The project of self-propelled mortar 2C41 "drok"
The domestic defense industry continues to develop promising artillery systems of various classes and regularly demonstrates its success in this area. Thus, during the recent international military-technical forum "Army-2017" several options for the development of the already well-known project 2С41 "Drak", involving the creation of a self-propelled mortar based on existing platforms, were shown. It is noteworthy that the exhibition showed two models of similar equipment with certain differences.
According to known data, the self-propelled mortar 2C41 "Drok" has been developed by order of the Ministry of Defense over the past few years. The project is created in the framework of the experimental design work with the cipher "Sketch". The first mentions of this OCD refer to the beginning of the 2014 of the year. Then the Central Research Institute "Burevestnik" published a video describing his work and telling about new projects. Among other things, the video showed the work on the perspective “Sketch” machine, but then the main details of the project were not disclosed.
According to later published data, the purpose of the “Sketch” program was to create promising models of highly mobile artillery weapons on different chassis. As carriers of the new weapons Both wheeled armored vehicles and two-link tracked carriers were considered. Subsequently, one of the variants of the architecture of such a combat vehicle was allocated to a separate OCD with a rather complex name indicating its “origin”.
Engineering development of the Central Research Institute "Burevestnik" at the exhibition in December 2016. Foreground - mortar 2С41 "Drak". Photo Soyuzmash.ru
As part of the development work "Sketch" an additional R & D was developed with the complex name Sketch-Drok-KSh. The aim of this project was the development of a promising combat vehicle based on the existing domestic-made wheeled chassis. This model was to receive a new combat module with an 82-mm mortar, as well as one or another auxiliary weapon. The result of the new development project was to become a self-propelled mortar called "Drok". As can be seen from its name, the responsible persons decided to continue the “vegetable-floral” line of names.
Last year, new data on the design and development work “Sketch” was published, from which it became known that the project was being developed in accordance with the contract signed in August 2015. According to the original work plan, a prototype self-propelled mortar should have been submitted before the end of 2016. The acceptance tests were supposed to be completed in February 2018 of the year, state tests - by the end of September. In this case, there is reason to believe that the project could not meet the deadlines.
In December last year, an exhibition of promising developments in the field of weapons and equipment was held as part of the regular board of the Ministry of Defense. TsNII "Petrel" demonstrated its latest achievements with the help of several layouts. It was during that exhibition that the results of the design and development work “Sketch-Drok-KSh” were shown for the first time. The Institute and the Main Rocket and Artillery Directorate demonstrated a large-scale model of the 2СXNNXX “Drok” self-propelled mortar based on the Typhoon-K armored car K41.
Apparently, this particular model was present at the Grau stand at the Army-2017 forum. The overall architecture or configuration of this self-propelled mortar has not changed - the layout retained all the old features. At the same time, at the recent exhibition the second model of the combat vehicle was shown, showing the further development of the project. This model was present at the stand of the Petrel Research Institute. It is noteworthy that the older model, demonstrated by the Main Rocket and Artillery Directorate, retained the original color in a protective color. The new copy of the combat vehicle, in turn, received the characteristic camouflage used by the Uralvagonzavod corporation.
Despite certain changes in the main combat module and, possibly, other units, both versions of the self-propelled mortar 2C41 "Drok" are proposed to be built on the basis of the armored vehicle K4386 "Typhoon Airborne." This machine, as its name implies, was created specifically for the airborne troops and therefore has a number of characteristic features. The draft armored car provides protection from small arms and explosive devices. Depending on the wishes of the customer, the machine can receive one or another weapon, up to a remotely controlled combat module with an 30-mm automatic cannon.
Depending on the configuration used, the K4386 armored car can have a full weight of up to 13,5 tons. Diesel engine with an HP 350 power. allows you to reach speeds of up to 100 km / h on the highway. Inhabited compartment can accommodate up to eight seats, including the driver's seat. Landing is made through the side and aft door. The project proposed the use of anti-bullet reservation, and in addition, measures were taken to reduce the negative impact of the shock wave of the explosion. The available stock of carrying capacity and durability of the chassis allowed the use of the Typhoon Airborne armored vehicle when developing a promising self-propelled mortar.
The first model of the 2C41 “Drak”, shown at the end of last year, demonstrated the main features of the new combat module. On the chase in the stern of the protected hull it is proposed to mount a combat module with a mortar having the required characteristics. Part of the device module is placed inside a compact armored body. At the same time, some units are displayed inside the body, which allows servicing weapons from the crew compartment.
The tower of the "last year" combat vehicle was distinguished by comparative simplicity of form. It consisted of several large parts with straight edges, placed at different angles to each other. Directly on the chase it is proposed to install a cylindrical unit, on top of which the main dome of an asymmetrical shape should be placed. So, the left side of the inclined front sheet should have a smaller width. The central and aft parts of the tower also had to differ in their size. Such features of the dome were associated with the use of the remote machine-gun installation: an additional machine gun was proposed to be mounted outside the tower on the swinging left-side installation. The roof of the tower with a mortar was placed with a noticeable tilt back. In the stern provided additional support for the installation of smoke grenade launchers.
Armored car K4368 "Typhoon Airborne" with a combat module, carrying 30-mm gun. Photo Bastion-karpenko.ru
One of the main ideas of the project "Drok" was the use of a removable-portable mortar. In the frontal part of the new tower, the installation tools for the mortar were installed, which allowed firing in the configuration of a self-propelled combat vehicle, or removing weapons and using them as a wearable system. The design of the gun mount provides the possibility of vertical guidance within a wide sector. Horizontal guidance - a circular, turning the entire tower.
The main weapon of the 2C41 armored vehicle “Grok” is an 82-mm breech-loading mortar with manual loading. Such a weapon is capable of firing at targets at ranges from 100 to 6000 m. Without restoring aiming, a mortar can show a firing rate of up to 12 rounds per minute. Ammunition - 40 mines transported in the fighting compartment. Enhanced accuracy characteristics are claimed, providing certain advantages over other artillery systems of a similar class.
Additional armament self-propelled mortar consists of one machine gun and several smoke grenade launchers. A remote-controlled installation with a machine gun rifle caliber is placed on the left side of the tower. In the stern of the sides, the installation of a pair of supports with three smoke grenade launchers on each side is envisaged.
Keeping the dimensions at the level of the base armored car, the new model 2C41 "Drak" is distinguished by a greater combat mass. This parameter has increased to 14 t. At the same time, the main characteristics of mobility should remain approximately at the same level. To manage the machine and its weapons should a crew of four.
The first model was presented at the end of last year and, apparently, showed the state of the project at that time. Over the past few months, the Petrel Research Institute and related enterprises have managed to change the project and improve the combat module with a mortar. All this led to both the processing of the appearance and the emergence of a new layout. In particular, it was decided to distribute the armament of the combat vehicle between the two combat modules, which allowed freeing up the volumes inside the main tower with a mortar. All these improvements were shown on the Army-2017 forum with the help of a new layout.
The refusal to equip the module with a machine-gun made it possible to simplify the construction of the dome of the tower. Now it has a less complex form and consists of a smaller number of panels. On the lower platform of the module, it is proposed to mount the box with a sloping frontal sheet, the embrasure of which is complemented by a polygonal protruding device with a vertical window. The rectangular roof of the module is located at a slight angle to the horizontal. Boards and sterns are made vertical. Due to the new design of the dome, the round platform partially protrudes beyond the limits of its forehead and sides.
The main weapon of Drok, despite the completion of the dome, remains the same. As in the previous version of the project, the armored vehicle should carry an 82-mm breech mortar suitable for quick dismantling and installation back. Already existing 40 shots can be left inside the fighting compartment, as well as various equipment for aiming. Loading the mortar is made from the treasury.
Of all the initial additional weapons, the combat module retained only smoke grenade launchers. At the same time on each side of the tower is now proposed to mount six such products. The upper horizontal row of three grenade launchers should fire at the front hemisphere, the lower one - back.
"Last year's" model of the 2C41 machine at the Army-2017 exhibition. Photo Bmpd.livejournal.com / Vastnik-rm.ru
Despite the processing of the combat module, the self-propelled mortar must retain the possibility of self-defense and carry the appropriate weapon. To protect against infantry at short and medium range, it is again proposed to use a machine gun on a remote-controlled installation. In this case, the machine gun should now be used as part of a separate module. On the presented model this product was located in front of the roof, above the driver’s workplace.
A curious feature of the updated self-propelled mortar became additional means of detection and warning of the attack. On the roof of the stern compartments of the hull of the model were placed the blocks of the equipment of the optical-electronic countermeasure complex. Probably, this equipment should be used for the correct and timely use of smoke grenade launchers. Other means of protection affecting the optics of the enemy are not seen on the layout.
It can be assumed that the processing of the design of the combat module and the introduction of machine-gun armament to the additional remote-controlled installation led to some increase in the combat mass, but did not make this parameter unacceptably large. Thus, the driving performance of a self-propelled mortar 2C41 "Drak" can remain at the level of the basic armored car "Typhoon Airborne". Despite all the changes, the crew probably remained the same.
According to published data, a promising combat vehicle with an 82-mm portable carry-on mortar is intended to arm battalion artillery batteries. It can be used by artillery units from the composition of motorized rifle, assault landing and mountain battalions. In fact, the 2C41 "Drock" system is considered as a mobile alternative to existing mortars of the 82 mm caliber in a carry or towed version.
The advantages of such a technique are obvious. With its help, mortar gunners of ground or airborne troops will be able to quickly move to the most convenient position and, without losing time for preparation and deployment, open fire on the specified target. Having made the shooting, the self-propelled machine can immediately go to another position or to the rear to replenish the ammunition. The chassis, characterized by high maneuverability, will seriously increase the tactical mobility of the gun.
The base armored car K4368 "Typhoon Airborne" was developed by order of the command of the airborne troops and for this reason has some characteristic features. In particular, it is adapted for parachuting and landing landing. This fact seriously increases the strategic mobility of technology, as well as expands the scope of its application.
In the case of a direct collision with infantry or unarmored vehicles of the enemy, the crew of the mortar "Grok" will be able to protect themselves with the help of an existing machine gun. It should be noted that a newer version of the armored vehicle has a certain advantage in this context. A separate combat module with a machine gun allows you to fire at targets in the near zone, regardless of the use of mortars. The first version of the 2X41 project did not give such an opportunity: the placement of all weapons on the turret excluded the shooting of mortars and machine guns in different sectors without alternately restoring their aiming.
A self-propelled mortar has serious advantages and is distinguished by a fairly high combat potential. At the same time, the authors of the project from the Petrel Research Institute and the Main Investigative Institute provided for the possibility of using weapons in a different configuration. If necessary, the mortar barrel can be removed combat module, supplemented with the necessary devices and used as a wearable weapon. After completing the assigned combat missions, the calculation can quickly mount the barrel on the machine and continue working.
The new version of the self-propelled mortar 2C41 "Drok", presented by the Central Research Institute "Burevestnik". Photo Bmpd.livejournal.com / Vastnik-rm.ru
An ambiguous feature of the 2C41 "Gorse" project can be considered the type of the main tool selected. The breech-loading mortar caliber 82 mm became the "main caliber" of this armored vehicle. Systems of this caliber are capable of effectively solving certain combat missions, but at the same time may not be considered as the most effective. Thus, in the field of self-propelled mortars, 120-mm systems, which have advantages in the form of firing range and the power of ammunition, have been widely spread for a long time. However, according to the decision of the customer, it was decided to use the less powerful mortar in the framework of the design work “Sketch-Drok-KSh”. Probably, when creating such a technical assignment, the army took into account certain factors that are still unknown to the general public.
According to reports, to date, the project Drok 2C41 has been implemented, at least in the form of the necessary documentation and two layouts, demonstrating a self-propelled mortar in different configurations. Information about the existence of full-fledged prototypes is currently not available. Nevertheless, prototypes could be built by now, but for one reason or another, the fact of their existence has not yet been disclosed. New information on this may appear in the near future.
According to already known information, a prototype of a new type of self-propelled mortar should have appeared no later than the beginning of the current year. Until the end of January, 2018 was planned to conduct acceptance tests, and by early October, it was necessary to sign an act of conducting state tests. How much of the necessary work has been completed so far has not yet been clarified. The fact of the presence at the “Army-2017” exhibition of equipment mock-ups instead of full-fledged samples can be interpreted, among other things, as a sign of the unavailability of prototypes.
However, even with all the possible problems of new projects, the actual results of the OCD "Sketch" may appear in the very near future. In the foreseeable future, prototypes can be tested, showing all their strengths and weaknesses. According to the test results, the military will have to decide on the adoption of a self-propelled mortar for armament and the deployment of mass production. It can be assumed that the production of such equipment, mainly based on existing components, will not be associated with serious difficulties.
With a favorable set of circumstances, the absence of serious problems of one kind or another, and the successful accomplishment of all the tasks posed, the new self-propelled mortar 2C41 "Drock" can be put into service at the end of this decade. As a result, by the mid-twenties the army will be able to receive a significant number of combat vehicles capable of positively affecting the combat capability of the ground and airborne units. However, for the time being, the operation of new self-propelled mortars based on the Typhoon Airborne Troops armored vehicle remains a matter not for the nearest future.
On the materials of the sites:
http://russianarms.ru/
http://vestnik-rm.ru/
http://bastion-karpenko.ru/
http://soyuzmash.ru/
http://bmpd.livejournal.com/
http://twower.livejournal.com/
http://altyn73.livejournal.com/
According to known data, the self-propelled mortar 2C41 "Drok" has been developed by order of the Ministry of Defense over the past few years. The project is created in the framework of the experimental design work with the cipher "Sketch". The first mentions of this OCD refer to the beginning of the 2014 of the year. Then the Central Research Institute "Burevestnik" published a video describing his work and telling about new projects. Among other things, the video showed the work on the perspective “Sketch” machine, but then the main details of the project were not disclosed.
According to later published data, the purpose of the “Sketch” program was to create promising models of highly mobile artillery weapons on different chassis. As carriers of the new weapons Both wheeled armored vehicles and two-link tracked carriers were considered. Subsequently, one of the variants of the architecture of such a combat vehicle was allocated to a separate OCD with a rather complex name indicating its “origin”.
Engineering development of the Central Research Institute "Burevestnik" at the exhibition in December 2016. Foreground - mortar 2С41 "Drak". Photo Soyuzmash.ru
As part of the development work "Sketch" an additional R & D was developed with the complex name Sketch-Drok-KSh. The aim of this project was the development of a promising combat vehicle based on the existing domestic-made wheeled chassis. This model was to receive a new combat module with an 82-mm mortar, as well as one or another auxiliary weapon. The result of the new development project was to become a self-propelled mortar called "Drok". As can be seen from its name, the responsible persons decided to continue the “vegetable-floral” line of names.
Last year, new data on the design and development work “Sketch” was published, from which it became known that the project was being developed in accordance with the contract signed in August 2015. According to the original work plan, a prototype self-propelled mortar should have been submitted before the end of 2016. The acceptance tests were supposed to be completed in February 2018 of the year, state tests - by the end of September. In this case, there is reason to believe that the project could not meet the deadlines.
In December last year, an exhibition of promising developments in the field of weapons and equipment was held as part of the regular board of the Ministry of Defense. TsNII "Petrel" demonstrated its latest achievements with the help of several layouts. It was during that exhibition that the results of the design and development work “Sketch-Drok-KSh” were shown for the first time. The Institute and the Main Rocket and Artillery Directorate demonstrated a large-scale model of the 2СXNNXX “Drok” self-propelled mortar based on the Typhoon-K armored car K41.
Apparently, this particular model was present at the Grau stand at the Army-2017 forum. The overall architecture or configuration of this self-propelled mortar has not changed - the layout retained all the old features. At the same time, at the recent exhibition the second model of the combat vehicle was shown, showing the further development of the project. This model was present at the stand of the Petrel Research Institute. It is noteworthy that the older model, demonstrated by the Main Rocket and Artillery Directorate, retained the original color in a protective color. The new copy of the combat vehicle, in turn, received the characteristic camouflage used by the Uralvagonzavod corporation.
Despite certain changes in the main combat module and, possibly, other units, both versions of the self-propelled mortar 2C41 "Drok" are proposed to be built on the basis of the armored vehicle K4386 "Typhoon Airborne." This machine, as its name implies, was created specifically for the airborne troops and therefore has a number of characteristic features. The draft armored car provides protection from small arms and explosive devices. Depending on the wishes of the customer, the machine can receive one or another weapon, up to a remotely controlled combat module with an 30-mm automatic cannon.
Depending on the configuration used, the K4386 armored car can have a full weight of up to 13,5 tons. Diesel engine with an HP 350 power. allows you to reach speeds of up to 100 km / h on the highway. Inhabited compartment can accommodate up to eight seats, including the driver's seat. Landing is made through the side and aft door. The project proposed the use of anti-bullet reservation, and in addition, measures were taken to reduce the negative impact of the shock wave of the explosion. The available stock of carrying capacity and durability of the chassis allowed the use of the Typhoon Airborne armored vehicle when developing a promising self-propelled mortar.
The first model of the 2C41 “Drak”, shown at the end of last year, demonstrated the main features of the new combat module. On the chase in the stern of the protected hull it is proposed to mount a combat module with a mortar having the required characteristics. Part of the device module is placed inside a compact armored body. At the same time, some units are displayed inside the body, which allows servicing weapons from the crew compartment.
The tower of the "last year" combat vehicle was distinguished by comparative simplicity of form. It consisted of several large parts with straight edges, placed at different angles to each other. Directly on the chase it is proposed to install a cylindrical unit, on top of which the main dome of an asymmetrical shape should be placed. So, the left side of the inclined front sheet should have a smaller width. The central and aft parts of the tower also had to differ in their size. Such features of the dome were associated with the use of the remote machine-gun installation: an additional machine gun was proposed to be mounted outside the tower on the swinging left-side installation. The roof of the tower with a mortar was placed with a noticeable tilt back. In the stern provided additional support for the installation of smoke grenade launchers.
Armored car K4368 "Typhoon Airborne" with a combat module, carrying 30-mm gun. Photo Bastion-karpenko.ru
One of the main ideas of the project "Drok" was the use of a removable-portable mortar. In the frontal part of the new tower, the installation tools for the mortar were installed, which allowed firing in the configuration of a self-propelled combat vehicle, or removing weapons and using them as a wearable system. The design of the gun mount provides the possibility of vertical guidance within a wide sector. Horizontal guidance - a circular, turning the entire tower.
The main weapon of the 2C41 armored vehicle “Grok” is an 82-mm breech-loading mortar with manual loading. Such a weapon is capable of firing at targets at ranges from 100 to 6000 m. Without restoring aiming, a mortar can show a firing rate of up to 12 rounds per minute. Ammunition - 40 mines transported in the fighting compartment. Enhanced accuracy characteristics are claimed, providing certain advantages over other artillery systems of a similar class.
Additional armament self-propelled mortar consists of one machine gun and several smoke grenade launchers. A remote-controlled installation with a machine gun rifle caliber is placed on the left side of the tower. In the stern of the sides, the installation of a pair of supports with three smoke grenade launchers on each side is envisaged.
Keeping the dimensions at the level of the base armored car, the new model 2C41 "Drak" is distinguished by a greater combat mass. This parameter has increased to 14 t. At the same time, the main characteristics of mobility should remain approximately at the same level. To manage the machine and its weapons should a crew of four.
The first model was presented at the end of last year and, apparently, showed the state of the project at that time. Over the past few months, the Petrel Research Institute and related enterprises have managed to change the project and improve the combat module with a mortar. All this led to both the processing of the appearance and the emergence of a new layout. In particular, it was decided to distribute the armament of the combat vehicle between the two combat modules, which allowed freeing up the volumes inside the main tower with a mortar. All these improvements were shown on the Army-2017 forum with the help of a new layout.
The refusal to equip the module with a machine-gun made it possible to simplify the construction of the dome of the tower. Now it has a less complex form and consists of a smaller number of panels. On the lower platform of the module, it is proposed to mount the box with a sloping frontal sheet, the embrasure of which is complemented by a polygonal protruding device with a vertical window. The rectangular roof of the module is located at a slight angle to the horizontal. Boards and sterns are made vertical. Due to the new design of the dome, the round platform partially protrudes beyond the limits of its forehead and sides.
The main weapon of Drok, despite the completion of the dome, remains the same. As in the previous version of the project, the armored vehicle should carry an 82-mm breech mortar suitable for quick dismantling and installation back. Already existing 40 shots can be left inside the fighting compartment, as well as various equipment for aiming. Loading the mortar is made from the treasury.
Of all the initial additional weapons, the combat module retained only smoke grenade launchers. At the same time on each side of the tower is now proposed to mount six such products. The upper horizontal row of three grenade launchers should fire at the front hemisphere, the lower one - back.
"Last year's" model of the 2C41 machine at the Army-2017 exhibition. Photo Bmpd.livejournal.com / Vastnik-rm.ru
Despite the processing of the combat module, the self-propelled mortar must retain the possibility of self-defense and carry the appropriate weapon. To protect against infantry at short and medium range, it is again proposed to use a machine gun on a remote-controlled installation. In this case, the machine gun should now be used as part of a separate module. On the presented model this product was located in front of the roof, above the driver’s workplace.
A curious feature of the updated self-propelled mortar became additional means of detection and warning of the attack. On the roof of the stern compartments of the hull of the model were placed the blocks of the equipment of the optical-electronic countermeasure complex. Probably, this equipment should be used for the correct and timely use of smoke grenade launchers. Other means of protection affecting the optics of the enemy are not seen on the layout.
It can be assumed that the processing of the design of the combat module and the introduction of machine-gun armament to the additional remote-controlled installation led to some increase in the combat mass, but did not make this parameter unacceptably large. Thus, the driving performance of a self-propelled mortar 2C41 "Drak" can remain at the level of the basic armored car "Typhoon Airborne". Despite all the changes, the crew probably remained the same.
According to published data, a promising combat vehicle with an 82-mm portable carry-on mortar is intended to arm battalion artillery batteries. It can be used by artillery units from the composition of motorized rifle, assault landing and mountain battalions. In fact, the 2C41 "Drock" system is considered as a mobile alternative to existing mortars of the 82 mm caliber in a carry or towed version.
The advantages of such a technique are obvious. With its help, mortar gunners of ground or airborne troops will be able to quickly move to the most convenient position and, without losing time for preparation and deployment, open fire on the specified target. Having made the shooting, the self-propelled machine can immediately go to another position or to the rear to replenish the ammunition. The chassis, characterized by high maneuverability, will seriously increase the tactical mobility of the gun.
The base armored car K4368 "Typhoon Airborne" was developed by order of the command of the airborne troops and for this reason has some characteristic features. In particular, it is adapted for parachuting and landing landing. This fact seriously increases the strategic mobility of technology, as well as expands the scope of its application.
In the case of a direct collision with infantry or unarmored vehicles of the enemy, the crew of the mortar "Grok" will be able to protect themselves with the help of an existing machine gun. It should be noted that a newer version of the armored vehicle has a certain advantage in this context. A separate combat module with a machine gun allows you to fire at targets in the near zone, regardless of the use of mortars. The first version of the 2X41 project did not give such an opportunity: the placement of all weapons on the turret excluded the shooting of mortars and machine guns in different sectors without alternately restoring their aiming.
A self-propelled mortar has serious advantages and is distinguished by a fairly high combat potential. At the same time, the authors of the project from the Petrel Research Institute and the Main Investigative Institute provided for the possibility of using weapons in a different configuration. If necessary, the mortar barrel can be removed combat module, supplemented with the necessary devices and used as a wearable weapon. After completing the assigned combat missions, the calculation can quickly mount the barrel on the machine and continue working.
The new version of the self-propelled mortar 2C41 "Drok", presented by the Central Research Institute "Burevestnik". Photo Bmpd.livejournal.com / Vastnik-rm.ru
An ambiguous feature of the 2C41 "Gorse" project can be considered the type of the main tool selected. The breech-loading mortar caliber 82 mm became the "main caliber" of this armored vehicle. Systems of this caliber are capable of effectively solving certain combat missions, but at the same time may not be considered as the most effective. Thus, in the field of self-propelled mortars, 120-mm systems, which have advantages in the form of firing range and the power of ammunition, have been widely spread for a long time. However, according to the decision of the customer, it was decided to use the less powerful mortar in the framework of the design work “Sketch-Drok-KSh”. Probably, when creating such a technical assignment, the army took into account certain factors that are still unknown to the general public.
According to reports, to date, the project Drok 2C41 has been implemented, at least in the form of the necessary documentation and two layouts, demonstrating a self-propelled mortar in different configurations. Information about the existence of full-fledged prototypes is currently not available. Nevertheless, prototypes could be built by now, but for one reason or another, the fact of their existence has not yet been disclosed. New information on this may appear in the near future.
According to already known information, a prototype of a new type of self-propelled mortar should have appeared no later than the beginning of the current year. Until the end of January, 2018 was planned to conduct acceptance tests, and by early October, it was necessary to sign an act of conducting state tests. How much of the necessary work has been completed so far has not yet been clarified. The fact of the presence at the “Army-2017” exhibition of equipment mock-ups instead of full-fledged samples can be interpreted, among other things, as a sign of the unavailability of prototypes.
However, even with all the possible problems of new projects, the actual results of the OCD "Sketch" may appear in the very near future. In the foreseeable future, prototypes can be tested, showing all their strengths and weaknesses. According to the test results, the military will have to decide on the adoption of a self-propelled mortar for armament and the deployment of mass production. It can be assumed that the production of such equipment, mainly based on existing components, will not be associated with serious difficulties.
With a favorable set of circumstances, the absence of serious problems of one kind or another, and the successful accomplishment of all the tasks posed, the new self-propelled mortar 2C41 "Drock" can be put into service at the end of this decade. As a result, by the mid-twenties the army will be able to receive a significant number of combat vehicles capable of positively affecting the combat capability of the ground and airborne units. However, for the time being, the operation of new self-propelled mortars based on the Typhoon Airborne Troops armored vehicle remains a matter not for the nearest future.
On the materials of the sites:
http://russianarms.ru/
http://vestnik-rm.ru/
http://bastion-karpenko.ru/
http://soyuzmash.ru/
http://bmpd.livejournal.com/
http://twower.livejournal.com/
http://altyn73.livejournal.com/
Information