“Possesses impressive firepower”: the Lotos self-propelled joint stock company with a lattice frame was spotted

Footage appeared on the social network in which a 2S42 Lotos self-propelled gun was seen being transported on a tractor in an unknown direction. This 120-mm self-propelled gun, created on the basis of the BMD-4M, received a lattice frame that provides increased protection for the sides and turret.

There is speculation about Russia's potential deployment of this new artillery system in Ukraine, which fits into the practice of using advanced combat vehicles in conflict

- noted in the publication Army Recognition.

"Lotus" was first presented to the general public in 2019. This vehicle is intended to replace the 2S9 “Nonu-S”, which is in service with the Airborne Forces. It can be used as a mortar or howitzer and is capable of direct and indirect fire. The maximum firing range of the vehicle reaches 13 km. The ammunition capacity is 40 shells, and there is an automatic loader.

"Lotos" is an advanced example of Russian military equipment. It not only has impressive firepower, but also mobility and protection.

- says the publication.

The new self-propelled gun, like its predecessor Nona-S, is an airborne system. Even before the start of the Ukrainian conflict, a number of observers pointed out the lack of demand for special airborne equipment on the modern battlefield. It is possible that after suppressing enemy air defenses, it will be able to show itself as intended.

Comments

[givargi]

We need hundreds of such machines.

[givargi]

Many targets hit by lancets are located less than 12 km from the LBS.

[Romanenko]

All installations of the NONA family (NONA, VENA and LOTUS) are distinguished by high shooting accuracy and the ability to fire almost any 120 mm caliber ammunition, but at the same time, the firing range of 13 kilometers is no longer very large for the present time; it is probably necessary to expand the ammunition load of the installation to achieve goals at long distances, otherwise the vehicle will have to change positions very often and quickly to open fire.

[givargi]

Well, that's probably how it will be done. This vehicle is not Msta or Coalition, this is small artillery, it’s straight up front-line... I hope testing is underway before mass implementation...

[Sergey Aleksandrovich]

There will be no mass implementation. This is equipment for the Airborne Forces, which means it will be produced in a small series. On the same chassis, you can launch production of the Pat-S, which has a caliber of 152mm and a range of 15 km.
To save money, mortars should be on wheels, howitzers on tracks.
This product has a wheeled analogue of the self-propelled joint stock company "Phlox".

[Vladimir 290]

Sergey, each type of equipment is intended for specific units and therefore tasks. Many people here are almost shouting why there are no self-propelled mortars. Back in 89-90 they planned to re-equip mortar batteries with self-propelled Nonas. Nones (and, accordingly, Lotuses) are instead of self-propelled mortars, but much cooler.

[APASUS]

Lightly armored vehicles must approach almost the LBS to fire. In my opinion, it would be better if they made a special projectile for her

[Sergey Aleksandrovich]

A 120mm cassette mine? It would be nice.

[Irek]

We decided to test it on hacks in a combat situation.

[Dutchman Michel]

A four-person crew for such a car is still too much

[Bogalex]

From what? Crew commander, gunner, loader (on the Lotus, contrary to the article, there is no automatic loader) and driver. Nothing extra.
Our desire to reduce calculations ultimately turned out to be very controversial and has already played a cruel joke on personnel on other models. First of all, because the developers of the requirements for the creation of weapons and military equipment, who prescribed the coveted numbers “3” or even “2” in the number of crews, somehow did not think that the main part of the process of operating equipment is not performing fire missions at all, but loading ammunition , equipping engineering positions and shelters for personnel, assigning security guards, air situation observers, or even just basic “turnover” - vacations, detachments, illnesses, etc. All artillery basically works in reduced crews, which are simply impossible to organize if it consists of only a commander and a driver.

[Dutchman Michel]

Quote: Bogalex

on the Lotus, contrary to the article, there is no automatic loader

Well, that's why it's four. There are three on the Swedish Archer

[easy]

I cannot say categorically, but I think many will support me. All considered and promising weapons projects now need to be run through the SVO under real conditions. For example, they don’t want to put the MiG-35 into mass production; they say that this machine has outlived its period and is morally outdated. Maybe, I don't argue. Well, take a couple of these multirole fighters and test them in the air defense zone, and you’ll see there. I think there will be pilots who love these machines for this kind of test. And many other types of weapons and equipment can be tested in real combat conditions.