SAU Zuzana 2. Modern sample without a big future
In the late nineties, the Zuzana self-propelled howitzers entered the Slovak army. Soon the company-developer Konštrukta-Defense, part of the DMD Group, began designing an updated version of this ACS with enhanced features. Now an improved sample is offered internationally and is known as the Zuzana 2.
SAU Zuzana 2 is another representative of the Slovak self-propelled gun family, whose roots go back to the seventies of the last century. Then was created SAU ShKH vz. 77 DANA, distinguished by unusual architecture and rather high performance. In the nineties, based on this sample, the 155 mm ShKH Zuzana self-propelled howitzer was developed. Its main difference was the 155-mm gun conforming to NATO standards. Later, the development of the basic concept continued, with the result that the Zuzana 2 ACS appeared.
All three projects are based on the same ideas and design solutions. The ACS is built on the basis of a four-axle chassis, the platform of which is given for the installation of the tower. The fighting compartment is made as automated as possible, the crew does not come into contact with ammunition and guns. Due to such ideas, high mobility in different landscapes and crew safety are ensured.
The differences between the three Slovak SAUs are due to changes in weapons and the gradual updating of fire control systems. However, the latest project Zuzana 2 provides for substantial processing of individual components. Thus, the entire family of ACS demonstrates the benefits of consistent modernization of equipment, and its last representative shows the potential of the design.
The first prototype of the new ACS, called Zuzana XA1, was first shown in 2008. Later, this car repeatedly participated in exhibitions and later was named Zuzana 2. Since the beginning of this decade, the company Konštrukta-Defense has been searching for potential customers. Not so long ago, her efforts led to the desired results.
In general, Zuzana 2 is based on the design of the previous ACS, but has significant differences. Revision passed as the base chassis, and the tower with weapons. All these measures ensured the growth of all basic tactical and technical characteristics.
The Tatra 815 8x8 basic chassis received an updated forward armored cabin for the driver with improved armor. This cabin has a smaller width and a different layout, as well as enhanced armor. Frontal projection withstands 14,5-mm bullets. A new Tatra T3B-928.70 diesel engine with an 440 horsepower, coupled with a 10TS180 type gearbox, is located in the rear landing gear chassis. Chassis remained the same. Also saved hydraulic jacks for hanging before shooting.
The architecture of the fighting compartment has not changed. In its place remains the tower, consisting of two separate volumes with a gun installation between them. In the side compartments of such a tower are placed three crew members and ammunition from 40 separate loading shots. Tower armor strengthened to protect against heavy caliber rifle weapons. Also, the tower is equipped with air-conditioning of the habitable compartment and a fire system. The principles of operation of the fighting compartment have not changed - the loading and guidance is carried out using automatic systems with remote control.
The Zuzana 2 ACS gets an 155-mm rifled howitzer with a barrel of 52 caliber. This product has a length of 8,2 m and weighs slightly less than 1,9 t. For comparison, the previous version's self-propelled gun had a 45-caliber barrel and was smaller and lighter. A standard muzzle brake and reinforced recoil devices are used.
The gun is serviced by an automatic loader, which supplies shells and propellant charges. Fired rate of up to 6 shots / min. The automatic loader can move components of shots up to 1 m long. There are devices for working with programmable fuses. If necessary, the ACS can operate in manual loading mode, but in this case, the crew provides no more than 2 rounds per minute.
The project Zuzana 2 provides a radical update of fire control. The ACS received a combined day-night devices for observing and firing direct fire. The fire control system is associated with communications and can use digital terrain maps. Calculation of data for shooting is done automatically. Above the gun barrel is a compact radar to measure the initial velocity of the projectile. Navigation is provided by satellite and inertial systems. Depending on their requirements, the customer can choose the best means of communication and control.
In various situations, Zuzana 2 ACS can fire direct fire or from a closed position. In the latter case, the minimum firing range is 4 km. When using active-missiles, the maximum range reaches 41 km. The LMS allows you to shoot in a "barrage of fire" mode, sending several projectiles along different trajectories to the same target.
Auxiliary weapons remained the same. For self-defense, the self-propelled gun carries an 12,7-mm machine gun and a set of smoke grenade launchers.
Due to improvements in the design and armament, the length of the Zuzana 2 self-propelled guns increased to 14,2 m. The mass increased to 32 tons.
The Slovak self-propelled guns of the Zuzana line show quite high characteristics and are of particular interest to potential buyers. However, the cars of the two models have not yet achieved much success in the market. For example, ShKH Zuzana self-propelled guns were mass-produced in just two contracts, and fewer 30 machines were built.
New ACS Zuzana 2 since the beginning of the tenths has been shown at exhibitions and offered to the armies, but real successes have appeared only recently. In May, the Slovak Ministry of Defense received the approval of 2018 for the purchase of new ACS. In the near future it was planned to sign a contract for the mass production of such equipment. The army wanted to get 25 self-propelled guns, spare parts and ammunition for them, as well as services for the training of crews and the subsequent maintenance of equipment. All this is allocated 175 million euros.
At the end of 2018, negotiations were completed, the results of which resulted in real contracts. The main contractor under the contract was the firm Konštrukta-Defense. The production of machinery will be mastered by the ZTS-ŠPECIÁL plant (Dubnica nad Vahom), which is also part of the DMD Group. Building a 25 self-propelled gun will take several years.
The first batch of four cars will go to the army of Slovakia by the middle of 2020. Before the start of the 2021, five more SPGs will be built. In 2021 and 2022 the contractor will hand over eight units of equipment. In parallel, the delivery of support systems and training of personnel will be carried out.
According to the results of the implementation of the current order in the ground forces of Slovakia will be 25 SAU Zuzana 2, which will replace the existing ShKH Zuzana. The technique of basic modification managed to develop a resource, and by the middle of the next decade they are going to replace it with a newer one. It is easy to see that the current plans of the command include both quantitative and qualitative growth of self-propelled artillery. However, in this case, the Slovak artillery troops will not be too large and developed.
In the coming years, the organizations involved in the Zuzana 2 project will be engaged in the production of equipment for the ground forces of Slovakia. They may also have to start production for third countries, but the likelihood of an export contract is not too large.
The Zuzana 2 SAU offered on the market has an interesting appearance and rather high tactical and technical characteristics, as a result of which it may be of interest to certain foreign armies. However, the situation on the market of self-propelled artillery is such that the Slovak industry can hardly count on large and lucrative contracts. In addition to ShKH Zuzana 2, there are a lot of foreign samples on the market, including those with significant advantages. As a result, potential buyers may pay attention to them, and not to the Slovak development.
An interesting fact is that modern self-propelled howitzers Zuzana and Zuzana 2, created taking into account NATO standards and with an eye on exports, turned out to be less successful than their predecessor DANA, which complied with the requirements of ATS. In the past, more than 670 of such machines were built, while the total production of newer models will not exceed a few dozen.
Thus, modern Zuzana 2 ACS is a curious example of how a promising and promising sample that meets current requirements does not meet with much interest from customers. To date, the last member of the Slovak self-propelled family was the subject of only one contract - from his own army. The future commercial future of a good self-propelled gun remains vague and does not inspire optimism.
The continuity of generations
SAU Zuzana 2 is another representative of the Slovak self-propelled gun family, whose roots go back to the seventies of the last century. Then was created SAU ShKH vz. 77 DANA, distinguished by unusual architecture and rather high performance. In the nineties, based on this sample, the 155 mm ShKH Zuzana self-propelled howitzer was developed. Its main difference was the 155-mm gun conforming to NATO standards. Later, the development of the basic concept continued, with the result that the Zuzana 2 ACS appeared.
All three projects are based on the same ideas and design solutions. The ACS is built on the basis of a four-axle chassis, the platform of which is given for the installation of the tower. The fighting compartment is made as automated as possible, the crew does not come into contact with ammunition and guns. Due to such ideas, high mobility in different landscapes and crew safety are ensured.
The differences between the three Slovak SAUs are due to changes in weapons and the gradual updating of fire control systems. However, the latest project Zuzana 2 provides for substantial processing of individual components. Thus, the entire family of ACS demonstrates the benefits of consistent modernization of equipment, and its last representative shows the potential of the design.
The first prototype of the new ACS, called Zuzana XA1, was first shown in 2008. Later, this car repeatedly participated in exhibitions and later was named Zuzana 2. Since the beginning of this decade, the company Konštrukta-Defense has been searching for potential customers. Not so long ago, her efforts led to the desired results.
The main differences
In general, Zuzana 2 is based on the design of the previous ACS, but has significant differences. Revision passed as the base chassis, and the tower with weapons. All these measures ensured the growth of all basic tactical and technical characteristics.
The Tatra 815 8x8 basic chassis received an updated forward armored cabin for the driver with improved armor. This cabin has a smaller width and a different layout, as well as enhanced armor. Frontal projection withstands 14,5-mm bullets. A new Tatra T3B-928.70 diesel engine with an 440 horsepower, coupled with a 10TS180 type gearbox, is located in the rear landing gear chassis. Chassis remained the same. Also saved hydraulic jacks for hanging before shooting.
The architecture of the fighting compartment has not changed. In its place remains the tower, consisting of two separate volumes with a gun installation between them. In the side compartments of such a tower are placed three crew members and ammunition from 40 separate loading shots. Tower armor strengthened to protect against heavy caliber rifle weapons. Also, the tower is equipped with air-conditioning of the habitable compartment and a fire system. The principles of operation of the fighting compartment have not changed - the loading and guidance is carried out using automatic systems with remote control.
The Zuzana 2 ACS gets an 155-mm rifled howitzer with a barrel of 52 caliber. This product has a length of 8,2 m and weighs slightly less than 1,9 t. For comparison, the previous version's self-propelled gun had a 45-caliber barrel and was smaller and lighter. A standard muzzle brake and reinforced recoil devices are used.
The gun is serviced by an automatic loader, which supplies shells and propellant charges. Fired rate of up to 6 shots / min. The automatic loader can move components of shots up to 1 m long. There are devices for working with programmable fuses. If necessary, the ACS can operate in manual loading mode, but in this case, the crew provides no more than 2 rounds per minute.
The project Zuzana 2 provides a radical update of fire control. The ACS received a combined day-night devices for observing and firing direct fire. The fire control system is associated with communications and can use digital terrain maps. Calculation of data for shooting is done automatically. Above the gun barrel is a compact radar to measure the initial velocity of the projectile. Navigation is provided by satellite and inertial systems. Depending on their requirements, the customer can choose the best means of communication and control.
In various situations, Zuzana 2 ACS can fire direct fire or from a closed position. In the latter case, the minimum firing range is 4 km. When using active-missiles, the maximum range reaches 41 km. The LMS allows you to shoot in a "barrage of fire" mode, sending several projectiles along different trajectories to the same target.
Auxiliary weapons remained the same. For self-defense, the self-propelled gun carries an 12,7-mm machine gun and a set of smoke grenade launchers.
Due to improvements in the design and armament, the length of the Zuzana 2 self-propelled guns increased to 14,2 m. The mass increased to 32 tons.
Limited success
The Slovak self-propelled guns of the Zuzana line show quite high characteristics and are of particular interest to potential buyers. However, the cars of the two models have not yet achieved much success in the market. For example, ShKH Zuzana self-propelled guns were mass-produced in just two contracts, and fewer 30 machines were built.
New ACS Zuzana 2 since the beginning of the tenths has been shown at exhibitions and offered to the armies, but real successes have appeared only recently. In May, the Slovak Ministry of Defense received the approval of 2018 for the purchase of new ACS. In the near future it was planned to sign a contract for the mass production of such equipment. The army wanted to get 25 self-propelled guns, spare parts and ammunition for them, as well as services for the training of crews and the subsequent maintenance of equipment. All this is allocated 175 million euros.
At the end of 2018, negotiations were completed, the results of which resulted in real contracts. The main contractor under the contract was the firm Konštrukta-Defense. The production of machinery will be mastered by the ZTS-ŠPECIÁL plant (Dubnica nad Vahom), which is also part of the DMD Group. Building a 25 self-propelled gun will take several years.
The first batch of four cars will go to the army of Slovakia by the middle of 2020. Before the start of the 2021, five more SPGs will be built. In 2021 and 2022 the contractor will hand over eight units of equipment. In parallel, the delivery of support systems and training of personnel will be carried out.
According to the results of the implementation of the current order in the ground forces of Slovakia will be 25 SAU Zuzana 2, which will replace the existing ShKH Zuzana. The technique of basic modification managed to develop a resource, and by the middle of the next decade they are going to replace it with a newer one. It is easy to see that the current plans of the command include both quantitative and qualitative growth of self-propelled artillery. However, in this case, the Slovak artillery troops will not be too large and developed.
Further perspectives
In the coming years, the organizations involved in the Zuzana 2 project will be engaged in the production of equipment for the ground forces of Slovakia. They may also have to start production for third countries, but the likelihood of an export contract is not too large.
The Zuzana 2 SAU offered on the market has an interesting appearance and rather high tactical and technical characteristics, as a result of which it may be of interest to certain foreign armies. However, the situation on the market of self-propelled artillery is such that the Slovak industry can hardly count on large and lucrative contracts. In addition to ShKH Zuzana 2, there are a lot of foreign samples on the market, including those with significant advantages. As a result, potential buyers may pay attention to them, and not to the Slovak development.
An interesting fact is that modern self-propelled howitzers Zuzana and Zuzana 2, created taking into account NATO standards and with an eye on exports, turned out to be less successful than their predecessor DANA, which complied with the requirements of ATS. In the past, more than 670 of such machines were built, while the total production of newer models will not exceed a few dozen.
Thus, modern Zuzana 2 ACS is a curious example of how a promising and promising sample that meets current requirements does not meet with much interest from customers. To date, the last member of the Slovak self-propelled family was the subject of only one contract - from his own army. The future commercial future of a good self-propelled gun remains vague and does not inspire optimism.
Information