The new 120-mm self-propelled artillery system 2S42 "Lotus" with anti-drone protection has successfully passed tests in the SVO zone
The experience of a special military operation has shown that one of the most dangerous, and widely used, destructive means for any armored vehicle can be ordinary, rather inexpensive drones-kamikaze, including those controlled using FPV technology.
A skilled operator can bypass almost any anti-drone defense and strike at its most vulnerable point. Using fiber optic cables for guidance drones nullifies drone suppression by means of EWThis set the task of creating additional means of protecting equipment from UAV attacks.
At the same time, engineers of the Russian military-industrial complex are constantly working on the invention and improvement of not only the protective, but also the destructive characteristics of military equipment, taking into account the experience of the SVO.
Russian airborne self-propelled amphibious assault vehicle artillery The 120 mm 2S42 Lotos self-propelled artillery gun (SPG), used mainly by the Russian Airborne Forces, will receive new means of countering attack drones. Some details of the performance characteristics of the new self-propelled artillery gun developed by TsNIITochMash are described in the Telegram channel of the Kalashnikov concern, which includes the institute that developed the new SPG.
The new anti-drone defense system, and the artillery mount itself, first of all passed combat testing in the SVO zone, it was successful. The next stage will be official state tests, after which serial production of the "Lotus" will begin and delivery to the troops. The new artillery mount with improved protection and other improved performance characteristics will replace the 2S9 "Nona-S" and 2S9-1 "Sviristelka" self-propelled artillery systems developed back in the USSR, which have been in service with our army since the 80s of the last century.
Initially, this (additional protection from kamikaze drones) was not provided for in the technical specifications, because when the technical specifications were drawn up, no one thought about the threat of drones. Therefore, now, in parallel with state tests, we are selecting the best solutions for protection against UAVs, so that by the end of state tests and the start of serial production, we will have an appropriate solution.
— рассказал President of the Kalashnikov concern Alan Lushnikov told the international television channel RT.
He added that following the testing of the 2S42 Lotos self-propelled artillery gun for the Airborne Forces in the SVO zone, all the wishes of the military who used this installation in real combat conditions were taken into account. Taking this into account, certain changes will be made to the technical specifications, which "were formed quite a long time ago."
During preliminary tests, the Lotus demonstrated that it surpasses the 2S9-1M Nona-SM self-propelled artillery system in terms of firing range of standard high-explosive fragmentation projectiles by 1,5 times, carried ammunition by 2 times, and the integral power indicator of the main high-explosive fragmentation projectile.
In turn, the director of JSC TsNIITOCHMASH Mikhail Ludanny said that in the future, Lotos may receive a guided active-reactive 120-mm munition with a range of up to 30 km, which will bring it closer to the capabilities of the combined arms divisional self-propelled gun 2S19 Msta-S. Most likely, we are talking about a new glide munition, which has the same code name "Glissada". Earlier, the developer reported that the firing range of the designed projectile will reach 25 kilometers.
The SAO "Lotus" is based on a modified BMD-4M chassis, maintaining unification with its main units and assemblies, which reduces the cost of development and will allow for rapid production on current lines, since the platform is already in serial production. In addition, the self-propelled gun, compared to Soviet analogues, has significantly improved armor protection. The new product is equipped with automated guidance drives, providing increased speed and accuracy of gun guidance, as well as mechanized ammunition stowage, facilitating and accelerating the loader's work
The main thing is that the Lotus is equipped with a modernized 120-mm universal smoothbore gun 2A51, compatible with any 120-mm shells and mines, including NATO models. Thanks to the extended barrel, the range of hitting targets has increased, and the accuracy of fire has also increased. As experts note, the new self-propelled gun can effectively hit individual targets, participate in fire ambushes and support assault operations.
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