Self-propelled howitzer 2S7M "Malka": combat use according to the results of modernization
In the current Special Military Operation, Russian missile troops and artillery are actively using guns of various types. Recently, the media and the Ministry of Defense showed the combat work of high-power self-propelled guns 2S7M "Malka". With the help of such weapons, the fortifications and positions of the enemy are destroyed, as well as support for the advancing troops and other tasks are solved.
Guns in the frame
On March 22, the Zvezda TV channel showed a report on the combat work of the gunners of one of the batteries, armed with high-power systems. The unit belongs to the Western Military District and is now deployed near the Russian-Ukrainian border. From this position, the battery controls a large area of the neighboring state and can attack various enemy targets.
Gun crews work almost around the clock. The battery control platoon regularly receives the coordinates of new targets from reconnaissance, calculates the data for firing and transmits them to the gunners. After that, shooting starts, and then objective control data arrives.
Artillerymen note the high efficiency of reconnaissance work and the accuracy of incoming coordinates, which to a certain extent simplify the solution of fire missions. In addition, the material part of the battery was also praised. Self-propelled guns cope with their work without problems and breakdowns.
It is reported that 2S7M guns are used to destroy a wide range of ground targets. These are protected command posts, firing points, artillery and armored vehicles throughout the entire range of permissible ranges. The report demonstrates the process of preparing for a shot and shooting at designated targets.
A few days earlier, video footage from a reconnaissance UAV that monitored the work of 2S7M self-propelled guns got into the public domain. A Ukrainian artillery position with several guns and a small ammunition depot was reportedly found in a forested area near Kharkiv. Data on this target was given to the Malok battery for engagement.
A short video shows a bright flash appearing in the forest; the fireball rises above the trees. Then a cloud of smoke rises and grows over the forest. The flash power and the size of the subsequent cloud are too large even for a 203-mm projectile from a special power gun. This means that the calculation of "Malka" managed to hit the ammunition depot with an enemy battery. Accordingly, the enemy's guns and their crews are guaranteed to be destroyed.
high power weapon
The 2S7M Malka self-propelled gun is a modernized version of the older 2S7 Pion product. The improved self-propelled gun differed from the base sample in the design and composition of the power plant and chassis. New means of communication and fire control, a new loading mechanism, etc. were also introduced. Due to all the design improvements, it was possible to increase the combat and operational characteristics, increase the ammunition load and reduce the calculation to six people.
At the end of the tenth years, Malka underwent another upgrade. This project, which did not receive a separate designation, proposed replacing the engine and transmission units with domestically produced products. In addition, modern means of communication and fire control devices were introduced. In particular, a full-fledged digital computing center is now being used.
Due to the new means of communication and data transmission, the Malka was included in modern artillery control loops. The upgraded self-propelled gun can operate under the control of mobile artillery command posts or independently. In the latter case, the reception of target designation from all sources, independent data processing and fire are ensured.
In 2019-20 all the necessary tests were completed, after which the serial modernization of existing 2S7M products began. The first batch of updated equipment returned to the unit in April 2020. In the future, the release of new batches was repeatedly reported. In December last year, the last modernized Malki were returned to the customer.
Updated self-propelled guns have already been involved in exercises and demonstrated new capabilities obtained through modern means of communication and control. In particular, they interacted with reconnaissance UAVs. Aircraft worked in the target area and carried out target designation and fire adjustment. At the same time, the data transfer time to the combat vehicle was reduced to a minimum, and new control systems gave a noticeable increase in firing accuracy.
New opportunities
According to the results of a recent modernization, the 2S7M Malka self-propelled gun retained all the main characteristics and parameters, and also received a number of new features. All this gives obvious advantages of a combat and operational nature, which was confirmed in tests and exercises. Now "Malki" show themselves in the course of a real military operation.
During the upgrade, the existing 203-mm 2A44 gun is retained. It can use separate loading shots with a wide range of projectiles for various purposes. The maximum firing range of an active-rocket projectile with a full propellant charge is more than 47 km. The gun is serviced by a separate loading mechanism, which gives a rate of fire of up to 2-2,5 rds / min. As before, the self-propelled gun carries 8 shots, and also has the ability to receive ammunition from the ground or from vehicles.
The new fire control system simplifies the reception and processing of information with the subsequent generation of data for firing. Other data from various sources is also processed. At the same time, calculations are carried out quickly and with increased accuracy, which increases the efficiency of shooting.
Protection, mobility and other parameters of the self-propelled gun remained at the same level. Both the basic and the upgraded 2S7M Malka are capable of moving along the highway or rough terrain, etc., are protected from bullets and shrapnel, and can also be defended with a machine gun. The routine control equipment has been retained, which monitors the operation and system of all main units, as well as simplifies maintenance and repair.
topical remedy
It is obvious that artillery retains its place on the battlefield and is still capable of solving all the tasks that are set. At the same time, modern devices and technologies can significantly improve the efficiency of its work. To do this, you can use new means of reconnaissance, control and communications, as well as fire control systems directly on artillery systems.
The latest upgrade of the 2S7M self-propelled gun is fully consistent with this concept - and demonstrates its correctness. First of all, it solves the problem of age. Even the newest machines of this type recently celebrated their 30th anniversary and managed to develop a significant part of the resource. Now they are being repaired by replacing key units and extending their service life. In addition, the complex of communications and control facilities is being radically updated, which affects the combat performance even while maintaining the existing gun and without developing new shells.
Based on the results of such modernization, the 2S7M Malka self-propelled gun will be able to continue serving for a long time, while maintaining the required level of technical and combat characteristics. Thanks to this, a rather old combat vehicle remains relevant and will retain its place in the troops and in firing positions - in exercises or in real operations.
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