Self-propelled mortar 2S4 "Tulip" and its combat capabilities
Self-propelled "Tulip" in Mariupol, early April
Russian self-propelled mortars 2S4 "Tulip" arrived in Mariupol. It is assumed that 240-mm guns will be used to destroy the remnants of the nationalist formations that still hold the territory of the Azovstal plant and the commercial port. The appearance of such a technique actually predetermines the further course of events. The enemy, despite all the preparations for the defense, does not have any chances.
Reserve Artillery
To date, Ukrainian nationalists have been driven out from almost the entire territory of Mariupol. Only the port and the Azovstal plant remain under their control. In these territories, in structures and on open areas, the enemy prepared full-fledged defensive positions. A direct assault on such fortifications is impractical, and therefore Russia and the DPR disable them remotely - with the help of missiles, artillery and aviation.
On April 5, a fresh photo of the Russian self-propelled mortar 2S4 "Tulip" on one of the streets of the city was distributed on specialized resources. It follows from it that the grouping of Russian missile forces and artillery in Mariupol was reinforced with high-powered means, and in the near future they will begin work on enemy targets.
Mortar 2S4 on exercises, 2019
The number of Tulips deployed to the city is still unknown. Also, the start of their combat work has not yet been reported. However, such information may appear at any time. In addition, footage of firing and explosions on enemy territory is likely to be published - in open spaces and in industrial buildings.
The consequences of using 2S4 mortars are obvious. They will inflict maximum damage on the enemy in the shortest possible time, and will also contribute to the speedy liberation of Mariupol. In addition, all this will affect the further development of events within the framework of the entire Special Operation.
Product "Tulip"
Product 2S4 "Tulip" is a self-propelled mortar caliber 240 mm. This is a high power system designed to destroy accumulations of manpower and equipment, various structures and other targets at ranges up to 10-20 km. "Tulip" was developed and put into service half a century ago and still retains its place in the ground forces. At the same time, it is the most powerful land artillery system in our army.
Fine gun aiming, 2020
"Tulip" is built on a tracked chassis with high cross-country ability and mobility. The chassis body is assembled from bulletproof / anti-fragmentation armor. A lowered artillery unit with a 2B8 mortar, a frame and a base plate is fixed on the hull. Before firing, the entire unit is lowered to the ground; the recoil momentum through the plate is completely transferred to the ground.
Mortar 2B8 is a breech-loading system of 240 mm caliber with a barrel length of approx. 21 klb. The barrel is mounted on a frame without recoil devices. The design of the installation and guidance means provides horizontal aiming at an angle of up to 41 ° to the right and left of the central position. Vertical aiming - from + 50 ° to + 80 °. For loading, the barrel is transferred to a horizontal position, followed by automatic return to a predetermined angle.
Inside the case "Tulip" carries up to 20 minutes. During loading, the ammunition rises outside the body and enters the mechanical rammer, which sends it into the barrel. It is possible to receive shots from the ground, for which a small crane with manual drives is used. The maximum rate of fire, with the optimal elevation angle and other factors, does not exceed 1 shot / min.
Preparing a shot for firing
The mortar is guided by the MP-46M panoramic sight. Coarse aiming is carried out by hydraulic mechanisms, fine - manually. A remote control is used to control the shooting.
In the recent past, the Russian Tulips have undergone modernization, during which they received modern means of navigation, communications and control. With their help, it is easier to determine your own coordinates, receive target designation, calculate data for firing and prepare for a shot.
In caliber 240 mm
For the 2B8 mortar from the 2S4 system, a number of mines with different equipment are designed to solve different problems. It is possible to use high-explosive fragmentation, cluster and other mines - up to those equipped with a tactical nuclear or neutron charge. However, the use of special ammunition is currently impractical.
The main ammunition of the "Tulip" is a high-explosive fragmentation mine 53-F-864 as part of the 53-VF-864 shot. It has a length of approx. 1,5 m, weighs 130,7 kg and carries 31,9 kg of explosive. The firing range of such a product is approx. 10 km. To solve the same problems, an active-reactive mine 3F2 "Gagara" (3VF2 shot) weighing 228 kg with a charge of 46 kg is used. Due to the jet engine, it flies almost 20 km.
Lifting a mine with a regular crane
Since the beginning of the eighties, the 2K4 “Smelchak” guided weapon system has been used on 1S113 machines. Its main element is a 3F5 mine with aiming at a target illuminated by a laser. In terms of weight, dimensions and other characteristics, a guided mine is similar to the usual 53-F-864, but differs from it in increased accuracy.
To defeat area targets, a 3VO11 shot with an active-reactive mine 3O8 "Nerpa" is proposed. The latter is similar in size and weight to the Gagara, but carries a cluster warhead. Combat load - 14 high-explosive fragmentation combat elements weighing 3,9 kg each. The 3-3-5 Sayda mine (3V3-5 shot) with an incendiary warhead has similar range characteristics. Provides spread of burning fire mixture at a distance of up to 50 m.
Practical application
For half a century of service, self-propelled mortars 2S4 "Tulip" from various units repeatedly participated in various exercises and maneuvers. During these events, they worked on training targets and confirmed the calculated characteristics of the range, accuracy and power of fire. In addition, several times mortars were involved in real combat work.
Target Shooting
"Tulips" worked quite actively during the war in Afghanistan. They were entrusted with the task of destroying the enemy's adobe and stone structures, as well as natural shelters. 240-mm mines with a large charge successfully destroyed any such objects, while shells of smaller calibers did not always cope with such a task. Mounted shooting made it possible to successfully attack distant objects on the reverse slopes of the mountains - the mine flew over a natural obstacle and fell on the target. Also in Afghanistan, they tested the “Daredevil” guided mine. She confirmed the design characteristics and showed the possibility of hitting a target with a sharp reduction in ammunition consumption.
Later "Tulips" were involved in the second war in Chechnya. This technique was responsible for the destruction of enemy fortifications in different areas, incl. in hard-to-reach areas. The concrete structures of the terrorists were too difficult a target for smaller caliber artillery, but several 240-mm mines successfully destroyed a pillbox or bunker along with all manpower.
Fire denazification
Judging by the latest reports, now 2S4 products will be used to destroy nationalists and their fortifications in the industrial buildings of Mariupol. However, the use of such equipment may not be limited to Azovstal. In the occupied territories of Donbass, the Ukrainian army managed to build many fortifications - and the Tulips will be an excellent argument against them.
The results of the possible use of 240-mm self-propelled mortars are obvious. The facilities of the industrial enterprise where the nationalists are hiding are not designed to protect against artillery fire. Some fortifications and even armored vehicles should be present inside them, but heavy mines will easily destroy them and destroy manpower. In addition, there is a possibility of hitting ammunition depots, which will increase the impact of mines.
Constant and methodical shelling of newly reconnoitered objects on the territory of Azovstal will allow knocking out the entire defense of the enemy and inflicting critical damage on him - or destroying him altogether. In fact, when using Tulips, the solution to such a problem is guaranteed and is only a matter of time and ammunition consumption.
Thus, the liberation of Mariupol from gangs is close to completion, although it takes some time. The result of this process will be the denazification of the city and the captured industrial facilities - through the complete destruction of the nationalists, along with their positions. However, they have only one way to escape. To do this, you need to fold weapon, surrender and answer for all crimes. And any attempt at resistance will have a logical outcome.
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