Project 2C42 "Lotus". The prototype is being built, the tests are approaching
The Russian defense industry continues to develop advanced artillery systems with special capabilities. According to recent reports, one of the most interesting recent projects is entering a new phase. According to the results of the new works, the first prototype of a promising self-propelled gun will be released on the test site. Successful testing will open the way for him to the troops. This is a promising SAO 2C42 "Lotus".
New messages on the progress of the project with the code "Lotos" appeared just a few days ago. October 10 RIA News published an interview with the general director of the Central Research Institute of Precision Engineering (TsNIITOCHMASH) Albert Bakov. One of the topics of conversation was the development of land artillery, including promising projects.
Layout SAO 2C42 "Lotus"
The head of the research organization said that at present, work is underway on several new projects of artillery systems created in the interests of the Russian military department. At the same time one of them, having the name "Lotos", moves to a new stage. To date, project work has been completed, which allowed to proceed to the next stage.
According to the general director of TsNIITOCHMASH, now the newest project is at the construction stage of the first prototype intended for testing. In addition, the first tests of individual components are already being carried out. Unfortunately, A. Bakov did not specify the deadlines for the completion of the current construction and the start of the required tests. In addition, no technical details were given in the interview.
At the same time, the head of the defense organization recalled the objectives of the project. According to the results of the Lotos project, a new self-propelled gun should appear, designed to replace the existing 2C9 Nona-S combat vehicles and their modifications. The latter are in service with the airborne troops and are intended for fire support of paratroopers.
***
The latest news, announced by the official representative of the developer organization, can be a reason for restrained optimism. Information about the start of construction of an experienced CJSC “Lotos” indicates that the work on the project is carried out in accordance with the established schedule. It should be recalled that in the past the planned deadlines for the implementation of individual phases of the project have been adjusted, and therefore the latest news allows us to view the situation in a positive way.
In the early summer of 2016, it became known about the launch of a new project of self-propelled gun with the cipher "Lotos". According to the data of that time, about two years were devoted to the development of a combat vehicle. It was soon announced that the construction of a prototype of a promising CAO would start in 2017 year. However, a few weeks later, new information appeared. It was now claimed that the Lotus prototype would reach the landfill only in 2019 year. Within a few months thereafter, it was proposed to carry out all the necessary tests, and in 2020 the self-propelled gun could go into service and go into series.
In the future, the project "Lotos" repeatedly became the topic of news and was mentioned by officials. New messages complemented the available data on the project. At the same time, the completion dates of the main stages of the project were no longer adjusted. According to current data, the construction of an experienced CAO 2C42 "Lotos" has already begun. Various tests are carried out of individual units that can be checked not in the composition of the finished armored vehicle. Next year, the assembled prototype should go to the landfill.
According to various statements and estimates, already in the 2020 year, the 2-42 self-propelled gun can go into mass production. For the same period, scheduled for official adoption. It is expected that the serial "Lotos" will come in parts of the airborne troops. There they will have to replace the existing equipment. First of all, Nona-S self-propelled guns, which no longer fully meet the requirements of the time, will be used as a replacement.
Terms of mass production and the required number of new combat vehicles have not yet been specified. According to known data, the Russian Airborne Forces now operate an 250 self-propelled 2C9 Nona-S order. Twice as many such equipment is in storage. This allows you to imagine what the number of promising "Lotos" may be required airborne troops. If there are plans that provide for the complete replacement of existing armored vehicles, orders should appear for several hundred of the latest CAO. You can imagine how long it will take to carry out such plans.
***
In the past, the developer organization has repeatedly published information about the Lotos 2C42 project. In addition, self-propelled mock-ups and various advertising materials were displayed at military-technical exhibitions. As a result, the current situation looks quite interesting. The CAO prototype is still under construction, but its appearance and approximate characteristics are already known. Among other things, it has already contributed to the emergence of various estimates and projections.
According to published data, the self-propelled gun for the Airborne Forces is planned to be maximally unified with other equipment of this kind of troops. To solve this problem, Lotos was built on the basis of the modified landing gear of the BMD-4M airborne combat vehicle. Due to the presence of large new units, an increase in mass and loads on the chassis, the base body is extended and equipped with an additional pair of road wheels. However, the main features of the case, such as the layout or level of protection, remain unchanged. Instead of a standard turret with cannon-machine gun weapons, a new combat compartment with a different one is used in the 2C42 project. weapons.
The use of a recycled serial chassis will allow you to efficiently operate the Lotos with other Airborne Forces equipment. The maximum speed of the SAO on the highway is at the level of 70 km / h, on rough terrain - 40 km / h. Like other assault armored vehicles, the 2C42 can be equipped with parachute systems for landing from military transport aircraft. In this regard, the new “Lotos” is a complete analogue of the older model “Nona-S”.
The armored vehicle of the new model is proposed to be equipped with a highly automated combat compartment of the turret assembly. Inside the large (in comparison with the BMD-4М dome) tower it is proposed to place a set of necessary equipment and a new type of artillery weapon. As part of the 2X42 project, the well-known proposals for the creation of a universal weapon combining the basic qualities and capabilities of a cannon, howitzer and mortar are being implemented again. Due to this, Lotos will be able to solve a wide range of combat missions and hit different targets in different conditions.
Serial CAO 2C9 "Nona-S" on the exercises
According to known data, the main weapon of the self-propelled gun should be a promising 120-mm universal rifled gun, which is a further development of the 2-51 product. As follows from the available data, the new gun has a greater barrel length, which ensures the growth of the main characteristics. At the same time, an increase in the power of the gun required the use of a muzzle brake of a multi-chamber design. Inside the tower are placed under-developed devices.
According to official data, the Lotus Tower provides horizontal guidance in any direction. Elevation angles vary from -4 ° to + 80 °, due to which it is possible to shoot direct fire or "mortar". The rate of fire will reach 6-8 shots per minute. The maximum firing range due to the longer barrel brought to 13 km. Serial CAO 2C9 "Nona-S" can show similar characteristics only when using an active-projectile.
As an additional weapon necessary for self-defense and hitting unprotected targets within the direct line of sight, the 2-42 carries a remote-controlled combat module with a PKT machine gun. It is also possible to use traditional for domestic armored launchers 902B.
Manage self-propelled will be a crew of four. The previously demonstrated layout showed that half of the crew is proposed to be placed in front of the hull. Two more gunners will be in the fighting compartment. All crew seats will receive their own hatches and viewing devices. To solve combat missions, the commander and the gunner will have to use modern optical-electronic sighting devices. In particular, the exhibition layout was “equipped” with a panoramic commander's sight.
***
The perspective self-propelled gun 2С42 "Lotus", according to numerous reports of recent years, is intended to replace the existing combat vehicles of the 2СXNNXX "Nona-S" family. In addition to the actual 9C2, the replacement will be its modifications 9C2-9 “Waxwort” and 1C2-9М “Nona-SM”. The equipment of these types is still able to perform its tasks, but its characteristics are not fully satisfied with the military. In addition, the CJSC "Nona-S" and its modifications are based on the chassis of the armored personnel carrier BTR-D, based on the BMD-1. This technique was created several decades ago, which leads to known limitations.
The new project "Lotos" is based on already known and tested ideas and solutions, but its development uses modern components and technologies. So, at present, the airborne equipment fleet is gradually saturated with modern BMD-4M airborne combat vehicles, and it is planned to build all new types of equipment, including self-propelled artillery, on their chassis. In addition, the designers of TsNIITOCHMASH and related organizations have developed an improved combat compartment with a more sophisticated tool.
As a result, the advanced self-propelled gun 2C42 should have the most serious advantages over the existing samples of its class. The use of new components provides superiority both in mobility and mobility, and in the field of firing characteristics. As a result, the troops will be able to get a more effective multifunctional artillery complex that meets current requirements.
Published data on the new project self-propelled for airborne forces can look to the future with optimism. Nevertheless, for the time being it is not necessary to overestimate the new domestic development. The project is still at the construction stage of a prototype and has not yet reached field testing. After the completion of the current and next phase, the real prospects of Lotus will become clear. According to known plans, it takes no more than a few months to complete the current work. Already next year, the prototype will be put to the test, and after all the checks have been completed, an order for adoption and an order for serial armored vehicles may appear.
On the materials of the sites:
http://ria.ru/
http://tass.ru/
http://rg.ru/
http://bastion-karpenko.ru/
http://bmpd.livejournal.com/
New messages on the progress of the project with the code "Lotos" appeared just a few days ago. October 10 RIA News published an interview with the general director of the Central Research Institute of Precision Engineering (TsNIITOCHMASH) Albert Bakov. One of the topics of conversation was the development of land artillery, including promising projects.
Layout SAO 2C42 "Lotus"
The head of the research organization said that at present, work is underway on several new projects of artillery systems created in the interests of the Russian military department. At the same time one of them, having the name "Lotos", moves to a new stage. To date, project work has been completed, which allowed to proceed to the next stage.
According to the general director of TsNIITOCHMASH, now the newest project is at the construction stage of the first prototype intended for testing. In addition, the first tests of individual components are already being carried out. Unfortunately, A. Bakov did not specify the deadlines for the completion of the current construction and the start of the required tests. In addition, no technical details were given in the interview.
At the same time, the head of the defense organization recalled the objectives of the project. According to the results of the Lotos project, a new self-propelled gun should appear, designed to replace the existing 2C9 Nona-S combat vehicles and their modifications. The latter are in service with the airborne troops and are intended for fire support of paratroopers.
***
The latest news, announced by the official representative of the developer organization, can be a reason for restrained optimism. Information about the start of construction of an experienced CJSC “Lotos” indicates that the work on the project is carried out in accordance with the established schedule. It should be recalled that in the past the planned deadlines for the implementation of individual phases of the project have been adjusted, and therefore the latest news allows us to view the situation in a positive way.
In the early summer of 2016, it became known about the launch of a new project of self-propelled gun with the cipher "Lotos". According to the data of that time, about two years were devoted to the development of a combat vehicle. It was soon announced that the construction of a prototype of a promising CAO would start in 2017 year. However, a few weeks later, new information appeared. It was now claimed that the Lotus prototype would reach the landfill only in 2019 year. Within a few months thereafter, it was proposed to carry out all the necessary tests, and in 2020 the self-propelled gun could go into service and go into series.
In the future, the project "Lotos" repeatedly became the topic of news and was mentioned by officials. New messages complemented the available data on the project. At the same time, the completion dates of the main stages of the project were no longer adjusted. According to current data, the construction of an experienced CAO 2C42 "Lotos" has already begun. Various tests are carried out of individual units that can be checked not in the composition of the finished armored vehicle. Next year, the assembled prototype should go to the landfill.
According to various statements and estimates, already in the 2020 year, the 2-42 self-propelled gun can go into mass production. For the same period, scheduled for official adoption. It is expected that the serial "Lotos" will come in parts of the airborne troops. There they will have to replace the existing equipment. First of all, Nona-S self-propelled guns, which no longer fully meet the requirements of the time, will be used as a replacement.
Terms of mass production and the required number of new combat vehicles have not yet been specified. According to known data, the Russian Airborne Forces now operate an 250 self-propelled 2C9 Nona-S order. Twice as many such equipment is in storage. This allows you to imagine what the number of promising "Lotos" may be required airborne troops. If there are plans that provide for the complete replacement of existing armored vehicles, orders should appear for several hundred of the latest CAO. You can imagine how long it will take to carry out such plans.
***
In the past, the developer organization has repeatedly published information about the Lotos 2C42 project. In addition, self-propelled mock-ups and various advertising materials were displayed at military-technical exhibitions. As a result, the current situation looks quite interesting. The CAO prototype is still under construction, but its appearance and approximate characteristics are already known. Among other things, it has already contributed to the emergence of various estimates and projections.
According to published data, the self-propelled gun for the Airborne Forces is planned to be maximally unified with other equipment of this kind of troops. To solve this problem, Lotos was built on the basis of the modified landing gear of the BMD-4M airborne combat vehicle. Due to the presence of large new units, an increase in mass and loads on the chassis, the base body is extended and equipped with an additional pair of road wheels. However, the main features of the case, such as the layout or level of protection, remain unchanged. Instead of a standard turret with cannon-machine gun weapons, a new combat compartment with a different one is used in the 2C42 project. weapons.
The use of a recycled serial chassis will allow you to efficiently operate the Lotos with other Airborne Forces equipment. The maximum speed of the SAO on the highway is at the level of 70 km / h, on rough terrain - 40 km / h. Like other assault armored vehicles, the 2C42 can be equipped with parachute systems for landing from military transport aircraft. In this regard, the new “Lotos” is a complete analogue of the older model “Nona-S”.
The armored vehicle of the new model is proposed to be equipped with a highly automated combat compartment of the turret assembly. Inside the large (in comparison with the BMD-4М dome) tower it is proposed to place a set of necessary equipment and a new type of artillery weapon. As part of the 2X42 project, the well-known proposals for the creation of a universal weapon combining the basic qualities and capabilities of a cannon, howitzer and mortar are being implemented again. Due to this, Lotos will be able to solve a wide range of combat missions and hit different targets in different conditions.
Serial CAO 2C9 "Nona-S" on the exercises
According to known data, the main weapon of the self-propelled gun should be a promising 120-mm universal rifled gun, which is a further development of the 2-51 product. As follows from the available data, the new gun has a greater barrel length, which ensures the growth of the main characteristics. At the same time, an increase in the power of the gun required the use of a muzzle brake of a multi-chamber design. Inside the tower are placed under-developed devices.
According to official data, the Lotus Tower provides horizontal guidance in any direction. Elevation angles vary from -4 ° to + 80 °, due to which it is possible to shoot direct fire or "mortar". The rate of fire will reach 6-8 shots per minute. The maximum firing range due to the longer barrel brought to 13 km. Serial CAO 2C9 "Nona-S" can show similar characteristics only when using an active-projectile.
As an additional weapon necessary for self-defense and hitting unprotected targets within the direct line of sight, the 2-42 carries a remote-controlled combat module with a PKT machine gun. It is also possible to use traditional for domestic armored launchers 902B.
Manage self-propelled will be a crew of four. The previously demonstrated layout showed that half of the crew is proposed to be placed in front of the hull. Two more gunners will be in the fighting compartment. All crew seats will receive their own hatches and viewing devices. To solve combat missions, the commander and the gunner will have to use modern optical-electronic sighting devices. In particular, the exhibition layout was “equipped” with a panoramic commander's sight.
***
The perspective self-propelled gun 2С42 "Lotus", according to numerous reports of recent years, is intended to replace the existing combat vehicles of the 2СXNNXX "Nona-S" family. In addition to the actual 9C2, the replacement will be its modifications 9C2-9 “Waxwort” and 1C2-9М “Nona-SM”. The equipment of these types is still able to perform its tasks, but its characteristics are not fully satisfied with the military. In addition, the CJSC "Nona-S" and its modifications are based on the chassis of the armored personnel carrier BTR-D, based on the BMD-1. This technique was created several decades ago, which leads to known limitations.
The new project "Lotos" is based on already known and tested ideas and solutions, but its development uses modern components and technologies. So, at present, the airborne equipment fleet is gradually saturated with modern BMD-4M airborne combat vehicles, and it is planned to build all new types of equipment, including self-propelled artillery, on their chassis. In addition, the designers of TsNIITOCHMASH and related organizations have developed an improved combat compartment with a more sophisticated tool.
As a result, the advanced self-propelled gun 2C42 should have the most serious advantages over the existing samples of its class. The use of new components provides superiority both in mobility and mobility, and in the field of firing characteristics. As a result, the troops will be able to get a more effective multifunctional artillery complex that meets current requirements.
Published data on the new project self-propelled for airborne forces can look to the future with optimism. Nevertheless, for the time being it is not necessary to overestimate the new domestic development. The project is still at the construction stage of a prototype and has not yet reached field testing. After the completion of the current and next phase, the real prospects of Lotus will become clear. According to known plans, it takes no more than a few months to complete the current work. Already next year, the prototype will be put to the test, and after all the checks have been completed, an order for adoption and an order for serial armored vehicles may appear.
On the materials of the sites:
http://ria.ru/
http://tass.ru/
http://rg.ru/
http://bastion-karpenko.ru/
http://bmpd.livejournal.com/
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