Until recently, the Russian industry was engaged in the modernization of the self-propelled gun of special power 2S7M "Malka". A few months ago, it became known about the tests, and now the developer has reported on the completion of the project. The updated equipment is ready to go to the troops.
Completion of work
On April 7, the press service of NPK Uralvagonzavod told about the intermediate results of the modernization project. The facility announces the completion of the modernization project with the desired results. The Uraltransmash plant, which is part of the corporation, performed the design and then modernized the prototype.
The first sample, modernized according to the new project, has passed a full cycle of tests. All calculated characteristics are fully confirmed in practice. As a result of the update, it was possible to obtain an increase in running characteristics, maneuverability, command controllability, etc.
It is argued that the first modernized model 2S7M "Malka" is ready and can be transferred to the troops. In addition, preparations were made for full-scale work to upgrade equipment from combat units of the ground forces. How soon this modernization will begin is not specified.
It is necessary to recall the messages of the recent past. In mid-December, the management of Uralvagonzavod told about the beginning of tests of the updated ACS 2S7M. The overhaul and modernization work was scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks. Plans for 2020 included preparations for the massive modernization of equipment.
According to the latest reports, all these works have already been completed. The Uraltransmash enterprise is ready to accept old equipment and rebuild it according to a new project.
New from old
The current project provides for overhaul and deep modernization of existing equipment; the construction of new machines is not planned. ACS 2S7M, which are quite old and have partially consumed the resource, will go for revision.
Development work "Malka" was carried out in the first half of the eighties, its goal was a deep modernization of the existing ACS 2S7 "Pion". The finished self-propelled gun began to be produced in 1986 instead of the base "Pion". Production continued until 1990, and during this time they managed to build several dozen combat vehicles.
According to open data, now the ground forces have approx. 60 self-propelled guns of the "Malka" type. Their main characteristics still meet the highest requirements, but their considerable age imposes some restrictions. The resumption of production, which was discontinued 30 years ago, is impossible or does not make sense. For these reasons, several years ago it was decided to launch a deep modernization project.
The first results of such a program have already been obtained. One copy of 2S7M has undergone major overhaul and modernization with the replacement of part of the equipment. In the near future they plan to return it to the army. Then the expected process of mass restructuring of equipment will begin, which will ultimately improve the combat qualities of artillery formations.
Apparently, the processes of repair and renovation will affect most of the existing fleet of self-propelled guns. This will make it possible to continue operating Malok for a long time, and with obtaining the maximum possible results.
Domestic and modern
Last year, NPK Uralvagonzavod clarified the main features of the new project. It provides for the restoration of the technical readiness of the combat vehicle, the replacement of part of the units and the installation of new devices. Replacement is carried out both for reasons of obsolescence and for reasons of import substitution.
The need to switch to domestic components most of all influenced the refinement of the armored chassis. The V-84B diesel engine and a mechanical transmission with a planetary swing mechanism and hydraulic control were produced by the Ukrainian industry. They were replaced by Russian-made units. A similar restructuring was carried out in a number of other systems, such as power supply, etc.
Import substitution and modernization have affected the on-board electronics complex. The equipment for internal and external communication went under the replacement. New means of receiving, processing and issuing data for firing are used. Crew observation devices have been changed.
Replacing the power plant and other equipment does not require a major redesign of the case. Bulletproof booking remains the same, the layout does not change. The undercarriage retains its original design. One of the main differences between the modernized "Malka" and the base "Pion" was the availability of routine control equipment. With the next modernization, it remains.
The artillery unit and related equipment were not modified. The 203 mm 2A44 gun shows outstanding performance and does not need to be replaced. The stowage of the transportable ammunition and the loading mechanism were improved during the development of the 2S7M "Malka" project and still show sufficient characteristics.
Positive consequences
The expected serial modernization will positively affect the state and potential of the existing 2S7M ACS grouping. This will allow the continued operation of such equipment for a long period of time while obtaining all the necessary combat capabilities.
The service life, first of all, will be affected by the overhaul. All "Malki" are of considerable age and may need restoration work. Replacement of imported components with domestic ones is of great importance. Now the operation, repair and maintenance of equipment will not face problems in international relations.
Updating communication and control equipment has a positive effect on the combat capabilities of the ACS. After the upgrade, Malka can more quickly receive and process information from the command post and issue data for firing.
In addition, opportunities for interaction with artillery reconnaissance are expanding. So, last fall, it was reported about the first experiments on the use of an unmodernized ACS 2S7M in conjunction with a reconnaissance UAV. The drone detected the target and determined its coordinates, and according to these data, the self-propelled gun delivered an accurate strike. Probably, the new devices on board the ACS will make it possible to receive target designation both from the UAV and from other available sources.
The direct fire capabilities of the modernized "Malka" remain the same - very high. The 2A44 cannon is capable of using a wide range of separate loading rounds with 203-mm shells for various purposes. It is possible to use high-explosive, cluster and concrete-piercing shells of several types. Depending on the type of projectile, firing at a range of up to 30-35 km or up to 45-47 km is possible.
Waiting for deliveries
After modernization, the 2S7M "Malka" self-propelled cannon remains a weapon of special power, capable of striking especially important enemy targets at tactical depth. At the same time, new components and assemblies make it possible to simplify operation and expand combat capabilities - without the need for a radical restructuring of some of the systems and assemblies.
So far, the troops have not received a single modernized "Malka", but the delivery of the first sample is already planned, followed by new ones. The rearmament of artillery brigades will take several years and will have the most noticeable consequences.
