Self-propelled mortars 2S41 "Drok" enter the troops
The Russian army received the first batch of advanced 2S41 Drok self-propelled mortars. These machines will help to gain experience in operating such equipment, which will then be used in its mass introduction. In the future, with the help of Drok products, it is planned to increase the mobility of mortar units and, accordingly, improve their overall combat effectiveness.
First batch
On July 2, the press service of the Rostec state corporation announced the receipt of 41S18 mortars by the armed forces. According to the official press release, enterprises from the corporation handed over the first experimental batch of Droks to the Ministry of Defense. Technique goes to the troops.
Delivery details are not reported. The total number of equipment, the availability of auxiliary equipment, the recipient unit, etc. were not named. Apparently, we are talking about a batch of several vehicles, sufficient to re-equip one or more mortar units. The recipient may be the airborne troops, in the past mentioned as the future main operator of 2S41 products.
They also recalled the main features and advantages of the new self-propelled mortar. The management of Rostec drew attention to the used chassis, which gives the Drok complex high mobility and protects the crew. At the same time, the artillery unit provides the ability to solve various problems, and the digital fire control system increases its efficiency.
In terms of the combination of characteristics, the 2S41 Drok self-propelled mortar is not inferior to foreign models of its class, and in some parameters surpasses them.
Perspective development
The promising self-propelled mortar "Drok" was developed at the Central Research Institute "Petrel" (Nizhny Novgorod) from the "Rostec" with the participation of a number of other enterprises. The aim of the project was to create a mobile artillery system with an 82-mm mortar based on existing and newly developed components, combining increased mobility and improved combat qualities.
The development of "Droka" began in the mid-tenths. A few years later, finished equipment of this type began to be shown at exhibitions and other open events. In parallel, prototypes were tested at the test sites. It was reported that development work would be completed in the near future, and approximately at the beginning of the twenties, the 2S41 mortar would enter service.
According to the latest news, by now the project has reached the stage of assembling an experimental batch and transferring it to the troops. Probably, this technique is intended for trial operation before the launch of a full-fledged series and adoption into service. This means that the mass development of 2S41 products in the army is becoming a matter of the foreseeable future.
Mortar on wheels
From a technical point of view, the 2S41 Drok mortar complex is a wheeled armored vehicle equipped with an original combat module for an 82-mm mortar and new control systems. Due to this architecture, high mobility and increased firing characteristics are achieved.
"Drok" is being built on the basis of the wheeled chassis K-4386 "Typhoon-VDV". This is a two-axle machine with a gross weight of approx. 14,5 t, capable of moving at high speed on the highway or off-road. The body of the armored car provides all-round protection from bullets and shrapnel; the crew and internal units are also protected from undermining mines under the wheel and bottom.
An original combat module with a mortar and related systems is mounted on the roof of the armored car. In front of him is a module with a machine gun for self-defense. Inside the hull are places for a crew of four, as well as fire controls and racks for ammunition. Under the fighting compartment, in fact, the entire middle and aft part of the hull is given.
The main armament of the 2S41 complex is an 82-mm breech-loading mortar in the combat module. Module mechanisms provide horizontal pickup within 35° to the right and left of the axis and vertical pickup from 45° to 85°. The maximum firing range reaches 6 km. Rate of fire - up to 10 rds / min. Ammunition - up to 64 shots.
The crew has a modern fire control system. It includes satellite navigation devices, a ballistic computer and a control panel for guidance mechanisms. The SLA allows the 2S41 complex to work independently or receive data for firing from command posts.
A set of additional weapons is provided. For self-defense on the march or at a firing position, the crew must use a combat module with a PKT machine gun and 500 rounds of ammunition. 12 smoke grenade launchers are placed on the sides of the main module. In addition, a portable 82-mm mortar 2B24 is transported by vehicle. If necessary, mortarmen can dismount and use it.
Clear benefits
The promising self-propelled mortar 2S41 "Drok" was developed primarily for mortars of the Airborne Forces. Based on the results of this project, they should have received a modern airborne vehicle with good mobility and the required level of firepower. In the future, combat vehicles of this kind could crowd out or even completely replace the portable / wearable mortars in the Airborne Forces. In addition, this technique is of interest to the ground forces or marines.
The 2S41 complex has a number of important features and advantages. So, the use of a serial wheeled chassis is of great importance. "Typhoon-VDV" provides the transfer over long distances and allows you to quickly enter the firing position and leave it. At the same time, at all stages of combat work, the crew remains under the protection of armor, which reduces the threat from enemy return fire.
The 82-mm mortar "Droka" is based on the existing design, but has improved characteristics. By improving the design, it was possible to increase the maximum range of fire. Digital FCS and remote control simplify aiming and increase accuracy, both when working independently and when used as part of a unit.
With all this, the gun on the tower is complemented by a portable mortar of the same caliber. The mortar in the module remains the main one, but an additional 82-mm system in certain situations will help maintain combat effectiveness.
Desired result
In general, the 2S41 Drok project embodies the well-known concept of a wandering mortar - a combat unit capable of quickly changing positions and reopening fire. At the same time, all measures have been taken to improve the main characteristics, fulfill the specific requirements of the customer and reduce the expected risks. The combat vehicle created using this approach has already passed all the necessary tests and confirmed the design characteristics.
Thus, the development of a promising self-propelled mortar 2S41 has been successfully completed, and now Rostec enterprises are mastering the production of this equipment. The finished products of the experimental batch were recently handed over to the armed forces. Obviously, this party will be followed by new ones in the future, and a full-fledged rearmament will begin.
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