120 mm Phlox self-propelled artillery gun. The Phlox self-propelled gun is a self-propelled gun-mortar of a completely new class. Mobility of a modified Russian installation
The newest 120-mm self-propelled gun "Phlox" is intended for mountain rifle and airborne brigades
The Burevestnik Central Research Institute (part of the Uralvagonzavod corporation, which produces artillery weapons) will present the latest mobile self-propelled artillery unit, Phlox, at the Army-2016 forum and exhibition. The product is equipped with a unique 120-mm cannon, combining the capabilities of a long-range gun, howitzer and even a mortar. Therefore, Phlox can hit enemy targets located at a distance of 10 km to just hundreds of meters from its position, both with conventional artillery shells and mines.
As the general director of Burevestnik, Georgy Zakamennykh, told Izvestia, this is the first domestic self-propelled artillery unit (SPG) of this caliber, placed on a high-capacity chassis of a vehicle of the Ural family. It is designed to completely replace outdated towed guns of a similar caliber in the Russian army.
The concept of placing a 120-mm gun on a vehicle chassis is a completely new solution for our army,” said Georgy Zakamennykh. - In fact it's new class weapons, allowing to significantly increase the mobility of artillery units of the Russian army. home distinctive feature new self-propelled gun - a gun that is unified in ballistics and breech with the 2A80 gun, but which, due to new design solutions, provides a reduced load on the chassis when fired and increased accuracy shooting.
A remote-controlled autonomous artillery module with a 12.7 mm Kord machine gun is installed on the roof of the armored cabin of the driver and artillery crew. The gun itself consists of a barrel, a combined semi-automatic bolt, a cradle secured with a fence, anti-rollback devices and a lifting sector mechanism.
Vertical angles are controlled by a special drive, which restores aiming after a shot has been fired. The transportable ammunition of the Phlox self-propelled gun, as told by the Central Design Bureau, is more than 80 rounds, including 28 ready to fire in operational stowage. Compared to existing towable and transportable 120mm examples artillery weapons all this ensures high mobility of self-propelled guns and automation of the processes of preparation and firing.
According to military historian Alexei Khlopotov, currently only the Russian army has unique artillery systems that combine the capabilities of guns, howitzers and mortars.
- On airborne weapons and the Ground Forces have self-propelled guns “Nona” and “Khosta”, and “Phlox”, although it uses their ideology, is superior to its predecessors in firing range and accuracy, as well as in the power of its ammunition, Alexey Khlopotov told Izvestia. - Mortar guns fire not only regular artillery shells, but also mortar shells. They are also capable of raising the trunk in a vertical plane in the range from -2 degrees to +80. Thanks to such solutions, mortar guns can not only hit targets at a distance of up to 10 km along a mounted trajectory, like a howitzer, but also hit targets with direct fire, like conventional cannons, and even throw mines, like mortars, almost vertically into enemy trenches.
Since September 6, the Patriot Park near Moscow has been welcoming visitors to the Army 2016 forum. The main purpose of this event is to demonstrate the latest domestic developments in the field of weapons and military equipment. In particular, several samples modern technology this time it was presented by the Uralvagonzavod corporation. One of its most interesting developments, demonstrated publicly for the first time, is promising self-propelled artillery piece(SAO) "Phlox".
About existence promising project The self-propelled joint stock company, called Phlox, became known on August 30. On this day, the press service of the Uralvagonzavod corporation published a press release dedicated to the organization’s participation in the upcoming Army-2016 exhibition. It was mentioned that more than fifty full-fledged and prototype samples of new systems, weapons and equipment will be shown at the corporation’s exhibition site. One of the exhibits was supposed to be the newest 120-mm Phlox self-propelled artillery gun. Other details, however, were not reported.
General view of the machine
The appearance of the new self-propelled gun became known on the first day of autumn. On September 1, State Secretary and Deputy General Director of the Uralvagonzavod Corporation Alexey Zharich on his page in social network Facebook posted some photos new development, created by specialists from the Burevestnik Central Research Institute. The posted pictures were jokingly called spy photos. On the same day, Izvestia published excerpts from an interview with general director Central Research Institute "Burevestnik" (part of the Uralvagonzavod corporation) by Georgy Zakamennykh, who revealed some technical features new project.
Information about the Phlox JSC project published a few days ago is not yet able to fully reveal all the features of the appearance promising development. However, the available amount of information allows us to consider the latest domestic combat vehicle, determine some of its features, and also make certain assessments.
As follows from the available photographs, the Phlox project uses both existing and new components and assemblies. In particular, all the main components and armament of the vehicle are proposed to be mounted on the basis of one of the existing wheeled chassis. Using this approach, a successful combination of basic characteristics and ease of production can be achieved. Ultimately, this could have a significant impact on the commercial potential of the development.
The three-axle all-wheel drive chassis of the Ural-VV armored vehicle is used as the basis for the Phlox self-propelled joint stock company.. In its original form, the Ural-VV is an armored car designed to transport personnel or some cargo. The car is built using a hood layout and, as recent projects show, can be equipped with special equipment of the required type. Under the hood of the car there is a YaMZ-6565 diesel engine with a power of 270 hp. The transmission provides torque transmission to all six drive wheels.
The artillery self-propelled gun receives a crew cabin, which is a shortened and redesigned version armored corps base vehicle "Ural-VV". This unit is a product of reduced length, providing double-row placement of the calculation. On the sides there are four doors necessary for access inside. The cabin receives armored glass. The door glazing is additionally equipped with embrasures with dampers. The characteristics of the cabin body have not yet been specified, but there is reason to believe that the level of protection is similar to the body of a basic armored car. Let us remind you that the Ural-VV vehicle has class 5 cabin protection with up to class 6 in some areas.
Behind the cockpit, after a short gap that is used to carry a spare tire and accommodate some additional units, there are two blocks of target equipment. On the chassis frame, above the second axle, there is a box casing designed to carry some payload. A characteristic feature of this unit is the sloping roof, due to the characteristics of the artillery unit. On the front wall of the casing box there are fasteners to hold the gun barrel in the stowed position.
Self-propelled gun aft
In the aft part of the chassis frame, the Phlox project provides for the installation of a rotating platform on which the artillery unit is located. In the central part of the rectangular platform there are mechanisms for mounting and vertical guidance of the gun. On the sides of them there are casings designed to accommodate some additional equipment. As can be seen from the available photographs, the artillery unit of the self-propelled gun has the ability to aim horizontally and vertically within fairly wide sectors. Guidance is carried out using automated mechanisms with remote control.
Basic information about the gun used on the new self-propelled gun was announced by the General Director of the Burevestnik Central Research Institute G. Zakamennykh. He said that a new artillery system, partly based on existing units, is being installed on the Phlox vehicle. In terms of ballistics and breech, the Phlox gun is unified with the 2A80 system. At the same time, some new units were used. It is argued that with the help of new technical solutions it was possible to increase the accuracy of fire and reduce the load on the base chassis.
The gun has a 120 mm caliber barrel and is equipped with a combined semi-automatic bolt, the design of which is borrowed from an existing project. The project also provides for anti-recoil devices and fencing. Important feature The artillery part of the Phlox is the use of automation capable of monitoring the position of the barrel. With its help, it is claimed that after each shot it is possible to restore the previously established aiming, which has a positive effect on accuracy and accuracy.
The self-propelled gun's main armament consists of 80 rounds, placed in several layouts. First of all, it is proposed to use the so-called. operational stowage, accommodating 28 shells. After using up this part of the ammunition, the crew can use ammunition from other stowages. Also, if necessary, it is possible to reload ammunition from one stowage to another.
The types of ammunition proposed for use have not yet been specified, but some assumptions can be made in this regard. The Phlox self-propelled gun is equipped with a gun unified with the 2A80 system. Let us recall that the 120-mm 2A80 gun is used as part of the 2S31 “Vena” self-propelled gun and has a number characteristic features. Due to some design features, such a weapon with rifled barrel can be used as a howitzer gun or mortar. The Vienna's ammunition load can include several types of projectiles, including guided ones. It is also possible to use mortar mines of any caliber 120 mm existing models, including foreign development.
Considering the use of existing developments and the possible tactical niche proposed for the Phlox self-propelled joint stock company, it can be assumed that in the case of the new project we are again talking about the use of an original system with extensive capabilities. If this is really the case, then new self-propelled gun capable of applying the most different weapons With different characteristics. This feature significantly expands the range of combat missions to be solved.
Cabin roof and combat module
All systems of the artillery unit must be controlled from a remote control installed in the cockpit. To monitor the operation of systems and enter commands, it is proposed to use a unit that includes a liquid crystal monitor with a push-button frame. Some other controls are also provided. Equipment for controlling auxiliary weapons is attached to the same remote control.
For self-defense and combat against enemy personnel or lightly armored vehicles, the crew of the Phlox self-propelled artillery gun must use a remote-controlled combat module. In preparation for the Army-2016 exhibition, a prototype self-propelled gun received a system with heavy machine gun"Cord". The module has systems for horizontal and vertical guidance, and is also equipped with mounts for cartridge box and a block of optical-electronic equipment. The module is connected to the control panel at the operator's workplace. The crew member controlling the combat module has the ability to receive a video signal from the module’s optics, as well as fully control the operation of all mechanisms.
As an additional means of protection, it is proposed to use a set of smoke grenade launchers. These devices are mounted on the roof of the cabin in a fairly large quantities. Installation is carried out with a slight elevation angle. To set up a smoke screen in the front hemisphere, it is proposed to use two sets of three grenade launchers. Two more similar sets are placed on the sides and are designed for firing forward and to the sides. With the help of 12 smoke grenade launchers, the crew can camouflage themselves and avoid a collision with the enemy relatively safely.
Another system designed to increase survivability in a combat situation is laser radiation detection equipment. Several blocks of such equipment are installed on the roof of the cabin and, possibly, on some other units of the machine. The laser irradiation detection system allows you to timely notice an enemy preparing for an attack and take the necessary measures.
To accommodate the crew on the march and during combat work, a protected cabin with a two-row arrangement of seats is intended. In the front part there are places for the driver and gunner. Between them is placed a rack with some electronic equipment. The driver has full set controls to monitor the operation of all major chassis systems. The gunner, in turn, has a control panel for artillery and machine gun weapons. The remaining crew members are placed in the rear row seats, behind the gunner and driver.
The Phlox self-propelled artillery project has a number of characteristic features that are unusual for similar Russian-developed equipment. Some of them, with certain reservations, even allow us to consider the Phlox project as revolutionary new for domestic artillery systems. According to G. Zakamennykh, placing a 120-mm artillery gun on a vehicle chassis is a completely new solution for the domestic armed forces. In fact, this sample can be classified as a completely new class of equipment for our country. This new class allows you to significantly increase the mobility of artillery units. In addition, there are positive features design in the form of the maximum possible automation of the processes of preparation for firing and subsequent firing.
View of workplace gunner
It is already clear that the original concept, implemented within the framework of the project of JSC Phlox, makes it possible to ensure a sufficiently high firepower and increase the effectiveness of combat work in solving a variety of tasks. Depending on the type of target and other factors, the calculation self-propelled gun can use ammunition of one type or another, most appropriate to the existing situation. Can be used to attack targets directly or for shooting at low elevation angles. artillery shells, similar to those used by other tools. In other cases, 120-mm mines can be used, capable of “covering” trenches or other specific targets.
In the case of the SAO 2S31 “Vena”, a gun that combines the qualities of a mortar and a howitzer gun, it is possible to use several dozen ammunition for various purposes with different characteristics. Maximum range firing can reach 8-10 km. In addition, some foreign active-missile projectiles are capable of hitting targets at ranges of up to 15-17 km. It can be assumed that the existing unification of the existing and future artillery systems ensures the preservation of the basic firing parameters.
Let us summarize the preliminary results. The proposed concept, embodied in metal in the form of the first prototype of SAO Phlox, has some positive features, and can also demonstrate certain advantages over other technology of a more familiar appearance. The wheeled chassis should provide high mobility and speed of transfer to new positions, as well as facilitate and simplify the operation of the equipment. Maximum automation of the main processes of preparation for firing and firing, in turn, makes it possible to simplify and speed up the main processes of combat work, positively affecting overall efficiency, as well as influencing survivability.
The idea of a weapon with advanced capabilities, combining the qualities of systems of several classes, has long been tested in practice and has attracted the interest of the military. In addition, to date, this concept has been embodied in several self-propelled gun projects on a tracked chassis. Now all the advantages of such guns are proposed to be combined with the positive features of a wheeled chassis and modern systems management.
The result of using the series interesting ideas And the solution not so long ago was the appearance of the Phlox self-propelled artillery gun. To date, the project has been completed with the construction of a model, which in the next few days will be an exhibit at an exhibition of weapons and military equipment. In the future, work on the project should continue, which may ultimately lead to contracts for the supply of promising equipment to certain customers, both domestic and foreign.
In the domestic armed forces there are currently no direct analogues of the Phlox self-propelled gun that have similar features, although there are several examples of tracked self-propelled guns with similar weapons. Based on the results of tests and analysis of capabilities, the new wheeled vehicle may suit the Russian military, which will result in a contract for the supply of serial equipment. Also, the new development of the Uralvagonzavod corporation may be of interest to foreign customers. JSC Phlox has a number of positive traits, and also, apparently, is not very expensive. These features of the self-propelled gun may be of interest to the armies of foreign countries.
In the future, the Phlox self-propelled artillery gun may reach mass production in the interests of one or another customer. However, such events should not be expected earlier than in a few months or even years. The first public display of a self-propelled gun is a matter of less distant prospects. The platform for the “premiere” of the promising development will be the Army-2016 forum. From September 6 to 11, specialists and the general public will be able to familiarize themselves with the latest designs domestically developed equipment and weapons, including those from JSC Phlox.
Photos used: Alexey Zharich / Uralvagonzavod Corporation
Photo of the newest self-propelled artillery installation"Phlox". They were posted by the State Secretary of Uralvagonzavod Alexey Zharich in his"Twitter".
Well, let's try to figure out what it is the newest self-propelled gun, even despite the absence detailed information about it - after all, in fact it was declassified only a few days ago.
As can be seen in the photographs, the base of the design is the Ural-4320VV all-terrain armored vehicle, which is today in serial production. It has a 6x6 wheel arrangement, a mechanical transmission with a lockable center differential, while the middle and rear axles have the ability to lock it - all this is a very, so to speak, tenacious design.
The car was booked using sixth grade(the car is invulnerable to armor-piercing incendiary bullets and shots from sniper rifles Dragunov) front, including glass, fifth grade along the sides, and the engine compartment has a separate armored casing third class protection. The gearbox also has anti-splinter protection.
Video tests of the vehicle showed the degree of its reliability: an explosion of 2 kg of TNT tore off a wheel, but even the engine did not stop working, and an explosion of the equivalent of 5 kg of TNT under the middle wheel caused external damage, but the crew would have been left without serious injuries.
In addition to the driver and fire control operator, the cockpit should, in theory, accommodate a crew commander and a couple more people to service the gun.
On the roof of the cabin, as can also be seen in the photo, there is a thermal imaging module with a laser rangefinder and a 12.7 mm machine gun "Kord"- a good means of self-defense. The module appears to be standard; here it is installed on an armored reconnaissance vehicle.
Now the most important thing is the weapon. Phlox uses a combined semi-automatic rifled 120 mm gun 2A80.
A special feature of this weapon is its versatility: it can be used not only as a long-range howitzer, but also successfully fire direct fire and even be used to launch mines.
General Director of Burevestnik Georgy Zakamennykh says:
“The concept of placing a 120-mm gun on a vehicle chassis is a completely new solution for our army. In fact, this is a new class of weapons that can significantly increase the mobility of artillery units Russian army. The main distinguishing feature of the new self-propelled gun is the gun, which is unified in ballistics and breech with the 2A80 gun, but thanks to new design solutions, it provides a reduced load on the chassis when fired and increased accuracy of fire.”
Maximum firing range high-explosive fragmentation shells- up to 13 kilometers, guided missiles- 10 kilometers, high-explosive fragmentation mines - 7.5 kilometers. The gun is automated, and the process of preparing a shot occurs without human intervention. Rate of fire - from 8 to 10 rounds per minute.
Accuracy is ensured by a special drive that restores aiming after each shot. The self-propelled gun's ammunition capacity is 80 rounds, of which 28 are in operational stowage, that is, ready for immediate loading using automatic equipment.
Since Phlox uses a 2A80 gun, the installation must be unified with ammunition from well-known self-propelled guns "Nona" and "Vienna". In fact, this means that there is a wide range of them, including guided high-explosive fragmentation rounds "Kitolov-2" And "Fringe". The module with the gun is mounted on a rotating platform, which makes it possible to conduct all-round fire. The design does not require the use of additional supports when firing, that is, at a minimum, Phlox can fire without preparation and, quite possibly, even on the move.
There is no information yet about the capabilities of the Phlox weapons control system, but we can assume its use in the development of self-propelled guns "Petrel" developments for the Coalition-SV, that is, automation of gun guidance, including target selection, self-propelled gun positioning, and more. Perhaps there is an option to connect the information command system to a unified tactical level control system.
To protect against guided missiles and ATGMs, there is a system for detecting laser irradiation, creating optical jamming and shooting grenades. It was stated that there was an analogy to the protective complex "Curtain", but since the Shtora is still a Soviet development, we can probably expect certain improvements.
What niche will Phlox occupy?
It is immediately worth noting that tracked self-propelled guns with the same 2A80 gun - "Vena" and "Khosta" - were put into service recently, in 2010 and 2008, respectively. They successfully fulfill their tasks and are gradually replacing the Soviet-era Gvozdikas. "Nona" of the latest modification 2S9-1M has been produced since 2006 and also does not need to be replaced.
“...a wheeled vehicle is very well suited for action against irregular formations in some semi-desert conditions, for example. The development is specific, but if there are investors and buyers, then why not produce such an anti-terrorist infantry fighting vehicle?”
It is very likely that the market for military equipment for territories where it is more convenient to move on wheels rather than on tracks will not be limited to one hunter of “jihad mobiles” - wheeled self-propelled guns will also be in demand, especially with good armor and the ability to fire back from the Kord. at close range.
These vehicles complement each other well for tactical clearing of local areas. This hypothesis is indirectly confirmed by the desert camouflage color of the car in the published photos.
120-MM SELF-PROPELLED ARTILLERY GUN “PHLOX”
120-MM SELF-PROPELLED ARTILLERY GUN FLOKS
02.09.2016
State Secretary-Deputy General Director of JSC Research and Production Corporation Uralvagonzavod Alexey Zharich on his page on www.facebook.com posted photographs of the new 120-mm self-propelled artillery gun Phlox, developed by JSC Central Research Institute Burevestnik " (Nizhny Novgorod). A sample of the Phlox self-propelled joint stock company will be demonstrated for the first time at the opening Army-2016 exhibition.
The 120-mm automated Phlox gun is mounted on an armored wheeled chassis "Ural-VV" (6x6). On the roof of the armored cabin there is a remote-controlled combat module with a 12.7 mm Kord machine gun. Protection against guided weapons is provided by a laser radiation detection and jamming system.
http://bmpd.livejournal.com
26.09.2016
WEAPONS OF THE FATHERLAND: 120-MM SELF-PROPELLED ARTILLERY GUN “PHLOX” AT THE ARMY-2016 FORUM 
At the International Military-Technical Forum "Army - 2016" in Patriot Park (Cuba), NPK Uralvagonzavod presented the 120-mm self-propelled artillery gun (SAO) Phlox. The system was created at the Burevestnik Central Research Institute.
The self-propelled gun is designed to carry out fire missions to engage moving and stationary targets with conventional and high-precision mines.
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
Maximum firing range, km:
- OFS 13
- UAS 10
- OFM 7.5
Rate of fire, rds/min:
- OFS up to 8
- OFM up to 10
Ammunition, rds. 80
Pointing angles, degrees:
- vertical -5…+80
- horizontal +35
Time to transfer to combat position, min. no more than 0.5
Calculation, pers. 4
Weight, t no more than 20
VTS "BASTION", 09.26.2016
The newest 120-mm self-propelled artillery gun "Phlox"
“Since September 6, the Patriot Park near Moscow has been welcoming visitors to the Army 2016 forum. The main purpose of this event is to demonstrate the latest domestic developments in the field of weapons and military equipment. In particular, several samples of modern equipment this time were presented by the Uralvagonzavod corporation. One of its most interesting developments, demonstrated publicly for the first time, is the promising self-propelled artillery gun (SAO) Phlox.
The existence of a promising SAO project called Phlox became known on August 30. On this day, the press service of the Uralvagonzavod corporation published a press release dedicated to the organization’s participation in the upcoming Army-2016 exhibition. It was mentioned that more than fifty full-fledged and prototype samples of new systems, weapons and equipment will be shown at the corporation’s exhibition site. One of the exhibits was supposed to be the newest 120-mm Phlox self-propelled artillery gun. Other details, however, were not reported.
The appearance of the new self-propelled gun became known on the first day of autumn. On September 1, State Secretary and Deputy General Director of the Uralvagonzavod Corporation Alexey Zharich on his page on the social network Facebook published several photographs of a new development created by specialists from the Burevestnik Central Research Institute. The posted pictures were jokingly called spy photos. On the same day, Izvestia published excerpts from an interview with the general director of the Burevestnik Central Research Institute (part of the Uralvagonzavod corporation) Georgy Zakamennykh, who revealed some of the technical features of the new project.
The information about the project of JSC Phlox published a few days ago is not yet able to fully reveal all the features of the appearance of the promising development. However, the available amount of information allows us to examine the latest domestic combat vehicle, determine some of its features, and also make certain assessments.
As follows from the available photographs, the Phlox project uses both existing and new components and assemblies. In particular, all the main components and armament of the vehicle are proposed to be mounted on the basis of one of the existing wheeled chassis. Using this approach, a successful combination of basic characteristics and ease of production can be achieved. Ultimately, this could have a significant impact on the commercial potential of the development.
The three-axle all-wheel drive chassis of the Ural-VV armored vehicle is used as the basis for the Phlox self-propelled joint stock company. In its original form, the Ural-VV is an armored car designed to transport personnel or some cargo. The car is built using a hood layout and, as recent projects show, can be equipped with special equipment of the required type. Under the hood of the car there is a YaMZ-6565 diesel engine with a power of 270 hp. The transmission provides torque transmission to all six drive wheels.
The artillery self-propelled gun receives a crew cabin, which is a shortened and redesigned version of the armored hull of the Ural-VV base vehicle. This unit is a product of reduced length, providing double-row placement of the calculation. On the sides there are four doors necessary for access inside. The cabin receives armored glass. The door glazing is additionally equipped with embrasures with dampers. The characteristics of the cabin body have not yet been specified, but there is reason to believe that the level of protection is similar to the body of a basic armored car. Let us remind you that the Ural-VV vehicle has class 5 cabin protection with up to class 6 in some areas.
Behind the cockpit, after a short gap that is used to carry a spare tire and accommodate some additional units, there are two blocks of target equipment. On the chassis frame, above the second axle, there is a box casing designed to carry some payload. A characteristic feature of this unit is the sloping roof, due to the characteristics of the artillery unit. On the front wall of the casing box there are fasteners to hold the gun barrel in the stowed position.
In the aft part of the chassis frame, the Phlox project provides for the installation of a rotating platform on which the artillery unit is located. In the central part of the rectangular platform there are mechanisms for mounting and vertical guidance of the gun. On the sides of them there are casings designed to accommodate some additional equipment. As can be seen from the available photographs, the artillery unit of the self-propelled gun has the ability to aim horizontally and vertically within fairly wide sectors. Guidance is carried out using automated mechanisms with remote control.
Basic information about the gun used on the new self-propelled gun was announced by the General Director of the Burevestnik Central Research Institute G. Zakamennykh. He said that a new artillery system, partly based on existing units, is being installed on the Phlox vehicle. In terms of ballistics and breech, the Phlox gun is unified with the 2A80 system. At the same time, some new units were used. It is alleged that with the help of new technical solutions it was possible to increase the accuracy of fire and reduce the load on the base chassis.
The gun has a 120 mm caliber barrel and is equipped with a combined semi-automatic bolt, the design of which is borrowed from an existing project. The project also provides for anti-recoil devices and fencing. An important feature of the Phlox artillery unit is the use of automation capable of monitoring the position of the barrel. With its help, it is claimed that after each shot it is possible to restore the previously established aiming, which has a positive effect on accuracy and accuracy.
The self-propelled gun's main armament consists of 80 rounds placed in several stacks. First of all, it is proposed to use the so-called. operational stowage, accommodating 28 shells. After using up this part of the ammunition, the crew can use ammunition from other stowages. Also, if necessary, it is possible to reload ammunition from one stowage to another.
The types of ammunition proposed for use have not yet been specified, but some assumptions can be made in this regard. The Phlox self-propelled gun is equipped with a gun unified with the 2A80 system. Let us remind you that the 120-mm 2A80 gun is used as part of the 2S31 “Vena” self-propelled gun and has a number of characteristic features. Thanks to some design features, such a weapon with a rifled barrel can be used as a howitzer gun or mortar. The Vienna's ammunition load can include several types of projectiles, including guided ones. It is also possible to use 120 mm mortar mines of any existing models, including foreign ones.
Considering the use of existing developments and the possible tactical niche proposed for the Phlox self-propelled joint stock company, it can be assumed that in the case of the new project we are again talking about the use of an original system with extensive capabilities. If this is indeed the case, then the new self-propelled gun is capable of using a wide variety of weapons with different characteristics. This feature significantly expands the range of combat missions to be solved.
All systems of the artillery unit must be controlled from a remote control installed in the cockpit. To monitor the operation of systems and enter commands, it is proposed to use a unit that includes a liquid crystal monitor with a push-button frame. Some other controls are also provided. Equipment for controlling auxiliary weapons is attached to the same remote control.
For self-defense and combat against enemy personnel or lightly armored vehicles, the crew of the Phlox self-propelled artillery gun must use a remote-controlled combat module. In preparation for the Army 2016 exhibition, the self-propelled gun prototype received a system with a Kord heavy machine gun. The module has systems for horizontal and vertical guidance, and is also equipped with mounts for a cartridge box and a unit of optical-electronic equipment. The module is connected to the control panel at the operator's workplace. The crew member controlling the combat module has the ability to receive a video signal from the module’s optics, as well as fully control the operation of all mechanisms.
As an additional means of protection, it is proposed to use a set of smoke grenade launchers. These devices are mounted on the roof of the cabin in fairly large quantities. Installation is carried out with a slight elevation angle. To set up a smoke screen in the front hemisphere, it is proposed to use two sets of three grenade launchers. Two more similar sets are placed on the sides and are designed for firing forward and to the sides. With the help of 12 smoke grenade launchers, the crew can camouflage themselves and avoid a collision with the enemy relatively safely.
Another system designed to increase survivability in a combat situation is laser radiation detection equipment. Several blocks of such equipment are installed on the roof of the cabin and, possibly, on some other units of the machine. The laser irradiation detection system allows you to timely notice an enemy preparing for an attack and take the necessary measures.
To accommodate the crew on the march and during combat work, a protected cabin with a two-row arrangement of seats is intended. In the front part there are places for the driver and gunner. Between them is placed a rack with some electronic equipment. The driver has a full range of controls to control the operation of all major chassis systems. The gunner, in turn, has a control panel for artillery and machine gun weapons. The remaining crew members are placed in the rear row seats, behind the gunner and driver.
The Phlox self-propelled artillery project has a number of characteristic features that are unusual for similar Russian-developed equipment. Some of them, with certain reservations, even allow us to consider the Phlox project as revolutionary new for domestic artillery systems. According to G. Zakamennykh, placing a 120-mm artillery gun on a vehicle chassis is a completely new solution for the domestic armed forces. In fact, this sample can be classified as a completely new class of equipment for our country. This new class allows you to significantly increase the mobility of artillery units. In addition, there are positive design features in the form of the maximum possible automation of the processes of preparation for firing and subsequent firing.