Until recently, the public did not know too much about the promising Magnolia self-propelled artillery gun. The very fact of its existence was known, and over time, the main features of the architecture and possibilities were announced. At the recent exhibition "Army-2019", the project developers revealed new data. The first official images were published, and with them the main tactical and technical characteristics. All this seriously complements the existing picture and simplifies project evaluation.
Open information
For the first time, the existence of the Magnolia CJSC project became known in 2018. The new CJSC was developed by the Nizhny Novgorod Central Research Institute Burevestnik, together with two other samples, as part of the development work with the Sketch code. It was reported that the project provides for the installation of a fighting compartment with a 120-mm universal gun on the chassis of a two-link tracked conveyor. A similar combat vehicle was intended for artillery formations serving in the Arctic.
In the fall of last year, it was reported that all prototypes of the Sketch design and development project had already entered the final stage of testing. It was argued that in the near future they would have to go into series and enter the troops.
In early May, the available data on the appearance of "Magnolia" was replenished with the first images. In early May, a couple of interesting photos appeared in the public domain. They depicted a two-link armored vehicle, the rear hull of which carried a turret with a gun. The back link was covered with an awning.
At the end of June, within the framework of the Army-2019 exhibition, the developer organization presented for the first time advertising materials for Magnolia CJSC. The advertising leaflet featured two new photographs, as well as the goals of the project and the main performance characteristics of a promising sample. Thus, for the first time, it becomes possible to study real photographs and figures.
According to new data
SJSC "Magnolia" is distinguished by its characteristic appearance. For the first time in domestic practice, the artillery fighting compartment was mounted on a two-link tracked chassis. The basis for the self-propelled gun is the modified DT-30PM Vityaz all-terrain vehicle with a five-wheel chassis on the front link and a six-wheel chassis on the rear. The front body accommodates the driver's cab, power plant units, etc. The fighting compartment is made on the basis of the rear.
The two-link chassis provides high maneuverability in difficult terrain. It allows you to work effectively in difficult and wetlands - primarily in the Far North. In addition, unification with other "Arctic" models of equipment has been ensured. The chassis is armored and protected from major threats.
A fighting compartment is installed on the rear hull of the Magnolia - judging by the photo, it was borrowed from the 2S31 Vienna self-propelled gun, but it has some differences. Above the hull rises a characteristic turret dome with a 120-mm gun and various devices on its surface. The main weapon of the combat vehicle is the 2A80 universal gun, which combines the fighting qualities of a cannon, a howitzer and a mortar. The turret design provides circular horizontal guidance and barrel lift from -5 ° to + 80 °.
The instrumentation of the tower was not specified. The new photos show that the Magnolia does not have the characteristic box-type panoramic sight on the Vienna. This indicates that at the request of the customer in the new project, the composition of the onboard surveillance and fire control equipment was changed.
According to the developer, the maximum firing range of "Magnolia" reaches 7-10 km and depends on the type of ammunition used. When using 120-mm high-explosive fragmentation projectiles, a range of 8.5 km is achieved, guided munitions fly 10 km. Mines of 120 mm caliber are sent for 7 km. Ammunition includes at least 80 rounds of all types. The rate of fire reaches 8-10 rounds per minute.
The crew of IJSC "Magnolia" consists of four people. Apparently, one of them is located in the cockpit of the front hull, while the others work in the fighting compartment of the second.
In advertising materials, the Magnolia's mission is called fire destruction of a wide range of ground and surface targets. The gun can attack manpower and various armored vehicles of the enemy, air defense and anti-tank equipment, artillery and missile systems, buildings and fortifications, landing craft, etc.
Augmented picture
Thanks to fresh promotional materials, we can present the general appearance of the promising Magnolia CJSC, as well as the characteristics and combat capabilities of this vehicle. In combination with the data already known, the latest reports provide a more detailed picture as well as some estimates.
For Arctic artillery units, a CAO is being created on an improved cross-country chassis, adapted to the special conditions of the region. At the same time, the possibility of operating such equipment in other difficult areas is not excluded. The two-link transporters of the Vityaz family have already shown and proven their high potential, and have also been tested as weapons carriers. Now all their advantages will be used to strengthen artillery in hard-to-reach areas.
In the fighting compartment, the new "Magnolia" is maximally unified with the existing "Vienna". This, in a known manner, simplifies the construction and operation of advanced technology. In addition, the training of personnel is simplified.
Unification with the existing model also allows you to preserve all its characteristic advantages. Like other domestic ballistic gun-to-shot systems, the new Magnolia IJSC is capable of using a wide range of ammunition of various types and for various purposes, allowing to solve all arising tasks. In fact, the gun replaces cannons for direct fire, as well as howitzers and mortars for firing from closed positions.
Thus, for operation in the Arctic, an artillery self-propelled gun is proposed, which combines the high mobility of a two-link chassis and a fighting compartment with universal weapons. An important consequence of this is the ability to solve various combat missions using only one type of equipment.
On the way to the troops
According to reports last fall, all three self-propelled guns of the ROC "Sketch" were undergoing tests and were approaching their completion. At the same time, the timing of the end of such events was not specified. In recent days, it became known that Magnolia and other promising systems are still being tested and are not yet ready to start service.
It is not known how soon the promising technology will complete the tests and receive a recommendation for adoption. It is also not entirely clear when the public and specialists will be shown a prototype or serial model of Magnolia JSC. Two other representatives of the "Sketch" project have already been demonstrated "in metal", while the self-propelled gun on the "Vityaz" chassis is shown only in the photo so far.
It will take some time to complete the current work, check and fine-tune the equipment, as well as launch serial production. Over the next few years, new models will be able to enter service and begin service. All three CAOs from the "Sketch" project are built using interesting ideas and solutions to improve the tactical and technical characteristics.
As a result of the Magnolia project, the Arctic formations will receive a new self-propelled artillery gun, which will give them a significant increase in firepower. In addition, in the future, such a sample of equipment will provide a significant advantage over a potential enemy planning actions in the Far North. In a hypothetical confrontation in the Arctic, the Russian army will have serious artillery arguments.
