The rocket forces and artillery of the Russian ground forces have at their disposal self-propelled artillery mounts with guns of various types and calibers. The largest serial cannon caliber at the moment is 203 mm. This weapon is equipped with the 2S7M "Malka" self-propelled gun, designed to solve special problems. Despite its considerable age, such equipment retains its place in the troops and, as required, increases their combat potential. In addition, there are ways of development that allow you to keep the "Malka" in parts with the receipt of new results.
As the assigned GRAU index shows, the 2S7M "Malka" self-propelled gun is a modernized version of an older combat vehicle. This sample was developed on the basis of the 2S7 "Pion" system, intended for the artillery units of the reserve of the Supreme High Command. The base "Peony" was put into service in 1976 and showed more than high performance. However, over time, such a technique ceased to fully suit the military, which led to the launch of a new project. It was proposed to create a new ACS with higher characteristics by updating and modernizing the existing 2S7 product.
ACS 2S7M "Malka" in a firing position. Photo Arms-expo.ru
The development of the updated self-propelled gun was entrusted to the Leningrad Kirov Plant, which had previously created a basic model. The development work received the code "Malka". Also, the new self-propelled gun was assigned the GRAU index, indicating the continuity of development, - 2S7M.
ACS "Pion" was equipped with a 203-mm rifled cannon 2A44, which was distinguished by high performance. The artillery part of this combat vehicle, in general, suited the military and did not need serious modifications. At the same time, the terms of reference for the "Malka" provided for a major upgrade of the existing chassis and reworking of fire control systems. Due to this, it was planned to increase the technical and operational characteristics. A certain increase in fighting qualities was also expected.
Within the framework of the 2S7M project, the existing chassis "Object 216" has undergone the greatest modifications. Its updated version received the designation "216M". While maintaining the main design features, as well as parts of components and assemblies, the authors of this project introduced a number of new products, as a result of which the required results were obtained. The mobility of the self-propelled gun was increased as a whole, its operation was simplified, and the resource also increased. Now the chassis provided a mileage of 10 thousand km instead of 8 thousand km for the base "Pion".
During the modernization of the chassis "Object 216" retained its main features. It still had an armored body with spaced protection, welded from sheets up to 12-16 mm thick. The existing layout with the front location of the three-seater control-cabin compartment, behind which was the engine-transmission compartment, has been preserved. Behind it, a compartment was provided for calculating the guns. The entire rear of the chassis was given over to the artillery mount and auxiliary equipment. The innovations of the Malka project affected only the composition of the equipment and the principles of its operation.
The engine compartment of the Object 216M housed a new V-84B diesel engine with a capacity of 840 hp. with the ability to use different types of fuel. Due to a different engine design, the layout of the compartment has been optimized. The new engine gave the self-propelled gun a power increase of 60 hp, which made it possible to improve mobility on the highway and rough terrain. The transmission was modified accordingly, which now had to withstand increased loads.
Fighting vehicle in the stowed position. Photo Vitalykuzmin.net
The general layout of the undercarriage remained the same, but its individual units were strengthened or modified. At the same time, the existing unification with the units of the main T-80 tank, also developed at the LKZ, was preserved. On each side of the hull, seven road wheels were kept with an individual torsion bar suspension, reinforced with hydraulic shock absorbers. The leading wheels of the lantern gearing were placed in the front of the hull, the guides were in the stern. Object 216M received improved steering wheel control mechanisms. In particular, they could now be lowered to the ground before firing without first loosening the tracks.
From the previous project, without any changes, they took the feed opener, which during firing served as an emphasis and ensured the transfer of recoil to the ground. As before, a large metal unit of a characteristic shape was lowered to the ground and buried using a pair of hydraulic cylinders.
As in the case of the "Pion", the artillery unit of the "Malka" is installed in the rear of the chassis hull. The existing gun mount mainly suited the military, as a result of which it did not undergo major processing. However, she also received some new devices with which she could show higher characteristics.
The main weapon of the ACS 2S7M is a 203 mm 2A44 rifled cannon. The barrel of a 55, 3 caliber gun was made in the form of a free pipe connected to the breech. The latter contained a piston-type shutter. The barrel was connected to hydropneumatic recoil devices. Above it, a hydraulic recoil brake was installed, and two pneumatic knurling cylinders were placed under the barrel. The barrel with anti-recoil devices assembled was connected to a cradle fixed on the swinging part of the machine.
The machine tool received sector-type guidance mechanisms. With their help, firing was provided within a horizontal sector with a width of 30 °. The elevation angles of the trunk varied from 0 to + 60 °. For guidance, manual drives or a hydraulic system controlled from the gunner's console could be used. With the vertical movement of the swinging part, the pneumatic balancing mechanism began to work.
Self-propelled gun in the deployed position. Photo Defense.ru
Due to the large mass of separate loading shots, the Pion ACS was equipped with a loading mechanism. With its help, shells and charges were fed to the ramming line and then sent to the barrel chamber. The mechanism of the basic version from the 2S7 project ensured the production of 1.5 rounds per minute. As part of the Malka ROC, an improved loading mechanism was developed. For the first time in world practice, the revised chambering mechanisms received automatic program control. The mechanism tray could now move in two planes, due to which the chambering of the projectile was ensured at any elevation angles of the gun. In addition, the automatics independently monitored all stages of preparation for the shot. The absence of the need to return the barrel to a predetermined position for reloading made it possible to bring the rate of fire to 2.5 rounds per minute.
In the aft part of the hull, next to the gun mount, it was possible to find a place for additional ammunition. "Pion" could carry 4 203-mm separate loading rounds. In the Malka project, the ammunition load has doubled.
The 2A44 gun was not finalized, and therefore the 2S7M retained the ability to use the entire range of shots of the existing Pion. With this gun, it was possible to use high-explosive fragmentation, concrete-piercing and cluster munitions of several types. In addition, three types of 203mm nuclear projectiles have been developed. The maximum mass of compatible projectiles reached 110 kg. Depending on a number of factors, "Malka", like "Pion", could send shells at a distance of up to 47.5 km.
Due to the lack of sufficient volumes on board, the supply of shells and charges had to be carried out from the ground or from an ammunition delivery truck. In both cases, units of the standard loading mechanism were used to work with shots.
The most important innovation of the new project 2S7M "Malka" is the automated means of communication and control. The combat vehicle received systems for receiving data from a senior battery officer. The data obtained for firing in an automatic mode was displayed on digital indicators installed at the workplaces of the self-propelled gun gunner's commander. Having received the data, they could carry out the aiming and prepare the weapon for a shot.
The self-propelled gun retained the existing composition of additional weapons. For self-defense, it was proposed to use the NSVT heavy machine gun on an open installation. Also, in case of an enemy airstrike, the crew was supposed to have a portable anti-aircraft system "Strela-2" or "Igla".
"Malka" in combat position, view of the stern. Photo Arms-expo.ru
For a certain simplification of operation, the self-propelled gun "Malka" received a set of routine control equipment. As part of the power plant, transmission, chassis, weapons, etc. numerous sensors related to data processing devices appeared. Provided constant monitoring of the work and state of all major systems with the issuance of information to the console in the cockpit. Among other things, this was supposed to facilitate the search for breakdowns and maintenance of equipment.
The use of a number of new systems made it possible to reduce the calculation of the self-propelled gun. Operation of the base "Peony" was assigned to seven people. ACS 2S7M was to be controlled by only six. Half of the crew - the driver, the commander and one of the gunners - were located on the march in the front cockpit, access to which was provided by roof hatches. The compartment for the other three crew numbers was located behind the engine compartment. All habitable volumes were protected from weapons of mass destruction.
A number of new systems have simplified and accelerated preparation for combat work. The 2S7 self-propelled gun, according to the standards, spent 10 minutes on deployment and folding. In the case of the 2S7M, these works required only 7 and 5 minutes, respectively. Thus, the modernized self-propelled guns could open fire faster, perform the required firing faster, and then leave the position from under the retaliation strike.
According to the results of the modernization, the Malka self-propelled guns retained the dimensions of the basic model, but at the same time slightly grew heavier. Its combat weight increased from the original 45 to 46.5 tons. Despite this, the new engine provided an increase in power density and a corresponding improvement in mobility. The maximum speed now exceeded 50 km / h, and in addition, increased cross-country ability on difficult terrain.
In 1985, a prototype 2S7M "Malka" self-propelled gun was tested, during which it confirmed its capabilities and characteristics. Soon there was an order for the adoption of a new model for service and an order for the production of serial equipment. As mass production progressed, the new type of self-propelled guns had to complement the existing "Peonies" in parts. Over time, it was planned to replace less advanced combat vehicles.
A shot from a 203-mm gun during the exercises in April 2018. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Serial "Malki" were transferred to the same units as "Peonies" earlier. They were intended for separate self-propelled artillery divisions of high-power artillery brigades from the artillery of the Supreme High Command reserve. Most divisions had 12 self-propelled guns, combined into three batteries. The brigades also had battalions and batteries equipped with other high-power weapons.
Until the early nineties, artillery brigades equipped with Peonies and Malkas served throughout the Soviet Union. After the entry into force of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, Russian self-propelled guns had to be sent across the Urals. As a result, all equipment of this type is at the disposal of the units of the Eastern Military District. To date, their formations, equipped with high-power artillery, have appeared in other military districts.
According to The Military Balance for 2018, the Russian armed forces currently operate 60 Malka-class combat vehicles. The remaining self-propelled guns of high power, both the basic 2S7 and the modernized 2S7M, were sent for storage. According to other sources, the number of active self-propelled guns of the two types is much less. Despite the relatively small number, such equipment is actively used and regularly takes part in combat training events.
Continuing service "Malki" constantly show their capabilities, and their crews master new methods of combat work. For example, according to the Ministry of Defense, in early April, regular training sessions of high-power artillery from the Central Military District took place. Self-propelled guns 2S7M struck at the objects of the conditional enemy at a distance of 30 km. Modern unmanned aerial vehicles "Orlan-10" were used for timely target detection, data transmission and fire adjustment. The shooting practice ended with the successful defeat of the indicated targets.
The existing "Malki" continue to serve and are unlikely to retire in the foreseeable future. The high power of their cannons to a certain extent reduces the range of tasks to be solved, however, even in this case, they occupy the most important place in the structure of the missile forces and artillery. Thus, the army will continue to operate the existing self-propelled guns, and in addition, it is possible to modernize them in one way or another.
To maintain the technical readiness of the ACS 2S7M, they need regular repairs, including the replacement of obsolete components. The current development of technologies in theory allows the Malki to be modernized by equipping them with new communication and control devices, which will further improve the combat characteristics. In addition, the potential of such equipment can be increased by developing promising 203-mm projectiles, primarily guided ones. The updated onboard equipment and corrected projectiles will obviously increase the accuracy and effectiveness of the fire.
The ground forces need high-power artillery systems suitable for carrying out particularly powerful strikes. The Russian army has a significant number of self-propelled guns with large-caliber guns, and one of the foundations of such a grouping is the 2S7 Pion and 2S7M Malka self-propelled guns. They will probably remain in the ranks for a long time to come and help other artillery to solve especially difficult tasks.
