What kind of new self-propelled mortar "Drok" will Russian paratroopers receive?

2S4 "Tulpan" - Soviet 240 mm self-propelled mortar. It is designed to destroy fortified buildings, fortifications, concentrations of enemy personnel and armored vehicles, as well as the destruction of objects that, due to their high security, cannot be destroyed by smaller-caliber artillery pieces. The ammunition load of the 2S4 "Tulpan" mortar includes high-explosive, incendiary, cluster, guided, neutron and nuclear ammunition.

M-240 MORTAR – PRECEDOR TO 2S4 “TULPAN” MORTAR

Since the second half of the 30s, the Soviet military-political leadership paid close attention to mortars - as a relatively cheap, easy to manufacture and operate, and at the same time effective means of fire support for ground forces.

The promising artillery armament system of the Red Army, adopted in 1938, provided for the widespread introduction of mortars into the troops: 50 mm - in a rifle company, 82 mm - in a battalion, 120 mm - in a regiment, 160 mm - in a rifle division and, finally , 240 mm - to the artillery of the Reserve of the High Command (RGK). The first three calibers were considered priority - thus, the first sample of a battalion mortar entered service with the Red Army even before the adoption of this program, in 1936. In 1938, company and regimental mortars appeared.

The development of heavier systems was slow. The 160-mm mortar was brought to a state suitable for adoption by 1943. But the prototypes of two 240-mm mortars that appeared in the same year were unsuccessful. The design of the system for the RGK artillery had to start virtually from scratch.

The work assigned to the Kolomna Special Design Bureau of Smoothbore Artillery (SKB GA) in January 1944 was headed by Boris Shavyrin. In 1944-1945 a prototype of the new mortar underwent factory tests, but after the end of the war they were interrupted and resumed only in 1947. Finally, in 1950, the mortar was adopted by the Soviet Army under the designation M-240. Let us dwell on its design in more detail, since the M-240 is most directly related to the main character of our article - the 2S4 “Tulip” mortar.

M-240 MORTAR – PRECEDOR TO 2S4 “TULPAN” MORTAR

The 240-mm M-240 mortar is a rigid structure (without recoil devices) on a wheeled carriage. It consists of the following parts: a barrel with a bolt, a frame with a shock absorber, a machine with guidance mechanisms, a balancing mechanism, a boom with a mechanism for transferring the mortar from the traveling position to the combat position and back, a base plate, a pin and sighting devices,

The barrel has the shape of a smooth-walled pipe fixed in trunnion cages. Thanks to this, it is able to swing on the axles to bring it into position for loading. The fact is that, unlike lighter mortars (caliber up to 120 mm), for heavy systems it is not possible to implement a conventional “mortar” muzzle-loading scheme. After all, a 120-mm mortar mine weighs 16 kg, and a 240-mm mortar mine weighs 130 kg. In addition, at the maximum elevation angle, the M-240 barrel cut is at a height of 5.35 m above the ground. Just imagine - how to lift a mine weighing more than a hundredweight to such a height using calculations? Therefore, the M-240 used a breech-loading scheme, previously successfully tested on a 160-mm mortar. In it, the barrel “breaks” for loading, like a hunting rifle.

The breech is used to close the barrel and transfer the recoil force to the base plate. Its conical part ends with a ball heel, through which the breech is connected to the base plate bowl.

The machine consists of two frames (upper and lower) of a stamped-welded structure, hingedly connected to each other. The rotary mechanism is a screw, allowing horizontal guidance within certain limits without moving the wheels. The horizontal aiming angle depends on the elevation angle: at an elevation of 45° it is 16°, and at 80° it is 78°, respectively. Since the recoil force is quite significant, and the mortar does not have recoil devices, shooting at elevation angles of more than 45° is allowed only from solid ground and after several so-called. "shrink" shots.

Screw type lifting mechanism. The balancing mechanism is spring-loaded and located on the right side of the machine. The lower frame is assembled on the combat axle of an inseparable wheel drive. The wheels are spring-loaded. The wheels themselves are of the YATB-4 trolleybus type, with a sponge filler.

The dimensions of the M-240 are quite significant - it looks like a real monster even in comparison with the 160-mm M-160 mortar, not to mention the smaller representatives of this class of weapons. In the traveling position, the mortar has a length of 6.35 m, a width of 2.43 m and a height (along the base plate) of 2.21 m. In the firing position at an elevation angle of 80°, the height of the mortar is 5.34 m. The mass of the mortar in the firing position is 3610 kg, traveling - 4230 kg.

The transfer of the mortar from the traveling position to the combat position is carried out by a crew of 11 people and takes 20-25 minutes, back to the traveling position - 15-20 minutes. The M-240 is normally towed by the AT-L tracked tractor, but other tractors, as well as Ural trucks, can also be used. The permissible towing speed on the highway is 40 km/h.

Initially, M-240 mortars were equipped with MP-46 panoramic sights, and from the beginning of 1955 - with an improved mortar sight with a K-1 gun collimator.

Due to the large mass of ammunition for transporting mines to the firing position, the mortar kit included a special single-axle trolley. Loading the mortar required a number of manipulations:

• the barrel is brought to a horizontal position;
• after opening the shutter, a tray is hung on the half axis of the shutter wedge;
• five crew members manually lift the mine from the cart, place it on the tray and send it into the barrel;
• the tray is removed, then the barrel is lowered into the breech to fire a shot.

Due to this complexity of the procedure, the M-240’s rated rate of fire is only 1 round/min.

The main type of ammunition for the M-240 mortar is the F-864 high-explosive fragmentation mine. This ammunition weighs 130.7 kg and has a length of 1536 mm. It is equipped with an explosive charge weighing 31.9 kg. The VF-864 shot consists of the mine itself, an ignition charge placed in the mine stabilizer tube, as well as five propellant charges in ring-shaped caps, attached to the stabilizer tube using silk cords. By varying the number of caps, you can adjust the initial speed of the mine in the range from 158 to 362 m/s, which, in combination with changing the elevation angle of the barrel, allows you to achieve a firing range from 800 to 9650 m. The F-864 mine is equipped with a GVMZ-7 head fuse with settings for instant or delayed action. In the latter case, the mine detonates after penetrating the ground, which increases its ability to destroy fortifications. In addition, the M-240 can fire “special ammunition” ZVB4 - this designation concealed a nuclear mine with a TNT equivalent capacity of 2 kt.

The new mortar "Drok" was presented for the first time at the Army-2019 forum

This year, the Airborne Forces received several samples of new military equipment. Along with the BMD-4M airborne combat vehicle and the BTR-MDM “Rakushka” armored personnel carrier that have already been accepted for supplying troops, airborne and air assault formations should soon receive the latest artillery systems. The Airborne Forces are expected to receive the 2A25 Sprut-SD self-propelled artillery mount in the near future.

It recently became known that this year the 2S42 Lotos self-propelled gun and the 2S41 Drok portable mortar, based on the Typhoon-VDV armored vehicle, are also entering the final stage of testing. “Lotus” and “Drok” were first presented to the public at the Army 2019 forum.

The Airborne Forces, as the most mobile branch of the military, require special types of armored vehicles. To conduct combat operations behind enemy lines, it must be dropped from aircraft. The weight of a combat vehicle should not exceed 20 tons.

Also, to carry out tasks in isolation from the main forces, the landing force needs equipment equipped with a wide range of weapons. The “Drok” system meets all these requirements. This self-propelled (portable) mortar has unique characteristics in terms of fire capabilities and firing range. Such a highly mobile airborne weapon is capable of firing conventional and advanced mines with increased range and power directly from the vehicle’s fighting compartment.

The designers also provide for the possibility of carrying the mortar out and firing it from the ground. An 82 mm caliber mortar is installed on the roof of the K-4386 Typhoon-VDV armored vehicle.

This combat vehicle has improved maneuverability characteristics and reliable armor protection. An engine of 350 horsepower allows the 14-ton armored vehicle to reach speeds of up to 100 km/h and march over a distance of up to 1,200 kilometers. To protect against enemy infantry fire, the combat vehicle is armed with a machine gun mounted in a remote-controlled combat module.

There is also provision for installation of an optical-electronic countermeasures complex on the armored vehicle. The crew (four people) has the ability, if necessary, to cover the self-propelled mortar system with a dense aerosol cloud and thus protect itself from enemy guided missiles.

REFERENCE

The firing range of the "Drok" is 6 kilometers, and the minimum target engagement distance is 100 meters. Rate of fire - up to 12 rounds per minute, ammunition - 40 min.

ON THE WAY TO “TULIP”

The production of M-240 mortars was carried out at plant No. 75 (Yurga, Kemerovo region), where from 1951 to 1958. produced 329 such products.

M-240 mortars were supplied to Czechoslovakia, Poland, Bulgaria, Egypt, and Syria. However, their active service in the Soviet Army was relatively short-lived. The large-scale introduction of the M-240 coincided with the beginning of Khrushchev's reforms in the armed forces. These measures, which led to a significant reduction in the number of personnel, the fleet of combat aircraft, and large surface combatants, are usually assessed negatively: “Khrushchev ruined everything.” However, in our opinion, only thanks to the achieved cost savings it was possible to achieve a breakthrough in the field of rocket technology and launch the mass construction of a nuclear submarine fleet. In other words, the USSR economy simply could not tolerate the simultaneous development of all types of weapons, so it was necessary to sacrifice some of them in favor of more strategically important ones. Barrel artillery was also among those sacrificed - it was believed that a significant part of the tasks assigned to it would be carried out by tactical missiles.

The bet on missiles was justified only in one case - if we focus on a nuclear war. However, it soon became clear that such a war was extremely unlikely, since it was guaranteed to lead to the destruction of both sides of the conflict. But in a normal conflict, artillery could turn out to be much more useful than expensive and bulky missiles. Calculations carried out in 1964 showed that the use of self-propelled artillery in combination with command and staff vehicles makes it possible to significantly reduce the time it takes to complete combat missions, while at the same time significantly reducing the number of forces involved. But in the USSR during the post-war period not a single new self-propelled artillery weapon was adopted, while in the USA by the beginning of the 60s. the second generation of such systems was already created (105 mm howitzer M108, 155 mm M109, 203.2 mm M110, as well as the 175 mm M107 gun), and self-propelled guns of the first post-war generation (105 mm howitzer M52, 155 mm M44 and 203.2 mm M55) were transferred to the allies.

Exercises conducted at the Yavorovsky training ground (Lvov region) involving self-propelled artillery - self-propelled guns ISU-152 and SU-100 - confirmed the correctness of the conclusions of military theorists about the benefits of self-propelled guns. And just then the first information began to arrive about the successful use of new generation self-propelled guns by the Americans in Vietnam. Against this background, to put it mildly, the Soviet self-propelled guns, which still remembered the Second World War, looked pale. The report on the Yavorov exercises spoke of the need to create new self-propelled artillery installations with all-round firing, large barrel elevation angles, increased transportable ammunition and an increased rate of fire. Representatives of industry were also present at the exercises - the chief designers of three specialized design bureaus: the Volgograd Tractor Plant, Plant No. 9 from Sverdlovsk (now Yekaterinburg) and OKB-3 of the Ural Transport Engineering Plant (also from Sverdlovsk).

The response to the challenge of the time was the approval by the Council of Ministers of the USSR in 1965 of a program for the development of artillery weapons, which provided for the development of complexes consisting of command and staff vehicles and self-propelled artillery guns. And in July 1967, a decree was issued by the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR, which specified this program and identified the developers of four types of self-propelled guns. In particular, the Kharkov Tractor Plant was entrusted with the creation of a 122-mm self-propelled howitzer 2S1 "Gvozdika" for motorized rifle units, the Volgograd Tractor Plant - the 2S2 "Violet" system of a similar caliber, but intended for airborne troops (ultimately it was not adopted for service) was). Finally, the Ural Transport Engineering Plant (UZTM) was entrusted with the development of two installations at once - the 152-mm self-propelled howitzer 2SZ "Akatsiya" and the 240-mm self-propelled mortar 2S4 "Tulip".

Self-propelled mortars

Patria AMV has become a popular platform that can also accept mortar systems.
Poland ordered 690 of these vehicles in 2007, a significant number of them were delivered in the Rosomak configuration (pictured is the Polish Army's Rosomak variant). While almost all armed forces widely use mortars as indirect fire systems, self-propelled mortars remain a niche product. The article provides information on the major self-propelled mortar programs currently underway, along with recent major procurements.

One of the reasons for the limited use of self-propelled mortars is that crew-served mortars for a long time were transported by armored personnel carriers and were simply fired through open hatches in the hull. The disadvantages of such platforms include a limited sector of fire, vulnerability of the crew to enemy fire, as well as to nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, as well as the lack of a fire control system.

In contrast, a purpose-built self-propelled mortar is a weapon system mounted on a rotating platform or turret that can rotate a full 360 degrees, and which offers superior levels of crew and weapon protection and a fully integrated fire control system (FCS). Installing a mortar on an armored vehicle also allows you to increase the caliber of weapons, usually up to 120 mm. As a result, almost all self-propelled mortars are offered in this caliber. This allows for a significant increase in firepower compared to the 81mm or 82mm mortars that were previously standard in infantry support.

China

Chinese development of 120-mm self-propelled mortars began with the development of the PLL-05 by North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) based on the chassis of the six-wheeled NORINCO WMZ551 armored personnel carrier, which is a further development of the NORINCO WZ551 model. PLL-05 was shown to the general public in October 2009; at least 50 of these vehicles were delivered to the Chinese army. Another 120mm NORINCO CS/SM2 system, shown at the end of 2014, is based on an eight-wheel chassis and may be identical to the Type 07PA system, which was proposed by Poly Technologies in 2012 and which is based on the Type 07P 8x8 armored personnel carrier. In 2013, Tanzania became the first foreign customer for the Type 07PA, with ten vehicles delivered by 2014. The Chinese PLZ-05A tracked vehicle is based on the ZBD-08 infantry fighting vehicle. The PLZ-05A is most likely intended for export, where it will compete with the Russian-produced 2S31 Vienna mortar system (see below).

The AMOS 120 mm double-barreled breech-loading mortar system is installed on the Patria AMV (Armored Maodular Vehicle - modular armored vehicle) chassis. This mortar system provides high firepower with a relatively small chassis and a high level of deployment

Finland

The Finnish company Patria is a leading developer of 120-mm self-propelled mortar systems for wheeled and tracked chassis, as well as for ship applications. Development of the AMOS (Advanced Mortar System) began in 1996 as a Finnish-Swedish joint venture between Patria and Hägglunds (now BAE Systems). According to the agreement, Hägglunds provided a turret in which a twin 120 mm mortar from Patria was installed. The system was originally designed to meet the needs of both countries, but Sweden subsequently withdrew from the program. In 2002, Patria received a $5 million contract to develop and supply a loading system and other technologies, including a single AMOS mortar mounted on a Patria XA-203 6x6 armored personnel carrier.

In 2010, Finland issued an order for 18 AMOS systems, delivered in 2013 to the Finnish armed forces, which included an option for several more systems. In addition to the AMV chassis, the AMOS mortar can be installed on the BAE Systems CV90 series infantry fighting vehicle, Soviet-made MT-LB tracked armored personnel carriers, M113 tracked armored personnel carriers and the MOWAG Piranha 8x8 armored personnel carrier. Since there is still Swedish participation in this process, it must be said that the BAE Systems division in Sweden, the Hägglunds company, continues to supply the AMOS tower. According to a BAE Systems spokesperson: “The CV90 is ready to accept the AMOS turret and we are in discussions with potential customers.”

Patria has developed the NEMO 120mm self-propelled mortar as a lighter and more compact alternative to the AMOS. Like the AMOS mortar, this system was installed on the AMV chassis. The NEMO mortar was first shown in 2005, and in 2011 the Saudi Arabian National Guard ordered 724 Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs) from General Dynamics (according to some sources for $110 million). This number included 36 vehicles with the NEMO Turreted Mortar System (TMS) mortar system installed. Deliveries began in 2012 and the manufacturer confirmed that 34 of these systems were delivered in 2015, and the last two vehicles will be delivered before the end of 2015. In mid-2012, the NEMO TMS turret was modified and the Kongsberg Protector Super Lite remote-controlled combat module was installed on it.

Patria's current sales strategy for the NEMO system is to offer a mortar turret that can be mounted on a customer-specified platform, including tracked and wheeled platforms. According to the representative.

The BAE Systems AMPV (Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle) multi-purpose armored vehicle was selected as a replacement for the US Army's M113 armored personnel carrier; This family will also include a mortar variant. The number of AMPVs expected to be ordered by the US Department of Defense could generate significant interest abroad

France

Thales' division TDA has extensive experience in the field of 120 mm mortars, which it has acquired since the takeover of Thomson Brandt Armaments. Thomson Brandt Armaments developed the 2R2M 120mm mortar in 1992, and the first completed prototype was shown in 1994. This weapon system is proposed for installation on the Piranha armored personnel carrier and AIFV infantry fighting vehicle of the Turkish company FNSS; The 2R2M mortar installed on the AIFV infantry fighting vehicle has been tested in Turkey. For testing as prototypes, Italy selected the 2R2M for installation on the eight-wheeled Freccia armored personnel carrier and the Dardo tracked infantry fighting vehicle of the Iveco/OTO Melara consortium.

In 2008, Oman placed an order for six 2R2M mortars for installation on Renault VAB 4x4 armored personnel carriers (Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé - armored vanguard vehicle) already in service with this country. In the same year, under a contract worth $19 million, Malaysia ordered eight ACV-S armored fighting vehicles from FNSS to install 2R2M mortars on them. A separate Malaysian contract provided for the supply of 257 Pars 8x8 armored personnel carriers by the local company DEFTECH, eight of which were equipped with 2R2M mortars. Deliveries were completed in 2011. In 2009-2010, Saudi Arabia received 25 2R2M mortars for installation on the modernized M113 armored personnel carriers of the Saudi National Guard.

Japan

In the early 90s, Japan developed the Komatsu Type 96 self-propelled mortar. Although according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute SIPRI, it is noted that by 2014, 448 mortars were delivered to the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, it is believed that only 40 Type 96 systems entered service as self-propelled units, the remaining mortars are operated as towed ones. The Type 96 mount is armed with a 120mm TDA mortar, manufactured under license in Japan. Further development of the 120 mm TDA mortar was implemented in the RS2M smoothbore version and the Dragon Fire remote-controlled version for the US Marine Corps. Under the EFSS (Expeditionary Fire Support System) program, the Marine Corps received 66 120 mm mortars from TDA in 2008-2013 for installation on the M327 towed mortar system, and, in addition, the weapons were modified for installation on the chassis Light Armored Vehicle (LAV-EFSS) from General Dynamics.

Self-propelled mortar Patria AMOS (Advanced Mortar System); The photo shows winter shooting tests in Finland. A total of 18 such systems were supplied to the Finnish armed forces.

Germany

The current 120mm self-propelled mortar of the German Army was originally developed by MaK System GmbH (now Rheinmetall). The Wiesel-2 tracked vehicle was chosen as the chassis; the mortar itself is installed by Rheinmetall. The first experimental model was manufactured in 1992, after which the German armed forces ordered two systems, delivered for testing in 2004. In 2009, a contract was issued for the production of eight cars worth $60 million.

Israel

In Israel, 120-mm mortars are in the “area of ​​responsibility” of Elbit Systems, after it acquired Soltam in 2010. The self-propelled installation includes a modern deployable autonomous mortar system ADAMS (Advanced Deployable Autonomous Mortar System). In 2005, on an initiative basis, the 120-mm Soltam mortar was installed on the chassis of a Humvee armored vehicle (or High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle) manufactured by AM General. Installed on the Humvee received the designation CARDOM (Computerized Autonomous Recoil Rapid Deployed Outrange Mortar - computerized autonomous recoil long-range mortar for rapid deployment). CARDOM was developed for the Israeli military for installation on the M113, in addition, it was also installed on the American Stryker 8x8 armored personnel carriers from General Dynamics, designated M1129. A total of 453 CARDOM systems were delivered to the US Army's Stryker combat brigades from 2002 to 2010. In the Israeli army, the 120-mm mortar based on the M113 armored personnel carrier is known under the designation Keshet (rainbow). The previous version of the 120mm Soltam mortar was installed on the US Army M1064A3 armored personnel carrier (see below).

The latest foreign buyer of the CARDOM mortar system was Cameroon, which bought eight systems installed on the chassis of a Mercedes-Benz off-road truck. Also, CARDOM was installed on a Soviet-made tracked BMP-1 for an unnamed customer and deliveries for it have reportedly already begun. Perhaps we are talking about Azerbaijan, which bought ten CARDOM systems in 2008 for installation on a self-propelled chassis. In 2007, Kazakhstan signed a $120 million contract under which 28 previously delivered 2B11 mortars were converted to CARDOM standard for installation on MT-LB tracked chassis. These systems, under the local designation Aibat, were delivered in 2008-2009. Portugal is armed with 33 120-mm CARDOM mortars, delivered in 2008-2011. Finally, Uganda purchased 18 CARDOM systems for installation on self-propelled chassis delivered in 2009.

A mortar shell is fired from a 120mm Patria NEMO mortar. This system is installed on the AMV chassis of the same company. The AMV chassis can accept either a NEMO 120mm or an AMOS 120mm turret

Poland

In Poland, Huta Stalowa Wola has developed the Rak family of wheeled and tracked 120mm self-propelled mortars to meet the needs of the Polish Army. The development contract was awarded in 2007; then two turrets were made, one for a tracked vehicle and one for a wheeled vehicle. The initial wheeled version is the Patria AMV chassis. Poland ordered 690 of these chassis, which were delivered from 2007 under the name Rosomak.

Poland has identified its initial requirements as between 12 and 16 systems; ultimately, it can purchase 64 systems on the Rosomak chassis and 32 vehicles on the tracked chassis, of course, subject to the availability of funding. Today, the 120-mm self-propelled system of the Huta Stalowa Wola company is still funded by the Polish Ministry of Defense. The representative, but admits that.

Russia

Russia has been an “advocate” of self-propelled mortars for several decades, having begun their development in the Soviet era. As for 120-mm weapons, the Cold War-era 2S9 Nona-S mortar on the BTR-D tracked chassis was first introduced back in 1985. Although this system has not been offered to foreign markets, its delivery to China has been confirmed by Ukraine. It is likely that, once in China, these three systems were used for the so-called reverse engineering of local self-propelled mortars (see the section on China). The Nona mortar line was expanded in the 90s by installing the 2S23 Nona-SVK on the chassis of the BTR-80 armored personnel carrier. In Russia, the Nona-SVK is used in limited quantities; approximately 50 copies are in service with the Russian army and marine corps. The only confirmed foreign buyer was Venezuela, which received 13 Nona-SVK systems in 2011.

The next version of the Nona was the 2S31 Vena system, which was shown on a modernized BMP-3 chassis. The chassis is produced by Kurganmashzavod, and the mortar is produced by Motovilikha Plants PJSC. The first foreign buyer was Azerbaijan, which purchased 18 systems with deliveries in 2012-2014. It is expected that the 2S31 Vena will be installed on the Kurganets-25 tracked infantry fighting vehicle produced by Kurganmashzavod, serial production of which will begin in 2017.

As a complement to the 120-mm Rak mortar on a wheeled chassis, the Polish company Huta Stalowa Wola has developed a version on the Soviet-designed 2S1 tracked chassis. The contract for the development of a tracked version of the 120 mm Rak mortar by the Polish Ministry of Defense was awarded in 2007

Singapore

The Singapore company ST Kinetics (STK) has proactively developed a modern rapid-fire mortar system SRAMS (Super Rapid Advanced Mortar System). SRAMS was first shown in 2001 and its development was completed in 2006. Compared to other 120mm self-propelled systems, SRAMS is optimized for installation on lighter platforms, such as HMMWV armored vehicles and the ATTC (All Terrain Tracked Carrier) articulated armored personnel carrier from STK Bronco. For the Singapore Army, the SRAMS mortar system was installed on the ATTC chassis.

Meanwhile, in 2006, the International Golden Group (IGG) from the UAE began developing the Agrab self-propelled complex, which was based on the SRAMS mortar. After testing the Agrab Mk.1 in 2011, IGG received a contract worth $320 million for 72 Agrab Mk.2 systems to supply the UAE Army. While the Agrab Mk.1 mortar system is mounted on a four-wheeled BAE Systems RG31 Mk.5 chassis, the Agrab Mk.2 mortar is mounted on an upgraded RG31 Mk.6E chassis and includes a fire control system from Thales. According to SIPRI, another unnamed customer bought 25 SRAMS complexes worth $46 million with deliveries planned for 2013-2014.

Switzerland

The Swiss company RUAG is currently offering its 120mm Cobra mortar, which would have been first presented at IDEX in February 2015. The Cobra modular system is designed to be installed on a variety of platforms and the company hopes that it will be selected to meet the Swiss Army's needs for a self-propelled 120mm mortar. After initial installation on the Piranha II armored vehicle, RUAG is working on installing its new system on the Piranha III and M113 vehicles.

The 120mm Rak mortar, mounted on the Rosomak 8x8 armored personnel carrier chassis, is compatible with other types of 120mm smoothbore ammunition. Ultimately, Poland intends to purchase up to 64 such platforms

United States

BAE Systems is a leader in the integration of next-generation self-propelled mortars for the US Army. In December 2014, the Army awarded BAE Systems an EMD contract for the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) with an initial production option. The final value of the contract was $1.2 billion. The AMPV is intended to replace the M113 family of vehicles, and one of the AMPV variants will be equipped with a 120 mm mortar, which will thus replace the M1064 self-propelled mortar. BAE Systems is responsible for the vehicles that will accept the mortar systems. Immediately after selecting a mortar system, it integrates a 120 mm mortar and fire control system.

The latest modification of the previous generation M1064 mortar system of the US Army is the M1064A3 variant, which is based on the chassis of the new M113A3 variant. This vehicle is equipped with a 120 mm Soltam mortar. M1064 mortar systems were delivered to Israel in three batches, in 2007, 2008 and 2009. At least 120 vehicles were delivered and, most likely, they were delivered without mortars, since the Soltam complexes were already installed in Israel. New systems were also ordered by Thailand in 2005, which ordered 82 M113 vehicles, including 12 M1064A3 mortar systems.

As seen with CARDOM and SRAMS, improved recoil devices now allow 120mm systems to be mounted on significantly lighter chassis than was previously the case. Therefore, they are proposed for installation on the chassis of trucks or even armored vehicles such as Humvees. They, as well as the self-propelled mortars themselves, make it possible to meet the needs of modern rapid reaction forces, since they use lighter and more transportable vehicles and weapons platforms. As long as the military adheres to these concepts, so long will there be interest in 120-mm self-propelled systems as a means of providing highly mobile indirect fire. Another notable trend that has emerged recently is the conversion of obsolete vehicles, such as the M113, 2S1 and MT-LB, to carry mortars. In addition, with the current fashion for turret-mounted mortars, there is great potential in that existing combat vehicles are “quickly” converted into artillery mounts. Finally, the US Army is beginning the mammoth task of replacing its M113 vehicles, and it is likely that the AMPV project will receive significant orders from the Pentagon, which will most likely lead to a significant increase in export sales.

Materials used: www.hsw.pl www.baesystems.com www.elbitsystems.com www.norinco.com www.armada.ch www.stengg.com www.ruag.com www.patria.fi www.wikipedia.org

THE APPEARANCE OF THE “TULIP”

The development of the project for the future self-propelled mortar began at OKB-3 under the leadership of G.S. Efimov even before the government decree was issued - in 1966. Actually, OKB-3 was developing the chassis (this area of ​​​​work was headed by Yu.V. Tomashov) and integrating it with the artillery unit, but the mortar itself for self-propelled guns was created by a specialized artillery design bureau - SKB Perm Machine-Building Plant, headed by Yu.N. Kalachnikov.

Chassis

The tracked chassis for the Tulip was unified with the Akatsiya - which is understandable, given the development of both self-propelled guns at the same enterprise. The basis was taken from the chassis developed at UZTM in 1955-1965. for the 2K11 “Krug” anti-aircraft missile system. However, the mobility requirements for self-propelled artillery were higher, which required installing a more powerful engine (520 hp instead of 400) and strengthening the structure. As a result, almost 80% of the chassis components had to be redone.

Frame

The body of the self-propelled mortar is welded and armored, providing protection against armor-piercing bullets of 7.62 mm caliber and shell fragments. The relative “thin-skinnedness” is explained by the fact that the “Tulip”, by definition, is not a battlefield machine - it is designed to fire from closed positions, “over the heads” of its troops. In the front part of the hull there is a bulldozer blade for self-digging and arranging a firing position, and in the aft part there is a support plate that folds down onto the ground.

Functionally, the hull is divided into a control compartment, combat compartment and engine-transmission compartment.

Department of Management

The control compartment is located in the bow of the hull between the left side and the engine bulkhead. The driver and commander seats are located here. Above the first position there is a hatch with periscopic observation devices, and above the commander’s position there is a turret with observation devices. A remote-controlled 7.62-mm PKT machine gun, which is the defensive weapon of the Tulip, is mounted on the turret, on the ball shoulder strap. Its ammunition capacity is 1500 rounds.

Engine compartment

The engine and transmission compartment is located in the bow of the hull on the right. It houses the engine, transmission, fuel and air supply systems, lubrication and cooling, heating and starting. The vehicle is equipped with a 12-cylinder, four-stroke, V-shaped, liquid-cooled V-59 diesel engine with forced fuel injection and the ability to operate in afterburner. The transmission is mechanical, two-flow. The gearbox is made in one block with a planetary rotation mechanism.

Combat compartment

The fighting compartment occupies the middle and rear parts of the hull. In the middle part there is ammunition in a mechanized drum-type ammunition rack for 20 minutes, a mechanism for feeding shots and stowage of spare parts. In the roof of the fighting compartment there are two hatches for boarding and disembarking crew numbers, as well as surveillance devices. Along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle there is a hatch for dispensing mines from the ammunition rack. On the aft vertical armor plate there are mounting brackets for the artillery unit.

Chassis

The undercarriage for one side consists of six double rubber-coated support rollers, four rubber-coated support rollers (two double and two single), a guide wheel and a front drive wheel with removable ring gears and lantern gearing. The suspension is individual, torsion bar with hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers in the suspensions of the 1st and 6th road wheels. Each caterpillar has 115 tracks with rubber-metal joints 482 mm wide, track pitch 125 mm.

Art unit

The developers took the proven ballistics of the M-240 mortar as a basis, adapting the design for installation on a self-propelled chassis. This mortar was designated 2B8. However, the creation of a self-propelled artillery mount in the usual sense - that is, firing directly from the chassis - was out of the question. The obstacle was the enormous recoil force of the large-caliber mortar, reaching 400-450 tf, and also directed almost vertically downwards. No chassis could withstand such recoil - its bottom would break. Therefore, for firing, the mortar base plate is lowered to the ground. That is, it is impossible to fire from the 2S4 on the move - some preparation is required. On the other hand, the presence of an engine made it possible to introduce a hydraulic system into the design of the self-propelled guns, which significantly facilitates the crew’s actions. Its strength has been reduced compared to the M-240 from 11 to 5 people (commander, driver and three crew numbers).

The 240 mm 2B8 mortar is mounted on brackets to the rear armor plate. It has a welded membrane-type base plate with a flat base and a bowl for a ball joint for the barrel frame. In the stowed position, the mortar is placed on the roof of the hull, and in the combat position it is lowered to the ground. The mortar cannot be used separately from the chassis. The barrel is a smooth-walled single-layer pipe with a wedge screwed onto the breech. All parts of the bolt, which is designed to close the barrel when fired, are attached here. The breech is a kind of support for the barrel with the bolt when fired; it is it that transfers the resulting force to the base plate. The lifting and balancing mechanisms of the machine are screw type, they are combined into one structure called the lifting and balancing mechanism. With its help, the mortar is aimed vertically and its swinging part is balanced.

Loading operations from a mechanized ammunition rack are controlled from the gunner's and operator's remote consoles, and the shot is fired from the commander's console. The mortar can be loaded from the ground using a crane mounted on the left side of the vehicle, closer to the stern. Rate of fire - 0.8-1 rounds/min. Transfer time from traveling to combat position is 5 minutes. and back - 10 minutes. Vertical pointing angles are possible in the range from +50° to 80°, horizontally - from +10° to +41°. Loading angle - +63°. The sight is an MP-46M panoramic mortar. Vertical guidance is provided by a hydraulic mechanism, horizontal guidance is manual.

Hydraulics also ensure the transfer of the mortar from the traveling position to the combat position and back, bringing the barrel to the mine dispensing line, opening the bolt, feeding the mine from the mechanized ammunition rack to the rammer guides (located on top of the vehicle body), loading the mortar, closing the bolt and lowering the barrel into the breech. In short, the designers tried to minimize the need to use “brute male force” by crew members.

The supply of mines to the guides of the dispensing mechanism is carried out using three cylinders fixed along the laying axis. The supply of standard mines is carried out alternately by the outer cylinders, active-reactive ones (they will be discussed below) - by one middle cylinder. After dispensing mines from one row, the drum rotates one step relative to the stacking axis, and the next row of mines stands above the cylinder trays. When a lifting command is given, the mine with its cylinder up and rests its body against the guide pipes, after which the cylinder rod goes down, and the mine remains on the guide pipes. After loading the mine with charges and turning the mortar tube onto the loading line, the rammer, resting its base on the stabilizer of the mine, pushes it along the guides into the barrel, after which the rammer's clot returns back.

Means of communication

Communication equipment 2S4 - radio station R-123 and tank intercom R-124.

Protection against weapons of mass destruction

The self-propelled gun is equipped with automatic anti-nuclear and fire protection systems.

Dynamic characteristics

With a mass of 27.5 tons, the self-propelled mortar reaches speeds on the highway of up to 63 km/h. Power reserve - 500 km.

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Author: Alex Alexeev

The growing popularity of 120-mm self-propelled mortars contributes to their rapid spread not only in Europe, but also in other regions.

The AMOS twin-barrel turret mortar from Patria Hagglunds is designed for installation on wheeled and tracked vehicles of the medium weight category and high-speed boats

Scandinavian trio

BAE Systems Hagglunds has developed a 120-mm double-barreled Mjolner mortar (in Norse mythology, the hammer of the thunder god Thor), mounted on the CV90 tracked chassis. In September 2022, the first four production vehicles were officially handed over to the Swedish army. Crews from the Skaraborg Regiment immediately began training and conducted firing tests in December. A $68 million contract for the supply of 40 Mjolner systems was awarded in December 2016. The first four pre-production units were delivered in February 2022 specifically for training. Deliveries will be made in batches of four vehicles every two months.

The Swedish Army's mechanized brigades, equipped with the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle, currently rely on the obsolete Tampella Grk m/41 120mm mortars of the 1941 model, which are transported in a trailer and removed from it for firing. The Army originally intended to buy 120mm AMOS (Advanced Mortar System) mortar systems and ordered 40 new CV90 hulls for this project in 2003. However, in 2008, due to budget cuts, Sweden abandoned plans to purchase AMOS, after which the hulls were sent into storage. The Swedish Army conducted an analysis in 2011 that confirmed that a self-propelled 120mm mortar mounted on the CV90 platform would provide the best combination of firepower, mobility and protection, and would also allow for shorter setup and release times compared to towed system.

The Finnish armed forces are armed with 18 AMOS mortar systems based on the AMV 8x8 platforms

Twin Mjolner muzzle-loading mortars are served by a crew of four: a commander who serves as a gunner, two loaders and a driver. The weapon unit can rotate 60° in the front sector, and a further increase in firing angles is ensured by rotating the vehicle. The loading angle of the system ranges from 45° to 85°; after firing at a different angle, the barrel block must be brought to the loading angle. The turret houses an ammunition load of 56 rounds. The loader places the shot on the receiving tray, after which a mechanical drive feeds it forward and takes it outside the fighting compartment, where the mine is aligned with the axis of the barrel bore and then falls into the gun under its own weight. The Mjolner can shoot the first four mines in 6 seconds, reach a maximum rate of fire of 16 rounds per minute, and maintain a sustained rate of fire of six rounds per minute. The Mjolner complex can fire all 120-mm high-explosive fragmentation smoke and illumination shells available to the Swedish army, as well as the Strix top-attack mine from Saab Dynamics.

A mortar system with two 120 mm Mjolner barrels can fire four rounds in six seconds and achieve a maximum rate of fire of 16 rounds per minute

Each of the five mechanized battalions will receive eight Mjolner complexes to equip two platoons. Each weapon system will be supported by a Bv206 tracked off-road vehicle from BAE Systems Hagglunds, which will carry additional ammunition. The platoon will be able to get ready and open fire in about two minutes, compared to the 10 minutes it takes for a platoon with Grk m/41 mortars, and leave the position within a minute of completing the mission.

The Mjolner turret can also be installed on the AMV (Armoured Modular Vehicle) 8x8 vehicle from the Finnish company Patria Vehicles or on comparable tracked or wheeled vehicles for foreign customers.

A high level of automation allows the AMOS breech-loading double-barreled mortar to fire up to eight projectiles in MRSI mode (simultaneous impact of several projectiles; the angle of the barrel changes and all projectiles fired over a certain time interval arrive at the target simultaneously).

Finnish twins

The 120mm AMOS mortar was developed by Patria Hagglunds, a joint venture between Patria Land Systems and BAE Systems Hagglunds established in June 1996. The first was responsible for the turret, and the second was responsible for the mortar itself. The AMOS double-barreled 120-mm breech-loading turret mortar weighing about 3.5 tons is designed for installation on medium-sized tracked and wheeled vehicles and high-speed boats.

The standard AMOS crew includes a commander, gunner, loader and driver. To satisfy customer requests, various fire control systems can be installed. A high level of automation allows the AMOS complex to fire the first shot 30 seconds after stopping and remove itself from the position 10 seconds after the shot. AMOS can fire the first four rounds in five seconds, fire eight rounds in MRSI mode, and maintain a sustained fire rate of 12 rounds per minute. The turret rotates 360°, and vertical guidance angles range from -3° to +85°, allowing the mortar to be used for direct fire at close ranges.

Patria has developed the NEMO (NEw MOrtar) single-barrel turret mortar as a lighter, less expensive alternative to the AMOS system.

The Finnish Army, after extensive testing of four AMOS turrets installed on AMV 8x8 vehicles, ordered 18 standard production systems in 2010. Inside the AMV case there is a stack of 48 shots. The Army would not be averse to acquiring more AMOS systems, subject to funding availability. In order to obtain a cheaper alternative to the AMOS system, Patria has developed a single-barrel smoothbore mortar system NEMO (NEw MOrtar) with a caliber of 120 mm. The modular design allows Patria to tailor this solution to the customer's operational needs and budget. The 1.5-ton turret can be installed on a wide variety of 6x6 tracked or wheeled platforms, as well as high-speed combat boats. At the Eurosatory 2006 exhibition, the turret was shown on an AMV vehicle, which can typically accommodate up to 60 rounds. The NEMO semi-automatic loading system allows for a maximum rate of fire of 10 rounds/min and a fire rate of 7 rounds/min. Once stopped, the mortar is ready for the first shot in less than 30 seconds, and after the last shot is fired, the vehicle is ready to move in less than 10 seconds.

The Patria NEMO Container container mortar can be installed on flatbed trucks, for example, on the Sisu ETP E13 (pictured), and on ships for transportation and combat use

Today there are three customers for the NEMO system. In December 2006, the Slovenian Ministry of Defense became the first customer, purchasing 12 systems as part of a large order for 135 AMV vehicles, but for financial reasons this number was reduced to 30 AMV vehicles in 2012 and not a single NEMO mortar system was delivered. Saudi Arabia in 2009 issued a contract for 724 LAV II 8x8 vehicles manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, including 36 vehicles equipped with the NEMO mortar. The Emirati Navy has purchased eight NEMO Navy turrets for installation on six Ghannatha missile boats.

At IDEX in February 2022, Patria presented its NEMO Container mortar system, which is being developed in collaboration with the UAE Navy. NEMO Container is a NEMO tower integrated into a 20-foot ISO (International Standards Organization) standard container that can be transported by speedboat, ship or truck. This weapon system can be fired from any of these carriers, and can also be installed at forward operating bases and other fixed installations.

The NEMO Container complex is served by a crew of three people: two loaders and an operator-gunner, who also plays the role of commander. In the transport position, the tower is completely closed with a transport cover. The container has space for the power unit, air conditioning unit and 100 mortar shells, which is twice the usual amount carried in an armored vehicle. Customers can specify the level of ballistic protection, it can be either steel sheets or ceramics. To absorb rollback forces, the container is equipped with a reinforced tubular structure between the inner and outer lining.

120-mm HSW Rak turret mortars can be installed on tracked and wheeled armored vehicles

Polish Cancer

At MSPO 2008, Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) showed the Rak 120mm turret-mounted mortar, which is designed to be mounted on any suitable tracked or wheeled chassis. The system, installed on the Rosomak chassis of the Polish army (licensed version of the AMV of the Finnish company Patria), received the designation M120K. In a breech-loading mortar, shots are fired from a rotating magazine for 20 minutes. Guidance is carried out using the Topaz control system developed by the Polish WB Electronics, which allows the Rak platform to fire the first shot within 30 seconds after stopping.

Another 26 shots are carried in a magazine in the vehicle body. The all-welded turret, made of armored steel, can rotate 360°, and a wide range of vertical guidance angles from -3° to 80° allows direct fire. In 2012, HSW showed the Rak mortar mounted on a tracked chassis of its own design; this mobile mortar system was designated M120G. At MSPO 2013, it unveiled the Rak on the Marder 1A3 armored vehicle chassis, giving the German manufacturer the opportunity to offer a mortar to Marder vehicle operators.

HSW has supplied 64 Rak mobile mortar systems based on the Rosomak 8x8 chassis to the Polish army and received an order for another 18 systems

In April 2016, HSW received an initial contract worth $260 million for the supply of 64 Rak mortars and 32 AWD command vehicles, also based on the Rosomak platform, which is enough to equip eight so-called company fire modules CFM (company fire module). The Rak CFM module assigned to each mechanized brigade consists of eight M120K, four AWD, two AWR artillery reconnaissance vehicles, three AWA ammunition delivery vehicles and an AWRU mobile workshop. The Army received its first Rak CFM module in June 2022, and delivery of the eighth CFM module took place in October 2022, when Poland placed a contract for 18 additional M120K mortars and eight AWD command vehicles, enough to equip two additional CFM modules for two mechanized brigades .

The company fire module of the Polish army includes eight 120-mm Rak mortar systems based on the Rosomak 8x8 platform

Through the hatch

In parallel with the turret systems, new 120 mm mortars with an open hatch are also being deployed. RUAG MRO Switzerland showed the Cobra mortar at IDEX 2015, the development of which began in 2012, and in 2016 it delivered a prototype to the Swiss army for testing. The company estimated that the country's army needs 32 120-mm Cobra smooth-bore mortar systems. The mortar on a rotating platform weighing 1350 kg can be installed on any suitable tracked or wheeled armored personnel carrier. General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) will install the Cobra mortar on the Piranha 3+ (8x8) platform, designated Piranha 4 by the Swiss Army, which will be equipped with a retractable roof over the rear compartment. In this configuration, the Cobra system will be operated by a crew of four - a driver, commander and two loaders. The Cobra complex is equipped with a computerized control system with an inertial navigation system, as well as electric drives for horizontal and vertical guidance with manual backup drives. The Cobra mortar is equipped with a device that facilitates loading in order to reduce crew fatigue and achieve a rate of fire of 10 shots in 62 seconds. The system can start firing and complete the firing task in 60 seconds.

France ordered 44 Griffon MERAS mobile mortar systems as part of the Scorpion program

The French consortium, which includes Arquus, Nexter Systems and Thales, plans to supply about 1722 Griffon VBMR (Vehicule Blinde Multi Role) 6x6 vehicles in at least 10 variants to replace the French army's VAB (Vehicule de Tavant Blinde) 4 armored personnel carriers. ×4. On December 30, 2022, Thales received a contract for the supply of 54 MERAS (Mortier Embarque Pour I'Appui au Contact) mobile systems armed with a 120-mm Thales2R2M rifled mortar on a rotating platform. The 2R2M mortar system, developed on its own initiative, was purchased by Italy for installation on its Freccia 8x8 vehicles, Malaysia (tracked ACV-19 and wheeled 8x8 AV8), Oman (modernized 6x6 VAB) and Saudi Arabia (modernized M113). The MERAS mortar installation will be equipped with an ATLAS (Automatisation des tirs et liaisons de 1'artillerie sol/sol) fire control system developed by Sagem and a semi-automatic loading system that allows it to achieve a rate of fire of up to 10 rounds/min. The first MERAS systems are planned to be delivered by the end of 2023, and delivery of the remaining ones is planned for 2024-2027.

The French Army's Griffon MERAS 6x6 systems will be armed with the 120mm 2R2M Recoiling Rifled Mortar rotating mortar from Thaies

The Swiss army plans to order 32 RUAG Defense Cobra smooth-bore mortar systems and install them on Piranha 3+ armored vehicles

The Turkish company Aselsan presented its 120-mm Alkar mortar system, originally designated AHS-120, at IDEF 2022 and less than two years later began producing it for the gendarmerie, installing it on the mine-protected Vuran 4x4 Navy vehicle. The Alkar muzzle-loading weapon system on a rotating platform can be installed on any suitable tracked and wheeled armored fighting vehicle or on the ground to protect forward operating bases, in which case it can rely only on its batteries. The first mortars have a rifled barrel from the MKEK company, the same one is used in the HY-12 towed mortar, which is in service with the Turkish ground forces, although a smooth barrel can be installed at the request of the customer. The Alkar mortar is equipped with an automatic loading system, which only requires a loader to place the mine on the loading device, and a computerized control system from Aselsan, which includes an inertial navigation system and muzzle velocity radar. This mortar can also be integrated into the Aselsan Fire Support Automation System (AFSAS).

The Danish army ordered 15 CARDOM 10 smoothbore mortars from Elbit Systems Soltam and installed them on the new Piranha 5 (8x8) vehicles.

At the end of this year, the Danish army will receive the CARDOM 10 (Computerized Autonomous Recoil rapid Deployed Outrange Mortar) mortar system from Elbit Systems Soltam, installed on the Piranha 5 vehicle. The CARDOM system combines a 120-mm K6 smoothbore mortar and a recoil mechanism on a rotating platform with a computerized control system . In March 2022, Denmark issued a contract to the Austrian division of Elbit for the supply and installation of 15 mortars on the Piranha 5 armored vehicle with an option for six more. With the CARDOM mortar installed on board, the Piranha 5 can carry up to 40 mortar rounds. The $16.66 million contract includes the supply and integration of mortars, spare parts, documentation and training kit. The CARDOM 10/Piranha 5 complex will significantly increase the capabilities of the Danish army. The Army currently operates 120mm towed mortars 20K6V1 (Danish designation MT M/10), purchased in 2010 for fire support of the Danish contingent in Afghanistan.

At the Eurosatory 2022 exhibition, ST Engineering and Hirtenberger Defense Systems (HDS) signed an agreement to promote 120-mm mortar systems in Europe. The companies will promote the mortar system from ST Engineering Super Rapid Advanced Mortar System (SRAMS) in combination with the SLA and 120-mm ammunition from HDS. In October 2022, the Hungarian company HDT Defense Industry Ltd bought HDS as part of government support for the modernization of the defense industry.

The first customer of the 120-mm mortar 2R2M Recoiling Rifled Mortar was the Italian army, which installed the mortar on the Freccia infantry fighting vehicle; The first unit's firing took place in the fall of 2022

The Turkish Gendarmerie became the first customer of the 120-mm Aselsan Alkar mortar systems, which were installed on the Vuran 4×4 mine-protected armored vehicle of the Navy

American Army plans

BAE Systems and Patria, along with other mortar manufacturers, are closely watching the US Army's search for a new self-propelled 120mm self-propelled system. In 2022, the US Army released a market survey to identify contractors capable of designing and manufacturing a Mortar FIFT (Future Indirect Fire Turret) mortar turret that could be installed on the Stryker 8x8 Armored Multipurpose Vehicle (currently in progress). to replace the remaining M113 tracked platforms) and the Next Generation Combat Vehicle, which will ultimately replace the M1 Abrams tank and M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle. The Army is looking for “a 120mm turret that provides protection against enemy counter-battery systems and protects soldiers from noise and blast overpressure. This turret-mounted mortar should be capable of firing at longer ranges compared to existing Battalion Mortar System (BMS) or Recoil Mortar System-Light (RMS-L). The 120 mm Mortar FIFT mortar must be capable of firing in MRSI mode ("Barrage of Fire" - a firing mode in which several projectiles fired from one gun at different angles simultaneously reach the target), engage targets with direct fire and allow the integration of the latest systems, for example, LMAMS or SMAMS loitering munitions.”

The Patria NEMO turret mortar was shown at Fort Benning on September 11, 2022 as part of the US Army's technology testing for the Mortar Future Indirect Fire Turret turret mortar program.

The FIFT platform, which can be manned or uninhabited, must have a high level of automation, allowing it to carry out a fire mission within 60 seconds of receiving an order, including while on the move, and have a minimum rate of fire of 6 rounds within 4 seconds in MRSI mode and a maximum of 12 shots. The system must provide a maximum rate of fire of at least 16 rounds in the first minute and then maintain a rate of 6 rounds/min for a long time (minimum requirement). It is desirable that the system provide a maximum rate of fire of 24 rounds/min for two minutes and a sustained rate of fire of 12 rounds/min (target requirement).” The minimum firing range is set to be no less than 8,000 meters, and the target range is 20,000 meters.

Source: topwar.ru

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SERIAL PRODUCTION OF MORTAR “TULPAN”

Between May and June 1969, production of the first three prototypes was completed, and by October 20, factory tests were completed, followed by prototypes. Between May and June 1969, the production of the first three prototypes was completed, and by October 20, factory tests were completed, after which the prototypes were sent for field testing.

It must be said that the tests did not go smoothly. The first experimental model at the Rzhevka training ground withstood only two shots. The fastening of the support plate, which rigidly connected it to the body of the machine, burst. And the developing dynamic wave crushed the fuel tanks like an accordion. We had to make changes to the design of the machine.

Nevertheless, in 1971, the 2S4 self-propelled mortar was put into service. In 1972 and 1973 The first serial products were ordered - four per year. The small volume of production not least contributed to the increase in the price of the Tulip - it amounted to 210 thousand rubles (for comparison, the 152-mm howitzer 2S3 Akatsiya, produced by the same enterprise and on a similar chassis, cost 36.5 thousand rubles) . Gradually, the production volume of "Tulips" increased, and before production ceased in 1988, 588 of these self-propelled mortars were produced.

Self-propelled gun M44

(Fig. 16) has been produced since 1951. It is armed with a 155 mm howitzer and a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun, which is mounted on the left rear of the fighting compartment on a special installation that provides all-round fire ().

The M44 self-propelled gun was created on the basis of units of the M41 light tank and is the largest and heaviest vehicle in the family of this type.

The fighting compartment, open at the top, is located in the rear of the hull and is protected by bulletproof armor. The rear wall of the fighting compartment folds down and serves as a platform for the crew. The side walls can be removed.

1* For tactical and technical data of self-propelled artillery systems, see table. 2.

Rice. 16. Self-propelled gun M44

At the rear of the machine there is a folding coulter.

In order to reduce the specific pressure on the ground and slightly increase stability when firing, the guide wheel is made load-bearing.

All crew members are accommodated inside the fighting compartment. The driver's seat is on the left. On the march, with the canvas roof up, observation from the fighting compartment is carried out through the windshield. The vehicle commander's seat is located to the right of the gun.

The 155-mm howitzer is loaded manually with separate loading shots using a spring-hydraulic rammer, which facilitates the loader’s work, guarantees complete ramming and ensures a high rate of fire; it can be charged without a rammer. A panoramic sight is used to aim the gun at the target.

The gun mount is equipped with a hydraulic recoil system with reduced recoil. This made it possible to use the space freed up in the fighting compartment to increase the vertical and horizontal aiming angles to values ​​that could not be achieved in other self-propelled howitzers of this caliber.

Rice. 17. Self-propelled gun M52

The gun is equipped with a piston-type bolt.

The ammunition rack allows you to fire multiple shots without changing the position of the gun to access the shells.

The M44 self-propelled gun is designed to replace the 155-mm M41 self-propelled howitzer produced in 1945.

In 1956, the M44 self-propelled gun was modernized by equipping the engine with a direct fuel injection system. The modernized model was named M44A1.

Self-propelled gun M52

(Fig. 17) developed in 1952-1953. based on units of the M41 light tank. It is armed with a 105 mm howitzer and a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun.

Rice. 18. Schematic longitudinal section of the M52 self-propelled gun:

1 – 105-mm howitzer T96E1; 2 – commander’s cupola; 3 – commander’s seat; 4 – towing device; 5 – fire extinguisher; 6 – air cleaner; 7 – engine; 8 – power transmission

The completely enclosed fighting compartment is made in the form of a tower, protecting the crew from machine-gun fire and shell fragments. The tower is installed on a rotating platform, which provides a horizontal guidance angle of 120°. The layout of the units is similar to their layout in the M44 self-propelled guns. A longitudinal section of the machine is shown in Fig. 18.

The M52 self-propelled gun is designed to replace the 105-mm M37 howitzer produced in 1945.

In 1956, the M52 self-propelled gun was modernized by equipping the engine with a direct fuel injection system. The modernized model was named M52A1.

Cassock. 19. Self-propelled gun M53

Self-propelled gun M53

(Fig. 19) was developed in 1953 on the basis of units of the M48 tank.

The 155 mm cannon is equipped with a loading mechanism. The anti-aircraft machine gun is fired by a shooter who has access to the machine gun through a hatch located on the roof of the turret. The closed turret has bulletproof armor. It is installed in the rear part and provides a horizontal gun pointing angle in the 60° sector. The rear wall of the tower consists of two parts that fold up and down. There are side hatches for crew entry and exit. A folding coulter is installed in the rear part of the housing.

The design of the vehicle's chassis has been slightly changed compared to the chassis of the M48 tank: the guide wheel is made load-bearing.

The maximum speed is 48 km!hour. An infrared periscope is used to drive a car at night.

A longitudinal section of the M53 self-propelled gun is shown in Fig. 20.

The M53 self-propelled gun is designed to replace the 155-mm M40 self-propelled gun manufactured in 1945.

Self-propelled gun M55

created in 1953-1954, based on units of the M48 tank.

The fully enclosed turret has bulletproof armor and provides horizontal guidance of the 203.2 mm howitzer in a 60° sector.

The gun is equipped with a loading mechanism. The howitzer can fire ammunition with a conventional or nuclear warhead.

At the rear of the machine there is a folding coulter, which is raised and lowered using a hydraulic drive.

The power plant, power transmission, chassis parts and layout are the same as on the M53 self-propelled gun.

The M55 self-propelled gun is designed to replace the 203.2 mm M43 self-propelled howitzer produced in 1945.

Self-propelled gun M108

(Fig. 21) was put into service in 1962. It is a floating air transportable self-propelled unit weighing 20.7 tons and is intended to replace the 105-mm M52 self-propelled howitzer in the military.

The vehicle has a crew of five people: commander, driver, gunner and two loaders.

The 105 mm howitzer is installed in a closed rotating turret with a shoulder strap diameter of 2540 mm. The howitzer barrel is equipped with a muzzle brake and an ejection device.

The machine is equipped with a lift and rammer with hydraulic drives.

The 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun is mounted on a special bracket above the commander's cupola.

In addition to standard ammunition, a new type of ammunition has been introduced into the howitzer’s ammunition, providing an increase in the firing range to 14,000 m.

Rice. 20. Schematic longitudinal section of the M53 self-propelled gun:

1 – engine; 2 – exhaust manifold; 3 – heater; 4 – auxiliary compensator; 5 – instrument panel; 6 – driver’s seat; 7 – knurl; 8 – compensator; 9 – commander’s seat; 10 – ammunition rack; 11 - rammer; 12 – turret shoulder strap; 13 – horizontal• compensator; 14 – compensator tanks; 15 – compensator battery; 16 – bilge pump; 17 – auxiliary starting motor; 18 – carburetor; 19 – oil cooler; 20-power transmission

The vehicle can fire a cannon and a machine gun while afloat.

The armor protection of the self-propelled gun is made of aluminum alloy and protects the crew from light radiation, shell fragments and small-caliber weapon fire.

The vehicle is built on a chassis that uses a number of components and assemblies of the M1 13 amphibious armored personnel carrier.

The chassis has seven road wheels per side, made of aluminum alloy.

Rice. 21. Self-propelled gun M108

The power compartment is located at the front. The first samples of the vehicle were equipped with a Continental AOI-623-1 gasoline engine with a power of 340 hp. With. and power transmission XT-300-2. Subsequently, as part of the modernization, a GM8V71T diesel engine with a power of 420 hp was installed. With.

The fighting compartment is located at the rear of the vehicle. For entry and exit of the gun crew, there is a large double-leaf hatch in the rear hull plate

For driving at night there is an infrared periscope.
Self-propelled gun M109.
The 155-mm self-propelled howitzer M109 (Fig. 22), weighing 23.4 tons, was put into service in 1962. It is a floating air-transportable self-propelled unit designed to replace the 155-mm self-propelled howitzer M44A1 in the military.

The vehicle has a crew of five people: a commander, a driver, a gunner and two loaders.

Rice. 22. Self-propelled gun M109

In this vehicle, the gun is installed in a closed turret of circular rotation. The howitzer has a muzzle brake and an ejection device.

The machine is equipped with a lift and rammer with hydraulic drives.

In addition to standard ammunition, a new type of ammunition has been introduced into the howitzer's ammunition, providing an increase in firing range by approximately 30%.

The vehicle is also armed with a 12.7-mm anti-aircraft machine gun, mounted openly on a special bracket above the commander's cupola.

The armor protection is made of aluminum alloy and protects the crew from light radiation, shell fragments and small-caliber weapon fire.

In order to increase bullet resistance, the configuration of the nose of the hull of this vehicle, compared to the nose of the M108, has been changed by giving the armor greater angles of inclination.

The fighting compartment is located in the rear of the hull.

For the entry and exit of the crew, there is a double-leaf hatch in the stern.

The power compartment is located at the front. The power plant, power transmission units and chassis are the same as the M108.

For driving at night there is an infrared periscope.

The M109 self-propelled guns are intended for use as close support artillery as part of an armored division.
They can also be used in airborne operations. It is expected to provide the ability to drop the M109 vehicle with a parachute. Universal tracked chassis T249.
To increase mobility, increase range, ensure air transportability and unify the base of high-power self-propelled artillery, the T249 multi-purpose tracked chassis was created. The following family of vehicles is built on this chassis: 155 mm self-propelled gun T245, 175 mm self-propelled gun M107 (T235), 203.2 mm self-propelled howitzer M110 (T236), unarmored repair and recovery vehicle T119, armored repair and recovery vehicle T120 .

The features of the new tracked chassis are small dimensions and weight, relatively high load capacity, and providing vehicles created on its basis with a maximum speed of over 50 km/h.

The machine body is welded from steel sheets. The first prototypes of the chassis were equipped with an eight-cylinder Continental gasoline engine model AOI-628-3 with horizontally opposed air-cooled cylinders with a power of 312 hp. With. and power transmission brand XTG-410-2. The engine was equipped with a direct fuel injection system. Subsequently, a 420 hp diesel engine was installed. With.

The power compartment and drive wheels are located at the front. The engine is installed to the right of the driver. There is a hatch on the roof of the hull to the right of the driver's hatch above the engine.

The chassis has five large diameter rollers per side. The idler wheel is lowered and simultaneously serves as a support roller. There are no support rollers.

Individual suspension, torsion bar. Each roller is equipped with a double-acting hydraulic shock absorber. The shock absorber device allows the driver to adjust the stiffness of the suspension, and therefore the smoothness of the ride in various road conditions, or block the entire suspension to ensure stability of the body when firing.

The suspension locking mechanism ensures that the force applied to the machine is transferred directly to the ground. This new quality of suspension was also used in the creation of repair and recovery vehicles equipped with a crane. It allows you to keep the position of the crane constant when lifting a load to a given height.

The presence of a suspension locking mechanism allows, within certain limits, a change in the vehicle's ground clearance, as well as the possibility of giving the body different angles of inclination relative to the transverse axis, which can be used to increase the vertical pointing angles of the gun.

Track with metal hinge and removable rubber pads. In the rear part of the chassis there is a coulter, which is tilted by means of a hydraulic mechanism.

If it is necessary to transport by air, the chassis must be transported separately from the equipment installed on it.
Chassis width 3150 mm, height 1300 mm. Power reserve is about 800 km. Self-propelled gun T245.
The 155-mm self-propelled gun 'G245' (Fig. 23) is manufactured on the T249 universal tracked chassis. It is intended to replace the self-propelled 155-mm M53 gun in service. The gun is mounted on a special pedestal installation.

The loading process is facilitated by using a hydraulically driven lift and rammer.

The gun guidance mechanisms have hydraulic and manual drives. To drive the car at night, the driver has an infrared periscope installed. The gun mount and crew are protected by removable nylon shields.

Rice. 23. Self-propelled gun T245

Self-propelled gun M107. A prototype of a self-propelled 175 mm gun was first demonstrated in May 1959 under the brand name T235. After military testing and fine-tuning, the vehicle was standardized in 1961 under the M107 brand. The first production model was handed over to the army in September 1962.

Self-propelled gun M107

(Fig. 24) is made on the basis of the T249 universal tracked chassis. It is armed with a 175-mm cannon with a barrel length of 9 m, mounted on a special pedestal installation in the rear of the chassis.

A self-propelled gun of 175 mm caliber was created in the USA for the first time. It can be used both for long-range shooting and for overhead fire using partial charges. This gun is supposed to fire both conventional ammunition and shells with a nuclear warhead.

From the traveling position, the gun can be prepared for firing within a few minutes. The gun loading mechanism uses a hydraulically driven lift and rammer.

Rice. 24. Self-propelled gun M107

To ensure the rollback, the loading mechanism is moved to the side. The gun guidance mechanisms have hydraulic and manual drives. The sight is panoramic.

There is no armor protection for the crew. It is supposed to cover the fighting compartment with light folding nylon shields.

For driving at night, the driver has an infrared periscope.

Self-propelled gun M110

. A prototype of a 203.2 mm self-propelled howitzer was first demonstrated in May 1959 under the brand name T236. After military testing and fine-tuning, the vehicle was standardized in 1961 under the M1 10 brand.

Rice. 25. Self-propelled unit M 110

The M110 self-propelled gun (Fig. 25) is made on the basis of the T249 universal tracked chassis. It is armed with a 203.2 mm howitzer capable of firing both conventional and nuclear ammunition.

The howitzer is mounted on a special open pedestal installation in the rear part of the hull. The howitzer is loaded using a hydraulically driven mechanism.

Separately loaded shots. The gun guidance mechanisms have hydraulic and manual drives.

The vehicle is intended to replace the self-propelled 203.2 mm M55 howitzer in the military.

The gun crew of this vehicle is not provided with armor protection. It is supposed to cover the fighting compartment with light folding nylon shields.

From the traveling position, the howitzer can be ready for firing within a few minutes.
Self-propelled gun XM104.
The XM104 self-propelled gun, being developed by the Detroit Tank Arsenal, is a 105 mm howitzer mounted on a lightweight tracked chassis. In 1962, tests were carried out on the first prototypes of the vehicles, the combat weight of which was about 3 tons. Thus, compared to the 105 mm M 108 self-propelled howitzer adopted for service in 1962, the new model will be almost five times lighter.

Such a sharp reduction in the weight of the 105-mm self-propelled howitzer was achieved primarily by abandoning armor protection, significantly reducing the overall dimensions of the chassis, using lightweight automotive components, widespread use of light alloys in the design of the vehicle, reducing the crew to four people, limited transportable ammunition, etc.

The height of the crawler chassis is approximately 750 mm.

The 105 mm howitzer is installed openly in the rear of the chassis. It has approximately the same firepower as the 105 mm howitzer installed in the M52 self-propelled gun, and is designed to conduct mounted fire at ranges from 1,600 to 10,000 m. Most of the rollback resistance is absorbed by the opener. The howitzer barrel is locked in a stowed manner on the roof of the hull, occupying an almost horizontal position.

The crew of the vehicle in the stowed position is placed on folding seats mounted on the roof of the hull, two to the left and right of the gun. The limited size of the vehicle necessitated the crew being on the ground while firing. However, the low height of the loading line allows the gun to be serviced at a practical rate of fire, typical for manual loading.

The transportable ammunition consists of 10 unitary rounds.

The power compartment of the vehicle, located in the front part of the body, is equipped with a four-cylinder gasoline engine with an output of 80 hp. With. This engine is used in the company's 1/4-ton military vehicles.

Ford. The gearbox is five-speed automobile type. The suspension is independent, torsion bar.

The chassis uses four road wheels on each side. The rear support roller also serves as a steering wheel.

The lightweight belt-type track is designed for a service life exceeding 6,000 km. The maximum speed is 56 km/h. Cruising range 480 km.

The vehicle can overcome water obstacles while afloat, be transported by air by planes and helicopters, and dropped with parachutes.

A general view of the 105 mm XM104 self-propelled gun is shown in Fig. 26.

The M84 self-propelled mortar is an amphibious, fully armored tracked vehicle based on the M59 armored personnel carrier. It weighs 21.36 tons. The vehicle has a crew of six people. The maximum speed is 43 km/h. The 106.7 mm mortar, crew and ammunition are placed in the middle and rear parts of the armored personnel carrier, and the commander and driver are located in the front part.

The sliding roof of the self-propelled gun ensures firing at pointing angles of +45; +59°.

In addition to the mortar, the vehicle is armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun, as well as a 12.7 mm machine gun mounted in the commander's cupola, from which the commander can fire at ground and air targets while protected by armor.

The power plant and power transmission, as well as the suspension and chassis of this vehicle are the same as those of the M59 armored personnel carrier.

In 1959, special equipment was tested for the M84 self-propelled gun, which makes it possible to determine the current coordinates of the vehicle and the direction of its movement, as well as the location and distance of the target.
Having received a command to open fire, the crew of the vehicle can use equipment to determine whether the target is within range, take aim and open fire. Self-propelled mortar systems T257 and XM106.
Self-propelled 81-mm and 106.7-mm mortars T257 and XM106 are being tested on the basis of the M113 armored personnel carrier, while the main silhouette and layout of the combat vehicle units are preserved, only the location of the hatches and the equipment of the troop compartment are changed.

Rice. 26. Self-propelled gun XM104

The mortar is installed in the rear of the hull; if necessary, it can be removed and installed for firing from the ground.

The 106.7 mm self-propelled mortar weighs 8.5 tons.

The maximum firing range of these mortars is respectively 3600 and about 6000 m.

The vehicle has a crew of six people. The maximum speed on land is 64 km/h and on water 6.4 km/h.

The vehicle is transportable by air and can be dropped with a parachute. In 1963, a limited number of 106.7 mm self-propelled mortars were produced.

Table of contents

AMMUNITION FOR THE TULIP MORTAR

The main type of ammunition for the Tulip was the same F-864 mine as for the M-240 towed mortar. And since the ballistics of the 2B8 mortar was similar to the towed system, the maximum firing range remained the same - 9650 m. In the new conditions, this parameter was no longer considered sufficient, and in order to improve it, a new ammunition was developed for the Tulip - the ZF2 active-reactive mine, equipped with a solid propellant rocket engine. The firing range was doubled - up to 19690 m, but at the same time the mass of the mine (up to 228 kg) and its length increased. Instead of 20 conventional mines, only 10 active-reactive mines were placed in the drum of the loading mechanism of the 2S4 self-propelled gun.

"Tulip" has the ability to fire the ZB4 nuclear mine. An active-reactive version was also developed for “special ammunition” - ZB11. The firing range of such a mine reaches 18,000 m. In addition, the Tulips’ arsenal includes Saida incendiary mines, filled with napalm and forming stable fires over an area of ​​7,850 square meters. m around the center of the rupture; “Nerpa” cluster mines equipped with high-explosive fragmentation warheads ZOF16; neutron projectiles "Smola" and "Fata".

Perhaps the most interesting ammunition for the Tulip is the adjustable mine "Daredevil", which is part of the 1K113 guided weapons complex, adopted for service in 1983. The "Daredevil" complex includes a ZVF round with an adjustable high-explosive mine ZF5 and a laser target designator-rangefinder 1D15 or 1D20. At the head of the mine there is a correction unit, which is equipped with aerodynamic rudders to orient the axis of the septic element towards the target. The flight path is corrected by turning on eight low-power solid-fuel engines located radially on the mine body. Correction time 0.1-0.3 s. The “Daredevil” mine is fired in the same way as a regular mine; you just need to set the time for opening the window of the optical homing head and set the time for turning on the laser target designator. At a distance from 200 to 5000 m from the target, a laser target designator is placed, which illuminates the target with a laser beam. Moreover, the illumination does not last the entire duration of the mine’s flight, but only when the mine approaches the target at a distance of 400-800 m. That is, the time of illumination and, accordingly, correction of the mine lasts from one to three seconds, and the enemy is physically unable to interfere with the “Daredevil” . The probability of a “Daredevil” mine hitting a circle with a diameter of 2-3 m is 80-90%.

"Thor's Hammer" for mortar units

In the spring of 2022, the Swedish army received the first copies of the Mjolnir self-propelled mortar, named after the hammer of the Scandinavian god Thor. The history of the creation of this combat vehicle is very interesting, and its technical appearance is unique in many ways.

Until recently, the mortar armament of the Swedish army was represented only by transportable models - the 81-mm m/84 mortar and the 120-mm m/41 mortar. To replace them, since 1996, a program to create a very “advanced” self-propelled mortar AMOS has been carried out jointly with Finland. The double-barreled 120 mm system was mounted in a rotating turret, which could be installed on various wheeled and tracked chassis, as well as on boats. The system was distinguished by a high level of automation, excellent ballistic characteristics, and a good rate of fire, but quite expectedly it turned out to be very expensive. In December 2010, AMOS was adopted by the Finnish army. The Swedish military had to abandon the new “toy” due to financial restrictions, but they did not abandon the idea of ​​getting a self-propelled mortar.

Concept

In 2013, conceptual development of a new self-propelled mortar began, designed to become a cheaper alternative to AMOSa. The choice of base was predetermined - the army purchased 40 CV90 BMP chassis back in 2003, expecting to install AMOS systems on them. Like its failed predecessor, the new mortar was supposed to be double-barreled, but without a complex automatic loader. The weapon should have been installed in a closed tower.

The firing range of the new self-propelled mortar was supposed to be at least 10 km. An indispensable requirement was the presence of an autonomous navigation system and an automated data preparation system for firing. The duration of preparation for opening fire should not exceed two minutes.

In December 2016, the Swedish Defense Procurement Agency (FMV) approved a contract with the BAE Systems concern, providing for the further purchase of at least 40 self-propelled mortars. At the time, its value was estimated at approximately $68 million. The work progressed without a hitch, and already in March 2022 it was announced that the new mortar was expected to be put into service in the second half of 2022. To do this, it was necessary to complete the production of the Mjolnir prototype - this is the name the mortar received - no later than the fall of 2022.

Mjolnir prototype during firing tests zonwar.ru

In May 2022, the manufacturer announced the start of firing tests of Mjolnir, and in August the first presentation of a self-propelled mortar took place at a training ground near the city of Boden. In February 2019, at the Örnskjoldsvik plant, FMV representatives accepted four pre-production Mjolnir, intended for military testing and crew training. Finally, in September 2022, the mortar was put into service, given the unpronounceable official name Granatkastarpansarbandvagn 90120 (literally “armored tracked vehicle that fires grenades”), usually abbreviated to the abbreviation Grkpbv 90. Thus, the planned time frame for creating the system was met. In modern conditions, this is rather an exception to the rule - we have long been accustomed to reports of “shifts to the right” in the development time frames for certain types of weapons.

Design

The layout of the Grkpbv 90 corresponds to the base vehicle: on the right in the front there is an engine and transmission compartment, on the left there is a control compartment with a driver's workplace with a hatch and three periscopes, and behind them is a fighting compartment with a rotating turret. The latter contains the workplaces of three crew members: the commander, who also performs the functions of a gunner, on the right in front, and two loaders on the sides of the barrel block. To access the turret there are two hatches above the commander and left loader positions. The commander's hatch has five periscopes, and the loader's hatch has two. The mass of the tower is 7 tons.

"Mjolnir" in combat position forsvarsmakten.se

The main armament of Mjolnir is two 120 mm smoothbore mortars with 2000 mm long barrels, installed in a common cradle. The maximum initial speed of the mine exceeds 500 m/s. This provides a maximum firing range of more than 13 km, while the minimum is 500 m. Mjolnir does not have the ability to fire directly: the range of “working” elevation angles at which firing is allowed ranges from +45 (according to some sources, +40) up to +85 degrees. Horizontal guidance is possible in a sector of 70 degrees - 35 degrees to the right and left. The vertical and horizontal aiming mechanisms have manual drives and are operated by the loader. The developers explain the abandonment of power guidance drives by the desire to reduce the cost of self-propelled guns.

The mortars are muzzle-loading - a solution, to put it mildly, atypical for closed-type self-propelled mortars. This forced the designers to use a special mechanism that feeds mines from inside the turret to the cut of the barrel. Fire from the barrels is carried out alternately. The maximum rate of fire is 16 rounds per minute, and the continuous rate is 6-9 rounds per minute.

Mjolnir loading mechanism zonwar.ru

The transportable ammunition is 104 mines, of which 56 are stowed in the rear of the turret. Replenishment of ammunition is carried out through two doors in the rear wall of the turret. An additional 48-min ammo rack is located in the vehicle's body. "Mjolnir" can fire high-explosive fragmentation mines HE-A1/A2 (12.8 kg), HE-ER (15 kg), MERHE (15 kg), smoke MILL (14 kg), lighting IR-SMK (14 kg ), as well as STRIX guided mines. The latter are longer than conventional mines, and six cells are provided for them in the ammunition rack in the vehicle body.

In the rear wall of the self-propelled mortar turret there are two doors for replenishing ammunition sempermiles.se

To reduce the time required to generate data for firing, the self-propelled gun is equipped with a POS-2 inertial navigation system, the main components of which are gyroscopes and accelerometers. At the customer's request, Grkpbv 90 can be additionally equipped with a GPS satellite navigation system receiver.

Self-propelled mortar crews usually receive target coordinates from forward observation posts. Before the start of firing, Grkpbv 90 take positions, after which their exact coordinates are transmitted to the command post of the firing platoon. The ballistic computer available at the command post generates firing settings, which are transmitted via radio to self-propelled guns. After aiming the mortars, the command to open fire follows. The time to prepare Mjolnir for firing does not exceed two minutes from the moment it takes a position; the self-propelled gun can leave the position in one minute. If the fire platoon command post fails, the mortar can fire in emergency mode using a panorama sight.

Grkpbv 90 is not amphibious, but can ford water reddit.com

The power plant of the Grkpbv 90 consists of an eight-cylinder diesel engine DSI 14 with a power of 550 hp. and hydromechanical transmission X300-5N. The gearbox provides four forward speeds and two reverse speeds. The chassis on one side includes seven road wheels, a front drive wheel and a rear guide wheel. The car has fairly high mobility and can accelerate to 70 km/h on the highway.

Service

Even before the start of serial production of the Mjolnirs, the Swedish military began preparations for their introduction into service. First of all, the basics of the combat use of a new type of weapon for the Swedish army were developed. At the beginning of 2022, it was announced that military personnel were recruiting for the Grkpbv 90 service instructor course, which was conducted by specialists.

In the stowed position, the barrels and loading mechanisms of the mortars are covered with a casing forsvarsmakten.se

Self-propelled mortars "Mjolnir" enter service with mortar batteries of heavy maneuverable (mechanized) battalions. Each of them includes eight self-propelled guns, divided into two platoons of four vehicles. The platoon command post is located on the Patria Patgb 203 wheeled armored personnel carrier or on the Bv 206 tracked transporter. The same tracked transporters are used to transport ammunition and transport groups of forward artillery observers.

Existing plans provide for the formation of Mjolnir batteries in five battalions: the 41st and 42nd from the P4 regiment "Skaraborgs" (Skovde), the 71st from the P7 regiment "Södra Skanska" (Revingehed), as well as the 191st and 192 -m from regiment I19 "Norrbottens" (Boden). However, these plans are not final. Considering the measures to renew the military presence on the island of Gotland, it is likely that one of the Thor’s Hammer batteries will be moved there.

The ceremony of handing over the first production Mjolnir, September 19, 2022 military-today.com

During the ceremony of handing over the first production self-propelled mortars, held in September 2022 in Skovda, three Mjolnir carried the flags of all three regiments, which will receive self-propelled mortars. However, first of all, new combat vehicles entered the battalions of the P4 regiment. In March 2022, their personnel began practicing fire exercises as part of platoons at the Falun training ground. Deliveries of all 40 self-propelled mortars were completed in the fall of 2020.

Prospects

So far, the Swedish army has not announced plans for further purchases of Mjolnirs. But, probably, in the future an additional batch of such mortars may be needed for two light maneuverable (motorized infantry) battalions armed with Patria armored personnel carriers. We can expect the appearance of a Mjolnir variant on the chassis of this wheeled armored personnel carrier, especially since the development company declares the possibility of installing a turret with mortars on the chassis of tracked and wheeled vehicles suitable in terms of load capacity and dimensions. Efforts are also being made to promote the “Hammer of Thor” for export - the military of the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Estonia, and Australia are showing interest in this self-propelled mortar.

On the one hand, Mjolnir is a mortar with very good ballistic characteristics, but on the other, its combat capabilities had to be limited due to the desire to reduce the cost of the vehicle.
Therefore, proposals are already being developed to improve the self-propelled mortar. In particular, replacing manual vertical guidance drives with electric ones will make it possible to implement the MRSI fire mode - simultaneous destruction of a target with several mines. It seems advisable to equip Mjolnir with a mine velocity meter, and ideally with its own ballistic computer. The planned retrofitting of smoke grenade launchers, as well as armament with a machine gun (possibly in a remote-controlled installation), will increase the survivability of the vehicle on the battlefield. Tactical and technical characteristics of the self-propelled mortar Grkpbv 90 "Mjolnir"

Literature:

1. artillery-antitanks.blogspot.com
2. baesystems.com
3. military-today.com
4. Nita M. Samobieżny możdzierz Mjölner. Nowa Technika Wojskowa, 2020, No. 10
5. Rovensky D. Současné samohybné minomety. ATM, 2022, No. 1, 2