Russia - S7 PION Self Propelled 203mm Heavy Artillery

Source: the Military Lovers 

2S7 PION Self Propelled 203mm Heavy Artillery Massive Live Firing

2S7 PION Self-Propelled 203mm Heavy Artillery was identified for the first time in 1975 in the Soviet Army and so was called M-1975 by NATO (the 2S4 Tyulpan also received the M-1975 designation), whereas its official designation is SO-203 (2S7). Its design is based on a T-80 chassis carrying an externally mounted 2A44 203 mm gun on the hull rear.

The 2S7 main armament consists of 2A44 203mm cannon. The 203 mm barrel has an overall length of 56.2 calibers and weighs a total of 7,800 kg and has a barrel life of about 450 rounds. When travelling, the 203 mm cannon is held in position by a manually operated travel lock mounted on top of the cab. Gun elevation, traverse, loading and operation of the spade are all hydraulic with manual controls for emergency use. Mounted at the very rear of the tracked chassis is a large recoil spade which, when lowered to the ground, provides stability during firing. The gun operator is seated at the rear of the vehicle on the left side and for the engagement of targets has a standard PG-1M panoramic day telescope that is used in conjunction with the K-1 collimator. Ammunition is of the separate loading type, projectile and charge, with a maximum muzzle velocity of 960 m/s. Maximum range, using unassisted ammunition, is 37.5 km. The standard 203 mm HE round is designated the ZOF 43 and weighs 110 kg, with a total of four projectiles and charges being carried on the 2S7 for immediate use. The remainder of the ammunition load is carried by another vehicle, usually a truck. In addition, there is a rocket-assisted high-explosive projectile that weighs 103 kg and has a maximum range of 47,500 m.

It carries four 203 mm projectiles for immediate use. It is capable of firing nuclear ammunition. The gun has a range of 37,500 m, but this can be extended to 55,500 m by using RAPs (Rocket Assisted Projectiles). The Pion has been the most powerful conventional artillery piece since entering service in 1983. One interesting feature of the Pion is the firing alarm. Because the blast of the weapon firing is so powerful—it can physically incapacitate an unprepared soldier or crew member near it from concussive force—the Pion is equipped with an audible firing alarm that emits a series of short warning tones for approximately five seconds prior to the charge being fired.

The 2S7 carries a crew of fourteen; seven are carried by the Pion and seven are with an auxiliary vehicle. The system carries four rounds of ammunition; four more rounds are carried by the support vehicle. Brief out-of-action time allows Pion to fire 1 or 2 rounds and leave firing position before the first round hits target located up to 47 km away. This shoot-and-scoot capability allows to avoid counter-battery fire. This makes the 2S7 less susceptible to counter-battery fire.

Variants :

It takes the crew of seven men 5–6 minutes to come into action and 3–5 minutes to come out of action. It carries four 203 mm projectiles for immediate use. It is capable of firing nuclear ammunition.

- 2S7 Pion

- 2S7M Malka – An improved variant, which entered service in 1983, that improved the gun's fire control systems, increased the rate of fire from 1.5 to 2.5 rounds per minute, and increased the ammunition load to eight projectiles

Production history :

Produced 1975–1990

Development :

-- 1967 - 1974 (2S7 Pion)

-- Mid 1980's (2S7M Malka)

Developer :

-- Soviet Union - Kirov factory & Barrikady arsenal

Crew : 7 (commander, driver, radio operator, gunner, loader)

Effective firing range : 37.5-55km

Main armament :

-- 203 mm 2A44 gun

Ammunition :

-- 4 shells on vehicle

Elevation :

-- 0 to +60 degrees elevation, powered

Traverse : -15 to +15 degrees traverse, powered

-- 1.5 rpm max

Rate of fire :

Operational range :

-- Road: 650 km (400 mi)

Maximum speed : 50 km/h (31 mph)

Specifications :

Mass : 46.5 tons

Length : 10.5 m (34 ft 5 in)

Width : 3.38 m (11 ft 1 in)

Height : 3 m (9 ft 10 in)

Caliber : 203 mm

Barrels : 1

Armor : 10mm max.

Chassis :

-- Tracked chassis, 7 roadwheels

Drive sprocket front, idler rear

-- 0.80 kg/cm^2

Ground pressure : Engine :

Suspension : torsion bar

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