The artillery installation combines the capabilities of a cannon, howitzer and mortar
The self-propelled artillery gun (SAO) "Lotus" is aimed at state tests, Izvestia found out. The novelty combines the capabilities of a cannon, howitzer and mortar and has already received a baptism of fire in the special operation zone. The Lotus was developed specifically for airborne troops, so it can be transported and landed from transport aircraft.
"Lotus" in battle
The capabilities of Lotus were demonstrated at the testing ground of Tsniitochmash JSC (part of the Kalashnikov Concern). The car emerged from the forest and confidently walked across the rain-soaked field. Suddenly, an explosion sounded next to the CAO — the military and specialists of the military-industrial complex gathered at the landfill shuddered — it was a homemade preparation, which not everyone was warned about.
— After all, a beautiful explosion came out, — the specialists who were preparing the demonstration of the car were sincerely happy.
They clearly liked the effect that made the uninitiated shudder.
Meanwhile, the self-propelled gun confidently went through the virgin land, throwing the earth out from under the trucks, turned around and went into a frontal "attack" on the podium, where the Izvestia correspondent was standing. The flying multi-ton car, of course, made the right impression — the prospect of being in its path immediately made my throat dry.
As they approached, the CAO shot off aerosol ammunition, creating a smoke screen.
Tsniitochmash employees explained that the smoke screen not only hides the car from view, but also provides protection from high—precision weapons - in particular, from laser illumination.
Finally, the Lotus emerged from the clouds of smoke and froze at the podium. The developers allowed those who wanted to come to inspect the self—propelled gun - this happened for the first time.
It will be finalized
— Right from here, the CAO goes to state tests, — said Alan Lushnikov, president of the Kalashnikov concern. — The preliminary tests were carried out successfully, and the approbation in the CBO zone was also successful. We were given suggestions on how to finalize the self-propelled gun, because the technical specification for it was formed quite a long time ago.
Alan Lushnikov noted that the experience of a special military operation makes us look at many things in a different way, although the very concept of the CAO, of course, has not lost its relevance. The Lotus is much more effective than its predecessor, the 120—mm Nona ACS, which is now in service with the Airborne Forces.
— The key parameters of the Lotus, in which it surpasses the Nonu, are an automated fire control system, larger ammunition, and automated ammunition stowage. And they will be necessary in today's theater of operations," he is sure.
According to Alan Lushnikov, developments on the joint use of drones, armored vehicles and artillery are now actively underway. Moreover, they are used both in the Kalashnikov concern and at other enterprises of the military-industrial complex.
— Moreover, there are already automated artillery control systems, and they work with a drone, — he noted.
The fate of the Lotus will be decided in the near future. State tests are an important stage for any combat vehicle. Only after them will it become clear whether she will go to the series.
— We will hold our fists so that the CAO passes state tests as successfully as possible and as quickly as possible, because the car is expected in the army, the army is waiting for its mass production, — promised the head of the concern.
Modernization potential
Lotus has a great modernization potential, said Mikhail Luzannyj, CEO of Tsniitochmash.
— We are developing a new set of ammunition, which is designed to fire not at 13 km, but up to 30 km, — he explained. — Guided ammunition will be included in the ammunition package. This will significantly increase the counter-battery capabilities of the machine. This will be our response to the latest requirements for complexes of this class, which are presented to us by the events of a special military operation.
According to the developers, Lotos differs from Nona by a fundamentally different algorithm of operation. He is more seriously protected from shrapnel and bullet damage, floats, can land from an airplane with a combat crew inside the car — this will allow paratroopers to immediately engage in battle.
The CAO is equipped with an effective complex of protection against high-precision weapons.
— The commander of the combat vehicle here not only commands, but also performs the work of a gunner, — said Mikhail Luzanny. — The interface allows him to do this.
The CEO pointed to a turret with a 7.62mm PKT machine gun - this is a remote-controlled module.
— The crew can fire from a machine gun without leaning out of an armored turret, — explained the CEO. — Many people say that the machine gun will be in little demand, but we have developments that say that we can use the capabilities of this installation to work on drones.
According to the developers of the Lotus, they have established feedback with officers and soldiers at the front — they expressed their comments and suggestions for improving the combat vehicle. And, of course, they will be taken into account when finalizing the CAO before launching the series.
— We understand that she is the best, — Mikhail Luzanny is sure.
Izvestia's help
Self-propelled artillery guns (CAO) 2C42 "Lotus" can fire from closed positions, like a conventional howitzer, and destroy point targets with mounted fire, like a mortar. The Lotus is also capable of knocking out enemy firing points and fortifications with direct fire.
During the development of the CAO, a set of extraordinary design solutions was implemented, which made it possible to increase ergonomics, survivability, as well as combat and driving qualities of the machine.
The caliber of the main gun remained classic — 120 mm. The maximum firing range is 13 km. New special ammunition will allow you to destroy targets at a distance of up to 30 km.
The armor provides all-round protection for the crew, consisting of four people, from enemy small arms.
The machine is equipped with an automated turret fighting compartment. The fire control system has also been improved.
Bogdan Stepovoy
