Self-propelled artillery gun "Lotos". Before testing and fine-tuning

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In early June, in Podolsk Central Research Institute Tochmash, the first prototype of the 2-42 “Lotos” self-propelled artillery gun was rolled out. The machine immediately demonstrated some of its skills, but it still has to go through a long process of testing and refinement. According to the results of these activities, Lotos will go into service with the airborne troops and replace the old SAO 2C9 Nona-S. It is important that the new sample has a number of characteristic advantages over the existing one.





Proven concept


The perspective CAO 2C42 is based on the same concept as its predecessors, but is built from modern components. This self-propelled gun is a self-propelled tracked vehicle with the ability to transport military transport aircraft. The tower is installed on the case with a universal 120-mm gun that solves the tasks of guns, howitzers and mortars.

The basis of "Lotus" is the modified chassis of the BMD-4М serial landing machine, which has retained its main features and assemblies. All new models of armored vehicles for the Airborne Forces are created taking into account the unification, and the CAO 2С42 is no exception. This approach will simplify the joint operation of machines for different purposes.

In the Lotus tower, an 120-mm smooth-bore gun is installed, based on the 2-51 product from the CAO 2-XNNXX. The gun is modified to reflect the accumulated experience and is equipped with modern fire control tools. The fighting compartment is also changed to obtain some advantages over the “Nonoy-S”.

Unified chassis


The main advantage of the used chassis is its unification with other modern samples for the Airborne Forces. At the same time, the chassis for Lotus also has other positive features that favorably distinguish it from the corresponding part of the SAO of the previous models.

First of all, the overall novelty of the chassis is beneficial. It is based on modern components, which provides operational advantages. The new chassis allowed us to increase the driving performance. Thus, the maximum speed of the CAO 2С9 reached 60 km / h, while 2С42 on the highway accelerates to 70 km / h. It is noteworthy that “Lotus” shows such characteristics, losing “None-S” in the power density - 25 hp / t against 30.

The 2C42 is built on the basis of a larger case: its length is about a meter longer than that of the 2C9. This made it possible to obtain additional volumes, including for the placement of additional fuel and ammunition. Chassis extension has led to the need to use the seventh pair of track rollers, but this did not hit the mobility.

Protection level


The BMD-4М housing has a lightweight bulletproof booking; its exact parameters have not yet been published. The CAO 2C42 retains such protection, and also receives a tower with comparable resistance. Thus, in terms of the level of protection against the enemy’s barrel systems, the “Lotus” is at least as good as the existing technology.

Own reservation of a new self-propelled gun has limited stamina, and therefore it is proposed to increase survivability on the battlefield by additional funds. "Lotus" is completed with a system of optical-electronic countermeasures of circular action. Radiation sensors of high-precision guidance systems are installed around the machine’s perimeter. weapons the adversary. When irradiated, the automatic equipment deploys launchers and shoots smoke grenades. The latter create a curtain blocking infrared and laser radiation. An important feature of such protection is its ability to detect radiation from all directions and all-round shooting of grenades.

Firepower


2С42 “Lotos” receives weapons of the ballistic “weapon-shot” scheme, similar to that used on previous models. The new 120-mm system is able to use a variety of ammunition and solve problems characteristic of guns, howitzers and mortars. In this case we are talking about increasing the length of the barrel and other significant modifications that positively affect the characteristics.

A longer barrel with a developed muzzle brake allows you to bring the maximum firing range to 13 km. The process of preparing to shoot as automated as possible, which allows you to get the rate of fire to 6-8 shots / min. The appearance of additional volumes in the fighting compartment has increased the ammunition. CJSC "Nona-S" transports 20 shots, the new "Lotos" - almost twice as much.



In the past, it was mentioned that the Lotos ammunition will include new shots of increased power. An improved 120-mm projectile is close in effectiveness to an 152 mm ammunition. At the same time, compatibility is maintained with all existing shots for the 2-51 gun.

As part of the CAO 2C42 there is a modern, advanced fire control system integrated with tactical communications. Together with the "Lotus" is being developed a unified machine control artillery fire "Zavet-D." The combined use of two promising models of equipment should provide an effective solution to combat missions.

Intermediate result


In 2016, representatives of the developer organization argued that the CAO 2C42 “Lotos” would be put to the test in 2017, and mass production would be arranged in 2020. Actually, the first prototype was rolled out only two years after the mentioned deadlines, but otherwise the CRI Tochmash keeps optimism. This year it is planned to conduct preliminary tests and go to the state. In April, it was clarified that mass production could be launched as early as next year.

During the first demonstration of 5 in June, the experienced Lotos had limited capabilities. In particular, weapons could be used only in manual mode - because of the need to further refine the software. However, even in this state, the car markedly passed on the highway, demonstrated the work of a controlled suspension and made a single shot.

In the coming months, industry and the army will have to carry out comprehensive inspections, make the necessary adjustments and prepare experimental equipment for state tests. According to the results of the latter, the issue of adopting and launching the series will be decided.

Prospects for rearmament


A new self-propelled gun is being created as a modern replacement for the outdated 2C9 Nona-S and its modifications. "Lotos" in its current form are intended to serve in the Airborne Forces and are created in accordance with their requirements.

According to different sources, the Russian Airborne Forces have about 750 SAO 2C9. About a third of this amount remains in service, while the others are sent for storage. Thus, for the complete replacement of obsolete samples, several hundreds of new “Lotos” are required. The production of such a quantity of equipment requires several years. This means that in the absence of serious problems during the test phase, the re-equipment of the airborne forces will last at least until the mid-twenties.

In general, by the middle of the next decade, the Airborne Forces will noticeably renew their armored vehicle fleet using modern models. All new cars, incl. "Lotus" have certain advantages over their predecessors, as well as performed unified. Thus, the Airborne Forces equipment will be newer, better, more effective in combat and easier to operate.

It takes time to carry out all the necessary activities and work, and news on the entry of "Lotus" in the army will not appear soon. However, in the very near future the first public display of this car will take place. The prototype will be included in the exposition of the Army-2019 exhibition.
  • Ryabov Kirill
  • Central Research Institute Tochmash / cniitm.ru, Vitalykuzmin.net
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25 comments
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  1. +3
    18 June 2019 05: 16
    My friend served as a driver on Nona and even named my daughter in her honor!
    1. The comment was deleted.
    2. -1
      18 June 2019 07: 02
      Nona, there is no such name, Nonna is, but then it turns out that it’s not in honor of her .....
      1. +2
        18 June 2019 07: 27
        My wife’s grandmother’s name is “Nona Fedorovna” and she’s already 87 years old !!! I understand that these are purely “opuses of competency - employees of the passport office”, but at least we can say that the “Nona” self-propelled gun is named after “Nona” - grandmother !!! I'm joking!
      2. 0
        18 June 2019 07: 40
        The name is, read Wiki, not so known as Nonna, but there is hi and his daughter’s name is Nona Maximovna !!!
      3. +2
        18 June 2019 14: 29
        "NONA" is an acronym ... "New Ground Artillery Cannon" ...
    3. 0
      18 June 2019 07: 27
      According to various sources, the Russian Airborne Forces have about 750 SA 2S9. About a third of this amount remains in service, while the rest are sent for storage. Thus, for the full replacement of obsolete samples requires several hundred new "Lotus". It takes several years to produce such an amount of equipment.


      This is the saddest part of the article ... definitely need to be changed, but is there any finance for it ...
    4. 0
      18 June 2019 10: 29
      When the brain is missing.
  2. The comment was deleted.
  3. -3
    18 June 2019 05: 54
    Lotus would still have "smart" shells ...
    1. +1
      18 June 2019 11: 19
      Everything is already there, developed for "Nona" and "Vienna": "Kitolov-2", "Gran", "Beta"
      1. 0
        18 June 2019 14: 27
        For the 2A51 / 2A80 gun, indeed, a projectile with a laser seeker "Kitolov-2" has been developed ... But the "Gran" mine is intended for a smoothbore mortar of the "Sani" type .. I don’t know about the "Beta" ... (where did you get it from " dug out "?)
        1. +1
          18 June 2019 14: 35
          Quote: Nikolaevich I
          But the "Gran" mine is intended for a smoothbore mortar of the "Sani" type

          Suitable for "Nona-shaped" too
    2. +1
      18 June 2019 15: 05
      A UAS with a semi-active laser seeker is not smart enough for you?
  4. 0
    18 June 2019 06: 11
    Serious unit in appearance. Light tank.
    Only in the article, not a word about parachute landing, was there such an opportunity? The car has grown significantly.
  5. The comment was deleted.
    1. The comment was deleted.
  6. 0
    18 June 2019 10: 38
    Nowhere in the article did not find floating or not
  7. The comment was deleted.
    1. The comment was deleted.
    2. The comment was deleted.
  8. +2
    18 June 2019 11: 15
    The Airborne Forces managed to break through the reincarnation of the 2S31 "Vienna"
    1. +3
      18 June 2019 14: 43
      Quote: Cympak
      reincarnation 2C31 "Vienna"

      Apparently, no. At least as long as the rangefinder is not observed. That is, there are no advanced direct-fire opportunities
  9. +1
    18 June 2019 12: 14
    A logical question arises. If everyone standing in service with Nona is replaced by Lotus, then where will Nona go? In fact, a 120mm mortar and even self-propelled will not hurt anyone.
    1. 0
      18 June 2019 15: 09
      Quote: garri-lin
      then where will Nona go?

      Write off. This essentially a temporary solution was, therefore, frankly, the device was not so hot. Short range, expensive shells, very difficult to operate
      1. 0
        19 June 2019 15: 04
        None seems to be a good bullet with ordinary inexpensive 120mm caliber mines. Even the manufacturer is not important ours or Nato. A new sight, a little podshamanit and I think will fight again. Friends with a small military budget.
        You said difficult to operate. You can in more detail or a reference. He believed that Nona was a fairly simple weapon. Since it is not so desirable to fill in the gaps.
        1. 0
          19 June 2019 17: 49
          Quote: garri-lin
          None seems to be a good bullet with ordinary inexpensive 120mm caliber mines. Even the manufacturer is not important ours or Nato.

          The usual 120 mm mortar also fires them well

          Quote: garri-lin
          Can be more detailed

          Problems with obturation. We have to use plastic seals with all that it implies. Up to the point of needing to wipe the shutter and the charging chamber with a rag after each shot to ensure that the bolt does not close completely. I don't know if this problem was solved on the "Vienna" and its descendants, but "Nona-S" had it.
          1. 0
            19 June 2019 18: 26
            Well, Nona is all the same self-propelled and even floating. Plus, the technique has proven that it can work hard. There are many strategic partners in Russia now, I think if they don’t refuse to "distribute / sell for cheap".
            Obturator means. I did not know thanks for the info. Do not explain this disease of all breech-loading mortars, or is it just that the construction of Nona specifically turned out to be ill-conceived?
            1. 0
              19 June 2019 19: 04
              Quote: garri-lin
              Plus, the technology has proven that it can work for wear.

              The fact of the matter is that it cannot work "for wear and tear".

              Quote: garri-lin
              Do not explain this disease of all breech-loading mortars, or is it just that the construction of Nona specifically turned out to be ill-conceived?

              There are not very many of these treasury-charging. But in my opinion, the most intelligent solution to the problem is Finnish. With special pallets

              Apparently, the Soviet tankers spied. Well, ours did not guess.
              1. 0
                19 June 2019 20: 19
                Thank you for clarification.
  10. 0
    18 June 2019 16: 41
    The weapon mounted on the "Lotus" is by no means smooth-bore. This is a specific type of weapon, developed and accepted into mass production only in the USSR (Russia) - a rifled gun for shells with ready-made rifling on the leading belt, which also allows you to shoot mines of the same caliber, intended for both smooth-bore and rifled mortars. I ask either the authors of the articles to read at least something other than the Internet, or the administration of the site should take the published materials more seriously. In just a year that I have been reading this site, it has seriously "sagged" in terms of the quality of articles.
    1. -2
      29 June 2019 15: 04
      This is a specific type of guns, developed and accepted for serial production only in the USSR (Russia) - a rifled gun for shells with ready-to-use rifles in the leading belt,


      Well, how would it be ... Concept taken from the French. Only those did not begin to make the "weapon" and limited themselves to the "mortar". Nona-M, sobsno, is a direct analogue of the Frenchman. But not a copy!

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