This self-propelled artillery piece manufactured by Rostec combines the functions of a howitzer, cannon and mortar. But its main feature is the wheelbase. Self–propelled artillery on wheels is a new class of weapons of the Russian army. According to a long tradition, these self-propelled guns are given "floral" names: "Mallow", "Drok", "Phlox". Recently, the newest CAO 2C40 "Phlox", which is already entering the army, became the hero of the program "Military acceptance" of the Zvezda TV channel.
We understand the advantages of wheeled artillery and the new "flower" CAO of the Russian army.
From tracks to wheels
The tracked standard of self-propelled artillery installations was formed during the Second World War. At that time, it was believed that self-propelled guns should work in conjunction with tanks and be just as passable and protected. However, since the 1970s, wheeled self-propelled artillery systems have been appearing in the armies of different countries, which successfully compete with self-propelled guns on a tank base. One of the reasons for these processes is the need to improve strategic and tactical mobility on public roads, which have become much more numerous in the world over the past years.
Wheeled self-propelled guns have a number of advantages over towed artillery. They are much more mobile and independent, and can move quickly across various types of terrain without the need for additional towing vehicles. Such vehicles can quickly turn into a combat position, fire and change position. Another important advantage is that in self–propelled guns on wheels, personnel and ammunition are at least on the march under the cover of armor. Among the key advantages in comparison with tracked vehicles are the same speed and mobility, lower cost, ease of operation and repair.
Wheeled artillery equipment was found in the Soviet and Russian armies, but these were, as a rule, piece products that did not find mass use. Today, Rostec State Corporation is conducting large-scale systematic work and is creating a whole line of wheeled ACS with "floral" names. The latest Drok, Phlox and Malva will be mass-produced.
A fiery "flower" for artillery
In Greek, "phlox" means "flame". And indeed, the Phlox gun can give fire to the enemy, firing up to ten shells per minute in his direction.
The concept of wheeled artillery vehicles with increased mobility, easy to use and maintain, with a relatively low cost, has been hatched by the Russian military and engineers for a long time. A special military operation accelerated these processes, and Rostec developed a whole range of wheeled ACS with different calibers in a short time.
The Phlox is responsible for the 120 mm caliber and can be used to equip artillery batteries in order to destroy enemy manpower, weapons and equipment in the battalion's area of responsibility. The gun is 120 mm rifled. Similar ones are installed on the CAO "Hosta", "Vienna", "Nona-SVK", but in this case it has been modified specifically for Phlox.
This system combines the capabilities of firing both mortar mines and rifled shells. At the same time, the principle of stabilization differs: a mortar mine is stabilized by the tail, and a rifled projectile is stabilized by its rotation relative to its own axis. The Phlox is unique in that it can work with both types of shots and provides firing at elevation angles of a cannon, howitzer and mortar, that is, it is an almost universal weapon. The projectile gives a gain in range and accuracy, and the mine – in cost.
In addition to canopy shooting and direct fire, the Phlox has an impressive simultaneous fire raid mode. In this case, the crew performs several shots in a row from different vertical positions of the barrel, and the projectiles arrive simultaneously at almost the same point. The mode is provided due to the effective interaction of the computer system with the guidance drives.
Run away in 30 seconds
According to the developers of Phlox, there is simply nothing to compare it with − this machine is unique. The main thing that distinguishes Phlox from previous ACS is the new electronics, which allows integration with all modern reconnaissance systems, including the use of drones. The machine can work in conjunction with a command post and other ACS, as well as as a single firing device.
The ideal scheme of operation of wheeled ACS is to arrive at the position, quickly work out the target and immediately leave the place. Caesar, the French equivalent of Phlox, which our opponents are using today, needs a minute to prepare for firing. The transfer to the combat position of the Russian machine takes 40 seconds according to the standard, but the experienced crew is able to keep within half a minute, and the transfer to the marching position is even faster. It is noteworthy that the fired projectile can still continue its flight, and the Phlox crew already manages to curl up and change position during this time.
The combat crew of the Phlox consists of four people. On the road, he is protected by an armored cabin. The developers also took care of the secrecy: according to Alexey Egorov, the presenter of the Zvezda TV channel, there is a point in the cabin, a shot at which from a personal weapon turns the car into lifeless iron.
The tests of the Phlox and the assembly of serial machines went on in parallel, so in October last year Rostec handed over the first batch of the latest ACS to the troops. According to the results of the combat use of the Phlox system, it will be refined and improved.