery system.
NORINCO has also launched a new SH 3 fully tracked 122mm self-propelled artillery system with a combat weight of 33 tons. The system is equipped with a turret, the gun of which is loaded with 122 mm projectiles with a maximum range of 15.3 km, provided that it is a HE charge, and a range of 27 km with a charge of HE BB RA.
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 self-propelled amphibious system.
The only currently used cannon artillery system operated by the German Army is the 155 mm/52 caliber PzH 2000 self-propelled system manufactured by Krauss Maffei Wegmann.
PzH 2000
The German army received a batch of 185 systems, export deliveries were made to Greece (24 systems), Italy (70 systems from the Italian production line) and the Netherlands, which ordered 57 systems; many have already been delivered, but some remain as surplus due to restructuring claims. 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 155mm projectiles and 288 MCS rounds. The maximum flight range of a 155-millimeter charge HE L 15 A 2 is 30 km, but with the improvement of the projectile, its flight range can be increased to 40 km.
The German army, like a number of other countries, places particular 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 is a remote control tower loaded with the same 155mm / 52 caliber charges as in the PhZ 2000. At the front of the vehicle is a protected cabin from which the command controls the tool.
Further joint development between Krauss Maffei Wegmann and the Spanish company General Dynamics Santa Barbara Sistemas (GDSBS) resulted in the DONAR, a 155 mm/52 caliber self-propelled artillery system, which was first shown publicly in mid-2008 and is currently being tested.
DONAR
DONAR is latest model AGM mounted on a new chassis developed by GDSBS based on the latest Pizarro 2 amphibious 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 pieces, some of which have been sent abroad. Privately, Rheinmetall Weapons and Munitions has carried out a modular upgrade of the M 109 with the M-109 L52, which allows the use of the entire range of 155 mm / 52 PhZ 2000 ammunition. It was released to the market 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 a modernized M 109 L, equipped with a full complement of 155mm/39 caliber ammunition carried by the FH-70. Now they are 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 end 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 chassis of the TAM tank.
It is known that Iran has developed at least two tracked self-propelled systems, which are now operated by the Iranian army.
The Raad-1 is a 122 mm tracked system equipped with chassis components for the Boraq tracked armored personnel carrier. This system is equipped with a turret similar to that installed on the Russian 122mm 2S1 self-propelled system. The standard maximum range of the projectile is 15.2 km.
Raad-2
The larger Iranian system is Raad-2. It has a combat weight of 16 tons and a barrel of 155mm/39 caliber, 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. Upgraded old model Type 75 155mm - Type 99 has a longer range thanks to the installation of the barrel 155mm / 39 caliber. Like many other Japanese aircraft, the Type 75 was not offered for export.
Type 75 155mm
The South Korean company Samsung Techwin, under the license of the current BAE Systems US Combat Systems, has assembled 1040 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 operation 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 18 km for the 155 mm M107HE projectile, which can be extended 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 being put into operation.
K9 is also produced in Turkey on the equipment of the Turkish Land Forces Command. Over 250 units were produced under the local name Firtina.
In replacement of the currently operated self-propelled artillery systems, Poland has chosen for itself the 155 mm / 52 caliber Krab system. It is produced locally, is a tracked system, equipped with one of the versions of the AS 90 turret with a 155-millimeter 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 for each. This order must be completed by 2011.
The Russian army still uses a large number of old self-propelled artillery systems, including the 203mm 2S7, 152mm 2S5, 152mm 2S3 and 122mm 2S1. It is planned that these systems will be in operation for several more years.
The newest Russian self-propelled system, the 152-millimeter 2S19 MSTA-S, was put into service in 1989, but since then it has been constantly upgraded, especially in the field of fire control system.
2S19 MSTA-S
The 155 mm/52 caliber 2S9M1 system was offered as a sample for export, but no sales have been made at the moment.
A few years ago, Russia completed a prototype of the unique 152-millimeter Koalitsiya-SV twin self-propelled artillery system, but it remained at the testing stage.
Coalition-SV
In Singapore, after the development and production of a number of towed 155mm systems - including the FH-88 (39 caliber), FH-2000 (52 caliber) and the later Pegasus light towed howitzer (39 caliber), equipped with an additional power unit (APU ) - Singapore Technologies Kenetics (STK) has taken up a new self-propelled artillery system. It is called Primus and it goes without saying that all 54 systems produced were sent to the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).
Primus is a tracked system that fires 155mm/39 caliber projectiles, is equipped with a semi-automatic loading system, the fuze-loaded projectile is loaded automatically and the powder charge is manually loaded. Ammunition consists of 26 155-mm shells and the 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), a muzzle velocity radar sensor, navigation and ballistic software that allows you to connect to the command and control system of the Spanish army.
The navigation unit determines the horizontal and vertical pointing angles of the barrel, makes automatic adjustments to the data of the projectile, charge and meteorological conditions, while the automatic guidance system (AGLS) is used in combination with DINAPS to aim the weapon at the target.
In Switzerland, RUAG Land Systems upgraded 348 M109 self-propelled artillery systems, the improved model was named Panzerhaubitze 88/95 and is now on the export market.
Panzerhaubitze М109
The complete modernization touched upon the installation of a 155mm / 47 caliber artillery gun, to which 40 155mm shells are attached with the corresponding number of charge modules. The maximum flight range of a standard projectile is 23 km. The gun temperature sensor and semi-automatic Charger, which increases the rate of fire to 3 shots per 15 seconds. The Panzerhaubitze 88/95 is also equipped with a navigation and gun guidance system that 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 delivered additional M109A3 systems to Chile (24) and the United Arab Emirates, but they were not upgraded prior to delivery.
The Royal Artillery of the British Army currently exclusively uses the 155 mm / 39 caliber AS90 self-propelled system manufactured by the current company BAE Systems Global Combat Systems. These systems, totaling 179 pieces, were supplied by a company then called Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd (VSEL). It was planned to upgrade 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 under the Enhanced Capabilities Program (CEP) to extend its lifespan, but BAE Systems Global Combat Systems no longer offers the system on the market.
AS90
In the US, due to the end of life of the 203 mm M110 and 175 mm M 107, the only self-propelled system in service is the 155 mm M109.
The latest version, the M109 A6 Paladin, features a 155mm/39 caliber artillery piece, a new turret and an upgraded chassis.
M109 A6 Paladin
The US Army received a delivery of 975 M109 A6 Paladin self-propelled systems from BAE Systems US Combat Systems, plus the same number of auxiliary ammunition transport vehicles (FAASV) M 992 A2.
The US Army hopes to improve most 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, which is also used for the Bradley airborne combat vehicles used by the US Army.
At the same time, the development of a new 155-millimeter self-propelled system was launched, following the reduction of the program of the promising 155-millimeter Crusader self-propelled system. 155mm / 38 caliber NLOS-C (Non - Line - of - Sight Cannon) manufactured by the current BAE Systems US Combat Systems was part of the Advanced combat systems(FCS) of the US Army, and the first NLOS-C P 1, one of the first five prototypes produced, was released in 2008.
The NLOS-C P1 crew consists of two people, the system is equipped with a 155mm / 38 caliber artillery gun with an automatic projectile loading system that first loads the projectile 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 related to guided vehicles, including NLOS-C, and at the moment all work is frozen. Now the US Army is studying its future needs in the field of 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 implementation of self-propelled wheeled artillery systems.
Compared to their tracked counterparts, wheeled self-propelled systems offer a number of significant operational advantages. These include greater strategic mobility, tk. they move quickly over long distances without the aid of heavy equipment transporters (HETs). It was also stated that they have lower operating costs, they are more accessible to manage and maintain.
China has developed a number of self-propelled wheeled artillery systems, and NORINCO is putting on the market at least 2 of them - SH 1 and SH 2 - for potential overseas customers.
The most powerful system - SH 1 (6 x 6) has an all-terrain chassis, a protected cabin and artillery piece 155mm/52 caliber mounted in the stern. The machine is controlled by a team of 6 people, has a combat weight of 22 tons and a maximum speed of 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 steer capability. The 122 mm gun, developed on the basis of NORINCO's internally produced D-30 towed gun, is mounted on a platform in the center of the chassis.
The maximum range of the SH 2 projectile, when firing HE BB RA, is 24 km. The combat kit consists of 24 shells with charge modules. Like the larger SH 1, the SH 2 has an integrated computerized fire control system.
SH2
NORINCO has started production of a new version of the SH 2 - the SH 5 - which replaces the 122mm D-30 gun with a 105mm/37 caliber gun. This system is operated by a team of 4 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 may well be used in PLA military operations in the future.
In France, Nexter Systems privately developed the 155mm/52 caliber self-propelled artillery system CAESAR, the first prototype of which was presented in 1994.
CAESAR
This was followed by a pre-production model, which the French Army upgraded before placing an order for 5 systems for testing at the end of 2000. They were delivered in 2002/2003, four of them were given 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 155mm GCT tracked systems (AUF1) to the AUF2 configuration, which includes the installation of 155mm/52 caliber guns.
As a result, it was decided to remove the existing 155-millimeter AUF1 guns, and in 2004 the French army signed 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 CAESAR of the French Army 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, ammunition has 18 rounds and a corresponding number of charge modules. The maximum 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 (which have now been delivered) and an unnamed export customer - identified as the Saudi Arabian National Guard (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 systems market with the development of the ATMOS 2000 (Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System), which is currently on the market with a 155mm barrel in 39, 45 and 52 calibers, fire control system options vary depending on customer preference.
ATMOS 2000 (Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System)
The system has been evaluated by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and is planned 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 range of the projectile depends on the projectile/charge combination, averaging 41 km.
The first export buyer of this system was Uganda, which took delivery of the first batch of 3 units. To meet the needs of Romania, the company developed the 155 mm/52 caliber ATROM in cooperation with the Romanian company Aerostar. It is based on a domestically developed ROMAN 6x6 truck chassis and a 155mm/52 caliber ATMOS gun mounted on the rear of the system.
The Russian 122mm D-30 towed gun is the most 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 back of the all-terrain chassis 8x8 KamAZ.
The former Yugoslavia has considerable experience in the development 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 self-propelled system NORA B-52, which is based on the KamAZ 63510 8x8 truck chassis.
NORA B-52
155mm/52 caliber gun mounted on a turntable at the rear of the chassis; while driving, the barrel is fixed in front of the system, and during fire, the gun fires from the rear. Ammunition consists of 36 projectiles and the corresponding number of charge modules, the maximum range of the ER FB BB projectile at the moment is 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, command and control system and an additional power supply.
In the 70s of the 20th century, Czechoslovakia developed the Dana 152-millimeter self-propelled artillery system, which was based on the Tatra 8x8 armored truck chassis. About 750 units were produced for the domestic and foreign market, many of which are currently in operation.
The further development of the Slovak self-propelled guns ended with the production of the 155mm/45 caliber Zuzana, modernized in many aspects. The system is based on the all-terrain chassis of the Tatra 815 series, has a protected crew cabin in the front of the system, a fully enclosed turret in the middle and a protected engine compartment in 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 development, 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 gun howitzer G6 was developed using the same gun as the towed G5.
self-propelled gun howitzer G6
South Africa received 43 units, exported 24 units to Oman and 78 to the United Arab Emirates.
The G6 has a combat weight of 47 tons, is typically flown by a team of 6, and has a range of 700 km. The ammunition load is 45 155-mm shells and charges developed by Rheinmetall Denel Munitions.
The maximum flight range of a 155 mm HE BB charge is 39.3 km, but this distance can be increased to 50 km through the use of fragmentation high-explosive projectile, with an increased range of fire (VLAP), already produced for export.
The result of further development by Denel Land Systems is the G6-52 155mm/52 caliber self-propelled artillery system, which is based on an upgraded chassis and has a new turret system with an integrated automatic loading system for 155mm projectiles. This contributes to a high rate of fire 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.
artillery self-propelled system G6-52
This system is based on the latest G6 chassis, has also been successfully tested on the T-72 MBT 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 copy was mounted on a Tatra truck chassis with a payload capacity to tow a 155mm/52 caliber G5-2000 artillery system. An automatic implement control system is built into the system as standard. The complex can also be installed on another chassis.
Denel Land Systems is developing a new version of the 105mm LEO (Light Experimental Weapons) towed system, which will feature truck mounted installation. 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 combat 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
The Archer is based on a Volvo 6x6 all-terrain chassis, has a fully protected cab at the front of the system and a 155mm/52 caliber gun at the rear. The weapon is controlled, aimed and launched by a team located in the cockpit.
The ammunition load is 34 rounds and the corresponding number of charges, medium range flight - 40 km for a standard projectile, and 60 km for an extended range projectile.
In addition to using normal projectiles, the system can use more advanced technologies such as BONUS overhead projectiles and Excalibur precision targeting projectiles.
Projectile development
In recent years, numerous developments have been carried out in the field of ammunition, especially artillery shells and charge modules.
The traditional types of munitions: high explosive, smoke and flash were supplemented by extended range projectiles with a gas generator or rocket booster, or projectiles that combine these characteristics.
To repel a mass armed attack, 155-millimeter (and other caliber) shells-containers were developed and put into operation, stuffed with a large number of smaller shells equipped with HEAT-type cumulative anti-tank warheads.
Some shells had a self-destruction mechanism, others did not, as a result of which vast territories were bombarded 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 this kind of submunitions was banned, but a number of countries still produce and use such munitions.
To suppress high-value targets such as tanks and artillery systems, advanced 155-millimeter projectiles for attack from above were developed and put into production. These include BONUS shells manufactured by Nexter Munitions/BAE Systems Global Combat Systems (used by France and Sweden) and German SMArt shells used by Australia, Germany, Greece, Switzerland and the UK.
The U.S. Army introduced the Copperhead Artillery Guided Projectile (CLGP) many years ago, and although they are nearly past their expiration date, they are still on the roster.
Russian Design department Instrument Engineering (KBP) has developed a whole series of laser-guided artillery shells, including the 152 mm Krasnopol (now there is also a 155 mm version). These shells were sold to France and India, where they were later used in the Bofors 155-millimeter FH-77B systems during the hostilities with Pakistan. At the moment, NORINCO supplies the market with 155-millimeter shells similar to the Russian Krasnopol in terms of characteristics.
Russia has also developed a 120mm version of laser-guided artillery projectiles, Gran (the entire system is called KM-8), for use in 120mm mortar systems, and Kitolov, a 122mm version for towed and self-propelled systems.
Canada and the United States have successfully deployed early versions of Raytheon's Excalibur 155mm precision guided missile (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 deviation of 50 m with a range of 20.5 km for the 155 mm M589A1 projectile.
The introduction of PGK will contribute to a significant reduction in the required number of projectiles to neutralize the target, which, as a result, will lead to 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 155mm / 52 caliber.
They are easier to handle and are suitable for any self-propelled system with an automatic loading system.
Many countries pay special attention to the developments of the ISTAR company, which contribute to facilitating target detection by artillery units. Such developments include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), various types of radars and other military sensors such as laser rangefinders/pointers and day/thermal vision devices that can pinpoint and locate targets at long ranges.
Forward requirements
Due to recent advances in munitions and charge modules, towed and self-propelled systems will continue to play a major role in military operations, but other systems are likely to be introduced in addition to them.
For example, the US Army's FCS (Advanced Combat Systems) program has developed a Closed Position Firing Missile Launcher (NLOS - LS) consisting of a Launch Canister Unit (CLU) holding 15 vertically mounted high-precision ballistic missiles (PAM) or cruise missiles(LAM). At the moment, developments are underway on the LAM, in order to increase 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, in which the first place is the development of the Fire Shadow winged ammunition, the supplier of which is MBDA. They seek to provide ground forces commanders with the ability to quickly capture and engage a target at greater distances and with greater accuracy.
A large number of countries are now focusing on fire control and munitions development rather than the firing platform itself.
Traditionally, fire operations are conducted at the battalion, battery or troop level, but many of the newly introduced self-propelled artillery systems are equipped with an on-board computerized fire control system integrated with a ground navigation system, which would allow fire missions to be carried out autonomously.
This feature, combined with the automatic loading system of shells, allows you to achieve a high level of rate of fire and the implementation of fire missions MRSI (simultaneous strike of multiple shells, "flurry of fire").
These systems come into action much faster, carry out a fire mission and also quickly withdraw to avoid retaliatory artillery fire.
Art SPG Tier VI, VII and VIII Overview World of Tanks
Today we will talk about artillery of higher levels - VI, VII and VIII. Why is it so important to change position after a shot, how expedient is it to shoot at tracers, what are the differences between the art of different nations?
The tracer is the visible trajectory of the projectile, which is visible for several seconds after each shot in the firing zone. It is the most noticeable for large-caliber guns, so it will not be difficult for enemy artillery to figure out your location. If you want to live the whole fight, you need to change the position of the field of each shot, the easiest way is to move forward or backward, more reliable is to move diagonally in any direction. There are difficulties in changing positions: artillery standing in the forest or near destructible objects is difficult to move while remaining in howitzer mode. A broken tree, fence or building is a great clue for enemy artillery, so before each shot you need to memorize the area around and immediately plan a route so as not to hit anything. For this maneuver, depending on the dynamics of the ACS, it will take from 20 to 10 seconds. Artillery with a reload time of more than 20 seconds can afford to move after each shot without sacrificing rate of fire.
Now let's talk about how relevant shooting at tracers is.
Yes, this is beneficial, but more often you will only hit lazy artillerymen, on more experienced ones you will start wasting time, shells and acting to the detriment of your team. Let's look at the reason. You see the tracer of the enemy SPG artillery, which means that it fired at your ally and most likely caused damage. If you don't kill her after that, then the time and projectile were wasted. And with each subsequent attempt, you give the opportunity to shoot at allies with impunity, without causing damage to enemy tanks. From the above, we conclude: it is advisable to shoot at tracers only when not a single enemy tank is in the zone of direct fire. Earlier we told you about some types of mixing, now we will show you a rational way to speed up the re-mixing.
In every battle, there are times when you need to quickly move the scope from one square to another. To do this, we use the fixation of the gun: hold down the right mouse button, then rotate the body of the artillery using the keyboard, simultaneously leading the camera behind the sight, when we have turned the body to the direction you need, return the mouse cursor exactly to the point of sight, as a result we get a smaller circle from which it starts mixing. At first, this may seem difficult and not very effective, but with experience you will understand that this method practical and will help you come down in emergency situations.
Let's proceed directly to the analysis of senior-level artillery.
Let's start with level VI. Art SAU 51 and SU 14 have the most powerful weapon among their brethren, which deals 1850 average damage and has a wide fragment spread - 6.5 meters. They pay for this with poor dynamics and long reloading. Both have extremely small ammunition and may not be enough in protracted battles: 12 shells for C51 and 16 for , so you can’t make hasty shots on these artillery pieces without preparation. GW Panther is the last artillery in the German SPG branch, it has good horizontal aiming angles, which allows it to control a large sector on the map. The damage of the gun is noticeably less than that of Soviet classmates, but the rate of fire and accuracy are much higher. The Tier VI American M12 boasts good aiming speed, it is similar to the GW Panther in terms of damage and rate of fire. - This is the fastest self-propelled guns at its level. An excellent engine allows it to accelerate quickly, and a top speed of 60 km/h makes it possible to overtake medium and even some light tanks. On this artillery, it is most pleasant to move around the map, constantly changing the direction of fire. Of course, there are also disadvantages: the damage of the gun is the smallest, only 960 units, the armored target will have to be taken by the number of hits, not by quality.
Let's move on to the level 7 self-propelled guns. inherited the 203 mm gun from its predecessors, only with a slightly better rate of fire and accuracy. The ammunition load of this artillery is extremely problematic to use up in a battle, so we can carry other types of shells with us without compromising normal shooting. For example, some gold HE shells, which have a larger fragmentation radius, can help break the hold of an enemy behind cover, and thanks to the presence of armor-piercing shells, being close to the enemy, we can save our lives with one shot.
GW Tiger got the role of a turtle at level VII. Due to its low turning speed, almost anyone can spin it. The tool has the most big damage- 2000 units. The payoff for this is long mixing, the worst accuracy among brothers and the smallest horizontal aiming angles.
The American M40 43 can easily be called universal. Its weapon is similar to the one installed on Object 212 - 1850 damage. The horizontal aiming angles are the best on the level. In addition to everything, its dynamics are much higher than those of Soviet or German classmates. does not differ from other French self-propelled guns and takes the title of the most dynamic and fastest artillery - 60 km / h, an engine of 850 horsepower with a modest weight of 32 tons, what else does a firefly need? But this is artillery. If the enemies attacked you, then on this tank destroyer you will get away from danger in a short period of time. The best accuracy and mixing at level VII, the only negative is a small damage of 1250 units.
Tier VIII is the crown of the branch of all self-propelled guns. This is where all the differences between each machine are most noticeable.
It is strikingly different from its predecessors. Instead of slow and clumsy artillery, we got one of the most dynamic and accurate Tier VIII self-propelled guns. The average damage of a high-explosive projectile is the smallest - only 1700 units. But thanks to the high accuracy and good rate of fire, we can also use armor-piercing shells. This is independent artillery, which can get away from rivals, and also simply prevent it from reaching its rear.
The GW TIGR received the same gun as the GW Tiger P, but with better rate of fire, accuracy and aiming speed. The most immobile self-propelled gun at Tier VIII, therefore, it is most often used on the global map and in companies where it has not been left to the mercy of fate from the beginning of the battle.
It has the most powerful gun with a damage of 2250 units, it also has the largest dispersion of high-explosive shell fragments - 9 meters with a conventional shell and 13 meters with a gold mine. This allows you to get rivals from almost any obstacles. For such firepower I had to pay with a long reload of 40 seconds and the slowest mixing, which makes it impossible to quickly switch from flank to flank.
- a unique self-propelled gun of its kind. Has a drum that takes just over a minute to charge, has 4 projectiles of 1254 damage each with a 5 second cooldown inside the drum. This makes it possible to deliver a lot of focused fire on the target. The second artillery in the game after SU 26 to have a 360-degree turret, thanks to which it has a quick aiming, allowing you to control all flanks. The dynamics familiar to the French machine allows it to easily change positions throughout the battle.
Now let's talk about equipment. It is almost identical for all ACS. First of all, increase the rate of fire. To do this, we install a gun rammer, which cannot be installed on the Bat Chatillon 155. We improve the aiming speed with the help of enhanced aiming drives. There are also several self-propelled guns on which you can install ventilation and improve all parameters at once - these are SU14, Object 212 and Bat Chatillon 155. For the rest, we increase the view using optics or a stereo tube. On artillery of higher levels, the camouflage net is practically useless and will only take up a slot in the equipment. Equipment is standard - a repair kit, a first aid kit, and in the third slot - gasoline or oil, depending on the nation, to speed up movement.
In the tier 4-5 artillery guide, we talked about what skills and abilities are best to learn, let's remember.
At first, the commander needs the "Sixth Sense", as soon as we find out that we have been discovered, we urgently need to seek shelter. For the gunner we take "Smooth turn of the tower" - another improvement in our information. For a driver - "King of off-road" or "Virtuoso", it is always important to change position faster or quickly turn around in dangerous situations. To the radio operator - "Radio Interception", in conjunction with the equipment we can see even further. The second skill for the whole crew is most beneficial to take " The Brotherhood of War", which will improve all the characteristics of the ACS. If you have an experienced crew and you already have a third or more skill, we recommend that you pay attention to such abilities as "Eagle Eye", "Jack of All Trades" and "Master Gunsmith".
Introduction
Sau- Self-propelled artillery mount or simply "Arta". A vehicle armed with a howitzer gun. They are not tanks or armored vehicles. They differed from the tank in armor, armament, and they were used tactically.
Difference Art:
There are many differences between arts in World of Tanks.Accurate art from the USSR, armored art from Germany, high damage from the American art, accuracy and dynamics from the French art, high damage and radius from the British art.
Object 261– Differs in the smallest spread of only 0.66 and convergence of 6.5 seconds. which he takes 2nd place, BB damage is 1700 HP. Good dynamics. Unfortunately, the angles GN -5...+5 are the worst angles of all art. Because of the speed, you can change positions on the maps.
G.W. E 100– Differs in armor and damage BB 2000 HP, spread 0.84 and convergence 7 sec. But there is a minus speed, due to the reservation at G.W. E 100 no speed, GN angles -6...+6 are worse only for Object 261.
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– Fastest mixing 5.5 sec. and a good accuracy of 0.68. Penetration is 85mm which is extremely low and damage is 1250 HP, but we don't always deal that much damage on average 500-700 HP, besides that we have a turret that rotates 360 degrees and good speed to take a good position.
Conqueror GC- The largest spread of 1.1 and the longest mixing of all art 8.5 sec. But his damage is 2200 HP, although it pleases and not bad angles of GN -29...+29, poor dynamics and the gun does not go down. With this art, you are not afraid of such maps as Himmelsdorf, etc., that is, maps in which there are hills in the Conqurer GC, the gun is like a mortar and shells can fly through obstacles.
