New Airborne SP Artilliery Systems

Vika 152 mm Airborne Gun-Howitzer

From http://gurkhan.blogspot.in/2015/04/blog-post_5.html

Morpheus, good find as always. My vote.

To me the most important part was this

Уровень перегрузок на местах расчета не превысил допустимых значений, что давало основания для создания на основе данного орудия 152-мм гаубицы для воздушно-десантных войск

In other words the 152mm has far more potential than what was up for display.

The report mentions that airborne troops will be the primary user. However, I wonder in what kind of theater will the Russian Army use this system? Airborne troops can very easily use the 2S9 NONA.

jhelb wrote:Morpheus, good find as always. My vote.

To me the most important part was this

Уровень перегрузок на местах расчета не превысил допустимых значений, что давало основания для создания на основе данного орудия 152-мм гаубицы для воздушно-десантных войск

In other words the 152mm has far more potential than what was up for display.

The report mentions that airborne troops will be the primary user. However, I wonder in what kind of theater will the Russian Army use this system? Airborne troops can very easily use the  2S9 NONA.

Thanks. Also thanks for the translation.


A 152 mm airborne SP gun-howitzer should be organic to groupings that are one level higher than the groupings that have 2S9 as their organic artillery.


As far as I know, the analogous situation in the ground forces is as follows:

Technologically (but not necessary tactically) 2S23, 2S31, etc. are the ground forces counterparts of the airborne 2S9, and they are organic to the BMP-based and the BTR-based mechanized infantry battalions.

The 152 mm guns and gun-howitzers are organic to the mechanized infantry and tank brigades (formerly the 152 mm guns and gun-howitzers were organic to the divisions, as 122 howitzers formed the organic artillery of the regiments).

A 2S3 Akacia gun on a Sprut-SD chassis....I wonder how the tests went.

It would be a nice addition to VDV units.

Cyberspec wrote:A 2S3 Akacia gun on a Sprut-SD chassis....I wonder how the tests went.

It would be a nice addition to VDV units.

Some images from the tests from http://gurkhan.blogspot.in/2015/04/blog-post_5.html:

nice . maybe this is first step for standardisation in arty, if even airborne vehicles could mount 152mm gun howitzers then what stops rest of vehicle park from doing so too?

also find the 'prone' ability when firing low and direct neat- no need for jacks.

I hope everyone realizes this was an old test-article that has zero chance of being adopted in any form, nor is the VDV trying to get it adopted either.

Russian airborne troops will get three new artillery systems, said Shamanov

According to the Commander of the Airborne Forces, to solve problems far fire damage if airborne troops will carry out the tasks as part of ground forces, the troops will be given a means of strengthening.

MOSCOW, May 30 - RIA Novosti. The new gun "Zauralets" developed in the interests of the Russian airborne troops, soon to be available 120-mm cannon of increased power, 50% completed the work on the creation of 152-mm self-propelled guns, he said Saturday in an interview with radio station "Russian news service, " the commander of the Airborne Troops (VDV), Russian Colonel-General Vladimir Shamanov.

"Here we have my firm conviction, we hold experience in the framework of instruments "Zauralets ", we output a 120-mm cannon of increased power, we passed the 50% threshold of 152-mm self-propelled guns. That will be enough, as and distance, and the power we have significantly prevzoydёm current counterparts, "- said Shamanov.

He pointed out that "solving long-range destruction" if Airborne "will perform tasks as part of ground forces," the troops will be given a means of strengthening.

"If we solve the problem in desantiruemye embodiment, the means are provided fire gain at the expense of the army and tactical aviation," - said Shamanov.

Nice

Self-propelled "Zauralets" should appear in the airborne troops in 2019

The fielding of the Zauralets self-propelled (SP) artillery piece, triple-hatted as the howitzer, gun and mortar, and the Zavet-D artillery fire control vehicle with the Russian Airborne Force is expected in 2019, Col. Alexei Kostritsa, chief, artillery, Airborne Force, told has journalists at Russian Defense Ministry Innovation Day 2015. "Certainly, it will take the Zauralets SP artillery system more than a year to complete its official test program. A decision has been made that the advanced fighting module will be mounted on a sophisticated chassis commonized with that of the latest BMD-4 airborne infantry fighting vehicle. Two to three years more are needed to this end. The airborne artillery units will have had the weapon system in their inventory by 2019," Kostritsa said during the Russian Defense Industry Innovation Day.

A special version of the Kornet antitank guided missile system is in development for the paratroops as well, and the Zaveet-S artillery fire control vehicle is in the R&D phase. "The advanced [fire] control vehicle will be fielded in about 2019 too," the colonel added. In addition, the upgrade of the 120-mm Nona SP artillery system capable of operating in gun, howitzer and mortar modes, Restat-1 artillery survey and fire control system and 125-mm Sprut SP antitank gun is under way for the paratroops. "The upgrade of the Sprut will be completed in 2016," Kostritsa said. According to the colonel, the Airborne Force’s key requirements to the newly-developed and upgraded weapons systems are their being fit for airlifting and airdropping in addition to their commonality in terms of the chassis."

They annoynced Zauralets D back in like 2012. or so and said it will be ready by 2015. now they reactivated it for 2019. i rly, rly hate these Russian delays. So it seems it will be on BMD4 chasis after all that Volk platform was discarted i assume due to lower resistance to airdrops and offroad capabilities. Hopefully the rest of the armed forces shall get same combat module on K25 or something of a sort, Vena is too good idea not to be used and produced.



Source: http://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/russian_airborne_troops_will_be_equipped_with_new_zauralets_120mm_mortar_carrier_in_2019_10610152.html

George1 wrote:TSNIITOCHMASH: Weapon "Zauralets-D" has passed preliminary tests

However it will be on BMD4 chasis not Volk it seems.

Militarov wrote:

George1 wrote:TSNIITOCHMASH: Weapon "Zauralets-D" has passed preliminary tests

However it will be on BMD4 chasis not Volk it seems.

Some sense at last.

Get that hideous monstrosity outta my sight.

flamming_python wrote:

Militarov wrote:

George1 wrote:TSNIITOCHMASH: Weapon "Zauralets-D" has passed preliminary tests

However it will be on BMD4 chasis not Volk it seems.

Some sense at last.

Get that hideous monstrosity outta my sight.

Yeah, it truly did not look well At least doesnt look like something id put into service with VDV, motorised units.. i guess, sounds legit.

"The fielding of the Zauralets self-propelled (SP) artillery piece, triple-hatted as the howitzer, gun and mortar, and the Zavet-D artillery fire control vehicle with the Russian Airborne Force is expected in 2019, Col. Alexei Kostritsa, chief, artillery, Airborne Force, told has journalists at Russian Defense Ministry Innovation Day 2015. "Certainly, it will take the Zauralets SP artillery system more than a year to complete its official test program. A decision has been made that the advanced fighting module will be mounted on a sophisticated chassis commonized with that of the latest BMD-4 airborne infantry fighting vehicle. Two to three years more are needed to this end. The airborne artillery units will have had the weapon system in their inventory by 2019," Kostritsa said during the Russian Defense Industry Innovation Day."

Source: http://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/russian_airborne_troops_will_be_equipped_with_new_zauralets_120mm_mortar_carrier_in_2019_10610152.html

sepheronx wrote:

Militarov wrote:The fielding of the Zauralets self-propelled (SP) artillery piece, triple-hatted as the howitzer, gun and mortar, and the Zavet-D artillery fire control vehicle with the Russian Airborne Force is expected in 2019, Col. Alexei Kostritsa, chief, artillery, Airborne Force, told has journalists at Russian Defense Ministry Innovation Day 2015. "Certainly, it will take the Zauralets SP artillery system more than a year to complete its official test program. A decision has been made that the advanced fighting module will be mounted on a sophisticated chassis commonized with that of the latest BMD-4 airborne infantry fighting vehicle. Two to three years more are needed to this end. The airborne artillery units will have had the weapon system in their inventory by 2019," Kostritsa said during the Russian Defense Industry Innovation Day.

A special version of the Kornet antitank guided missile system is in development for the paratroops as well, and the Zaveet-S artillery fire control vehicle is in the R&D phase. "The advanced [fire] control vehicle will be fielded in about 2019 too," the colonel added. In addition, the upgrade of the 120-mm Nona SP artillery system capable of operating in gun, howitzer and mortar modes, Restat-1 artillery survey and fire control system and 125-mm Sprut SP antitank gun is under way for the paratroops. "The upgrade of the Sprut will be completed in 2016," Kostritsa said. According to the colonel, the Airborne Force’s key requirements to the newly-developed and upgraded weapons systems are their being fit for airlifting and airdropping in addition to their commonality in terms of the chassis."

They annoynced Zauralets D back in like 2012. or so and said it will be ready by 2015. now they reactivated it for 2019. i rly, rly hate these Russian delays. So it seems it will be on BMD4 chasis after all that Volk platform was discarted i assume due to lower resistance to airdrops and offroad capabilities. Hopefully the rest of the armed forces shall get same combat module on K25 or something of a sort, Vena is too good idea not to be used and produced.

Source: http://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/russian_airborne_troops_will_be_equipped_with_new_zauralets_120mm_mortar_carrier_in_2019_10610152.html

Funny how Azerbaijan has them already in service yet the country whom makes them does not.  Vena is a fantastic system and would be ideal for Syria as well.

I am big fan of Vena and actually Nona K for a start, i consider it as an exceptional light artillery piece, if you ask me you can replace whole D30 based family with Nona K/Vena. And yeah, abit sad that only real order came from Azerbaijan, but i think they also have 15 or 18, those two numbers were mentioned.

sepheronx wrote:

Militarov wrote:The fielding of the Zauralets self-propelled (SP) artillery piece, triple-hatted as the howitzer, gun and mortar, and the Zavet-D artillery fire control vehicle with the Russian Airborne Force is expected in 2019, Col. Alexei Kostritsa, chief, artillery, Airborne Force, told has journalists at Russian Defense Ministry Innovation Day 2015. "Certainly, it will take the Zauralets SP artillery system more than a year to complete its official test program. A decision has been made that the advanced fighting module will be mounted on a sophisticated chassis commonized with that of the latest BMD-4 airborne infantry fighting vehicle. Two to three years more are needed to this end. The airborne artillery units will have had the weapon system in their inventory by 2019," Kostritsa said during the Russian Defense Industry Innovation Day.

A special version of the Kornet antitank guided missile system is in development for the paratroops as well, and the Zaveet-S artillery fire control vehicle is in the R&D phase. "The advanced [fire] control vehicle will be fielded in about 2019 too," the colonel added. In addition, the upgrade of the 120-mm Nona SP artillery system capable of operating in gun, howitzer and mortar modes, Restat-1 artillery survey and fire control system and 125-mm Sprut SP antitank gun is under way for the paratroops. "The upgrade of the Sprut will be completed in 2016," Kostritsa said. According to the colonel, the Airborne Force’s key requirements to the newly-developed and upgraded weapons systems are their being fit for airlifting and airdropping in addition to their commonality in terms of the chassis."

They annoynced Zauralets D back in like 2012. or so and said it will be ready by 2015. now they reactivated it for 2019. i rly, rly hate these Russian delays. So it seems it will be on BMD4 chasis after all that Volk platform was discarted i assume due to lower resistance to airdrops and offroad capabilities. Hopefully the rest of the armed forces shall get same combat module on K25 or something of a sort, Vena is too good idea not to be used and produced.



Source: http://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/russian_airborne_troops_will_be_equipped_with_new_zauralets_120mm_mortar_carrier_in_2019_10610152.html

Funny how Azerbaijan has them already in service yet the country whom makes them does not.  Vena is a fantastic system and would be ideal for Syria as well.

Because they probably want them on Kurganets-25 chassis. For another example, Azerbaijan has more TOS-1's in service than Russia, but it doesn't mean that they're not going to put Burantino's on top of Armata chassis. Same with BMPT's, Kazahkstan has them in service and Russia doesn't, but that doesn't mean they're not going to put them on Armata chassis's either.

"Russian Company TsNIITochMash has tested its new fighting module for the Zauralets-D, a new development of self-propelled artillery system, Dmitry Semizorov, director general of Russian defense contractor TSNIITOCHMASH, told journalists on Friday, February 5, 2016. "The fighting module of the artillery system has passed its tests. They have been successful enough and have proven the feasibility of meeting the customer’s requirements. There have been some drawbacks needed ironing out, and this is what are we doing in earnest," Semizorov said.



He added that the sophisticated weapons system would be developed and its production would be launched within two years or two years and a half. As was reported in the press, the Zauralets-D’s full-scale production can start before year-end 2018. The Zauralets-D SP artillery system is being derived from the 2S25M Sprut-SDM1 airdroppable SP antitank gun. TSNIITOCHMASH is developing two guns to equipped it with - a 120-mm one and a 152-mm one. They are to have be superior to the current artillery weapons in terms of range and ammunition lethality. The Zauralets-D is designed to replace the 2S9 Nona-S SP artillery system operated by the Russian Airborne Force."

Source: http://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2016_global_defense_security_news_industry/tsniitochmash_has_tested_its_new_fighting_module_for_zauralets-d_self-propelled_artillery_system_tass_10502166.html

so if i understand right this new system will be a unified platform for 122, 150 mm artilliery guns and 120mm mortar (3 types of artilliery systems)

Ummm... no.

Two calibres... 120mm and 152mm.

The talk of Sprut confuses the matter, because what they are talking about is artillery, while Sprut is a self propelled Anti tank gun (125mm).

The two calibres they are talking about however are artillery rounds... not anti armour so this new vehicle will replace the existing NONA vehicle and have a role similar to VENA gun/mortar system.

The version with a 152mm gun would be seriously powerful for such a small vehicle unless it has a much reduced size 152mm gun... the equivalent of a lightened shorter barrel towed 152mm gun, but mounted on a BMD-4 chassis.

It seems the Zauralets-D will be an artillery vehicle based on the BMD-4M chassis with either a 120mm gun/mortar or a 152mm gun for artillery use.

I would expect a new model Sprut with a 125mm gun in the anti tank role too.

Note: This is interesting as one would assume the land forces would do the same... so an armata version of a 120mm gun/mortar vehicle might be the BMPT model shown previously, and the 152mm version would of course be Coalition replacing MSTA.

George1 wrote:so if i understand right this new system will be a unified platform for 122, 150 mm artilliery guns and 120mm mortar (3 types of artilliery systems)

Apparently 152mm howtizer tho i am not sure how well this platform will deal with it, 125mm AT/fire support gun (Sprut) and 120mm mortar based on Nona most likely. I dont think Russians will keep 122mm artillery caliber in future.

GarryB wrote:Ummm... no.

Two calibres... 120mm and 152mm.

The talk of Sprut confuses the matter, because what they are talking about is artillery, while Sprut is a self propelled Anti tank gun (125mm).

The two calibres they are talking about however are artillery rounds... not anti armour so this new vehicle will replace the existing NONA vehicle and have a role similar to VENA gun/mortar system.

The version with a 152mm gun would be seriously powerful for such a small vehicle unless it has a much reduced size 152mm gun... the equivalent of a lightened shorter barrel towed 152mm gun, but mounted on a BMD-4 chassis.

It seems the Zauralets-D will be an artillery vehicle based on the BMD-4M chassis with either a 120mm gun/mortar or a 152mm gun for artillery use.

I would expect a new model Sprut with a 125mm gun in the anti tank role too.

Note: This is interesting as one would assume the land forces would do the same... so an armata version of a 120mm gun/mortar vehicle might be the BMPT model shown previously, and the 152mm version would of course be Coalition replacing MSTA.

I find Armata too heavy for Nona platform, K25 sounds more plausible. As they are planning to make whole divisions equiped with same vehicle in future i expect same to be done with Boomerangs. Like having Spruts on both Boomerang and K25 depending on unit. I think Armata will be used for Coalition, T15, Bridgelaying, engineering vehicle, recovery, new TOS...

for Sprut there is a replacement in BMD-4M chasis also.
Apparently Zauralets will have a 120-mm gun-mortar and a 152-mm gun-howitzer.

George1 wrote:for Sprut there is a replacement in BMD-4M chasis also.
Apparently Zauralets will have a 120-mm gun-mortar and a 152-mm gun-howitzer.

Well yes, but BMD-4M variant will be for VDV only, at least i guess it will be for VDV only. While army in future might get K25 with same or similar turret.

This new artillery system seems to be receiving the 2S36 designation.

2S36 Zauralets-D.