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"Msta-S". 2S19 "Msta-S". Heavy weapons
Modern self-propelled artillery, it seems, regains the title of "god of war". Judging by its super-efficiency on the battlefield, it becomes feasible to solve large tactical tasks through the use of tactical nuclear warheads. If we talk about conventional warheads, then the most effective are firing "self-propelled" guided missiles "Krasnopol".
How do these automatic control systems fundamentally differ from heavy tanks, although they visually continue to resemble them? What technical and tactical features hides the camouflage of their armor? The answer to these questions will begin to search from afar, from the history of the creation of this weapon.
Evolution of self-propelled plants in Russia
The concept of self-propelled artillery systems (SAU) arose during the First World War from a simple idea - to give mobility to the "god of war", as artillery was called at that time. Perfection was achieved by placing the gun on a self-propelled chassis. Significantly, the first project - to create the first domestic stationary automatic control system on its own chassis - belongs to the son of a well-known chemist VD Mendeleev. Unfortunately, this innovative for its time plan was not translated into reality.
However, the idea has been realized, however, not in Russia, but in the USSR (we will not take into account the primitive installation of guns in the truck body). The country of the Soviets managed to establish a serial production of automatic control systems. This provided the most mobile firepower to defeat enemy fortifications and armored vehicles. With the capture of Berlin with the troops, thousands of self-propelled installations have already cooperated.
The new technology was in demand on the fronts: in the shortest time - for 2 years - there was an evolution: from SU-12 to SU-100. Created by Soviet designers, the modification at the fronts was called "St. John's wort": it was able to effectively break through the frontal armor of the newest German tanks "Tiger" and "Panther" at a distance of up to half a kilometer. Soviet gunners were downed with arrogance from German tankmen who imagined themselves after the tank victories in France unbeaten. The ACS proved themselves in the battle of Prokhorovka, and then.
Then the defense industry of our country, participating in the arms race, accentuated the development of powerful strategic weapons. And only in the 1970s, when both sides of the Cold War began to produce nuclear weapons of limited range, Soviet engineers returned to modernizing the automatic control system. The general direction of such design studies was the creation of an ultra-precise and super-powerful tactical weapon capable of inflicting damage comparable to the use of nuclear weapons of limited power.
A curious tendency is noticed: the design bureau responsible for creating the KBs gave them somehow strictly "flower names": "Carnation" - 122 mm, "Acacia" - 152.4 mm, "Peony" - 203 mm. As you can see, the creation of the most effective self-propelled units MSTA-S was, literally speaking, almost triumphal, i.e. "Laid out flowers."
Differences between tanks and automatic control systems
Let's try to investigate this question. They seem to be somewhat similar in appearance: a tank and a self-propelled gun. Only the first one is more armored, has a rear-wheel drive, armor is more powerful ... However, if self-propelled artillery only duplicated the functions of tanks, then, strictly speaking, there was no need to invent it. But it all the same arose! Hence, there is a fundamental difference in the combat missions they solve and in the methods of combat use.
Let's start with the obvious. The tank is traditionally considered the main strike unit of the ground forces. It is maneuverable and maximally armored, including a combined anti-ballistic method. With the help of tanks, a breakthrough of defense takes place, an increase in offensive power. They punch their way through the fortifications of the enemy for the infantry, fire in movement.
The Russian artillery troops received their essential component thanks to the ITA. In the design of these self-propelled units, the armor / firepower ratio is clearly biased in favor of the second factor. SAU armor is ineffective against firing artillery salvoes, but it is able to protect the crew from the fire of small arms, light armored vehicles, all sorts of ricochets.
Tactics of Combat Use of ACS
Self-propelled plants (including MSTA-C) are second-line weapons. They appear where the enemy does not expect the buildup of artillery firepower. The ACS tactically operates in a completely different way than tanks. They do not go to the "breakthrough", but act remotely. Their style of influence on the enemy is limited to fire from those closed from the direct enemy influence of positions. The blows are applied point by point in advance.
Modern self-propelled artillery can not only be fired from outside the line of sight of the enemy, but also does not allow him to "shoot" by himself, as he dynamically changes his position, acting on the principle of "shot, left", using a maneuver as neutralization of the response fire.
ACS can also effectively participate in tank breakthroughs, however, while not being in the first line. The Russian artillery (photos of the self-propelled howitzer attached), thanks to MSTA, is also capable of supplementing the "tank tactical press" with accentuated fire support and this will strengthen the breakthrough force of the tank breakthrough to the enemy's rear.
One can not keep silent about the fact that, starting from a certain time, self-propelled installations became a thunder-storm for snipers. Thanks to modern automatic systems of target determination, recognition and guidance, the howit itself "calculates" them and effectively destroys them even in really hard-to-reach places.
Still, the maximum combat effectiveness of the automatic control system is related to the point-use of 3BV3 tactical nuclear missiles. The capacity of the nuclear charge in them is 2.5 kilotons in TNT equivalent. Thus, the sectors of defense complexes, industrial and communication facilities, and concentrations of troops are being destroyed.
Development of concepts of ACS
The above impressive characteristics were achieved by the 70-year evolution of this weapon. Back in the middle of the last century the combat capabilities of the ACS were, to put it mildly, much more modest. Then its main use was the destruction of enemy tanks, pillboxes and troops.
Why, as a result of military and technical progress, was it developed such a divisional weapon, as the self-propelled artillery unit MSTA-S? What criteria have determined the relevance of the self-propelled howitzer? Perhaps the starting point is to be found in the fact that front-line actions have significantly crossed the boundary of the depth of a direct shot of small arms.
According to the new concept of military operations, the rear and the front shifted: now the active influence of divisional artillery is to defend the enemy to 25 km in depth. By the way, let us recall the difference between a howitzer and a gun - hinged shooting outside the line of sight. It is this shot that provides the above criterion. Self-propelled installations of the middle of the last century already approximated the tasks set. Their caliber began from 100 mm, the range of the shot reached 17 km, their relatively short trunk had a quite elevated elevation - up to 75 0 . The designers realized that further developments of the automatic control system are promising, as they will surely lead to the creation of tactical weapons of a new quality.
Self-propelled artillery howitzer MSTA-S 2S19
The progress in the development of military equipment led to the fact that self-propelled artillery units were classified according to their functional sign, that is, by the nature of the combat missions performed. Arisen individual design features for anti-tank, assault (against fortifications and infantry), anti-aircraft guns (for fire on low- and medium-flying aircraft).
There were also nuances in the evolution of this military equipment, dictated by a new turn of the NTP. For example, the anti-tank specialization of self-propelled plants is hopelessly outdated (although this function is still provided for them). The fact is that modern helicopters and missile systems are more adapted to fighting tanks.
At the same time, the most demanded were the assault ACS. Speaking of the subject of our research, the MSCA-C howitzer refers precisely to the above-mentioned class of self-propelled plants. To complete its presentation to you, dear readers, we will mention that according to the NATO classification it is called the "Farm" M1990. The designers of this military equipment were employees of the Ural machine-building plant Yu. Tomashov (chief designer) and G. Sergeev (gun designer). Ural craftsmen managed to create formidable military equipment ("Object 316", as SAU MSTA-C was called) with outstanding tactical and technical characteristics and promising potential combat capabilities (see table 1).
Table 1. Tactical and technical characteristics of MSTA С 2с19
Tactical-technical. characteristic | Value |
Length including gun | 11.9 m |
Length (without gun) | 6.04 m |
Width of automatic control system | 3.58 m |
Height | 2.99 m |
Track gauge | 2, 8 m |
Ground clearance | 0.44 m |
Howitzers Howitzer | Howitzer 2A64 (heavy weapons) Ammunition 50 shells |
The machine gun-antiaircraft installation NSVT-12.7 "Utes" (300) | 300 cartridges (5 ribbons for 60 rounds) |
Maximum shot range | 25 km |
Minimum range shot | 6,5 km |
Rate of fire | 7 - 8 sheets per minute |
Elevation angle | From +68 to -4 |
Initial velocity of the projectile, m / s 828 | 828 m / s |
Projectile weight | 43.6 kg |
Weight of automatic control system | 42 t |
Masa of ammunition | 2.5 t |
Number of people in the crew | 5 people |
Motor brand | V-84A |
Motor power | 840 hp |
Maximum speed | 60 km / h |
Running stock | 500 km |
With such TTX, the Russian MTAA is a self-propelled howitzer of the new generation - accordingly it has become an effective means to combat the tactical nuclear weapons of the probable enemy, its artillery, tank, infantry divisions, fortification and other engineering facilities, as well as the military command and air defense units. Organizationally, it is listed as part of the tank and rifle divisions, while functionally possessing considerable accuracy and long-range range.
Construction 2с19 МТСТА-С
How is the success of military equipment measured? The same, than hitovost books - circulation, that is seriality. The production of our automatic control system corresponds to this criterion. Having started at Uraltransmash first, it then requested additional production capacity, which led to the construction of a specialized plant in Bashkiria (Sterlitamak).
What are the distinguishing features of this successful self-propelled self-propelled unit?
Its body resembles the outlines of the second-generation Ural T-72, the most common tactical second-generation offensive weapon in the Russian army. However, the armor of the self-propelled unit is traditionally weaker than that of the first-line combat equipment - the tank. SAU is coated with armored steel of homogeneous type (compare with tank double combined armor).
Howitzer MSTA-S, in contrast to its more armored fellow, front-wheel drive. However, the balancing and torsion shafts are "stolen by it" from the T-80 tank. The 580mm rubber-metal caterpillar is also "borrowed" from him. The 840-hp V-84A motor is built in the body of the automatic control system, it develops (for such a huge group!) A speed of up to 60 km / h, control drives, an 8-stroke gearbox and a powerful independent suspension with large torsion bars.
Self-Propelled Tower
This element of self-propelled installation for design reasons is much more massive than the tank. Of course, this is due to the caliber and power of the howitzer. Suffice it to recall that the upper plane of the tower is almost three meters above the ground level. Power supply self-propelled installation provides 4 batteries with a voltage of 27 V each. In the tower, covered with rolled armored sheets, a howitzer 2A64 is mounted, here there are also aiming systems, automatic submission of ammunition, filter-ventilation, combined communication system.
With the main engine switched off, the onboard equipment is powered by the AP-18D unit. He also charges the batteries and starts the engine. In general, as we see, the 2S19 MSTA-C tower is a rather complex technical complex, protected by armor in sufficient measure for the weapons of the "second line". Its weight is 13.5 tons.
Cannon ACS. Delivery of shells
The rifled cannon - a howitzer 152 mm caliber of the self-propelled unit we are considering uses not only an ammunition consisting of 50 shells and 300 machine-gun cartridges located directly in the tower, but also capable of firing by means of a robotic supply of heterogeneous projectiles brought to the ACS, i.e. «From the ground».
The automatic recharging system rhythmically submits projectiles to the gun, regardless of the angle of the trunk of the howitzer and the degree of return of the installation itself to the charging line of the MSCA. The self-propelled howitzer is equipped with a semi-automatic two-conveyor system for supplying projectiles. Each conveyor is served by a separate loader. When firing from the ground, additional conveyors are used, which saves onboard ammunition. The firepower of the ACS and its versatility in the combat situation is largely determined by the following projectiles used (see table 2).
Table 2. Shells for the MTS-S ammunition
Brand of projectile | Type of projectile | Range of fire |
3ОФ45 | High explosive fragmentation | 24.7 km |
3VOF72 |
High explosive fragmentation | 28 miles |
APC 3OF61 | Active - reactive | 28 miles |
3OF73 | High explosive fragmentation | 28 miles |
3VOF58 | High explosive fragmentation | 28 miles |
3NH3O | Installation of p / l interference | 22.3 km |
3VDC8 | Installation of chimneys | 22.3 km |
3ОФ39 | Laser-controlled "Krasnopol" | 25 km |
Howitzer guidance
The effectiveness of the gunner's work is determined by the use of specific sights and guidance drives. The self-propelled howitzer considered by us uses two scopes: a rotating panoramic IP22 (an increase of 3.7 times) and a fixed direct traverse 1P23 (an increase of 5.5 times). The panoramic sight features a more complex structure (using the degeneration optics and a gyroscope), as well as the possibility of its rotation to 360 0 , which is an important requisite of modern tanks and automatic control systems.
The guidance drives are extremely ergonomic for the gunner, which is important in a combat situation. It is especially practical that the vertical drive always automatically performs its work. Additional convenience is automatically restored after each shot angle of elevation.
Thus, the crew remains to regulate the control device for horizontal drives so as to combine the sight and the aiming point. This is the meaning of the work of the gunner 2S19 MSTA-S. The photo, by the way, demonstrates this, indeed, his gaze does not practically come off the sight of pens, levers, etc. This really contributes to the effectiveness of the battle.
Machine-gun-antiaircraft installation
Not only howitzers determine the combat capabilities of the gun. On the tower it is also equipped with an anti-aircraft anti-aircraft machine gun "Utes" NSVT-12.7mm, which has an impressive rate of fire from 700 to 800 rounds per minute and a decent range of 2.0 km. The machine gun is on the commander's turret and has guidance angles from -3 0 to 70 0 . It effectively counteracts helicopters and low-flying aircraft, lightly armored targets thanks to the sight of ROM-5 or ROM-7. Thus, the artillery of MSTA-S is protected from a sudden attack by the enemy on the "second line" where it is located. If, as a result of such an attack, the main engine is disabled, the ACS due to the "reserve version" - the gas turbine AD-18D with a service life of 8 hours is relocated to a safe place for the crew, suitable for repair.
Other equipment
Each additional installed self-propelled artillery system has an objectively determined purpose. For example, on board there should be a fire fighting equipment capable of automatic monitoring of the critical temperature. The proper level of fire protection is provided by the installation of 3EC11-2, which guarantees the three-time elimination of the ACS fire.
Given the specifics of this military equipment, namely the presence of smoke after shots for the crew, there is potentially a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It should also take into account the necessary isolation of the crew in the context of the possible use of nuclear weapons. To eliminate these risks, the MISTA-S ACS is equipped with a filtering-ventilation system consisting of two units, each of which is self-sufficient.
In addition, it is obvious that communication of the crew in the process of combat operations must occur during the shooting. Therefore, without internal telephone communication, which provides audibility and, accordingly, coordination of actions of the commander, the gunner, loading, etc. Elemental audibility is generally impossible. Such isolated from the external noise of the internal communication system does not even have a tank. MSTA-S is equipped with on-board telephone station 1В116, which provides internal negotiations and is designed for seven people. As we can see, the possibility of internal communication, in addition to five full-time members, is also endowed with two people temporarily staying with the crew.
Management and coordination with other equipment and subdivisions that interact with ACS is provided by means of the on-board radio station R-173, operating in the VHF band and providing stable communication within a radius of 20 km.
Modifications to the ACS
The MSTA-S model proved to be a powerful weapon of fire suppression of the enemy during the war in Chechnya. The testing in the combat situation spurred the designers to further improve this combat equipment.
The year before, TsITB "Titan" modernized the howitzer (while the 152 mm caliber was supplemented by the NATO). But the main innovation was that factory workers equipped self-propelled installation with an innovative fire control system. The new technology has reached the level of 4+ generation.
Russian self-propelled artillery has improved combat capabilities. Stabilization works steadily in the JMA; Ensuring the preservation of the aiming line of the howitzer during various movements reflected in the heterogeneous dynamics of the moving platform of the ACS.
The on-board computer, using the information of technical facilities and special sensors, automatically detects, recognizes, accompanies the targets, prepares guns for firing at them.
In August 2012, after the modernization, successfully passed factory tests, and almost immediately the Barrikady software started mass production of the updated 2A64M AC. It greatly strengthened Russian artillery, the weaponry of the automatic control system was fundamentally improved. By the end of 2012, this technique has already entered service.
Currently, the self-propelled howitzer of the new generation MSTA-SM is represented by the following modifications:
- SAU 2S19M - "Titan development" (described above);
- САУ 2С19М1 - the guidance system "Success-C", with geographical and spatial self-orientation of the ACS, digital processing of target information, improved self-organization of the system when firing from a completely unprepared position; Due to a significant increase in the quality of fire use, the time spent on the combat location of the automatic control system at the shooting range is significantly reduced, this gives more than sufficient time for this technique to complete the anti-firing maneuver immediately after the firing, ahead of the enemy reaction;
- The SAU 2S19M1-155 is built to NATO standards, equipped with a 155mm gun adapted to NATO ammunition, this modification is made for export, it is competitive due to a lower price than the analogues of the North Atlantic block (less than $ 3 million) and automatic submission Ammunition; More than a hundred produced by an experienced shot showed high efficiency of the automatic control system, it was interested in the armed forces of Argentina, India, Chile.
Conclusion
Considering the evolution of the self-propelled plant SAU 2S19M, we can draw a conclusion about a radical change in the tactics of combat. Relevance begin to acquire innovative fire control systems. In the literal sense, automation begins. An artillery installation with a fire control system becomes a weapon of the future. It starts to look like a fantastic movie warrior. The onboard computer SAU has the ability to instantly assess where the enemy's firing points are located, and to give out to the aiming device the necessary information for suppressing them with fire. The functions of the gunner at the same time begin to resemble the dispatch duties of the user of the PC sitting behind the monitor.
It is characteristic that this process is being improved in the direction of the combat domination of automated systems over the human factor.
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