Artillery "Peony". SAU 2S7 "Pion" 203 mm - self-propelled gun

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Already after the Winter War of 1939, it became completely clear that the troops were in dire need of powerful self-propelled guns that could, under their own power, cross rough terrain to the enemy’s deployment points and immediately begin to destroy the fortified areas of the latter. World War II finally confirmed this conjecture.

However, the position of various types of self-propelled guns after the war was rather precarious: there were often suggestions about the need to completely eliminate this type of equipment and re-equip troops with new types of heavy tanks.

Fortunately, this did not happen, and therefore, in the late 60s, Soviet military designers urgently began to develop completely new self-propelled guns. So there was a fundamentally different cannon artillery. "Peony" has become a clear example of the changed priorities of the Soviet command.

Basic information

This is the name of a Soviet-made self-propelled artillery mount equipped with a 203.2 mm (2A44) caliber gun. It was put into service in 1976. Seven years later, in 1983, the machine was upgraded. N. S. Popov and G. I. Sergeev were responsible for its development, thanks to whose genius the Peony appeared. The self-propelled guns for a long time amazed the imagination of the Western military, saved them from rash steps.

What is it for?

In the military doctrine of the USSR, the following tasks are assigned to this installation:

• Destruction of mines of intercontinental missiles, suppression of artillery, mortar batteries of the enemy.
• Liquidation of bunkers and other long-term defensive structures of the enemy.
• Suppression of the enemy's controls, including in his rear zone.
• Destruction of large concentrations of manpower.

To date, this self-propelled gun is considered the most powerful in its class. When did the Soviet artillery receive it? Peony began to be developed in 1967.

History of Creation

Then the Ministry of Defense Industry issued a new decree that ordered the start of work on the development and creation of a completely new artillery system on a tracked chassis. It was assumed that the self-propelled guns would be used to destroy the enemy's defense in depth and disable the means for launching intercontinental ballistic missiles. The designers were given a technical task, which provided that the installation would fire at least at a distance of 25 kilometers. Thus, "Peony" is a self-propelled gun of exceptional combat power.

Since everything else was given "at the mercy" of the engineers themselves, several design bureaus immediately offered theiroptions:

• Initially it was supposed to use the S-23 gun (caliber 180 mm) in conjunction with the chassis of the T-55 tank. The firing range from it was 30 kilometers, provided that a conventional projectile was used, while a jet one made it possible to fire already at 45 km. This prototype was designated Pion-1.
• It was also planned to use the S-72 cannon, but already on a special tracked chassis designed specifically for the new installation. In this case, a conventional projectile could fire 35 kilometers, a jet - 45 kilometers.
• In addition, some experts suggested the MU-1 coastal gun (caliber 180 mm), for the role of the chassis for which, again, the chassis of the T-55 tank was "wooed".
• Engineers of the Kirov Plant (Leningrad) believed that it would be best to take a 203 mm cannon and install it in the wheelhouse on the chassis of the T-64 tank (the latest vehicle at that time). It was supposed to equip the gun with a folding opener, which would significantly reduce recoil and increase shooting accuracy.

Final decision

The disputes were long, the Pion self-propelled gun mount was too unusual and new for the domestic industry. Only at the end of 1969, scientists agreed that the 203 mm caliber best suited the tasks assigned to the new self-propelled guns. Soon, two options were presented to the state commission: on the T-64 chassis (in the cutting version), as well as on the Object 429 chassis in the open version. The second option proved to be the best, and therefore he was given the "green light" onfurther development. It was decided to carry out further work towards the creation of a gun that could open fire with conventional shells at 32 km, and with jet shells at 42 km.

In 1971, the GRAU presented updated requirements for the developed self-propelled guns. It was assumed that the installation would use shots from the B-4 howitzer. At that time, it was already decided that the maximum firing range of a conventional projectile should have been about 35 km, and the minimum - 8.5 km. Reactive ammunition was supposed to hit a target at a distance of up to 43 km. The Kirov Plant in Leningrad was appointed the main enterprise responsible for the development.

The development of the artillery unit was assigned to G. I. Sergeev. His enterprise settled on the classical scheme of the gun, but experts proposed to make important changes to its design. The main feature - the barrel has become collapsible, modular design. It consisted of a free pipe, breech, bushing and coupling. Such a scheme of guns was proposed by the talented weapons engineer A. A. Kolokoltsev back in the early 70s.

So he solved the global problem of all modern artillery systems, significantly reducing their wear during intensive shooting. If we are talking about classic cannons, which are made according to a monoblock scheme, then for repair they have to be sent to the manufacturer, and all this time the machine will be idle, which is unacceptable in combat conditions. In the case of using the Kolokoltsev scheme, almost all breakdowns can be fixed right in the front line.

In 1975 self-propelledThe Pion cannon successfully passed all State tests, after which its serial production was immediately started. The final assembly (and the production of the chassis itself) was carried out at the facilities of the Kirov Plant. In the late 1970s, a new "Peony" was developed. Self-propelled artillery mount with a 203 mm 2A44 cannon received the letter "M" to the name. True, this was no longer a land development: the new gun was planned to be installed on warships.

The project completely failed at the State Acceptance, as the management of the fleet was not satisfied with some design features.

Design features

The body of the machine has a rather unusual shape, somewhat reminiscent of that of a forest skidder. This feeling is largely created due to the fact that the crew cabin is moved far forward. In addition to its direct function, it plays the role of a heavy counterweight, which helps to cope with the monstrous recoil force when fired. It houses the places of the gunner, commander and driver. In domestic practice, for the manufacture of the hull of self-propelled guns, for the first time, two-layer armor was used, which provided adequate protection for the crew from the fire of personal small arms and even machine guns.

The engine (V-shaped B-46-1) is located immediately behind the cab. Behind it is a place for the maintenance calculation of the installation. Driving wheels are located in front. The guide wheels, in addition to their main function, also perform the work of a counterweight, sinking to the ground before firing. In addition, in order to reducethe action of powerful recoil, the gun itself is equipped with coulters. For quick "grounding" of the machine on the ground, there is a digging mechanism. It works due to autonomous hydraulic drives.

The digging opener is designed like a dozer blade. It can dig into the ground by 70 centimeters. Stability is also increased not only by the guide wheels, but also by the hydraulic shock absorbers of the track rollers. When shooting with a reduced charge, as well as when firing direct fire, the coulter does not need to be lowered. However, the 203 mm Pion produces such a powerful shot that this should only be done in case of a sudden encounter with the enemy.

The appearance of the hull resembles a "box", divided by partitions into four main areas: a place for the power plant and a control compartment, aft and a room for calculation. The engine compartment houses not only the main engine, but also a backup power plant. Spare batteries, canisters with a reserve supply of fuel, as well as ammunition for the personal self-defense of the crew are stored in the aft compartment. This is the approximate scheme of "Peony".

Chassis

It consists of front wheels (drivers), road wheels in the amount of seven pairs, as well as six pairs of support rollers. Rear steering wheels are also responsible for directional stability. Caterpillars are assembled using rubber-metal hinges. Powerful hydraulic shock absorbers are installed on an independent suspension. It is characteristic that most of the running gear was borrowed from the latestat that time the T-80 tank. However, the mechanical transmission was taken from the Nizhny Tagil T-72.

Implement characteristics

As we already said, it is mounted directly on the hull, there is no tower. The 2A44 gun itself is mounted on a massive swivel. The body weight of the gun is 14.6 tons. It consists of a bolt (piston type, opens up), a barrel, a cradle and a loading device, a mechanism that dampens the rollback. Rotary and lifting devices are responsible for aiming, two pneumatic balancing mechanisms are dampening the recoil. The gun barrel is covered with a heat-dissipating casing.

But the main feature of the gun is not that. Despite the crushing power of the shot, domestic experts preferred to abandon the use of the muzzle brake, solving the problem of strong recoil in other ways. Thanks to this, it became possible to abandon heavy and bulky devices for protecting the crew from the shock wave of a shot, since it is minimal for such a weapon. By the way, this is the only installation of this kind that Russian artillery has. "Peony" in this regard is unique in the global sense.

Armament crew

For the purpose of possible self-defense, the crew is armed with the following kit: MANPADS ("Igla" or "Verba" in the modern version), RPG-7 (or RPG-29), several F-1 defensive grenades, four AKMS- 74 and a signal pistol. In a combat situation, the calculation can be armed in excess of the standard. Thus, "Peony" (203 mm) is a self-propelled gun that can stand up for itself in any conditions.

Slidingmechanism

The firing mechanism of the shutter is a percussion type. A mechanical drive allows you to fully automate the processes of opening and closing the shutter (and, if necessary, the calculation can be performed manually). Since many parts of this device are very heavy, experts included an effective balancing device in the design of the gun. The firing mechanism is equipped with a special magazine, which contains capsule charges for shots.

The shot can be fired both by means of an electric trigger (normal mode) and a lanyard (non-standard position), which is also equipped with the Pion. A self-propelled artillery mount, however, has such energy of a shot that it is not recommended to use a cord to reproduce it.

Loading and firing order

The gun is equipped with a semi-automatic loading system operated by hydraulic actuators. The latter allow charging at almost any position of the barrel, which is extremely important for a mechanism of such dimensions and caliber. The whole process is controlled from a separate remote control. The loading process is as follows:

• First, a projectile is placed in the charging chamber.
• A knockout charge is placed after it.
• The primer is taken from the capsule magazine mentioned above and manually inserted into the charge.
• Shutter closes.
• After firing, the used primer tube is ejected automatically.

For reliefammunition from the ground, a special hand cart for shells is used. It consists of a power frame and a removable stretcher. The latter are removed from the frame to facilitate the offering of shells to the charging chamber. In emergency cases, they can be carried by hand to reduce loading time. Note that when firing shells from the ground, at least six people are required from the calculation of the Pion machine (203 mm). The 2S7 self-propelled gun needs very massive projectiles, which are extremely difficult to work with.

The sighting system is represented by a mechanical version of the D726-45 model, a PG-1M gun panorama, as well as an optical sighting device OP4M-99A. For better aiming, the K-1 artillery collimator is used, as well as the Sat 13-11 milestone and the Luch-S71M terrain illumination device (it is often used by domestic artillery). "Peony" with equal success can be used both from closed positions and through direct aiming at enemy positions. However, given the low security of the installation, it is not recommended to do this.

Ammunition and firing modes

As we said, the Pion self-propelled gun uses separate loading shells for firing. Expelling charges are packed in linen containers and stored in sealed packaging. Of course, that their storage should be given special attention (which is not surprising). The standard ammunition consists of 40 rounds, with only 4-6 of them carried in the fighting compartment of the self-propelled gun.

They are "emergency supplies" and should only be used as a last resort. The rest of the shotsare transported on a transport vehicle, which is "equipped" with each "Peony" (203 mm). The 2S7 self-propelled gun is already too massive and heavy, so such a distinction is vital.

The rate of fire is 1.5 rounds per minute (maximum). The manufacturer provides several possible shooting modes at once:

• About eight shots can be fired within five minutes.
• In ten minutes - 15 shots.
• Within 20 minutes - 24 volleys.
• For half an hour - 30 shots (practically impossible in combat conditions, requires the highest training of calculation).
• For one hour - 40 volleys.

For combat operations at night, the 2S7 Pion self-propelled gun is equipped with two TVNE-4B night vision devices. The R-123 radio station is responsible for communication, the 1V116 brand station is used for internal negotiations. To increase the survivability of a self-propelled gun on the battlefield, the design includes: an automatic fire extinguishing installation, air filtration and ventilation devices, a decontamination system, which at that time began to be used in all the latest Soviet tanks. Some comfort for the crew in winter conditions is created using the heating system.

In total, the crew of this self-propelled guns includes 14 people at once. Moreover, only half of them is the direct calculation of the installation. The rest of the people are part of the support team, and on the march they are located in the back of a truck or armored personnel carrier that transports ammunition,and they are used by "Peony". It is no coincidence that a self-propelled artillery mount needs a separate transport for ammunition.

About ammunition

The mass of each projectile is 110 kilograms. The length is exactly one meter. Charging is carried out using a special charging mechanism, which in the working position is located on the right side of the gun's charging chamber. The specialist who is engaged in the supply of the projectile performs this operation using the control panel.

It is known that this artillery ("Pions") can use three types of shells at once: conventional (high-explosive fragmentation), rocket and nuclear. The power of the latter can exceed 2 kT (there are no exact data). Nuclear shells, by the way, are the “calling card” that distinguishes domestic artillery. "Peony" is armed with special shots for the destruction of concrete fortifications and chemical charges.

Between high-explosive fragmentation and rocket projectiles, the choice is made immediately before combat use, according to the situation. Given the colossal power of the cannon, both main types of shots can also be used to destroy powerful fortifications, so special charges for the destruction of bunkers often remain unclaimed.

However, they definitely should not be "written off". Just imagine a projectile crashing into a target at over Mach 2! It easily penetrates even very thick walls of any fortifications, as well as the walls of missile silos with intercontinental ballistic missiles, which are not taken by conventionalartillery. Peonies are thus an extremely powerful and versatile type of weapon.

Some important notes

Nuclear weapons can only be used (!) with the permission of the High Command. They are delivered to the location of the battery on special trucks, and the vehicle is guarded by an escort throughout the journey. Military doctrine assumes the use of such projectiles for the complete elimination of especially large concentrations of the enemy and the destruction of his industrial centers.

As for chemical shots, they are currently completely banned by the relevant UN decree. It is safe to say that today firing such ammunition is almost impossible, since their stocks have been completely utilized.

At the moment, the Russian army is armed with two versions of this machine. These are the following models: self-propelled guns 2S7 "Peony", 2S7M "Malka". The 203 mm self-propelled gun in both versions is an extremely formidable weapon that can cause a lot of problems to a potential enemy.