Mortar complex 2S12 “Sani” in Special Operations
Unloading a 2B11 mortar on wheels
The most important component of the Russian land forces troop is mortar artillery, which has weapons of a number of classes and types. One of the most common examples is the 2S12 "Sani" transportable / towed mortar complex based on the 120-mm mortar 2B11. Such weapons are actively used during the Special Operation and show what mortars are capable of with the correct organization of combat work.
Mortars in battles
Mortar units equipped with “Sleighs” have been participating in the Special Operation from its very beginning. Together with other units and formations, they carry out their tasks on the front line or in the immediate rear.
The tasks of mortar men are to fire at and destroy various targets. 2S12 complexes are used to destroy strongholds, enemy locations and concentrations, as well as other objects. The 2B11 mortar from the Sanya can hit targets at a maximum range of up to 7-9 kilometers, depending on the type of ammunition.
The Ministry of Defense and unofficial resources regularly report on various episodes of combat work by mortar gunners and their 2S12 systems. Photos and videos from firing positions, objective control footage and interviews with personnel are also published.
2S12 "Sleigh" and crew participating in the Special Operation
Regardless of the assigned tasks and the current situation, the combat operation of the 2S12 “Sani” mortar system during the Special Operation follows the same algorithm. The crew with the complex travels to a given position, where it quickly deploys. The mortar is lowered from the carrier vehicle to the ground and prepared for firing. It takes no more than one or two minutes to prepare to fire after stopping at a position.
To save time, the mortar can be left on the truck platform and fired directly from it. This leads to increased loads on the vehicle, but allows you to speed up the departure from the position after firing.
Through standard communication channels, the crew receives data about the target and begins firing. If necessary, data is received to adjust the fire. The mortar uses 120-mm mines of the required type - conventional high-explosive fragmentation or guided KM-8 "Gran".
Having solved the fire task, the crew dismantles the mortar and leaves the position. Due to the constant threat of a retaliatory strike, all procedures are carried out as quickly as possible. The mortar complex must leave the firing position before it is discovered and attacked by the enemy.
Due to its high mobility, "Sleigh" can work as a so-called. roaming mortar. This means that the complex moves between several positions and delivers a series of attacks on one or different targets.
The process of aiming a mortar
Ukrainian formations have sufficient air and counter-battery reconnaissance assets to detect our mortars and other weapons. This creates additional risks for our artillerymen and requires them to react quickly in combat conditions.
Fortunately, Russian mortar men have all the necessary skills and abilities. This allows them to complete assigned tasks quickly and efficiently. In addition, measures are being taken to camouflage positions and protect against attackers. drones. This reduces risks and increases the likelihood of successful work.
Like other artillery, 2S12 / 2B11 mortars work in conjunction with other weapons. Target data comes from various intelligence systems. The task of searching for objects to strike is mainly solved by unmanned aviation systems. UAVs are also responsible for adjusting fire and recording shooting results.
Supported by industry
During use, equipment and weapons inevitably wear out. 2S12 mortars, like other models, are regularly transferred from combat units for repair and modernization. The restoration and maintenance of mortar systems is carried out by enterprises of the military-industrial complex that are part of the Rostec state corporation.
Loading
In recent years, including before the start of the Special Operation, it was not only about repairing mortars. A planned modernization was carried out according to the modern 2S12A project. The updated complex receives a new tractor vehicle and a number of auxiliary equipment. At the end of the last decade, the Sleigh included the KM-8 Gran guided weapon system.
The mortar itself is also being modernized. In version 2B11A it is equipped with a new base plate, which allows the fire to be transferred to large angles. A number of other technical and technological changes are envisaged. The tactical and technical characteristics remained at the same level.
Defense industry enterprises regularly deliver new batches of repaired and modernized mortars to the ground forces. The next batch of systems was sent to the army just a few days ago. It is expected that in the coming months Rostec will ship a new batch of mortar systems. They will be sent to the combat zone and demonstrate the potential for modernization.
Technical aspects
The towed / transportable mortar system 2S12 "Sani" includes several main components with different functions. To simplify development, production and operation, mainly off-the-shelf products were used.
The mobility of the complex is ensured by a truck with a covered platform. In early versions of the “Sleigh” it was a GAZ-66 truck, but later they began to use the “Ural-4320” in two- and three-axle modifications. In recent years, some 2B11A mortars and other equipment have been placed on KamAZ vehicles.
Shooting from a carrier truck platform
The key component of the 2S12(A) complex is the 2B11(A) mortar. This is a 120 mm smoothbore gun with a traditional layout, loaded from the muzzle. The mortar barrel is mounted on a round base plate and is equipped with a biped with shock absorbers. The mass of the product in firing position is 210 kg.
The mortar is aimed using the MPM-44M sight. The drives provide vertical guidance in the sector from +45° to +80°. The original 2B11 had horizontal guidance within 4° to the right and left. In the 2B11A modification, a new base plate and hinge were introduced that provide circular guidance.
With a trained crew, the 2B11(A) mortar shows a rate of fire of up to 8-10 rounds/min. A standard 120 mm mine leaves the barrel at a speed of 325 m/s. Firing range - from 480 m to 7,1 km.
After a recent modernization, the 2B11A can use the KM-8 guided weapon system. It includes a high-explosive fragmentation mine with a semi-active laser homing head. It has a firing range of up to 9 km and is capable of hitting stationary and moving objects.
The mortar has a large mass, which is why it is equipped with a removable wheel drive. The frame with holders and wheels with a total weight of 115 kg allows the mortar to be towed behind a vehicle or moved by crew over short distances.
Target hit
The main method of transportation is loading onto a vehicle platform. A gangplank and a winch are used for lifting and lowering. Along with the mortar, ammunition caps are transported on the platform.
The combat crew of the 2S12 mortar system consists of five people. During the march, some of the fighters are in the cab of the truck, and the rest are riding on a platform with a mortar. The entire crew participates in the deployment and firing process.
Modern and relevant
The first version of the 2S12 “Sani” mortar system was created in the late seventies and entered service with the Soviet army in 1981. It still remains in service, and timely repairs and upgrades extend service life and operation.
Using the example of "Sleigh" you can see that the efficiency weapons does not always depend on his age. Regular updating and replacement of components, as well as the use of new auxiliaries, allow you to maximize the potential of the existing design.
During combat operations, the 2S12(A) complex demonstrated its effectiveness and ability to successfully carry out assigned tasks. This suggests that the Sleigh will remain in service. In the near future, these mortars and their crews will continue to participate in the Special Operation and help achieve common goals.
Information