New self-propelled artillery on IDEX-2019
One of the promising and promising areas in the field of military equipment is the creation of promising self-propelled mortar shells on automobile chassis. Such equipment enjoys a certain popularity in the international market, and new developments in this class are worth offering to potential customers from foreign countries. The IDEX-2019 exhibition in the United Arab Emirates has become another platform for advertising and promoting new products. Within the framework of this event, several countries presented their self-propelled samples at once, and some of the samples were first taken to a foreign exhibition.
Russian "flowers"
On the first day of the IDEX-2019 exhibition, the Russian research and production corporation Uralvagonzavod announced the launch of its new products on the international market. This year, for the first time, materials on the projects of the Phlox and Drok self-propelled guns, developed in the framework of the RCD Sketch, are being presented at the overseas site. With the help of this demonstration, it is planned to attract the attention of foreign countries and in the future to sign contracts for the sale of finished products.
Layout of CJSC "Phlox" on IDEX-2019. Photo NPK "Uralvagonzavod"
120-mm self-propelled gun 2С40 "Flox" and 82-mm self-propelled mortar 2C41 "Drok" are well known to Russian specialists and the public - these products have already been demonstrated at domestic exhibitions. Now they can be found at the overseas exhibition site. Apparently, in the future, mock-ups and full-scale samples of new artillery systems will become permanent participants in foreign military-technical salons.
Self-propelled artillery The Floks gun is based on the Ural-VV armored vehicle with a rear cargo platform. The vehicle is equipped with a special combat module with a 120-mm universal rifled gun. The gun was developed on the basis of the 2A80 product and combines the main features of guns, howitzers and mortars, which allows attacking various targets in different conditions using a wide range of ammunition. The ammunition includes 80 rounds - shells and mines with and without guidance systems. The Floks is equipped with an advanced fire control system that determines the coordinates of the self-propelled artillery system and the target with subsequent generation of data for firing.
Protection of the calculation and the main units is provided by booking 5 class, in some areas reinforced to 6. Provided for the use of the combat module with a machine gun and smoke grenade launchers. For the first time in domestic practice, an artillery installation is equipped with an optical-electronic suppression system.
Prototype "Phlox". Photo NPK "Uralvagonzavod"
Self-propelled mortar 2C41 "Grok" is built on the basis of a two-axle armored car "Typhoon Airborne". His cargo cabin is converted into a fighting compartment with a gun turret. On the roof there is a cannon-mounted cannon that holds an 82-mm breech-loaded mortar. Directly on the tower are the means of setting the smoke screen, in front of it is a combat module with a machine gun. During combat work, the crew of the vehicle remains inside the armored corps and is protected from bullets and fragments.
The main method of work "Drok" is shooting from a tower mortar from a closed position. At the same time ammunition from the internal styling of the fighting compartment is spent. If necessary, the mortar can be removed from the tower and used as a portable weapons. In this case, the self-propelled machine carries the base plate and biped. However, shooting from armor has obvious advantages.
The development of the Phlox and Drok projects is carried out in the interests of the Russian armed forces. The 120-mm self-propelled gun 2C40 is designed for ground forces, while a more compact and lightweight model 2C41 is created for airborne forces. According to the latest newsBoth new models were put to the test and in the foreseeable future will be able to enter service. At the beginning of the next decade, the delivery of the first production models to the army is expected.
Layout mortar "Drok" at the exhibition. Photo NPK "Uralvagonzavod"
The development organization intends to promote its new designs on the international market, for which it presented them at a foreign exhibition. So far, IDEX visitors have been able to see only mock-ups of vehicles and advertising materials, but in the future, approaches to promotion may change. If foreign countries show increased interest, “Drok” and “Phlox” may appear at exhibitions in the form of full-scale samples.
Real commercial prospects self-propelled guns 2С40 and 2С41 are not completely clear. At present, there is a steady demand on the international market for artillery systems made on light armored chassis. New Russian samples correspond to this concept and, moreover, have a number of important features. Thus, it is worth expecting that the foreign military will show interest in Russian developments, after which real contracts may appear. However, the struggle for a place in the market will not be easy. "Flox" and "Droku" will face serious competition.
Georgian novelty
The current exhibition IDEX-2019 has become a platform for the first show of another sample of light self-propelled artillery. The vision of the 120-mm self-propelled mortar was presented by the Georgian Delta Scientific-Technical Center. The new model is demonstrated under the name Didgori Meomari 120 mm Mobile Mortar System - “120-mm mobile mortar system“ Didgori Meomari ”.
The only known photograph of the mortar 2C41. Photo Sdelanounas.ru
The new Georgian model is built on the basis of a two-axle Didgori Meomari armored car. This car, in turn, is based on Ford F550 commercial vehicle units. Meomari is a variant of the further development of the Didgori platform, well known to specialists and the public. Declared quite high running characteristics. Reservations comply with the BR7 level of the European EN1063 standard, providing protection against 7,62-mm bullets.
When reconstructed into a mortar carrier, the armored car undergoes significant changes affecting its feed part. It organizes the laying of ammunition, as well as mounted installation with weapons. The gun mount has a specific design and is completely located outside the protected volume. When shooting calculation also forced to remain without protection.
In the stern of the hull of the base armored car is a folding frame with a hydraulic drive, carrying a rectangular base plate. On the latter there is a 120-mm muzzle-loading mortar with a biped. In the stowed position, the mortar lies in the corresponding cutout of the hull, and the base plate closes it behind. When translated into a combat plate, the two-blades are set on the ground, with the result that the gun bears a close resemblance to wearable mortars. Shooting is carried out only in the rear hemisphere.
Georgian self-propelled mortar Didgori Meomari 120 mm MMS. Photo Dambiev.livejournal.com
The crew of the self-propelled mortar Didgori Meomari 120 mm MMS consists of five people - two are responsible for moving, three use a mortar. In terms of its firing characteristics and combat qualities, the vehicle is no different from other models built using existing 120-mm mortars. In fact, we are talking only about a minor alteration of the towed mortar, providing for its installation on a self-propelled platform, and the automation of individual processes for preparing for shooting.
The widespread use of ready-made components and the absence of overly complex elements allows STC Delta to count on certain commercial successes of its new project. A commercial chassis, supplemented by a new armored hull and equipped with a mortar of a familiar design, is really able to interest potential customers. The purchasers of such equipment should be considered not rich countries who want to maintain the combat capability of the army, but at the same time spend less money.
However, even such features of the project do not allow us to count on an early guaranteed commercial success. Georgian self-propelled mortar will have to fight for contracts with other foreign developments. It is possible that the Georgian army will show interest in developing from its own country, but even in this case one cannot count on large orders.
Global trends
It should be noted that at the IDEX-2019 exhibition, in addition to "Flox", "Drok" and "Didgori Meomari", other samples of self-propelled artillery of different classes are shown. Foreign countries presented a number of their developments in this area - mostly already well-known and not for the first time participating in exhibitions. This shows that various manufacturers of combat vehicles understand the desires of the market and react to them. As a result, a large number of self-propelled guns "for every taste" appear on exhibitions and in product catalogs. Naturally, they become rivals and competitors.
Spanish fighting vehicle NTGS Alakran in one of the previous exhibitions. Photo Armyrecognition.com
The already well-known samples presented at IDEX-2019 demonstrate the main approaches to the creation of self-propelled guns, in particular mortars. For example, the Finnish company Patria has once again shown a self-propelled mortar NEMO caliber 120 mm, built on the basis of a wheeled armored personnel carrier. In general, such a project corresponds to traditional concepts, but develops them using modern technologies and components.
The Spanish company NTGS re-introduced its lightweight self-propelled mortar Alakran. It is built on the basis of an off-road vehicle, on the cargo platform of which the stowage for ammunition is placed and a special holding structure for an 120-mm mortar with a base plate. From the point of view of the general concept, “Alakran” occupies the same niche as the Georgian 120 mm MMS, however, it has some differences. In particular, the two machines differ in the design of the base chassis, protection performance and weapon installation systems.
A careful study of modern foreign projects of self-propelled artillery, including mortar systems, shows the main trends in the development of this sphere. It is not at all difficult to notice that new self-propelled gun projects from Russia and Georgia fully comply with current requirements and are capable of re-equipping various armies.
This year, the Russian Uralvagonzavod research and production complex for the first time presented its 2C40 "Phlox" and 2C41 "Drock" combat vehicles at a foreign military-technical exhibition. Such a premiere show is due to the desire of the development organization to bring new samples to the international arms market. What will be the consequences of the current shows - will be known later. New Russian samples have every chance to enter the foreign army.
On the materials of the sites:
http://uralvagonzavod.ru/
https://tass.ru/
https://rg.ru/
https://armyrecognition.com/
https://bmpd.livejournal.com/
Russian "flowers"
On the first day of the IDEX-2019 exhibition, the Russian research and production corporation Uralvagonzavod announced the launch of its new products on the international market. This year, for the first time, materials on the projects of the Phlox and Drok self-propelled guns, developed in the framework of the RCD Sketch, are being presented at the overseas site. With the help of this demonstration, it is planned to attract the attention of foreign countries and in the future to sign contracts for the sale of finished products.
Layout of CJSC "Phlox" on IDEX-2019. Photo NPK "Uralvagonzavod"
120-mm self-propelled gun 2С40 "Flox" and 82-mm self-propelled mortar 2C41 "Drok" are well known to Russian specialists and the public - these products have already been demonstrated at domestic exhibitions. Now they can be found at the overseas exhibition site. Apparently, in the future, mock-ups and full-scale samples of new artillery systems will become permanent participants in foreign military-technical salons.
Self-propelled artillery The Floks gun is based on the Ural-VV armored vehicle with a rear cargo platform. The vehicle is equipped with a special combat module with a 120-mm universal rifled gun. The gun was developed on the basis of the 2A80 product and combines the main features of guns, howitzers and mortars, which allows attacking various targets in different conditions using a wide range of ammunition. The ammunition includes 80 rounds - shells and mines with and without guidance systems. The Floks is equipped with an advanced fire control system that determines the coordinates of the self-propelled artillery system and the target with subsequent generation of data for firing.
Protection of the calculation and the main units is provided by booking 5 class, in some areas reinforced to 6. Provided for the use of the combat module with a machine gun and smoke grenade launchers. For the first time in domestic practice, an artillery installation is equipped with an optical-electronic suppression system.
Prototype "Phlox". Photo NPK "Uralvagonzavod"
Self-propelled mortar 2C41 "Grok" is built on the basis of a two-axle armored car "Typhoon Airborne". His cargo cabin is converted into a fighting compartment with a gun turret. On the roof there is a cannon-mounted cannon that holds an 82-mm breech-loaded mortar. Directly on the tower are the means of setting the smoke screen, in front of it is a combat module with a machine gun. During combat work, the crew of the vehicle remains inside the armored corps and is protected from bullets and fragments.
The main method of work "Drok" is shooting from a tower mortar from a closed position. At the same time ammunition from the internal styling of the fighting compartment is spent. If necessary, the mortar can be removed from the tower and used as a portable weapons. In this case, the self-propelled machine carries the base plate and biped. However, shooting from armor has obvious advantages.
The development of the Phlox and Drok projects is carried out in the interests of the Russian armed forces. The 120-mm self-propelled gun 2C40 is designed for ground forces, while a more compact and lightweight model 2C41 is created for airborne forces. According to the latest newsBoth new models were put to the test and in the foreseeable future will be able to enter service. At the beginning of the next decade, the delivery of the first production models to the army is expected.
Layout mortar "Drok" at the exhibition. Photo NPK "Uralvagonzavod"
The development organization intends to promote its new designs on the international market, for which it presented them at a foreign exhibition. So far, IDEX visitors have been able to see only mock-ups of vehicles and advertising materials, but in the future, approaches to promotion may change. If foreign countries show increased interest, “Drok” and “Phlox” may appear at exhibitions in the form of full-scale samples.
Real commercial prospects self-propelled guns 2С40 and 2С41 are not completely clear. At present, there is a steady demand on the international market for artillery systems made on light armored chassis. New Russian samples correspond to this concept and, moreover, have a number of important features. Thus, it is worth expecting that the foreign military will show interest in Russian developments, after which real contracts may appear. However, the struggle for a place in the market will not be easy. "Flox" and "Droku" will face serious competition.
Georgian novelty
The current exhibition IDEX-2019 has become a platform for the first show of another sample of light self-propelled artillery. The vision of the 120-mm self-propelled mortar was presented by the Georgian Delta Scientific-Technical Center. The new model is demonstrated under the name Didgori Meomari 120 mm Mobile Mortar System - “120-mm mobile mortar system“ Didgori Meomari ”.
The only known photograph of the mortar 2C41. Photo Sdelanounas.ru
The new Georgian model is built on the basis of a two-axle Didgori Meomari armored car. This car, in turn, is based on Ford F550 commercial vehicle units. Meomari is a variant of the further development of the Didgori platform, well known to specialists and the public. Declared quite high running characteristics. Reservations comply with the BR7 level of the European EN1063 standard, providing protection against 7,62-mm bullets.
When reconstructed into a mortar carrier, the armored car undergoes significant changes affecting its feed part. It organizes the laying of ammunition, as well as mounted installation with weapons. The gun mount has a specific design and is completely located outside the protected volume. When shooting calculation also forced to remain without protection.
In the stern of the hull of the base armored car is a folding frame with a hydraulic drive, carrying a rectangular base plate. On the latter there is a 120-mm muzzle-loading mortar with a biped. In the stowed position, the mortar lies in the corresponding cutout of the hull, and the base plate closes it behind. When translated into a combat plate, the two-blades are set on the ground, with the result that the gun bears a close resemblance to wearable mortars. Shooting is carried out only in the rear hemisphere.
Georgian self-propelled mortar Didgori Meomari 120 mm MMS. Photo Dambiev.livejournal.com
The crew of the self-propelled mortar Didgori Meomari 120 mm MMS consists of five people - two are responsible for moving, three use a mortar. In terms of its firing characteristics and combat qualities, the vehicle is no different from other models built using existing 120-mm mortars. In fact, we are talking only about a minor alteration of the towed mortar, providing for its installation on a self-propelled platform, and the automation of individual processes for preparing for shooting.
The widespread use of ready-made components and the absence of overly complex elements allows STC Delta to count on certain commercial successes of its new project. A commercial chassis, supplemented by a new armored hull and equipped with a mortar of a familiar design, is really able to interest potential customers. The purchasers of such equipment should be considered not rich countries who want to maintain the combat capability of the army, but at the same time spend less money.
However, even such features of the project do not allow us to count on an early guaranteed commercial success. Georgian self-propelled mortar will have to fight for contracts with other foreign developments. It is possible that the Georgian army will show interest in developing from its own country, but even in this case one cannot count on large orders.
Global trends
It should be noted that at the IDEX-2019 exhibition, in addition to "Flox", "Drok" and "Didgori Meomari", other samples of self-propelled artillery of different classes are shown. Foreign countries presented a number of their developments in this area - mostly already well-known and not for the first time participating in exhibitions. This shows that various manufacturers of combat vehicles understand the desires of the market and react to them. As a result, a large number of self-propelled guns "for every taste" appear on exhibitions and in product catalogs. Naturally, they become rivals and competitors.
Spanish fighting vehicle NTGS Alakran in one of the previous exhibitions. Photo Armyrecognition.com
The already well-known samples presented at IDEX-2019 demonstrate the main approaches to the creation of self-propelled guns, in particular mortars. For example, the Finnish company Patria has once again shown a self-propelled mortar NEMO caliber 120 mm, built on the basis of a wheeled armored personnel carrier. In general, such a project corresponds to traditional concepts, but develops them using modern technologies and components.
The Spanish company NTGS re-introduced its lightweight self-propelled mortar Alakran. It is built on the basis of an off-road vehicle, on the cargo platform of which the stowage for ammunition is placed and a special holding structure for an 120-mm mortar with a base plate. From the point of view of the general concept, “Alakran” occupies the same niche as the Georgian 120 mm MMS, however, it has some differences. In particular, the two machines differ in the design of the base chassis, protection performance and weapon installation systems.
A careful study of modern foreign projects of self-propelled artillery, including mortar systems, shows the main trends in the development of this sphere. It is not at all difficult to notice that new self-propelled gun projects from Russia and Georgia fully comply with current requirements and are capable of re-equipping various armies.
This year, the Russian Uralvagonzavod research and production complex for the first time presented its 2C40 "Phlox" and 2C41 "Drock" combat vehicles at a foreign military-technical exhibition. Such a premiere show is due to the desire of the development organization to bring new samples to the international arms market. What will be the consequences of the current shows - will be known later. New Russian samples have every chance to enter the foreign army.
On the materials of the sites:
http://uralvagonzavod.ru/
https://tass.ru/
https://rg.ru/
https://armyrecognition.com/
https://bmpd.livejournal.com/
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