The Lotus self-propelled gun goes on state tests next year
MOSCOW, Dec 11 — RIA Novosti, Andrey Kotz. The development of the Lotus self-propelled artillery system has reached the finish line. There are state trials ahead. This weapon will become one of the powerful arguments of the Russian army. What is known about the new product is in the RIA Novosti material.
Forty-year veteran
In the USSR, a wide range of airborne equipment was created specifically for Airborne troops, but the first self-propelled guns for "winged infantry" were adopted only in the 1980s. The Soviet 120-millimeter self-propelled artillery and mortar installation 2S9 "Nona-S" fit well into the organizational and staff structure of the Airborne Forces. The combat weight of eight tons allowed it to be parachuted out, and the rifled semi-automatic cannon-howitzer-mortar 2A51 could fire various types of ammunition at a range of up to ten kilometers (up to 17 with an active—rocket projectile).
Combat operation of the 2S9 "Nona-S" self-propelled artillery and mortar installation in the area of the special operation
Image source: © RIA Novosti / Konstantin Mikhalchevsky
The baptism of fire "Nona-S" took place in Afghanistan. The fighters highly appreciated the wide angles of vertical aiming, the versatility of the self-propelled gun, its ability to work on different types of targets, as well as significantly greater mobility over rough terrain than conventional mortars. Among the disadvantages were a small portable ammunition, rapid wear of the tracks and limited angles of horizontal guidance.
The designers partially corrected the shortcomings in the subsequent modifications 2C9-1 and 2C9-1M. Such "Nones" fought in Chechnya and South Ossetia. In its own right — from the first days. However, back in the mid-2010s, these, of course, outstanding machines were outdated.
Military personnel of the Russian Armed Forces
Image source: © RIA Novosti / Konstantin Mikhalchevsky
TSNIITOCHMASH started developing the 2C42 Lotus self-propelled gun in 2015, after the project of another self-propelled gun, 2C36 Zauralets-D, failed preliminary tests. The program was implemented quickly, and the sample was presented two years later at the Army 2017 forum. The design work was completed in 2018. The series was planned to be launched in 2020, but due to a number of reasons, the deadlines were postponed.
Landing fire support
The combat weight of the Lotus is significantly higher than that of the Nona: 18 tons against eight. But the ability to parachute was preserved. To unify with other airborne forces equipment, the BMD-4M chassis was used as a basis. Due to the need to install new large units, the body was lengthened, the layout and the level of protection did not change.
Self-propelled gun for airborne troops "Lotus"
Image source: © Alexey Panshin
The crew consists of four people. Everyone has their own hatch and viewing devices. The places of the commander and the gunner were equipped with modern optoelectronic sighting devices.
The tower was built from scratch. Horizontal aiming — in any direction, elevation angles — from minus four to plus 80 degrees. The gun is a further development of the 120mm 2A51 with a longer barrel length, still combining the basic qualities and capabilities of a cannon, howitzer and mortar. The transfer time from the marching position to the combat position is 30 seconds, the range is 13 kilometers, the rate of fire is from six to eight rounds per minute. An important point: a line of ammunition with great modernization potential is being developed specifically for this weapon.
In the context of the active use of drones and counter-battery radars, the mobility of artillery equipment comes out on top. Its survival depends on how quickly the ACS is able to leave the position. Lotus is quite nimble in this regard. The 2B-06-2 diesel engine with a capacity of 450 horsepower accelerates the self—propelled gun up to 70 kilometers per hour on roads and up to 40 kilometers over rough terrain. The power reserve is 500 kilometers, which is very good for a car of this mass.
The Achilles heel of the Lotus, like any other aircraft—mounted machine, is a lightweight bulletproof aluminum armor, which does not always protect against large fragments, not to mention what is more serious. However, this factor does not play a big role in its development. A kamikaze drone strike on the thin armor of the roof or engine compartment can destroy even a heavy tank. It is possible that the Lotus will receive a factory anti-cumulative visor, which has been massively equipped with Russian armored vehicles in recent months.
An intermediate option
The Lotus is not the first artillery system to be developed taking into account new combat experience. So, in October, serial samples of the 2C43 "Malva" wheeled self-propelled howitzer were already put into service.
Self-propelled artillery installation "Malva", transferred by Rostec to the Russian Ministry of Defense
Image source: © RIA Novosti / Press Service of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
The event is significant. Before the Malva, the cannon of the barrel artillery in the Soviet and Russian armies were either towed or tracked. The wheelbase gives the cannon or howitzer several serious advantages. Such a car is able to quickly turn around in position and leave after several volleys, without waiting for a "response".
The Malva has a 152-millimeter 2A64 rifled howitzer with a 47-caliber barrel length, identical to the Msta-S tracked self-propelled gun. Due to the abandonment of the turret and booking, the car has become much lighter (32 tons versus 42), which simplifies its transportation by military transport aircraft. Omnivorous cannon: fires the entire range of 152-millimeter projectiles, including correctable ones. However, the range is relatively small — 24 kilometers. The similar French 155-millimeter wheeled self—propelled gun CAESAR — 40, the Ukrainian Bogdana - 42.
Probably, the Malva is a temporary version of a promising highly mobile howitzer, which will go to the troops while the wheeled modification of the newest self—propelled gun "Coalition-SV" is being finalized in the rear. There, the range of high-explosive fragmentation is comparable to the Caesar and Bogdana. And with a guided missile, the Coalition hits as much as 70 kilometers.
However, it is still unclear when the "Coalition" will enter the active army. The same is true with the promising T-14 tanks, IFVs on the Kurganets-25 platform and the Boomerang armored personnel carrier. Mastering the mass production of such complex equipment is a non—trivial task. So the Russian military-industrial complex is still gaining momentum.
