In early June, the first prototype of the 2S42 "Lotos" self-propelled artillery gun was rolled out at the Podolsk Central Research Institute Tochmash. The car immediately showed some of its skills, but it still has to go through a long process of testing and refinement. As a result of these measures, "Lotus" will enter service with the airborne troops and replace the old CAO 2S9 "Nona-S". It is important that the new sample has a number of characteristic advantages over the existing one.
Proven concept
The promising CAO 2S42 is based on the same concept as its predecessors, but is assembled from modern components. This self-propelled gun is a self-propelled tracked vehicle with the ability to transport military transport aircraft. The hull has a turret with a universal 120-mm gun, which solves the tasks of cannons, howitzers and mortars.
The basis of the "Lotus" is the modified chassis of the BMD-4M serial assault vehicle, which has retained its main features and assemblies. All new samples of armored vehicles for the Airborne Forces are created taking into account unification, and SAO 2S42 is no exception. This approach will simplify the joint operation of machines for different purposes.
A 120-mm smoothbore gun is installed in the Lotus turret, created on the basis of the 2A51 product from the CAO 2S9. The gun has been modified taking into account the accumulated experience and is equipped with modern fire control means. The fighting compartment has also been changed with some advantages over the Nona-S.
Unified chassis
The main advantage of the used chassis is its unification with other modern models for the Airborne Forces. At the same time, the chassis for the "Lotus" has other positive features that distinguish it favorably from the corresponding part of the CAO of the previous models.
Above all, the overall novelty of the chassis is beneficial. It is based on state-of-the-art components to provide operational advantages. The new chassis made it possible to obtain an increase in running characteristics. So, the maximum speed of the CAO 2S9 reached 60 km / h, while the 2S42 accelerates to 70 km / h on the highway. It is noteworthy that "Lotus" shows such characteristics, losing to "None-S" in specific power - 25 hp / t against 30.
The 2S42 is built on the basis of a larger body: its length is about a meter longer than that of the 2S9. This made it possible to obtain additional volumes, including for the placement of additional fuel and ammunition. The lengthening of the chassis led to the need for a seventh pair of road wheels, but this did not affect mobility.
Protection level
The BMD-4M hull has a lightweight bulletproof booking; its exact parameters have not yet been published. SAO 2S42 retains this protection, and also receives a tower with comparable durability. Thus, in terms of the level of protection against the enemy's cannon systems, "Lotus", at least, is not inferior to the existing technology.
The own booking of the new self-propelled gun has limited durability, and therefore it is proposed to increase the survivability on the battlefield at the expense of additional funds. "Lotos" is completed with a system of optical-electronic countermeasures of circular action. Along the perimeter of the vehicle, radiation sensors are installed from the guidance systems of high-precision weapons of the enemy. When irradiated, the automatics deploy launchers and fire off smoke grenades. The latter create a curtain that blocks infrared and laser radiation. An important feature of such protection is its ability to detect radiation from all directions and all-aspect shooting of grenades.
Firepower
The 2S42 "Lotus" is equipped with a ballistic gun-shot configuration, similar to that used on the previous models. The new 120mm system is capable of using a variety of ammunition and solving tasks typical of cannons, howitzers and mortars. In this case, we are talking about an increase in the length of the barrel and other significant improvements that have a positive effect on the characteristics.
A longer barrel with a developed muzzle brake allows the maximum firing range to be increased to 13 km. The preparation process for firing is as automated as possible, which allows you to get a rate of fire up to 6-8 rds / min. The appearance of additional volumes in the fighting compartment made it possible to increase the ammunition load. SAO "Nona-S" carries 20 shots, the new "Lotos" - almost twice as many.
In the past, it was mentioned that the Lotus ammunition will include new shots of increased power. The improved 120 mm projectile is close to 152 mm ammunition in terms of its effectiveness. At the same time, compatibility with all existing shots for the 2A51 gun is maintained.
The CAO 2S42 includes a modern advanced fire control system integrated with tactical communications. Together with "Lotos", a unified artillery fire control machine "Zavet-D" is being developed. The combined use of two promising models of equipment should provide an effective solution to combat missions.
Intermediate result
In 2016, representatives of the development organization argued that CAO 2S42 "Lotos" will be released for testing in 2017, and mass production will be launched in 2020. In fact, the first prototype was rolled out only two years after the named deadlines, but otherwise TsNII Tochmash retains optimism. This year it is planned to conduct preliminary tests and go to the state ones. In April, it was clarified that serial production would be launched next year.
During the first demonstration on June 5, the experienced Lotus had limited capabilities. In particular, the weapons could only be used in manual mode - due to the need for further software development. However, even in this state, the car walked demonstratively along the track, demonstrated the operation of the controlled suspension and fired a blank shot.
In the coming months, industry and the army will have to carry out comprehensive checks, make the necessary adjustments and prepare experimental equipment for state tests. Based on the results of the latter, the issue of adopting and launching the series will be decided.
Rearmament prospects
The new self-propelled gun is being created as a modern replacement for the outdated 2S9 Nona-S vehicle and its modifications. "Lotuses" in their current form are intended for service in the Airborne Forces and are created in accordance with their requirements.
According to various sources, the Russian Airborne Forces has about 750 CAO 2S9. About a third of this amount remains in the ranks, while the rest are sent for storage. Thus, to fully replace obsolete samples, several hundred new "Lotos" are required. It takes several years to produce such a quantity of equipment. This means that in the absence of serious problems at the test stage, the rearmament of the Airborne Forces will last at least until the mid-twenties.
In general, by the middle of the next decade, the Airborne Forces will noticeably update their fleet of armored vehicles at the expense of modern models. All new cars, incl. "Lotos" have certain advantages over their predecessors, and are also made unified. Thus, the equipment of the Airborne Forces will be newer, better, more effective in combat and easier to operate.
It takes a certain amount of time to carry out all the necessary measures and work, and it will take a long time for the news of the arrival of the "Lotus" to appear in the troops. However, in the very near future, the first public display of this car will take place. The prototype will be included in the exposition of the Army-2019 exhibition.
