2S7 (2S7M) 203-mm PION Self-propelled
Gun
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Weight (tons):
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46
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Speed (km/h):
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60
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Crew:
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7
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Chassis:
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?
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Armament:
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-
1 x 203mm gun (30-40 rounds)
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Rate of fire: 2 rds/min
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Max. Range of fire: 37.5 (55.0)
km
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Armor:
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?
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Range (km):
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500
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The 2S7 is based on a large chassis that is probably the largest
armored vehicle currently in the former Soviet inventory. The fully enclosed
crew compartment is at the front of the vehicle and has seats for the commander,
driver and two other crew members. The commander and driver are each provided
with a circular roof hatch and in front of these are periscopes for forward
observation. To their immediate front is a windscreen that, when in a combat
area, is covered by an armored shutter hinged at the top. In addition,
there is a single forward-facing periscope in the forward part of the roof
between the commander and driver. The torsion bar suspension has seven
dual rubber-tired road wheels either side with the drive sprocket at the
front and the idler at the rear, and six track-return rollers that support
the inside of the track only. Along either side of the hull are a series
of large stowage boxes with the 203-mm gun, which is not fitted with a
fume extractor or a muzzle brake, being mounted at the rear. One piston
of the recoil brake and recuperator is located on the gun with the other
two pistons beneath it and these limit recoil to a maximum of 1400-mm.
The 203-mm gun is designated the 2A44 and when traveling is held in position
by a manually operated lock mounted on top of the cab. The 203-mm rifled
gun is fitted with a screw type breech block that opens to the right and
is fitted with a large power-assisted loading device. The gun operator
is seated at the rear of the hull on the left side with the elevation and
traverse controls. It is reported that traverse is probably electric and
elevation hydraulic, with manual controls being provided for emergency
use. Ammunition is of the separate loading type, for example projectile
and charge with a maximum muzzle velocity of 960 m/s. Maximum range, using
unassisted ammunition, is 37.5 km. The standard HE round is designated
the ZOF 43 and weighs 43 kg with a total of four projectiles and charges
being carried on the 2S7 for immediate use. The remainder of the ammunition
load is carried by another vehicle, usually a truck. In addition to the
HE projectile it is reported that other types of projectile can be fired
including tactical nuclear and concrete-piercing and, possibly chemical.
The 2S7 is provided with an ammunition-handling system that enables a rate
of fire of 2 rds/min to be achieved, with this being operated by the loader.
Mounted at the very rear of the 2S7 is a large hydraulically operated spade
that is lowered to the ground before firing commences. Standard equipment
includes an NBC system of the overpressure type and night vision equipment.
An auxiliary power unit is not provided for the 2S7 so the main engine
has to be kept running as a power supply during firing.
VARIANTS: The latest version is designated
the 2S7M which has more recent communications equipment and can carry a
total of eight projectiles and charges.
©1998
Mail to Marat
Kenzhetaev