2s1 gvozdika 122 mm self-propelled howitzer. Self-propelled artillery unit "Gvozdika": history of creation, description and characteristics

Self-propelled howitzer Gvozdika intended to suppress and destroy manpower, artillery and mortar batteries, as well as to destroy bunkers, provide passages in minefields and field obstacles.

Self-propelled gun 2S1 “Gvozdika”

Soviet 122 mm regimental self-propelled howitzer. Created at the Kharkov plant named after Sergo Ordzhonikidze.

The chief designer of the chassis is A.F. Belousov, the designer of the 122-mm gun 2A31 is F.F. Petrov.

History of creation

After the end of the Great Patriotic War in service Soviet Union consisted mainly of anti-tank and assault self-propelled guns, and in Western countries and the United States already had self-propelled guns designed for firing from indirect positions. A trend has emerged to replace towed artillery with self-propelled artillery. The indispensability of self-propelled guns in local conflicts became obvious, therefore, in the period from 1947 to 1953, research was carried out to create new self-propelled howitzers, but in 1955, at the direction of N. S. Khrushchev, most of the work on self-propelled artillery was discontinued. Some time later, the USSR Ministry of Defense came to the conclusion that a strategic nuclear war was unlikely, since it would lead to the destruction of both warring parties. At the same time, local conflicts using tactical nuclear weapons could become more realistic. In such conflicts, self-propelled artillery had an undeniable advantage over towed artillery.

With the resignation of N.S. Khrushchev, the development of self-propelled artillery in the USSR was resumed. In 1965, at the Lvov training ground, Soviet troops conducted large-scale exercises using artillery installations from the Great Patriotic War. The results of the exercises showed that the self-propelled artillery units in service did not meet the requirements modern combat. In order to eliminate the gap between Soviet self-propelled artillery and the artillery of NATO countries, in 1967 a resolution of the CPSU Central Committee and the Council of Ministers of the USSR No. 609-201 of July 4 was issued. In accordance with this decree, the development of a new 122-mm self-propelled howitzer for the ground forces of the Soviet Army was officially begun.

Previously, VNII-100 carried out research work to determine the appearance and basic characteristics of the new self-propelled guns. During the research, three variants of self-propelled guns were developed. The first is based on the Object 124 chassis (in turn, created on the basis of the SU-100P), the second is based on the MT-LB multi-purpose transporter tractor, the third option is based on the BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle. In all variants, the main weapon was a 122-mm howitzer with D-30 ballistics. Based on the results of the work, it was found that the chassis of the “Object 124” has excessive carrying capacity and weight, and the self-propelled guns will also lose the ability to boost water obstacles swim. The MT-LB chassis had insufficient stability when firing and did not have the required level of permissible loads on chassis cars. The most optimal chassis was the BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle, but P.P. Isakov achieved a ban on the use of the BMP-1 as the base chassis. Therefore, it was decided to use the extended and modified base of the MT-LB multi-purpose transporter-tractor as the base one. The resulting developments formed the basis of the development work under the name “Gvozdika” (GRAU index - 2S1). The Gvozdika was supposed to go into service with artillery divisions of motorized rifle regiments to replace the 122-mm M-30 and D-30 howitzers.

Table of performance characteristics of preliminary projects 2S1, completed at VNII-100

The Kharkov Tractor Plant named after Sergo Ordzhonikidze was appointed the main developer of the 2S1; the 2A31 howitzer (in-house designation D-32) was created at OKB-9. In August 1969, the first four experimental Gvozdika 2S1 self-propelled guns entered field testing. Tests revealed high levels of gas contamination in the fighting compartment. Simultaneously, similar situation could also be equipped with a 152-mm divisional self-propelled howitzer 2S3. At the same time, cap versions of howitzers were developed for both self-propelled artillery installations. On the basis of the 2A31, a 122-mm howitzer D-16 with cap loading was created. Instead of a wedge bolt, a chain rammer and charges in a sleeve, the D-16 used a piston bolt, a pneumatic rammer and cap charges. But tests have shown that the disadvantages of the new D-16 howitzer are similar, since the fiery intensity of the shots remained the same, while maintaining the same accuracy and firing range. In addition, inconvenience was identified when working with charge canisters, as well as design flaws pneumatic rammer, as a result of this, the rate of fire remained at the level of the base gun. Subsequent improvement of the D-16 design led to the creation of a modernized model under the designation D-16M, which showed an increase in the firing range of a high-explosive fragmentation projectile to 18 km, thanks to an enlarged chamber and the use of more powerful cap charges.

In 1971, the 3rd Central Research Institute, within the framework of the Development research work, reviewed and analyzed the results of work on cap versions of 122 mm and 152 mm howitzers. Despite the obtained indicators, the 3rd Central Research Institute concluded that it was inappropriate to conduct further research on the cap version of the 2A31 howitzer. The main reason was the lack at that time of a technical solution that would make it possible to create and put into operation reliable and safe charges in a rigid cap or a combustible cartridge case. It was recommended to use the scientific and technical basis of the research carried out when creating new 122-mm high-explosive fragmentation projectiles with an improved aerodynamic shape. The problem of gas contamination in the fighting compartment of the 2S1 self-propelled gun was solved in a different way, namely, by using a more powerful ejector and cartridges with improved sealing. In 1970, by decree of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR No. 770-249 of September 14, after modifications, the 2S1 “Gvozdika” self-propelled artillery mount was adopted by the Soviet army. In 1972, the 4P134 parachute platform, which had a flight weight with a load of up to 20.5 tons, passed state tests and was put into service. On this platform, using the five-dome parachute system PS-9404-63R, it was planned to carry out the landing of 2S1 self-propelled howitzers. The system, consisting of the 4P134 platform, the PS-9404-63R parachute system and the 2S1 self-propelled guns, passed a full cycle of tests, but did not enter service with the Airborne Forces due to the development of the 122-mm self-propelled howitzer 2S2 “Violet”.

Modifications

Comparative table of performance characteristics of various modifications of the 2S1 self-propelled gun

Mass production

Serial production began in 1971 and ended at the end of 1991, except for the USSR, the 2S1 self-propelled guns were produced under license in Poland since 1971 and in Bulgaria since 1979. During the production process, the Polish version of “Gvozdika” was modernized. The 2S1M Gozdzik version was equipped with a SW680T diesel engine, new road wheels and modified hydrodynamic flaps for movement on water. Bulgarian-made 2S1 self-propelled guns entered service with the Soviet army and, apart from poorer workmanship, were no different from the Soviet 2S1 model. In total, over the years of production, more than 10,000 units of 2S1 were manufactured. After production ceased, modernized versions were developed in Poland and Russia. In Russia, a modernized version of 2S1M1 with an ASUNO 1B168-1 installation was developed, in Poland a version 2C1T Gozdzik was developed with an ASUNO TOPAZ installation. Developed in 2003 and entered service in 2008 Russian army the 2S34 Khosta self-propelled artillery gun, which represents a modernization of the 2S1 self-propelled gun, the 2A31 howitzer was replaced by the 2A80-1 gun. In addition, a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun is installed on the commander’s cupola. In 2008-2009, Polish military-industrial complex An experimental modernization of the 2S1 self-propelled gun under the designation Rak-120 was created. The 2A31 gun was replaced with a 120 mm smoothbore mortar equipped with an automatic loader. Carryable ammunition has been increased from 40 rounds to 60, but there is no data on the start of mass production of this modification.

In addition to the basic modifications produced in the USSR and Poland, there are other versions of the Gvozdika self-propelled gun. In Romania, in the 1980s, a variant of the 2S1 self-propelled gun was created, designated Model 89. It differs from the 2S1 in its basic chassis. Instead of the modified MT-LB base, the MLI-84 BMP chassis was used. In 1996, the Iranian military-industrial complex manufactured and since 2002 put into mass production the 122-mm self-propelled howitzer Raad-1 (Arabic Thunder-1). The Iranian self-propelled gun differs from the 2S1 in its basic chassis; instead of the MT-LB, the Iranian Boragh infantry fighting vehicle is used.

Design

Armored hull and turret

The 2S1 “Gvozdika” self-propelled howitzer is made according to the turret design that has become classic for self-propelled artillery. The body of the vehicle is welded from rolled steel armor plates, is completely sealed and allows you to overcome water obstacles by swimming. The hull is divided into three sections: power (engine and transmission), control section and combat section. The engine and transmission compartment is located in the front part of the hull on the starboard side. To the left of it is the driver's seat with chassis controls. The fighting compartment is located in the middle and rear parts of the hull. Mounted on the roof of the hull on a ball shoulder strap welded tower with a rotating basket for the fighting compartment. The turret contains a gun and crew seats. On the right side there is a loader's seat, as well as stowage for cartridges with charges, on the left side in the front of the turret there is a gunner's seat and sights. Behind the gunner is the SPG commander's seat, equipped with a rotating turret mounted on the roof of the turret. In the turret niche there are two stowages with charges and shells for cumulative ammunition. In the rear part of the hull there are stowages for shells and charges of the main gun. The stowage can be supplied from the ground through a special aft hatch. The armor of the 2S1 self-propelled gun provides bulletproof and anti-fragmentation protection for the crew. The thickness of the hull and turret sheets reaches 20 mm in some places.

Armament

The main armament of the 2S1 self-propelled gun is the 122-mm howitzer 2A31. The gun is completely unified according to ballistic characteristics and the ammunition used with the 122 mm towed howitzer D-30. The 2A31 barrel consists of a pipe, breech, ejector and muzzle brake. The length of the pipe is 4270 mm. On the inside of the barrel, over a length of 3400 mm, there are 36 rifling grooves with a progressive steepness ranging from 3 degrees57 to 7 degrees10. The length of the charging chamber is 594 mm. Full mass barrel group - 955 kg. The gun's breech is vertically wedge-type and is equipped with a semi-automatic re-cocking mechanism. A tray with a retainer is installed on the wedge, which prevents the projectile from falling out of the barrel at high elevation angles, and also facilitates manual loading. When the bolt is opened, the retainer is automatically recessed into the wedge and does not interfere with the extraction of the cartridge case. The total mass of the bolt group is 35.65 kg. Recoil devices consist of a spindle-type hydraulic recoil brake filled with Steol-M or POZH-70 fluid and a pneumatic knurler filled with nitrogen or air. To relieve pressure when operating in different temperature ranges, a spring-type compensator is installed on the rollback brake. The recoil brake cylinders are fixed in the gun breech. The maximum rollback length is 600 mm. The gun tube is attached to a cradle consisting of two clips. In the front cage there is a casing with fixed cylinders of recoil devices. In the middle part there are mounts for an armored mask with trunnions. A fence is mounted to the rear of the cradle. On the right cheek for the commander there is a mechanism for blocking the manual release of the gun, on the left there is a system of levers with a manual release. A folding part of the fence with an electromechanical forwarding mechanism is installed between the cheeks.

Surveillance and communications equipment

To aim the gun and carry out reconnaissance of the area during the day and at night, a TKN-3B combined sight with an OU-3GA2 searchlight, as well as two prismatic periscope observation devices TNPO-170A, are installed in the commander’s cupola. The gunner's position is equipped with a 1OP40 artillery panoramic sight for firing from indirect firing positions and an OP5-37 direct fire sight for firing at observed targets. On the right side of the turret, in front of the loader's hatch, a rotating MK-4 observation device is installed. The driver's mechanic's position is equipped with two prismatic observation devices TNPO-170A with electrical heating, as well as a night vision device TVN-2B for driving at night. In front of the driver's seat there is an electrically heated viewing glass and a protective armor cover.

External radio communication is supported by the R-123M radio station. The radio station operates in the VHF range and provides stable communication with similar stations at a distance of up to 28 km, depending on the height of the antenna of both radio stations. Negotiations between crew members are carried out through the R-124 intercom equipment.

Engine and transmission

The 2S1 has a V-shaped 8-cylinder four-stroke diesel engine YaMZ-238N liquid-cooled with gas turbine supercharging with a power of 300 hp.

The transmission is mechanical, double-flow, with two planetary-friction turning mechanisms. Has six forward and one reverse gears. The maximum theoretical speed in sixth forward gear is 61.5 km/h. In reverse gear, travel speeds of up to 6.3 km/h are ensured.

Chassis

The 2S1 chassis is a modified chassis of the MT-LB multi-purpose transporter-tractor. In order for the chassis to provide the specified parameters, the design of the MT-LB chassis has undergone significant modification. Compared to the base vehicle, an additional pair of road wheels was introduced into the chassis. Thus, the chassis consists of seven pairs of rubber-coated road wheels. There are guide wheels at the rear of the machine and drive wheels at the front. The caterpillar belt consists of small links with hinges connected by pins. The width of each track is 350 mm with a pitch of 111 mm. Gvozdika's suspension is individual torsion bar. Double-sided hydraulic shock absorbers are installed on the first and seventh road wheels.

Self-propelled artillery units and combat vehicles

2S8 "Astra" - an experienced 120-mm self-propelled mortar. Designed to equip ground forces battalions of the Soviet Army. Work on this vehicle was stopped due to the creation of a new rifled semi-automatic gun 2A51. In July 1977, at an intersectoral meeting, a decision was signed to close work on the Astra self-propelled mortar and prepare a decision to open new work on the creation of a 120-mm self-propelled artillery piece 2S17 "Nona-SV".
-2S15 “Norov” - experimental 100-mm self-propelled anti-tank gun. Intended to fight enemy tanks. As a result of delays and postponements, the first prototypes were ready only by 1983. By the time the tests were completed, NATO countries had already found more advanced tanks, against which the 100-mm 2S15 anti-tank gun was ineffective. Therefore, the work was closed, and the self-propelled gun was not accepted for service.
-2S17 "Nona-SV" - an experimental 120-mm self-propelled artillery gun. It was designed as a replacement for the 2S8 self-propelled mortar. However, in connection with the start of work on the creation of a more advanced automated self-propelled gun 2S31, work on 2S17 was closed.
-9P139 "Grad-1" - a tracked version of the combat vehicle of the regimental MLRS "Grad-1". The development was carried out at the State Design Bureau of Compressor Engineering of the Ministry aviation industry USSR under the leadership of chief designer A.I. Yaskin. The machine was designed in 1974. In 1976 it was put into service, and then a small production batch of vehicles was created. Full-scale production of 9P139 combat vehicles was planned to be organized in Bulgaria, but mass production was not mastered.

Engineering and specialized machines

UR-77 “Meteorite” - a mine clearance installation, making moves in anti-tank minefields during battle. Serially produced since 1978 to replace the UR-67.
- “Object 29” is a multi-purpose tracked light chassis, differs from the base chassis 2S1 in elements of electrical equipment and the placement of spare parts.
-2S1-N - multi-purpose transporter-tractor, manufactured on the basis of the SAU 2S1 tracked chassis, in the process of major overhaul. Intended for transporting people and cargo in an enclosed cabin.

Foreign

BMP-23 - Bulgarian infantry fighting vehicle with the installation of a 23-mm 2A14 cannon and a 9K11 Malyutka ATGM in a two-seat turret. The vehicle is based on the MT-LB chassis using SAU 2S1 chassis components.
-LPG - (Lekkie Podwozie Gasienicowe - Light tracked vehicle) artillery fire control vehicle. This tracked vehicle is used to control the Krab and Rak self-propelled guns, and also as a medical and support vehicle.
-KhTZ-26N is a Ukrainian-made snow and swamp all-terrain vehicle based on the demilitarized 2S1 chassis. Designed for installation of special equipment and work in off-road conditions.
-TGM-126-1 is a transport tracked vehicle on a 2S1 chassis made in Ukraine.

Combat use of self-propelled gun Gvozdika

The 2S1 self-propelled howitzer received its baptism of fire during the war in Afghanistan. The tactics of use boiled down to moving 2S1 batteries after the assault groups and destroying detected enemy firing points with direct fire. Such tactics significantly reduced losses Soviet troops. During escort in difficult terrain, fire support was provided by special reserve batteries 2S1. The command of the 2S1 batteries was carried out by commanders and artillery platoons, which provided reinforcement motorized rifle battalions and mouth. One of the most famous episodes of use for 2S1 was the operation to capture the Shingar and Khaki-Safed areas. In 1986, 2S1s were used during the offensive against the enemy in Kandahar province. Platoons of self-propelled howitzers carried out fire support battalions. In total, during the offensive, the 2S1 self-propelled gun platoon destroyed 7 enemy targets. In general, based on the results of the first combat use, the 2S1 self-propelled guns performed well.

During the First Chechen campaign, the 2S1 self-propelled gun was used federal troops The Russian Federation, in addition, is aware of the fact that in the period from 1992 to 1993, Chechen separatists captured several Gvozdika self-propelled guns with ammunition. During the Second Chechen Campaign they were used by federal troops. For example, 2S1 self-propelled howitzers of the Marine Corps provided artillery support to the 100th Division in the fall of 1999 special purpose internal troops of Russia.

"Carnations" were used by the Transnistrian Guard in June 1992 during the Transnistrian conflict. In the 1990s, the 2S1 was used in the Yugoslav wars by various parties to the conflict. In 2014, during the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine, 2S1 self-propelled guns were used by both Ukrainian troops and militias of the DPR and LPR republics.

At the beginning of the Iran-Iraq War, 2S1 and 2S3 self-propelled guns were supplied to Iraq from the USSR, which formed the basis of Iraqi artillery groups. In 1991, during Operation Desert Storm, 2S1 self-propelled guns were used by Iraqi troops. In general, Iraq's experience of using artillery (including 2S1 and 2S3 self-propelled howitzers, as well as BM-21 MLRS) was assessed as negative, which, in turn, contributed to the emergence of the myth that Soviet artillery was ineffective. However, when assessing the actions of the Iraqi artillery, it was not taken into account that the command and control system and the equipment of the artillery groups of the Iraqi forces did not meet Soviet standards of that time. In 2011, during the civil war in Libya, 2S1 self-propelled guns were used by government forces.

Machine evaluation

Comparison table of performance characteristics of 2S1 with next generation artillery systems

In the 1970s, the Soviet Union attempted to rearm the Soviet army with new models artillery weapons. The first example was the 2S3 self-propelled howitzer, presented to the public in 1973, followed by the 2S1 in 1974, 2S4 in 1975, and the 2S5 and 2S7 were introduced in 1979. Thanks to new technology, the Soviet Union significantly increased the survivability and maneuverability of its artillery forces; in addition, according to Western experts, it was the 2S1 and 2S3 self-propelled howitzers that made it possible to implement military doctrine The USSR to destroy the delivery vehicles for nuclear weapons even before the command of NATO forces had time to make a decision on their use.

Comparative table of performance characteristics of 2S1 with foreign analogues

By the time serial production of the 2S1 self-propelled gun began, NATO countries already had 105-mm self-propelled artillery mounts of a similar class in service. The French AMX-105B, based on the AMX-13 light tank, were closed self-propelled guns with all-round fire. The vehicles were equipped with a loading mechanism, which ensured a maximum rate of fire of up to 8 rounds per minute (versus 4-5 for the 2S1). For firing, 16-kilogram high-explosive shells were used with an initial speed of 670 m/s and a maximum firing range of 15 km, however, these self-propelled guns were manufactured only in a small production batch and were not widely used. The English FV433 self-propelled guns were manufactured on the basis of the FV430 universal tracked chassis. Similar to the 2S1, the FV433 was a lightly armored self-propelled howitzer with all-round fire. For firing, 105-mm high-explosive fragmentation projectiles L31 weighing 16.1 kg and a maximum firing range of 17 km are used (versus 15.2 km for 2S1). In addition to high-explosive fragmentation shells, shrapnel shells L42 weighing 10.49 kg, lighting shells L43, as well as smoke shells L37, L38 and L41 can also be used. The loading of the self-propelled gun is separate, semi-automatic - the projectile is sent into the barrel by the loading mechanism, the charge is inserted by the loader. The rate of fire of the FV433 self-propelled gun can reach 12 rounds per minute (versus 4-5 for the 2S1). In terms of mobility and range on the march, the English self-propelled gun is inferior to the Gvozdika, providing a maximum speed on the highway of 48 km/h and a range of 390 km. By the time the 2S1 was put into service, serial production of the FV433 had already been completed.

In China, attempts were made to create an analogue of the 2S1, under the designation Type 85 (sometimes appearing under the designation Type 54-II). The self-propelled howitzer was a Type 85 armored personnel carrier chassis, on which the upper mount of the D-30 howitzer was mounted, with guidance angles limited from -22.5 to +22.5 degrees horizontally. In the 1990s, the Type 85 was replaced by the Type 89 closed self-propelled gun, made according to the 2S1 type. In 1975, production of the 105-mm Type 74 self-propelled gun began in Japan, but production was short-lived and amounted to only 20 units, after which, by analogy with the United States, it was decided to concentrate on the production of 155-mm artillery.

In the Middle East, Egyptian and Syrian troops used the chassis of obsolete T-34 tanks, on which the D-30 howitzer was installed, to fill the gap in self-propelled artillery. The Ersatz self-propelled gun received the name T-34/122. Compared to the 2S1, the T-34/122 was twice as heavy and could not overcome water obstacles by swimming; the horizontal guidance angle was limited to 12 degrees, but the ammunition it carried was 100 rounds. With the start of deliveries of 2S1 to Syria from the USSR, the T-34/122 self-propelled guns were first forced out of elite units, and then were completely sent to storage.

The purpose and appearance of the 2S1 are reminiscent of its counterpart - the M108 self-propelled howitzer. At the time of adoption in 1970, the 2S1 was superior to the M108 in the main parameters: OFS firing range (15.2 km versus 11.5), range (500 km versus 350), speed (60 km/h versus 56), was lighter by 5270 kg, but the maximum rate of fire of the 2A31 howitzer was 4-5 rounds per minute versus 10 for the M103. However, production of the M108 had already been completed by the time the 2S1 self-propelled gun was adopted, since the US Department of Defense considered the possibilities for further modernization of 105-mm howitzers limited, and the vehicle itself unreasonably expensive, and preferred to focus on the production of the 155-mm M109 self-propelled howitzer. The high-explosive fragmentation effect on the target of 122 mm shells was approximately equal to 105 mm shells. The reduced area of ​​damage to openly located manpower in a prone position with a 122-mm 53-OF-462 projectile was 310 sq.m. versus 285 sq.m. for a high-explosive 105 mm M1 projectile. In the early 1970s, new 3OF24 ammunition entered service with the 122-mm howitzers 2S1, D-30 and M-30. Instead of TNT, composition A-IX-2 was used as an explosive, due to which the effectiveness of 3OF24 projectiles was increased by 1.2-1.7 times compared to 53-OF-462. Since 1982, the 3OF56 and 3OF56-1 projectiles of increased power have entered service with 122-mm howitzer systems.

Among the positive qualities, Western experts note the high maneuverability and relatively small weight of the self-propelled guns, which allows the use of 2S1 in conjunction with amphibious infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers. In addition, unlike US self-propelled howitzers, the 2S1 has a direct fire sight, and the ammunition load includes cumulative ammunition for combating enemy armored vehicles. Among the shortcomings, the weak armor of the hull was noted, which allows protecting the crew only from light small arms and shell fragments, the absence of an anti-aircraft machine gun on the commander's turret, the driver's mechanic's limited right field of view, as well as separate-case loading, which limits the automation of loading processes.

After the transition of field artillery of NATO countries to a single caliber 155 mm, Soviet motorized rifle regiments began to significantly lose in firepower to the corresponding Western formations, therefore, to replace the regimental 122-mm howitzers D-30 and 2S1, the development of new 152-mm howitzers 2A61 and 2S18 began. However, mass production of new models of regimental artillery was never started. Instead, work began on the creation of a 120-mm universal self-propelled artillery gun 2S31. Despite the fact that the 2S1 self-propelled gun was outdated by the 1990s, a number of states continued to use it. In Russia and Poland, a program has been developed to modernize obsolete 2S1 self-propelled guns with their transfer to 120 mm caliber.

Operators

Modern

Azerbaijan - 46 2S1 units, as of 2014
-Algeria - 140 2С1, as of 2014, a total of 145 units delivered
-Angola - some, as of 2014
-Armenia - 10 2S1 units, as of 2014
-Belarus - 198 2S1 units, as of 2014, a total of 239 units delivered
-Bulgaria - 48 2S1 units, as of 2014, a total of 686 units delivered
-Vietnam - quantity and status unknown
-Democratic Republic of the Congo - 6 units 2C1, as of 2014
-Yemen - 25 2S1 units, as of 2014
-Kazakhstan - 120 2S1 units, as of 2014
-Kyrgyzstan - 18 2S1 units, as of 2014
-Republic of the Congo - 3 units 2С1, as of 2014
-Kuba - 40 units 2S1 and 2S3, as of 2014
-Poland - 290 2S1 units, as of 2014, a total of 533 2S1 units delivered
-Russia:
-Russian Ground Forces - 2200 2S1 units, of which 1800 are in storage, as of 2014
-Russian Marine Corps - 95 2S1 units, as of 2014
-Russian Border Troops - 90 units 2S1, 2S9 and 2S12, as of 2014
-Romania - 6 2S1 units and 18 Model 89 units, as of 2014, a total of 48 2S1 units delivered
-Serbia - 67 2S1 units, as of 2014, a total of 75 2S1 units delivered
-Syria - 400 2S1 units, as of 2014
-Sudan - 51 2S1 units, as of 2014
-USA - 19 2S1 units were delivered between 1992 and 2010, the exact purpose of the deliveries is unknown, they were officially supplied for training; perhaps for the purpose of studying design solutions
-Turkmenistan - 40 2S1 units, as of 2014
-Uzbekistan - 18 2S1 units, as of 2014
-Ukraine:
-Ukrainian Ground Forces - 300 2S1 units, as of 2014
-Ukrainian Marine Corps - 12 2S1 units, as of 2014
-Uruguay - 6 units 2С1, as of 2014
-Finland - 36 2S1 units (used under the designation PsH 74), as of 2014
-Croatia - 8 2S1 units, as of 2014, a total of 30 2S1 units delivered
-Chad - 10 units 2С1, as of 2014
-Eritrea - 32 2S1 units, as of 2014
-Ethiopia - a certain amount, as of 2014, a total of 82 2S1 units were delivered
-South Ossetia - 42 units 2S1 and 2S3, as of 2008
-South Sudan - 12 2S1 units, as of 2014.

Former

Afghanistan - a total of 15 2S1 units delivered
-Bosnia and Herzegovina - 24 2S1 units, as of 2013
-Hungary - more than 153 2S1 units in storage, as of 2010
-GDR - 374 2S1 units delivered from the USSR between 1979 and 1989
-Georgia - 20 units 2С1, as of 2008
-Egypt - a total of 76 2S1 units delivered
-Zimbabwe - a total of 12 2S1 units delivered
-Iraq - 50 2S1 units were delivered from the USSR between 1979 and 1980, another 100 2S1 units were delivered between 1987 and 1989. Since 2006, withdrawn from service
-Libya - a certain amount of 2S1, as of 2013, a total of 162 2S1 units were delivered
-Slovakia - 1 2S1 self-propelled gun in service and 45 units in storage, as of 2010, a total of 51 2S1 units were delivered
-Slovenia - a total of 8 2S1 units delivered
-Togo - a total of 6 units of 2S1 were delivered
-Germany - 372 units of 2S1 received after unification with the GDR. Of these: 228 units were sold to Sweden for spare parts for MT-LBu, 72 2S1 units were sold to Finland, 50 units were used as targets at training grounds, 11 units were sold to the USA, the rest were possibly in storage or subjected to demilitarization
-Czech Republic - a total of 49 2S1 units delivered
-Czechoslovakia - 150 2S1 units delivered from the USSR or Poland in the period from 1980 to 1987
-Yugoslavia - 100 2S1 units delivered from the USSR in the period from 1982 to 1983, transferred to the states formed after the collapse
-NDR Yemen - 50 2S1 units delivered from the USSR in 1989

In the early 70s, several artillery installations with “flower” names appeared in the Soviet Union: “Carnation”, “Acacia”, “Tulip”, “Hyacinth” and “Peony”. The Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer was created to engage and destroy enemy personnel, artillery and mortar units. With its help, passage over and through various obstacles is ensured. These units are very fast and maneuverable.

What is a howitzer

The word "howitzer" comes from the German haubitze. Translated, this means a weapon that is designed to throw stones. If we talk about the howitzer - military device for shooting at ground targets at an angle of 70 degrees. If you open the explanatory dictionary, then the meaning of this word is described in different ways, but the basic meaning does not change.

A howitzer is the same cannon, but with a shorter barrel length. The speed of the projectile at the beginning of its movement is also inferior to the speed of the cannon. The walls in the howitzer barrel are made thinner. If these two guns have the same caliber, then their weight is significantly different. The gun is much heavier.

The Gvozdika self-propelled gun is an artillery system that is still used by the armed forces of various countries.

Creation and development of the first self-propelled gun mounts in Soviet Union

In all times of wars and battles, equipment was needed that could accompany the advancing troops and support them with fire. Artillery weapons had many varieties. But all of it was not mobile.

By the beginning of the 20th century, the level of knowledge of designers allowed them to start creating self-propelled guns. In 1916, V.D. Mendeleev proposed his development to the military - a very heavy vehicle on tracks, the “Armored Vehicle”. It had protective armor and a cannon. In the same year, artillery colonel Gulkevich proposed a project for a self-propelled tractor. It was built at the Obukhov steel plant. It was armed with a 3-inch cannon and 2 machine guns and covered with armor. The following year, designer N. N. Lebedenko created a combat vehicle on two wheels. In 1920, Russian industrialists in Nizhny Novgorod produced a whole batch of tanks. They got the idea for the creation from the French after studying a captured Renault tank.

In the 1920s, the development of machines was taken seriously. A competition was announced for the best proposal for the design and construction of armored vehicles. In 1922, the AM motor ship project received first prize. Despite the mass of 10 tons, the car could float on water. At the same time, it was armed with a 76 mm cannon.

The creation of the Commission for Special Artillery Experiments was of great importance for the development of new types of guns. Under the leadership of the former general of the Russian army V. M. Trofimov, the committee studied the problems of ballistics and developed new types of weapons.

In 1922-23 created a battalion artillery self-propelled gun at the Red Arsenal plant. At that time, the country was not in the best position; the industrial and economic base did not provide the opportunity to engage in mass production of these installations. In the late 20s - early 30s, the following factories worked on the creation of new types of weapons: "Krasny Putilovets", named after. Kalinina No. 8, “Red Arsenal” No. 7, Kharkov Locomotive Building, “Bolshevik” - as well as many designers.

At the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, almost no attention was paid to self-propelled artillery and they returned to this issue after the victory.

Creating a 2C1 installation

The creation of the Gvozdika self-propelled gun began after July 4, 1967. This was due to the fact that Soviet artillery equipment lagged behind Western ones. After the Great Patriotic War, there were no such self-propelled guns in service in the Soviet Army. The creation of the howitzer was entrusted to the design bureau, which worked at the Uralmash plant. The project was led by F. F. Petrov. And the Kharkov Tractor Plant and personally the designer A.F. Belousov were responsible for the chassis. Experts have analyzed everything specifications artillery pieces that have been produced over the past few decades. And in as soon as possible The “Gvozdika” system was created - an installation, the photo of which is presented below.

Turret and chassis

The function of the base chassis in the installation was taken over by the MT-LB tractor. For greater stability, the chassis was supplemented with another roller.

The 2s1 "Gvozdika" tracked self-propelled gun was equipped with a driver's seat and had the following compartments: two combat compartments, a control compartment and a motor-transmission compartment.

The driver-mechanic received a space that had sealed barriers from the rest of the blocks located in 2s1 “Gvozdika”.

In front of the turret there was a gunner on the left, on the right - loading the gun, behind the gunner was the installation commander.

At the rear of the hull special places were created for storing ammunition. To facilitate loading the howitzer, mechanisms were installed in the turret for loading shells and cartridges. Using a special electric or manual drive, the tower rotated 360 degrees.

Caterpillars

The Gvozdika self-propelled gun has enormous capabilities for passing through hard-to-reach places. This happens thanks to caterpillars. They are made of rubber and metal. Their width on the base model is 400 mm. It is possible to replace them with 670 mm tracks. This will increase the cross-country ability of the 2s1 Gvozdika. The movable hull support (track rollers) is equipped with an individual suspension with torsion bars. In addition, hydraulic shock absorbers are installed on the first and seventh wheels. The drive wheels are located in the front of the combat vehicle and have gears that can be replaced when they wear out. The tension of the tracks is ensured by a mechanism located inside the body. The Gvozdika self-propelled gun is endowed with the ability to move through water, overcoming obstacles whose width can be up to 300 m. The wave height should not exceed 150 mm, and the current should not exceed a speed of 0.6 m per second. The buoyancy of the machine is ensured by the internal air chamber. It is created by welding two discs between outer ring with rubber band and hub. The maximum speed of movement of the self-propelled gun 2s1 "Gvozdika" does not exceed 4.5 km per hour. When moving on water, the number of shots should not be more than 30.

Housing and internal structure

The Gvozdika missile launcher has an armored body. It is made of 20mm steel plates. This protection allows you to protect the vehicle and crew from lightly-damaged small arms, shrapnel and mines. The armor can withstand a bullet with a diameter of 7.62 mm fired from a rifle at a distance of 300 m.

Fuel tank 2s1 “Gvozdika” is six interconnected tanks, three on each side. The total volume is 550 liters. This is enough to cover a distance of 500 km on the highway.

The engine for the self-propelled gun was manufactured by the Yaroslavl Motor Plant. Four stroke diesel engine has 8 cylinders and a V-shape, located in front. Its power is 240 horsepower.

The Gvozdika self-propelled gun is equipped with a gearbox with 11 forward speeds and 2 reverse.

The 2s1 self-propelled howitzer can be transported by air using AN-12, Il-76, AN-124 aircraft.

Shells for "Gvozdika"

Currently, there are many types of projectiles that the Gvozdika installation can use.

Standard set of equipment: 35 high-explosive fragmentation and 5 cumulative. All ammunition is located along the walls of the hull and turret.

Let’s take a closer look at those shells that are suitable for use on the 2s1 Gvozdika self-propelled gun.

1. High-explosive fragmentation shells. Armor penetration is low. But they are used most often because they cause huge damage. When a shell hits the inside of a tank, it explodes. This leads to huge losses. If the projectile does not penetrate armor, it cannot do much damage. For protection, special screens are used that do not allow penetration of the outer plating of the tank.

2. Cumulative ammunition. They penetrate armor better due to the generation of kinetic energy, as if burning through it. Armor penetration does not deteriorate with increasing distance to the target. Special grille screens can serve as protection.

3. Lighting shells. Designed to illuminate the area or to reproduce signals in the dark (night time). Used when dropping food or equipment by aircraft. Parachutes are used to slow their movement.

4. Propaganda ammunition. They are used to inform the population located in occupied territories or in hard-to-reach areas.

5. Electronic countermeasures projectiles. They influence enemy air defense radar systems. They interfere with various radio waves.

6. Chemical munitions. Aimed at poisoning the enemy with poisons and chemicals. Shells can explode with a dull or loud sound. It depends on the boiling point chemical substance. After hitting the target, a poison cloud is formed.

7. Smoke shells. They blind and put up a dense smoke screen. It is recommended to use when the sun is behind the clouds, with little wind force. This will increase the smoke effect.

8. Shells with special damaging elements. Their use is not permitted by the Hague Convention due to the severity of the wounds caused. Inside the projectile there are arrows with tips.

To fire ammunition that is stored near the vehicle, it is equipped with a large rear door and a transport device for supplying it inside the compartment.

Howitzer

For creating self-propelled gun They used the D-30 howitzer, which was already in service with many countries around the world. 2s1 "Gvozdika" required reconstruction and modification of the D-30. This is how the modification D-32 (2A31) appeared, which ideally met the new requirements. The 122-mm howitzer “Gvozdika” saw the light of day thanks to Design Bureau No. 9 and designer A.F. Belousov. The main differences from its predecessor are the presence of a two-chamber and an ejector. There are 36 rifling marks inside the barrel. The length of the entire pipe is 4270 mm, the length of the charging chamber is 594 mm. The entire barrel group has a mass of 955 kg. Now all modern artillery installations are equipped with such devices. A breakdown of the ejection device will result in personnel being unable to continue working without gas masks.

The gun barrel can be aimed in a vertical position from -3 to +70 degrees. Targeting is carried out from sights PG-2 and OP 5-37. The gun has a vertical wedge breech. Re-cocks using a semi-automatic mechanism. The entire bolt mechanism weighs 35.65 kg.

The installation fires BP-1 cumulative shells using a special Zh-8 charge. The flight range can be up to 2 km. The projectile begins to move at a speed of 740 meters per second.

If a high-explosive charge is fired, the flight range can be 15.3 km. When firing an active-missile projectile, it increases to 21.9 km. The minimum distance to which the ammunition can be sent is 4.07 km.

"Gvozdika" is not a rapid-fire weapon. When firing from the ground, the gun can fire 4-5 rounds per minute. If the fire is carried out with a supply of shells on board, then 1-2 shots are fired per minute.

Technical and tactical data

• The crew of the car is 4 people.
• Full combat weight - 15,700 kg.
• Dimensions: length - 7.265 m, width - 2.85 m, height - 2.285 m.
• Armor - steel 2 cm.
• The weapon is a howitzer with a 122 mm D-32 barrel.
• Combat kit - maximum 40 shells.
• Rate of fire - 4-5 rounds per minute (maximum).
• Firing range - 4.07-15 km.
• The maximum speed on the highway is 60 km/h.
• The maximum speed of movement on water is 4.5 km/h.
• The maximum distance per refueling is 500 km.
• Can overcome obstacles: a wall 0.7 m high, a ditch 2.75 m wide.

The set of components includes the following components:

Commander's observation device BDIN-3, sight PG-1, artillery fire control system PG-2, gunner's night sight PP81MN, driver's night vision device TVN-M2, diesel engine YaMZ-238N-1.

Modern "Carnations"

The vehicle was adopted by almost all Warsaw Pact countries. The Gvozdika artillery mount is still in use different countries peace. Its modern modifications are equipped with laser guidance “Kitolov-2”. It was specially developed for self-propelled guns at the Instrument Design Bureau in Tula. Such a projectile easily hits any armored moving or stationary targets. "Kitolov-2" was put into service in 2002. The mass of the projectile is 28 kg, length - 1190 mm.

Serial production of the 2S1 self-propelled howitzer with a 122 mm barrel is still ongoing.

The last modernization was carried out in 2003. In the city of Perm, at the Motovilikha Plants enterprise, the installation received new equipment in the form automatic system guidance and fire control. After this, the self-propelled guns were given a new designation - 2S1M1.

The Gvozdika installation is available in the following countries:

• Azerbaijan - 62 pieces.
• Algeria - 145 pieces.
• Armenia - 10 pieces.
• Belarus - 246 pieces.
• Bulgaria - 306 pieces.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina - 5 pieces.
• Hungary - 153 pieces.
• Georgia - 12 pieces.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo - 12 pieces.
• Kazakhstan - 10 pieces.
• Poland - 533 pieces.
• Republic of Serbia - 75 pieces.
• Russia - 2000 pieces.
• Romania - 6 pieces.
• Syria - 400 pieces.
• Slovakia - 49 pieces.
• Ukraine - 580 pieces.
• And also in Angola, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, the Czech Republic and Ethiopia.

The Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer was produced not only in Russia. Poland and Bulgaria received the right to manufacture it.

These howitzers have limited distribution in the Russian army. They are used in the artillery of mountain motorized rifle brigades and in the Marine Corps. The most popular are 152 mm howitzers.

Until August 2014, the 2s1 Gvozdika artillery mount was produced at a plant in Kharkov.

After the crisis in Ukraine led to military confrontation, the owner of the plant, Russian Oleg Deripaska, was banned from producing these weapons. In addition, the company did not renew its license to produce all-terrain vehicles and lightly armored tractors.

"Carnations" as exhibits

Individual copies of the Gvozdika self-propelled gun can be seen in various museums around the world. In Russia, these combat vehicles are installed as exhibits or commemorative pedestals in twelve places.

In the Museum of Technology (Moscow region), in the memorial complex "Partisan Glade" (Bryansk), in Krasnoarmeysk, Moscow region near the Research Institute "Geodesy", in the capital's Victory Park, in the Suvorov Military School (Moscow), in St. Petersburg , Yalutorovsk and other cities.

In Belarus, “Carnation” is in the Gomel Regional Museum of Military Glory and in the historical and cultural complex “Stalin Line”.

In Poland, these models are housed in five military museums, in the USA - in three, in the Czech Republic - in one.

In Ukraine such self-propelled guns had 6 expositions in different cities countries.

Protection from "Carnation"

For protection, it is necessary to use structures made of concrete, the thickness of the walls of which is at least 50-70 cm. Building blocks for the foundation are ideal for creating a shelter. If you need to protect yourself in a city, it is best to use old bomb shelters, catacombs and basements with good depth. A direct hit from a projectile is very dangerous.

Howitzer and cannon shells tend to be highly scattered along the direction of their movement. Therefore, they are not used to hit small targets. They can be used effectively only if the projectiles have a laser homing function. In this regard, it is recommended to move perpendicular to the expected direction of fire, increasing the distance between the participants of the column and the speed of its movement.

SU-122: 1 - pneumatic system, 2 - travel system stopper, 3 - control of the turning mechanism, clutch and brakes, 4 - main gear control, 5 - inspection devices, 6 - engine heating system, 7 - oil system of the engine and main gear, 8 - stowage of ammunition, 9 - installation of a measuring device, 10 - installation of a fuel unit, 11 - hydraulic equipment, 12 - hydraulic shock absorber, 13 - cooling system casing, 14 - intermediate gearbox, 15 - main gear, 1 6 - drive wheel.

Artillery of Russia and the world, guns photos, videos, pictures watch online, along with other states, introduced the most significant innovations - the transformation of a smooth-bore gun, loaded from the muzzle, into a rifled gun, loaded from the breech (lock). The use of streamlined projectiles and various types fuses with adjustable operation time settings; more powerful propellants such as cordite, which appeared in Britain before the First World War; the development of rolling systems, which made it possible to increase the rate of fire and relieved the gun crew from the hard work of rolling into the firing position after each shot; connection in one assembly of a projectile, propellant charge and fuse; the use of shrapnel shells, which, after the explosion, scatter small steel particles in all directions.

Russian artillery, capable of firing large shells, acutely highlighted the problem of weapon durability. In 1854, during Crimean War, Sir William Armstrong, a British hydraulic engineer, proposed a method of scooping wrought iron gun barrels by first twisting iron rods and then welding them together using a forging method. The gun barrel was additionally reinforced with wrought iron rings. Armstrong created an enterprise where guns of several sizes were made. One of the most famous was his 12-pounder rifled gun with a 7.6 cm (3 in) barrel and a screw lock mechanism.

The artillery of the Second World War (WWII), in particular the Soviet Union, probably had the largest potential among European armies. At the same time, the Red Army experienced the purges of Commander-in-Chief Joseph Stalin and endured a difficult Winter War with Finland at the end of the decade. During this period, Soviet design bureaus adhered to a conservative approach to technology.
The first modernization efforts came with the improvement of the 76.2 mm M00/02 field gun in 1930, which included improved ammunition and replacement barrels on parts of the gun fleet, the new version of the gun was called the M02/30. Six years later, the 76.2 mm M1936 field gun appeared, with a carriage from the 107 mm.

Heavy artilleryall armies, and quite rare materials from the time of Hitler’s blitzkrieg, whose army crossed the Polish border smoothly and without delay. The German army was the most modern and best equipped army in the world. The Wehrmacht artillery operated in close cooperation with infantry and aviation, trying to quickly occupy territory and deprive Polish army ways of communication. The world shuddered upon learning of a new armed conflict in Europe.

The artillery of the USSR in the positional conduct of combat operations on the Western Front in the last war and the horror in the trenches of the military leaders of some countries created new priorities in the tactics of using artillery. They believed that in the second global conflict of the 20th century, the decisive factors would be mobile firepower and fire accuracy.