"Malka" with a new engine will go to the troops
Until recently, Russian industry was engaged in the modernization of the 2S7M Malka self-propelled gun of special power. A few months ago it became known about the tests, and now the enterprise-developer has reported on the completion of the project. Updated equipment is ready to go to the troops.
Completion of work
On April 7, the press service of NPK Uralvagonzavod told about the intermediate results of the modernization project. The company announces the completion of the modernization project with the desired results. The Uraltransmash plant, which is part of the corporation, performed the design, and then modernized the prototype machine.
The first model, modernized by a new project, passed a full cycle of tests. All design characteristics are fully confirmed in practice. According to the results of the update, it was possible to obtain an increase in running characteristics, maneuverability, team handling, etc.
It is alleged that the first modernized 2C7M Malka model is already ready and can be transferred to the troops. In addition, preparations were made for full-scale work to upgrade equipment from combat units of the ground forces. How soon this modernization will begin is not specified.
It is necessary to recall the messages of the recent past. In mid-December, the management of Uralvagonzavod spoke about the start of testing the updated 2S7M self-propelled guns. Work on overhaul and modernization was planned to be completed in the coming weeks. Plans for 2020 included preparations for mass modernization of equipment.
According to recent reports, all of this work has already been completed. The Uraltransmash enterprise is ready to accept old equipment and rebuild it according to a new project.
New from old
The current project provides for major repairs and deep modernization of available equipment; construction of new cars is not planned. For revision they will go 2S7M self-propelled guns, which are distinguished by a rather large age and have partially consumed a resource.
The development work of Malka was carried out in the first half of the eighties, its goal was to deeply modernize the existing 2S7 Peony self-propelled guns. Ready-made self-propelled guns were launched in 1986 instead of the base Peony. Production continued until 1990, and during this time several dozen military vehicles were built.
According to open sources, now there is approx. 60 self-propelled guns of the Malka type. Their main characteristics still meet the highest requirements, but a respectable age imposes some restrictions. The resumption of production, discontinued 30 years ago, is impossible or does not make sense. For these reasons, several years ago it was decided to launch a deep modernization project.
The first results of such a program have already been obtained. One instance of 2S7M underwent major repairs and modernization with the replacement of parts of equipment. In the near future they plan to return it to the army. Then, the expected process of mass restructuring of equipment will begin, which will ultimately allow to increase the combat qualities of artillery formations.
Repair and upgrade processes are likely to affect most of the existing fleet of self-propelled guns. This will allow continued operation of the Malok for a long time, and with the maximum possible results.
Domestic and modern
Last year, NPK Uralvagonzavod specified the main features of the new project. It provides for the restoration of the technical readiness of a combat vehicle, the replacement of parts of units and the installation of new devices. Replacement is made both for reasons of obsolescence and for reasons of import substitution.
The need to switch to domestic components most of all influenced the completion of the armored chassis. The V-84B diesel engine and mechanical transmission with planetary rotation mechanism and hydraulic control were produced by Ukrainian industry. They were replaced by Russian-made units. A similar adjustment was carried out in a number of other systems, such as energy supply, etc.
Import substitution and modernization have affected the on-board electronics complex. Under the replacement went the equipment of internal and external communications. New means of receiving, processing and issuing data for firing are used. Changed viewing devices for the crew.
Replacing the power plant and other equipment does not require serious alteration of the hull. Bulletproof booking remains the same, the layout does not change. The chassis retains the original design. One of the main differences between the modernized Malki and the base Peony was the availability of routine monitoring equipment. With the next modernization, it remains.
Artillery The unit and associated equipment have not been modified. The 203 mm 2A44 gun shows outstanding performance and does not need to be replaced. The ammunition stowage and loading mechanism were improved during the development of the 2S7M Malka project and still show sufficient performance.
Positive effects
The expected serial modernization will positively affect the condition and potential of the existing 2S7M self-propelled guns. This will allow the continued operation of such equipment for a long period of time upon receipt of all the necessary combat capabilities.
On the service life, first of all, the performance of major repairs will affect. All Malki are of a considerable age and may need restoration work. Of great importance is the replacement of imported components with domestic ones. Now, the operation, repair and maintenance of equipment will not face problems in international relations.
Updating communications and control has a positive effect on the combat capabilities of self-propelled guns. After modernization, Malka can quickly receive and process information from the command post and provide data for firing.
In addition, the possibilities for interaction with artillery reconnaissance are expanding. Thus, last autumn, the first experiments on the use of a non-modernized 2S7M self-propelled gun in conjunction with a reconnaissance UAV were reported. UAV detected the target and determined its coordinates, and based on this data the self-propelled gun delivered a precise strike. Probably, the new devices on board the self-propelled gun will allow receiving target designation both from the UAV and from other available sources
The direct fire capabilities of the modernized Malka remain the same - very high. The 2A44 gun is capable of using a wide range of separate-loading shots with 203-mm shells for various purposes. It is possible to use several types of high-explosive, cluster and concrete-piercing shells. Depending on the type of projectile, shooting at a range of up to 30-35 km or up to 45-47 km is possible.
Awaiting Delivery
After modernization, the 2S7M Malka self-propelled gun remains a special-purpose firearm capable of hitting particularly important enemy targets at tactical depths. At the same time, new units and assemblies make it possible to simplify operation and expand combat capabilities - without the need for a fundamental restructuring of part of the systems and assemblies.
So far, the troops have not received a single upgraded Malki, but the delivery of the first model has already been planned, followed by new ones. The rearmament of artillery brigades will take several years and will have the most noticeable consequences.
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