After the Winter War in 1939 it became clear that the troops are in dire need of powerful self-propelled units, which can reach its course over rough terrain to the enemy's points of dislocation and immediately begin to destroy fortified areas of the latter.World War II finally confirmed this guess.
However, the position of the different kinds of self-propelled guns after the war was quite precarious: often speculated about the complete elimination of the need for this type of equipment and re-equipment of troops with new types of heavy tanks.
Fortunately, this did not happen, but because at the end of the 60s the Soviet military engineers urgently began to develop a completely new self-propelled guns.So there was a fundamentally different cannon artillery."Peony" was a good example of the changing priorities of the Soviet command.
Basics
so called self-propelled artillery of the Soviet manufacture, equipped with gun, 203.2 mm (2A44).It was put into service in 1976.Seven years later, in 1983, it was upgraded machine.During its development meet NS Popov GI Sergeev, thanks to the genius which appeared "Peony".ACS has long impressed the western military, saves them from ill-considered steps.
What it is?
The military doctrine of the USSR for fixed installation the following tasks:
- Destroying mines intercontinental missiles, artillery suppression, enemy mortar batteries.
- Elimination of bunkers and other long-term enemy fortifications.
- suppression of enemy control, including in his backcourt.
- destruction of large accumulations of manpower.
To date the ACS considered the most powerful in its class.When it received the Soviet artillery?"Peony" began to develop in 1967.
History
Then the Ministry of Defense Industry has issued a new decree, which ordered the start of work on the development and creation of a completely new artillery system crawler.It was assumed that the ACS will be used to destroy enemy defense in depth and damaging means to launch intercontinental ballistic missiles.Designers were given terms of reference, which provided that the installation is to fire at least at a distance of 25 kilometers.Thus, the "Peony" - ACS exceptional combat power.
Since everything else given "at the mercy" by engineers, several CB immediately offered their own versions:
- originally planned to use a gun S-23 (caliber 180 mm) in conjunction with the chassis of the T-55.The firing range of 30 kilometers it was subject to the application of conventional shells, the jet can fire already at 45 km.This prototype was designated "Pion-1."
- also planned to use the gun C-72, but on a special crawler, developed specifically for the new installation.In this case, the usual shell it would be possible to fire 35 kilometers jet - 45 kilometers.
- In addition, some experts suggest coastal gun MU-1 (180 mm caliber), the role for which the chassis again, "matchmaker" chassis of the T-55.
- Engineers Kirov Plant (Leningrad) was considered that the best way to take the gun caliber 203 mm and install it in the cabin on the chassis of the T-64 (the latest at the time of the machine).It was supposed to equip the gun soft shoe, which would have substantially reduced output and increased accuracy.
final decision
disputes were long, self-propelled artillery systems "Peony" was too unusual and new to the domestic industry.Only in late 1969, scientists agreed that the caliber of 203 mm fits better posed to the new ACS tasks.Soon, on the court of the State Commission presented two options: on the chassis of the T-64 (in the conning-tower configuration), and also on the chassis, "Object 429" in the outdoor version.Best shown a second option, but because it and gave the "green light" for further development.It was decided to conduct further work towards the establishment of instruments, which could open fire conventional shells at 32 km away and jet - 42 km.
In 1971 Grau provide updated requirements developed by ACS.It was assumed that the installation is to use shots from the howitzer B-4.At that time, we have decided that the maximum range of conventional shells should be in the order of 35 km, and the minimum - 8.5 km.Reactive ammunition had to hit a target at a distance of up to 43 km.The main company responsible for the development, was appointed as the Kirov factory in Leningrad.
Development artillery unit was assigned to the GI Sergeev.His company has stopped on the classical scheme of instruments, but experts have proposed in its design unimportant changes.The main feature - the trunk has become collapsible, modular design.It consisted of a free pipe breech, plugs and couplings.This proposed scheme implements a talented engineer gunsmith AA Kolokoltsov in the early 70s.
So he decided to a global problem of modern artillery systems, significantly reducing wear during intensive firing.When it comes to classic guns, which are made of one-piece pattern, then they have to send the repair to the factory, during which time the machine is idle, that is not acceptable in combat.In the case of using the circuit Kolokoltseva almost all the damage can be fixed directly into the front line.
In 1975, the self-propelled gun "Peony" has successfully passed all state tests, then immediately started its production.Final assembly (and the production of the chassis) performed at the facilities of the Kirov factory.In the late 1970s, a new "Peony".Self-propelled artillery installation with 203-millimeter cannon 2A44 received a letter "M" to the title.However, it was not the land development: a new tool intended to install on warships.
project completely failed at the State receiving, as the management of the fleet was not satisfied with some design features.
Features
The machine frame is pretty unusual shape, is somewhat similar to that of forest skidders.Such a feeling is created largely due to the fact that the cabin crew taken out far ahead.In addition to its direct function, it plays the role of a heavy counterweight that helps cope with the monstrous power of recoil.In it are gunner, commander and driver.In domestic practice for body SAU was first used two-layer armor, which provided adequate protection of the crew from small arms fire personnel, and even machine guns.
engine (V-shaped B-46-1) is located immediately behind the cab.Behind him there is a place for the calculation of the operating system.The drive wheels are placed in front.The guide wheels, in addition to its primary function, also perform work counter, dropping to the ground before firing.In addition, to reduce the impact of a powerful gun itself is provided with openers.For a quick "ground" of the machine on the ground there is a mechanism of entrenchment.It works by independent hydraulic drives.
opener for entrenchment designed like a dozer blade.It can be dug into the soil 70 centimeters.Stability is increased not only due to the guide wheels, but also by means of hydraulic shock absorber guide rollers crawler.When shots with a reduced charge, as well as direct fire does not necessarily lower the opener.However, 203 mm "Peony" makes so powerful shot that should do so only in the event of a sudden meeting with the enemy.
Exterior body like a "box", divided by partitions into four main areas: a place for the power plant and the control module, feed and space for the calculation.The engine compartment is not only the main engine, and backup power plant.In the rear compartment stocked spare batteries, cans of fuel reserves, as well as ammunition for personal self-defense crew.Such a rough diagram of "Peony".
Chassis
It consists of the front wheels (top), the number of rollers in the seven pairs, and six pairs of rollers support.For directional stability and meet the rear guide wheels.Caterpillars are collected using the rubber joints.In independent suspension equipped with powerful hydraulic shock absorbers.It is significant that most of the chassis was borrowed at the latest at the time of the T-80.However, manual transmission taken from the Nizhny Tagil T-72.
specifications guns
As we have already said, it is mounted directly on the body of the tower there.2A44 cannon itself is mounted on a massive swivel.Body weight is 14.6 tons of weapons. It consists of a shutter (piston type, opens up), the barrel cradle and charging device, mechanism, extinguishing rollback.For a tip responsible rotary and lifting devices, the impact was quenched with two pneumatic mechanism balancing type.Gun barrel closed casing dissipates heat.
But the main feature of the gun is not the point.Despite a devastating power shot, domestic experts have preferred to abandon the use of a muzzle brake, solving the problem of the strongest impact in other ways.Due to this the opportunity to abandon the heavy and bulky devices to protect the crew from the shock wave shot, since such tools is minimal.By the way, this is the only installation of its kind that has a Russian artillery."Peony" in this regard is unique in global terms.
Armament calculation
for possible self crew is armed with a set: MANPADS ("Eagle" or "Willow" in the modern version), the RPG-7 (or WGS-29), a few grenades F-1, four AKMS-74 and a signal pistol.In a combat situation analysis may arm above the norm.Thus, the "Peony" (203 mm) - a self-propelled gun, which can stand up for themselves in any situation.
shutter mechanism
Shooting shutter mechanism - impact type.Mechanical drive allows you to fully automate the process of opening and closing the shutter (and, if necessary, the calculation can be performed manually).Since many parts of the device is very heavy, professionals engaged in the design tools effectively balancing device.The firing mechanism is equipped with a special shop, which houses the capsule charges to fire.
shot can be done either by an electric shutter (normal mode) and lanyard (an unintended position), which is also equipped with "Peony".Self-propelled artillery, however, has so much energy shots that used to play it cord is not recommended.
order of loading and firing
Cannon manned by semi-automatic loader, operating by means of hydraulic actuators.The latter allows to charge virtually any position of the trunk, which is extremely important for the mechanism of this size and caliber.The entire process is controlled from a single console.The charging process takes place as follows:
- first bolt is placed in the shell.
- After it is placed lifting charge.
- of the aforementioned capsule shop taken capsule and manually inserted into the charge.
- shutter closes.
- After firing tube used capsule ejected automatically.
For ease of ammunition from the ground using a special hand truck for projectiles.It consists of a power rack and removable stretcher.Recently removed from the frame to facilitate the offering of shells to the Charging the camera.In an emergency, they can be hand-carry to reduce the time of loading.Note that when applying the shells from the ground requires at least six people on the basis of the machine, "Peony" (203 mm).Self-propelled gun 2S7 needs a very massive shells, the work that is extremely difficult.
Sighting System presented a mechanical version of the model D726-45, gun panorama PG-1M and optical sighting devices OP4M-99A.For the best pickup used artillery collimator K-1, as well as milestone Sat 13-11 and apparatus for lighting areas "Ray-S71M" (he often uses Russian artillery)."Peony" can equally well be used as a closed position, and by means of direct fire on enemy locations.However, given the low security settings do not advise.
Ammunition and shooting modes
As we said, self-propelled gun to fire "Peony" uses a separate loading projectiles.Expelling charge packed in a canvas container and store in an airtight container.Of course, their storage should pay particular attention to (unsurprisingly).Standard ammunition consists of 40 shots and only 4-6 of them are transported in the fighting compartment self-propelled.
They are the "emergency reserve", and to use them it is necessary only in extreme cases.The rest of the shots are carried on the transport vehicle, which "is equipped with" every "Peony" (203 mm).Self-propelled gun 2S7 already too massive and heavy, so that such a distinction is vital.
Rate of 1.5 shots per minute (maximum).Producer provides several possible firing modes:
- Within five minutes can be made about eight shots.
- ten minutes - 15 shots.
- for 20 minutes - 24 volleys.
- Half an hour - 30 shots (not practical in combat, requires the highest proficiency calculation).
- One hour - 40 volleys.
To combat operations at night self-propelled gun 2S7 "Pion" is equipped with two night vision model TVNE-4B.Responsible for communication radio R-123, is used for internal talks station 1V116 brand.To increase the vitality of self-propelled guns on the battlefield, in the design are: the installation of automatic fire extinguishing device for the filtration and ventilation system decontamination, which at that time began to be applied in all new Soviet tanks.Some crew comfort in winter conditions is created using the heating system.
total crew of the ACS includes 14 people at once.And only half of them is a direct payment system.The rest of the people included in the command software, and settle on the march in the back of a truck or an armored personnel carrier, which transports munitions, and their uses "Peony".Self-propelled artillery is not accidental need for separate transport of ammunition.
of ammunition
mass of each projectile is 110 kilograms.Length - exactly one meter.Charging is carried out using a special charging mechanism, which in the operating position is located on the right side of the bolt gun.The specialist who deals with supply of the projectile, perform this operation using the remote control.
known that this artillery ("Peony") can be used immediately three types of ammunition: conventional (high explosive action), rocket and nuclear.Power can last more than 2 kT (exact data is not present).Nuclear bombs, by the way, are the "card", which is characterized by Russian artillery."Peony" is armed with special shots to destroy the concrete fortifications and chemical warheads.
between high-explosive fragmentation and rockets selection is made immediately before the combat use, according to circumstances.Given the enormous power of the two main types of cannon shots can be used to destroy the powerful fortifications, so that the special charges for the elimination of bunkers are often left unclaimed.
However, they definitely should not be "written off".Just imagine a shell that hit a target at a speed of more than Mach 2!
