In certain situations, fighters need weapons that produce minimal noise. Various means and methods of reducing the volume of a shot have become quite widespread in the field of small arms, and at the same time work is underway on systems of other classes. In response to the special demands of the army, a special silent mortar 2B25 "Gall" was created in our country several years ago. Together with him, the troops are offered a special mortar mine, due to which the desired characteristics are achieved.
According to known data, the development of a special light mortar with special combat capabilities began in the middle of the last decade. The development of this product was carried out by the Burevestnik Central Research Institute, which has extensive experience in creating a variety of artillery systems. The first phase of development work was completed by 2008, when the project data was first published. A few years later, the public was shown a ready-made mortar and a shot for it.
The first version of the "Supermodel" mortar. Photo Russianarms.ru
The development of the new weapon was carried out as part of the development work with the funny name "Supermodel". Subsequently, the finished mortar received a more serious name - "Gall". According to the index system of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate, it was designated as 2B25. The new development was widely known under the last two designations.
The 2B25 product is designed to engage manpower or other unprotected targets on the battlefield or in uncovered shelters. From the point of view of combat use, in general, the same requirements were imposed on it as for other mortars. At the same time, there were special points in the terms of reference. First of all, it was required to reduce the size and weight of the weapon to simplify its transportation. In addition, it was necessary to exclude the flash of the shot and reduce its noise to the lowest possible values.
The problem of facilitating transportation was solved in an obvious way. In the design of the mortar, units and assemblies of reduced dimensions and, accordingly, reduced weight were used. A number of parts were made of light alloys, which allowed maintaining acceptable strength. The second goal of the project was achieved through the development of a completely new ammunition and a certain change in the design of the barrel. In fact, "Gall" combined the design of a barrel mortar and the principle of operation of a pin. However, he could only use certain mines.
It should be noted that there are two known variants of "Gall", which have certain differences. So, the very first version of this weapon, the existence of which became known at the end of the last decade, was distinguished by a relatively long barrel and a simplified base plate design. In the future, the length of the barrel was reduced, and it was proposed to use a different reinforced plate with it. Some other devices of the complex have also been redesigned.
Exhibition model of mortar 2B25 and mines 3VO35E. Photo Vitalykuzmin.net
The 2B25 mortar does not differ in particular design complexity and, in general, is based on standard solutions for such weapons. Structurally, it is divided into a barrel, a two-legged carriage, a base plate and a sight. There is a possibility of partial disassembly of the mortar for laying in a shipping box. It is also provided to carry the mortar and ammunition for it using belts and bags or backpacks of appropriate dimensions.
The largest element of the Gall mortar is a smooth 82 mm barrel. It has a length of about 600 mm and is the main part of the weapon, with which all other units are connected. The barrel is made in the form of a pipe with an open front end. The breech of this part is covered with a tile on which the cover of the firing mechanism is placed. The shank of the latter has fasteners for connection to the base plate. Due to the use of a special ammunition, the barrel does not experience heavy loads, and this made it possible to make it as thin and light as possible.
A longitudinal guide rod is located inside the barrel, which performs several functions. First of all, it is used as a guide for bringing the mine to the required trajectory and in this regard it takes over part of the barrel tasks. In addition, it acts as a firing mechanism striker, which is responsible for igniting the propellant charge. The striker is controlled by a lever brought out of the mechanism casing.
Near the muzzle, a clamp is attached to the barrel, on which the biped is located. With its help, a system of the so-called type is formed. imaginary triangle. The protrusion of the barrel collar is connected to a horizontal guide screw mechanism, which allows the barrel to be deflected by 4 ° to the right and left of the neutral position. The U-shaped support of the horizontal aiming mechanism is connected to the vertical aiming device. Allowable vertical guidance angles - from + 45 ° to + 85 °. The vertical aiming mechanism is fixed between the adjustable bipod. The biped can be folded for transport. In this case, the supports are brought together, and the entire product is laid along the trunk.
Mortar at the shooting range. Photo Bastion-karpenko.ru
On the rear of the housing of the firing mechanism there is a ball bearing for connection to the plate that transfers the recoil to the ground. In this case, the plate actually consists of two parts. The first of these is a disc with several holes, in the center of which is placed a bowl for a ball, equipped with a clamping screw. The second detail is the base plate itself. It was made in the form of a disc with a larger diameter with a large central hole, above which there is a low cylinder. These two planes are connected by triangular struts. The disc mounted on the barrel is proposed to be placed inside the base plate. The slab, depending on the characteristics of the soil, can be installed one side or the other downward, ensuring effective load transfer.
Next to the clamp for mounting the biped on the barrel is a similar mount for the sight. In the basic configuration, the "Gall" is equipped with an MPM-44M optical sight, designed for firing from closed positions. The sight has a couple of levels for leveling and one for vertical aiming. Scales are also provided for coarse and precise aiming. The scales and reticle are equipped with illumination for shooting in the dark.
It is proposed to use special silent fragmentation mines of the 3VO35E type with the 2B25 mortar. When creating them, special engineering solutions were used, which made it possible to ensure combat qualities at the level of existing 82-mm mortar mines, but at the same time to sharply reduce the volume of the shot.
The new mine received a characteristic-looking warhead containing an explosive charge and spherical ready-made striking elements. A contact fuse is placed in the protruding front part of this device. According to the developer, the warhead of the 3VO35E mine, with its own weight of 1.9 kg, forms a field of fragments with the parameters of destruction no worse than that of serial 82-mm mines. At the same time, the promising product differs from the serial dimensions of the warhead and the parameters of the hull.
The mine of the new type has a long tubular shank, at the rear end of which a stabilizer with a large number of feathers is placed. There is a tubular channel of the required diameter inside the shank. The propellant charge is placed in front of the shank, and a special piston is located behind it in the channel. In the shank of the 3VO35E mine, the principle of reducing the noise of the shot due to the so-called. locking of powder gases. When fired, the piston accelerates the mine, but then stops and does not allow gases to escape from the shank.
Exhibition model "Galla" with cut parts. Photo Russianarms.ru
The 2B25 mortar and its ammunition are small and lightweight. The weapon itself, in a combat-ready position, weighs only 13 kg, and also takes up minimal space. The silent mine has a total length of 60 cm. The mass of the product is 3.3 kg, of which 1.9 kg falls on a warhead with an explosive charge and ready-made fragments.
The limited propellant charge inside the mine allows firing along hinged trajectories at a distance of 100 to 1200 m. The design of the weapon allows firing in any direction - when rearranging the biped. Without moving it, shooting is possible only in a sector with a width of 8 °. The maximum rate of fire of the "Gall" reaches 15 rounds per minute, but the need to restore the aiming can drastically reduce this parameter.
The development organization proposes to transport the 2B25 mortar and 3VO35E mines using standard capping boxes. The sight and base plate are removed from the mortar before transportation, while the biped is folded along the barrel. Further, all the components of the weapon are placed in a box. The mines are initially supplied in wooden crates with retaining cradles.
In the field, the mortar can be transported using a simple carrying strap: the barrel has swivels for attaching it. It is also possible to place the mortar in backpacks of the appropriate size. To carry several mines, it is proposed to use a large textile pouch. Thus, a two-man mortar crew can carry both the weapon itself and sufficient ammunition for it with acceptable convenience.
The principle of operation of a silent mortar is quite simple. For the production of a shot, it is proposed to place a mine in the barrel by putting its shank on the longitudinal rod. Pressing the trigger causes the striker to move and ignite the propellant inside the mine. The propellant gases, expanding, force the piston to move along the liner channel and press on the rod. Due to this, the mine is dispersed - as in the mortars of the column type. The difference from the traditional rod arrangement is that it has a moving piston that locks at the back of the shank and prevents gases from escaping, creating flash, shockwave and noise.
The breech and the base plate of the split layout. The stock inside the barrel is clearly visible. Photo Russianarms.ru
However, such a design of weapons and ammunition does not exclude the formation of some sounds. Parts of the firing mechanism emit a clang, and a similar sound is accompanied by the movement of the mine along the guide rod. At the same time, the Gall mortar is much quieter than other 82-mm systems. In terms of loudness, a shot with a special mine is compared to firing from a machine gun with a silent firing device.
Another characteristic advantage of the "Gall" over other mortars of its caliber is the reduced size and weight, which simplifies transportation. However, such advantages come at the cost of reducing the firing range.
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The first information about the existence of a promising silent mortar appeared at the end of the last decade. In 2011, the Central Research Institute "Burevestnik" for the first time showed a new development at one of the international exhibitions of weapons and equipment. Subsequently, 2B25 "Gall" has repeatedly become an exhibition exhibit and has invariably attracted the attention of specialists. Shortly thereafter, the prototypes were sent for testing in the interests of the Russian military department.
A few years ago, the development organization announced its plans to further improve the existing design. To improve the combat and operational characteristics, it was planned to develop a new version of the base plate, new means of transportation, etc. At the same time, as far as is known, the revision of the ammunition and the principles of its operation was not planned. Also, no intentions were reported to create new mines with a different warhead.
Carrying and container for mortar and its ammunition. Photo by Central Research Institute "Burevestnik" / burevestnik.com
According to reports of past years, the Gall mortar may be of interest to domestic special forces, which should be armed with special weapons with characteristic capabilities. However, until a certain time, there was no information on the procurement of these products. New information about a promising mortar appeared relatively recently - in August, according to the results of the military-technical forum "Army-2018".
The publication Jane's, citing an unnamed source from the exhibition, reported that the Russian Ministry of Defense intends to purchase various mortars of a number of models. Among other things, the delivery of several dozen 2B25 products is planned. Such mortars are intended for the Special Operations Forces. The exact number of mortars and mines planned for the purchase, the timing of contracts, etc. have not been reported yet.
A few years ago, "Gall" was offered to foreign buyers. According to Rosobornexport, several foreign armies are already interested in the silent mortar, and contracts for the supply of such weapons may appear in the near future. However, it has not yet been specified who exactly can become new customers.
There is reason to believe that the 2B25 mortar can show very good results on the international market. It is designed to solve special problems and belongs to a specific class of weapons that has not yet become widespread. Thus, in the fight for even small contracts, "Gallu" will not have to face many competitors, which will simplify the receipt of orders.
Special weapons with unusual capabilities may be needed to tackle special missions. The promising Russian mortar 2B25 "Gall" is capable of firing at a target even from minimal distances, without revealing itself with noise and the flash of a shot. According to the latest data, in the near future, such weapons may enter the Russian special forces. Together with unusual mortars, special forces will receive new opportunities and advantages over a potential enemy.
