mortar "Tulip", as well as many other heavy artillery weapons, has recently attracted attention to itself.In light of recent events any weapon even beginning to wonder who in the past has associated the word "tulip", "Peony" and "hyacinth" exclusively beds.Today the terms are for the most part attributed to the fact that sows around death and destruction."Buketnye-weather" name, so loved by the domestic military industry, today cause the real horror, especially for those who are trying to survive in the midst of war.And human concerns and fears are not groundless - weapons of mass destruction-propelled mortar "Tulip" is, of course, does not apply.However, the consequences of the impact of it is quite devastating.
Appointment ACS "Tulip" and use in hostilities
Self-propelled mortar 2S4 "Tulip" can apply various, including nuclear weapons.It is a powerful tool with enormous destructive power.Mortar 2S4 "Tulip" is primarily intended for the destruction of enemy fortifications, field engineering structures, fortified buildings, shelters with manpower and equipment, checkpoints and command centers, art batteries.This tool is intended for combat operations outside the settlements.For grazing artillery fire could also be used mortar "Tulip", the characteristics of which allow to hit targets located several kilometers away from the original position.
History
It should also say a few words.240-mm mortar "Tulip" was supposed to stand up to replace the towed 240 mm mortars M-240, released in 1950, the ballistic characteristics of the guns about the same.However, 2C4 exceeds the M-240 in a battle for survival and effectiveness of firing due to improved maneuverability and flotation.In addition, it takes a lot less time than the predecessor to the discovery of fire and the withdrawal from the firing positions.
prototype of a new 240-mm mortar shell was designed in foreign currency in 1944-1945.He led the project BI Shavyrin.Tests of a new instrument began 2 years after the victory and lasted until 1949.In 1950, a mortar was made by the army.In those days it was called "240-mm mortar M-240."His sighting range limit has been declared a distance of 8000 meters.
In 1953, for the mortar M-240 has been designed a special charge, which allows to increase the range of up to 9700 m. The serial production of the M-240 began in 1951 in the town of Yurga.Total produced 329 units of this brand.240-mm mortar M-240 - a rigid system without recoil device is charging breech-loading process, having wheeled carriage and shot feathered mines.
imaginary unnecessary
first difficulties in the development and production of a new self-propelled mortar began not because of any of its shortcomings, difficulties with financing or lack of specialists.In fact, the main challenge was Khrushchev's unwavering conviction that firing artillery shells - a relic of the past.Attempts environment affect the First Secretary of the view failed.Development of large-caliber guns, shooting charges, has been suspended.Moreover, the tried and tested materials for modernization were simply abandoned and lost.Issue and further improvement of the M-240 ceased in 1958.
New Hope
The new government, which replaced Khrushchev, fortunately, managed to assess the situation more accurately.That weapons, which do not have time to throw and finally destroy, to put it mildly, disappointing.Samples of art during the war, not only for coming into physical unfitness, but so outdated that bears no comparison with similar foreign-made.A competitive at that time played a significant role.In Vietnam unfolded fighting, the Americans built up the power of investing huge amounts of money and effort in military development.Not far off was a "cold war" ...
All this led to the decision of the Central Committee on the development and creation of completely new self-propelled artillery systems.Deadly "bouquet" was going through some military factories.Kharkov Tractor-tank launched the production of 2C2 "Pinks" (122mm) in Volgograd started the release of 122 mm "Viola", plants of the Urals began just two ACS - 152 mm howitzer "Acacia" and 240-mm mortar 2S4 "Tulip".
routine work, and the first test
stood at the head of development Yuri Tomashov.Even in the early stages of the work team headed by him I realized how many difficulties to face.However, it did not scare a team of military engineers, and the most telling evidence of this is the huge number of copyright patents obtained during development.
Professionalism, dedication masters of all levels will avoid many problems.However, difficulties in work on the project "mortar" Tulip "there were a lot. First of all it touched the chassis. It was originally planned to equip the mortar track system, but its carrying capacity was too small. The weight that she had to drag myself, reached 27 tons,but it lacked features only 21. Later, together with specialists from the national defense industry co-operation, it was decided to equip self-propelled mortar "Tulip" engine of 520 hp.. (instead of 400). Chassis has been developed on the basis of tractor launcher RK "Circle". Yu Tomashov team had much to refine and upgrade the system, but in general, the cooperation has been fruitful.
Another difficulty arose during the first field tests. The system just did not survive its own impact. The shot produced was so strong that it had to abandonI thought that the return will take the stand.Make it could only land.Therefore, the engineers had to urgently take up the design of a special unit, resulting in the trunk in the firing position.
After modernization mortar "Tulip" was tested a second time.It completely blew fortified concrete bunker, proving its effectiveness.In 1969, the ACS "Tulip" was put into production, and in 1971 officially put into service.
"Daredevil" and his "brothers"
What fires mortar "Tulip"?System features allow you to use several types of shells.High-explosive mines 53-F-864 are located in the front and rear of the drum, and the rocket-assisted projectile ARM-0-ZVF2 installed along the entire length.Can be used with ammunition rocket boosters, they range up to 20 km.It is noteworthy that for a long time, even the appearance of such mines, known as "Daredevil", was classified.Self-propelled mortar 2S4 "Tulip" is in the arsenal of armor, nuclear and laser suggestive missiles.For the shooting of the "Tulip" cluster approach as "Seal" and the rousing "Pollock."
Analogs and alternatives
Regarding the counterparts in the first place it should be noted that the heaviest artillery, adopting most of the world, up to 150 mm caliber.Mortar "Tulip" is by far one of the worst.So when it comes to an alternative to this destructive gun, it is more appropriate to speak not so much about cannon artillery, as multiple rocket launchers and even ground-attack aircraft."Tulip" gives different MRL except in the firing range, thus significantly ahead of their rate of fire and maneuvering characteristics.In addition, "Hurricanes" and "Grad", they say, are blind, while the shells fired from the "Tulip", can be controlled remotely.
participation in world wars
first serious test began military action in Afghanistan.240-mm self-propelled mortar "Tulip" manifested itself in the mountainous areas as "excellent".The Afghan war has participated ACS 120, mostly using high-explosive fragmentation mines and guided missiles "Daredevil."
use the "Tulip" and the two Chechen wars.After the first shot Dudayev has accused Russia of dropping a nuclear bomb.In fact, the destruction has made the one and only mine.
Today mortar "Tulip" was not seen again in the Donbass.According warlords forces VSN are available 2 mortar "Tulip", they both got in fights.
Today mortar "Tulip" out of production, but not withdrawn from service.
