CJSC "Floks" is undergoing the last tests and is preparing for service
An early layout of the SAO 2S40 Phlox. Photo by NPK "Uralvagonzavod"
The Russian defense industry continues to work on a promising family of artillery and mortar weapons "Sketch", and individual projects are nearing completion. So, it became known that the 2S40 Phlox multifunctional self-propelled artillery gun is in the final part of the tests. In the near future, the start of deliveries of such equipment and its operation in the troops is expected.
On development stage
In 2016, the domestic defense industry, represented by the Nizhny Novgorod Central Research Institute Burevestnik (part of the Uralvagonzavod Research and Production Company of the Rostec State Corporation), presented new developments in the field of ground artillery. For several branches of the military, a complex of self-propelled artillery and mortar weapons was developed with the code "Sketch", which included a number of samples, incl. product 2S40 "Phlox".
A prototype of the Phlox SAO was first shown at the Army-2016 forum. In the future, this machine and other representatives of the Sketch family were repeatedly demonstrated at new exhibitions. So, the main developments of the line are currently present at the sites of the Army-2023 forum. In addition, since 2019, a new series of guns began to be shown at foreign exhibitions.
In the summer of 2018, the development organization reported that the CAO 2S40 had been sent for preliminary tests. Their goal was to determine the general running and combat characteristics, as well as to identify design flaws for subsequent correction. In October 2019, the management of Uralvagonzavod reported that the preliminary tests of Phlox and other equipment were at the final stage.
Experienced self-propelled gun, 2016. Photo by NPK "Uralvagonzavod"
Then for the first time they mentioned the existence of a contract for the mass production of self-propelled guns. The assembly of equipment was planned to be launched in the coming years, after the completion of the tests. In the future, the topic of the imminent start of production and deliveries to the troops was repeatedly raised, and different dates for this were called. Apparently, the customer and contractor had to adjust their plans taking into account objective factors.
On the eve of the opening of the Army-2022 forum in August last year, the UVZ press service announced the start of mass production of two new models of equipment - the Phlox and Magnolia self-propelled guns. Finished products were expected at the end of the current or at the beginning of the next 2023.
Soon
On the eve of the new Army-2023 forum, defense industry enterprises began to talk about their latest successes. So, on August 10 RIA News published a long interview with the Deputy General Director of Rostec Vladimir Artyakov. One of the topics of conversation was promising developments in the field of artillery and the progress of these projects.
In general, work on the Sketch family continues successfully. The 2S40 Phlox self-propelled gun is now at the final stage of testing. The first serial samples of such equipment are planned to be transferred to the troops in the coming months.
Aft view; machine in the stowed position. Photo by NPK "Uralvagonzavod"
The details of such deliveries have not yet been specified. It remains unknown the size of the first serial batch, the connection or part where it will go, etc. Nevertheless, it is clear that so far we will only talk about the development of new technology and trial operation. At the same time, the unit that received the first serial Phloxes will acquire a number of important capabilities.
Mobility and firepower
The 2S40 Phlox project is based on two main ideas, each of which should provide an increase in certain technical and combat characteristics. The first is the placement of an artillery gun on an automobile chassis of an appropriate carrying capacity. This design of the self-propelled gun improves its mobility and performance. The second main idea is the use of a "universal" tool that performs the functions of systems of several classes.
SAO "Floks" is built on a three-axle chassis "Ural-4320", which combines the necessary characteristics of mobility and carrying capacity. A two-row armored cockpit is mounted on such a base. Various equipment is placed behind it, and an artillery installation is located in the stern.
The 2S40 product has a combat weight of 20 tons. On the highway, a speed of at least 80 km / h develops, which contributes to the rapid movement between positions. In addition, the used chassis shows a high cross-country ability. However, in terms of off-road mobility, the cargo wheeled chassis is inferior to tracked vehicles.
An artillery system of an original design is located in the aft part of the chassis. It includes a rotary upper machine, on which the tool and auxiliary means are placed. The fixed part of the system includes a base plate lowered to the ground. For the convenience of calculation, a platform is provided, raised above the ground.
2S40 at the training ground, 2021. The artillery system was transferred to combat position. You can see the fire control equipment and the ammunition load of the first stage. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
"Phlox" carries a 120-mm rifled gun 2A80, which is a continuation of the well-known family based on the "gun-shot" ballistic scheme. Due to its design, such a weapon is capable of using different types of ammunition. The nomenclature of the shots is actually borrowed from the older systems "Nona", "Vena" and "Khosta". Thanks to this, the 2S40 can perform the functions of a gun, howitzer and mortar. Depending on the type of ammunition used, the firing range reaches 8-10 km.
The self-propelled gun is equipped with a modern digital fire control system. It determines the location of the combat vehicle, calculates the data for firing and provides guidance. Sights of traditional designs are provided as a backup. There are also modern means of communication that allow integrating the SAO into a single ground artillery control loop.
The transportable ammunition of the Phlox includes 60 shots of all types. A third is included in the ammunition of the first stage and is located in boxes and cells in the immediate vicinity of the gun. The rest of the shells are transported in the middle of the chassis in the appropriate stowage. The supply of ammunition to the gun and loading are carried out manually.
If necessary, the CAO can defend itself. For this, a combat module with a large-caliber machine gun is placed on the cabin roof. There is also a laser warning system and a set of smoke grenade launchers.
Worked out ideas
Thus, the 2S40 Phlox project is the next step in the development of the well-known family of artillery systems. This SAO differs from its predecessors in an improved gun, an updated artillery unit and a different chassis. All these innovations determine the growth of tactical and technical characteristics.
The control panel of the combat module in the cockpit. Photo Vitalykuzmin.net
One of the main advantages of the Phlox product is the use of a truck chassis. It provides an increase in mobility, and also allows you to transport a larger ammunition load. A similar ACS / ACS architecture is used in several modern projects of domestic development and, under certain restrictions, performs well.
The 2A80 gun is based on old developments and ideas, but in general it is a new model. Like its predecessors, it is capable of using a variety of shots and can actually replace weapons of different classes. At the same time, the characteristics of the 2A80 product remain at the required level, and new controls make it possible to increase the efficiency of fire.
The new "Phlox" as a whole looks like a curious modern artillery system. In a number of situations, it can fully complement other self-propelled guns, which are distinguished by higher maneuverability and crew protection. In addition, it can be a replacement for towed guns of different classes. In all such situations, it will be possible to use the advantages provided by the wheeled chassis and the "universal" tool.
Approaching Final
Thus, the development work "Sketch", carried out at the Central Research Institute "Petrel", gradually gives all the desired results. All new models of artillery systems developed within the framework of this R&D have already been brought to trials, and the most successful ones are already being built in series. In particular, such progress has so far been demonstrated by the SAO 2S40 Phlox project.
According to the latest reports, Phlox is completing tests, and the industry is mastering its mass production. The first batch of such equipment will go to the troops in the coming months. Obviously, production will not stop there, and the 2S40 will become a fairly massive and widespread model, and will also positively affect the capabilities of ground artillery.
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