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