Phlox self-propelled artillery mount. Photos of the newest Russian self-propelled guns "Phlox" have been published

It started on September 6, but a few days before it started, the Internet was full of messages about upcoming premieres. Perhaps the greatest excitement was caused by the photos of the newest Phlox self-propelled artillery mount that appeared on the Web. They were posted by the state secretary of Uralvagonzavod Alexei Zharich on his Twitter.

Well, let's try to figure out what the latest is, even despite the lack of detailed information about it - after all, in fact, it was declassified only a few days ago.

As you can see in the photographs, the base of the design is the Ural-4320VV armored car with off-road capability, which is now in serial production. It has a 6x6 wheel arrangement, a mechanical transmission with an interaxle lockable differential, while the middle and rear axles have the ability to block it - all this is a very, if I may say so, tenacious design.

The car was armored according to the sixth class (the car is invulnerable to armor-piercing incendiary bullets and shots from Dragunov sniper rifles) in front, including glass, the fifth class on the sides, and the engine compartment has a separate armored casing of the third class of protection. The gearbox also has anti-fragmentation protection.

Testing the car on video showed the degree of its reliability: an explosion of 2 kg of TNT tore off the wheel, but even the engine did not stop working, and the explosion of the equivalent of 5 kg of TNT under the middle wheel caused external damage, but the crew would have remained without serious damage.

In the cockpit, in addition to the driver and fire control operator, in theory, the crew commander and a couple more people should be placed to service the gun.

On the roof of the cabin, which is also visible in the photo, there is a tele-thermal imaging module with a laser rangefinder and a 12.7-mm machine gun - a good means of self-defense. The module, apparently, is standard, here it is installed on a reconnaissance armored car.

Now the most important thing is the tool. "Phlox" uses a combined semi-automatic rifled 120-mm gun 2A80.

A 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 serve to launch mines.

The general director of Burevestnik, Georgy Zakamennykh, says:

“The concept of placing a 120mm 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 the artillery units of the Russian army. The main distinguishing feature of the new self-propelled guns is a gun that is unified in terms of ballistics and breech with the 2A80 gun, but due to new design solutions, it provides a reduced load on the chassis when fired and increased accuracy of fire.”

The maximum firing range of high-explosive fragmentation shells is up to 13 kilometers, guided shells - 10 kilometers, and high-explosive fragmentation mines - 7.5 kilometers. The gun is automated, and the process of preparing the shot takes place 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 guns have 80 rounds of ammunition, of which 28 are in operational stacks, that is, ready for immediate loading using automation.

Since the Phlox uses the 2A80 gun, the installation must be unified with the ammunition of the well-known Nona and Vena self-propelled guns. In fact, this means that there is a wide range of them, including guided high-explosive fragmentation rounds Kitolov-2 and Gran. The module with the gun is mounted on a turntable, which makes it possible to conduct circular fire. The design does not require the use of additional supports when firing, that is, at least the Phlox can fire without preparation and, most likely, even on the go.

There is no information about the capabilities of the Phlox weapons control system yet, but it can be assumed that developments for the Coalition-SV were used in the development of the Burevestnik self-propelled guns, that is, automating the aiming of the gun, including target selection, positioning of the self-propelled guns and more. Perhaps there is an option to connect the information and command system to a single tactical level control system.

To protect against guided missiles and ATGMs, there is a system for detecting laser radiation, setting up optical interference and firing grenades. An analogy to the Shtora protective complex was announced, but since the Shtora is still a Soviet development, we are probably entitled to expect certain improvements.

What niche will Phlox occupy?

It should be noted right away 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 gradually replace the more Soviet "Carnations". "Nona" of the latest modification 2S9-1M has been produced since 2006 and also does not need to be replaced.

We see a niche for the new self-propelled guns in the Russian army in the replacement of ancient towed howitzers. For example, the M-30 of the 1938 model, according to information available in the open press, today there are 3,750 pieces in storage. Howitzers D-30 (2A18) of the 1968 model - 4400 in storage, while 30 pieces are still in service with the Airborne Forces and 20 pieces - with internal troops.

It is much more logical to use the remaining resource where it is now possible, without keeping it in storerooms. For example - in Syria, where government troops use the D-30.

Apparently, "Floks" initially, like the new promising BMP "Atom" developed by "UVZ", is export-oriented.

“... a wheeled vehicle is very well suited for action against irregular formations in some semi-desert, for example. The development is specific, but if there are investors and buyers, then why not release such an anti-terrorist BMP?

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 on "jihad-mobiles" - wheeled self-propelled guns will also be in demand, especially with good armor and the ability to shoot from "Korda" at close range.

These machines complement each other well for tactical clearing of local territories. Indirectly, this hypothesis is confirmed by the desert camouflage color of the car in the published photos.

Burevestnik, a large Nizhny Novgorod artillery manufacturer, plans to increase its sales volumes by five times by 2020, up to 20 billion rubles. This enterprise intends to do this through the construction of two production buildings in which new types of weapons will be produced. Industry analysts call the company's plans ambitious and note that there have been cases of a sharp increase in production volumes against the backdrop of the implementation of the state arms development program until 2020, but they are rare. In this regard, experts warn that due to the worsening economic situation, a decrease in the volume of the state defense order is possible.

JSC Central Research Institute Burevestnik (part of the Uralvagonzavod corporation, manufactures artillery weapons) has begun construction of an assembly building, where it plans to produce new product samples. As Georgy Zakamennykh, General Director of the Central Research Institute, told reporters, we are talking about remote-controlled weapon platforms of a wide range and caliber, about a transport and loading vehicle for the Coalition artillery complex, 120 mm Phlox self-propelled artillery gun, a number of mortar weapons for mobile units based on the UAZ Cargo car and ATVs. -Investments in the construction of the hull are estimated at 2.6 billion rubles, 60% of the investments will be budget financing under the federal targeted state program for the development of weapons until 2020, 40% - the company's own funds. The construction of the facility is scheduled to be completed in November 2017. The output of production at the design capacity is tentatively scheduled for 2018.

A new assembly building is being built as part of the large-scale investment project of Burevestnik. The first built production and procurement complex was officially opened yesterday. On this site there is a warehouse for finished products and components, a metal warehouse and the actual production. The volume of investments in this project amounted to 1.26 billion rubles.

With the introduction of two new sites, according to Georgy Zakamennykh, the company plans to increase its capacity and sales volumes by four to five times from the current 4.5 billion rubles. up to 20 billion rubles by 2020.

Deputy Director of the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies Konstantin Makienko believes that the plans of the Central Research Institute to increase the volume of sales by five times look very ambitious. “That is, production volumes should grow by 50% annually. The source of such growth, I believe, can only be the State Defense Order, exports clearly cannot provide such volumes. In general, individual economic entities set precedents for such growth in the course of the implementation of the state arms development program, in particular in the field of air defense. But this is a very difficult task from an organizational, personnel and any other point of view,” says Mr. Makienko. Independent expert on small arms Maxim Pyadushkin agrees that the company, apparently, is counting on an internal customer. “The state defense order has long overtaken the volume of supplies of military products for export, although 10 years ago the situation was reversed and defense industry enterprises mainly lived off the supply of products abroad. Now the Russian military is buying all types of weapons, because nothing was bought in the 1990s and early 2000s and everyone lived on the Soviet stock, which was outdated. Therefore, the task was set to upgrade weapons by 70%. It can be assumed that, due to difficult economic conditions, the volumes of the state defense order will be adjusted, but a sharp reduction is unlikely to occur,” Maxim Pyadushkin believes.

Alexandra Vikulova

Central Research Institute Burevestnik was established in 1970 as the head enterprise for barreled artillery armament of the ground forces and the navy. Since 2009, it has been part of the special equipment division of JSC Research and Production Corporation Uralvagonzavod. According to SPARK, the company's revenue for 2014 amounted to 4.8 billion rubles, net profit - 437 million rubles.
The main investment projects at the Burevestnik Central Research Institute have been implemented since 2008. During this time, the institute has created a test bench base, a center for high-performance computing, mastered the production of 190-mm (inaccuracy, correct 100mm) ship gun mount and modernized machining production. The total investment in these projects amounted to 1.6 billion rubles.

The 120-mm self-propelled artillery gun 2S40 "Floks" on the Ural-4320VV (6x6) chassis was developed at the Central Research Institute Burevestnik JSC (part of the Uralvagonzavod concern). The self-propelled guns are designed to perform fire missions to destroy moving and stationary targets with mortar mines or artillery shells (including high-precision ones).

The combat weight of the vehicle is about 20 tons. The self-propelled gun has armor: the front part protection corresponds to class VI, the sides are protected according to class V, the engine-transmission department is protected by an armored casing corresponding to class III. The chassis protects against mines weighing up to 2 kg of TNT - detonation does not affect the performance of the engine, and a charge of 5 kg of TNT cannot disable the crew. To increase the cross-country ability, middle and rear differential locks are provided. The unit is equipped with a YaMZ-536 diesel engine with a capacity of 310 hp. The crew consists of an artillery crew (3 people) and a driver, who is located in a 5-seater armored cabin.

In the stern of the self-propelled guns, a turntable with a 120 mm caliber gun module is equipped. The rifled gun has ballistics and a bolt unified with the 2A80 gun. It can be used both as a howitzer and as a mortar, depending on the ammunition used. The firing distance reaches 13 km with a high-explosive fragmentation projectile, 7.5 km with a high-explosive fragmentation mine, and 10 kg with a guided projectile. Shooting is fully automated through the use of an automatic loader, the rate of fire is 8 (OFS) or 10 (OFM) rounds per minute. There are 28 rounds in the AZ automated ammo rack, another 52 are in conventional stacks.

The 120-mm gun is equipped with a modern recoil system, which made it possible to abandon retractable supports. This solution, together with modern electronics, reduces the time to fire to 20 seconds and significantly increases efficiency. Pointing angles vertically from -5 to +80 degrees, horizontally - 35 degrees each. right and left. ACS "Floks" is equipped with a modern digital weapon-computer system, which is able to perform many tasks in automatic mode. These tasks include:

Transferring and receiving data between machines;

Processing of received information and data preparation for calculation of shooting parameters;

Correction of firing installation on the first shot;

Switching between different means of observation depending on the surrounding conditions;

Storage in memory up to 30 targets at the same time and switching between them.

The received and processed information in real time is continuously fed to the crew monitors in the cockpit, which allows you to quickly respond to the situation and monitor the status of all systems.

As an additional weapon, the self-propelled unit is equipped with a remotely controlled weapon station with a 12.7 mm Kord machine gun and a combined sighting system (on the cab roof). Also, the ACS is equipped with a system for detecting laser irradiation and setting smoke screens.

Photo © Vitaly Moiseev

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 technology 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 CAO project called Phlox became known on August 30. On this day, the press service of the Uralvagonzavod corporation published a press release on the participation of the organization in the upcoming Army-2016 exhibition. It was mentioned that more than fifty full-fledged and mock-up samples of new systems, weapons and equipment will be shown at the exhibition site of the corporation. One of the exhibits, as stated, was to be the latest 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, Aleksey Zharich, State Secretary and Deputy General Director of the Uralvagonzavod Corporation, published several photos of a new development created by specialists from the Burevestnik Central Research Institute on his Facebook page. The posted pictures were jokingly called spy photos. On the same day, Izvestia published excerpts from an interview with Georgy Zakamennykh, CEO of the Central Research Institute Burevestnik (part of the Uralvagonzavod corporation), who revealed some of the technical features of the new project.

Information about the Floks project published a few days ago is not yet able to fully reveal all the features of the prospective development. Nevertheless, 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, it is proposed to mount all the main components and armament of the vehicle on the basis of one of the existing wheeled chassis. With this approach, a good combination of essential features and ease of production can be achieved. Ultimately, this can have a significant impact on the commercial potential of the development.

The three-axle all-wheel drive chassis of the Ural-VV armored car is used as the basis for the Phlox CJSC. In its original form, the Ural-VV is an armored car designed to transport personnel or some cargo. The car is built according to the bonnet layout and, as recent projects show, it can be equipped with special equipment of the desired type. Under the hood of the car is a YaMZ-6565 diesel engine with a power of 270 hp. The transmission provides power to all six drive wheels.

The artillery self-propelled gun receives a cockpit, 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 two-row placement of the calculation. On the sides there are four doors necessary for access inside. The cabin receives bulletproof glass. Glazing of doors is additionally equipped with loopholes with shutters. The characteristics of the cabin hull have not yet been specified, but there is reason to believe that the level of protection is similar to that of the base armored car. Recall that the car "Ural-VV" has the 5th class of cabin protection with reinforcement up to the 6th in some areas.

Behind the cockpit, after a short gap, which is used to carry a spare wheel and accommodate some additional units, there are two blocks of target equipment. On the chassis frame, above the second axle, is placed a casing-box designed to carry some payload. A characteristic feature of this unit is a sloping roof, due to the peculiarities of the artillery unit. On the front wall of the box-casing there are fasteners to hold the gun barrel in the stowed position.

Aft self-propelled gun

In the aft part of the chassis frame, the Floks project provides for the installation of a turntable, on which the artillery unit is located. In the central part of the rectangular platform there are mechanisms for mounting and vertical aiming of the gun. On the sides of them are casings designed to accommodate some additional equipment. As can be seen in the available photographs, the self-propelled artillery unit has the possibility of horizontal and vertical aiming 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 Central Research Institute "Petrel" G. Zakamennykh. He said that a new artillery system is being installed on the Phlox machine, partly based on existing units. In terms of ballistics and shutter, 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 barrel and is equipped with a combined semi-automatic shutter, the design of which is borrowed from an existing project. The project also provides for anti-recoil devices and fences. An important feature of the Phlox artillery unit is the use of automation capable of monitoring the position of the barrel. With its help, as stated, after each shot, it is possible to restore the previously installed aiming, which has a positive effect on accuracy and accuracy.

Ammunition of the main armament of the self-propelled gun consists of 80 shots, placed in several stacks. First of all, it is proposed to use the so-called. operational stacking, accommodating 28 shells. After this part of the ammunition load is used up, the crew can use ammunition from other stacks. 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 about this. SAO "Floks" is equipped with a tool unified with the 2A80 system. Recall that the 120-mm 2A80 gun is used as part of the 2S31 Vena self-propelled gun and has a number of characteristic features. Due to some design features, such a gun with a rifled barrel can be used as a howitzer gun or mortar. The Vienna ammunition can include several types of projectiles, including guided ones. It is also possible to use mortar mines of 120 mm caliber of any existing models, including those of foreign design.

Considering the use of existing developments and the possible tactical niche offered for the Phlox CJSC, it can be assumed that in the case of the new project, we are again talking about the use of the original system with wide capabilities. If this is true, then the new self-propelled gun is capable of using a variety of weapons with different characteristics. This feature greatly expands the range of combat missions to be solved.

Cabin roof and combat module

All systems of the artillery unit must be controlled from the control panel installed in the cockpit. To control the operation of systems and enter commands, it is proposed to use a unit that incorporates a liquid crystal monitor with a push-button frame. Some other controls are also provided. The equipment for controlling auxiliary weapons is attached to the same console.

For self-defense and combating enemy manpower or lightly armored vehicles, the crew of the Phlox self-propelled artillery gun must use a remotely controlled weapon station. 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 block of optoelectronic 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 cabin roof in a fairly large number. 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 along the sides and are designed to fire forward and to the side. With the help of 12 smoke grenade launchers, the crew can carry out camouflage and relatively safely avoid a collision with the enemy.

Another system designed to increase survivability in a combat situation is laser irradiation detection equipment. Several blocks of such equipment are installed on the cab roof and, possibly, on some other units of the machine. The laser irradiation detection system allows you to timely notice the enemy preparing to attack and take the necessary measures.

To accommodate the crew on the march and during combat work, a protected cabin with a two-row seating arrangement is intended. In front of it, places are provided for the driver and gunner. Between them is placed a rack with some electronic equipment. The driver has a full set 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 rest of the crew are placed in the rear row seats, behind the gunner and driver.

The project of the Phlox self-propelled artillery gun has a number of characteristic features that are unusual for such Russian-made 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 car chassis is a completely new solution for the domestic armed forces. In fact, this sample can be attributed to a completely new class of technology 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.

View of the gunner's workplace

It is already clear that the original concept, implemented as part of the Phlox project, allows for a sufficiently high firepower and increase the efficiency of combat work in solving a variety of tasks. Depending on the type of target and other factors, the calculation of a self-propelled gun can use ammunition of one type or another, which is most appropriate for the situation. Artillery projectiles similar to those used by other guns can be used to attack targets by direct fire or for firing at low elevation angles. 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 weapon 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. The maximum firing range can reach 8-10 km. In addition, some foreign active-rocket projectiles are capable of hitting targets at ranges up to 15-17 km. It can be assumed that the existing unification of the existing and prospective artillery system ensures the preservation of the main parameters of firing.

Let's sum up the preliminary results. The proposed concept, embodied in metal in the form of the first prototype of the Phlox CJSC, has some positive features, and can also demonstrate certain advantages over other more familiar equipment. The wheeled chassis should provide high mobility and speed of transfer to new positions, as well as facilitate and simplify the operation of equipment. The maximum automation of the main processes of preparing for firing and firing, in turn, makes it possible to simplify and speed up the main processes of combat work, having a positive effect on overall efficiency, as well as affecting survivability.

The idea of ​​a weapon with enhanced capabilities, combining the qualities of systems of several classes, has long been tested in practice and interested in the military. In addition, to date, this concept has been embodied in several projects of self-propelled guns 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 control systems.

The result of using a number of interesting ideas and solutions not so long ago was the appearance of the Phlox self-propelled artillery gun. To date, the project has been brought to the construction of a sample, which in the next few days will be an exhibit of an exhibition of weapons and military equipment. In the future, work on the project should continue, which may eventually lead to the emergence of contracts for the supply of promising equipment to certain customers, both domestic and foreign.

Currently, there are no direct analogues of the Phlox SAO with similar features in the domestic armed forces, although there are several samples of tracked self-propelled guns with similar weapons. According to the results of tests and analysis of the possibilities, the new wheeled vehicle can suit the Russian military, which will result in the appearance of a contract for the supply of serial equipment. Also, a new development of the Uralvagonzavod corporation may be of interest to foreign customers. CJSC "Phlox" has a number of positive features, and also, apparently, does not differ in high cost. 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. A matter of less distant prospects is the first public display of self-propelled guns. The forum "Army-2016" will become a platform for the "premiere" of a promising development. From September 6 to 11, specialists and the general public will be able to get acquainted with the latest models of domestically developed equipment and weapons, including the Phlox CJSC.

According to the websites:
http://uvz.ru/
https://facebook.com/alexey.zharich/
http://izvestia.ru/
http://bastion-opk.ru/
http://arms-expo.ru/

"Significant advantages in range and rate of fire will allow the Coalition-SV batteries to strike without entering the enemy's kill zone," writes Military Watch. The article, which claims, but is not objective, is clearly written by order of the guys who are whipping up anti-Russian hysteria. Listen to the authors, so in the Armed Forces of our potential opponents, they generally fell behind forever and it’s just right to crawl to the cemetery with the whole world. Judge for yourself:

The 152-mm self-propelled gun "Coalition-SV" is capable of sending shells at a distance of up to 70 kilometers, while the American self-propelled gun M109 Paladin will not reach a target located further than three dozen kilometers. The capabilities of the "Coalition" surpass even the potential of the North and South Korean self-propelled guns, which are considered the most long-range abroad.

At the same time, the rate of fire of the "Coalition" reaches 20 rounds per minute. For comparison: the American Paladin will be able to fire a maximum of six shells per minute. But that's not all.

"The high level of automation allows the Coalition to be controlled by a crew of two to three people, while the American Paladin needs six people, and the South Korean K9 - five," the material says.

The publication notes that the Russian army may soon also receive revolutionary artillery installations created as part of the Sketch development work.

I will clarify (this is not in the article):

The Phlox and Magnolia self-propelled artillery mounts, as well as the Drok mortar, created during the Sketch development work, are currently undergoing preliminary tests. This was announced today in the press service of Uralvagonzavod.

According to the company, the "Phlox", "Magnolia" guns and the "Drok" mortar are undergoing preliminary tests successfully.

"Phlox" on the wheeled chassis "Ural" is a 120-millimeter self-propelled artillery gun (photo above). The Magnolia CJSC has the same caliber on a tracked chassis. Caliber mortar "Drok" on the chassis of "Kamaz" - 82 mm (model below).

“The concept of placing a 120-millimeter 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 the artillery units of the Russian army. The main distinguishing feature of the new self-propelled guns is a gun that is unified in terms of ballistics and breech with the 2A80 gun, but due to new design solutions, it provides a reduced load on the chassis when fired and increased accuracy of fire.”

The maximum firing range of high-explosive fragmentation projectiles is up to 13 kilometers, guided projectiles - 10 kilometers, and high-explosive fragmentation mines - 7.5 kilometers. The gun is automated, and the process of preparing the shot takes place 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 guns have 80 rounds of ammunition, of which 28 are in operational stacks, that is, ready for immediate loading using automation.

Since the Phlox uses the 2A80 gun, the installation must be unified with the ammunition of the well-known Nona and Vena self-propelled guns. In fact, this means that there is a wide range of them, including guided high-explosive fragmentation rounds Kitolov-2 and Gran. The module with the gun is mounted on a turntable, which makes it possible to conduct circular fire. The design does not require the use of additional supports when firing, that is, at least the Phlox can fire without preparation and, most likely, even on the go.

There is no information about the capabilities of the Phlox weapons control system yet, but it can be assumed that developments for the Coalition-SV were used in the development of the Burevestnik self-propelled guns, that is, automating the aiming of the gun, including target selection, positioning of the self-propelled guns and more. Perhaps there is an option to connect the information and command system to a single tactical level control system.

To protect against guided missiles and ATGMs, there is a system for detecting laser radiation, setting up optical interference and firing grenades. An analogy to the Shtora defense system was announced, but since the Shtora is still a Soviet development, we probably have the right to expect certain improvements.

What niche will Phlox occupy?

It should be noted right away that tracked self-propelled guns with the same 2A80 gun - "Vienna" and "Khosta" - were put into service recently, in 2010 and 2008, respectively. They successfully fulfill their tasks and gradually replace the more Soviet "Carnations". "Nona" of the latest modification 2S9-1M has been produced since 2006 and also does not need to be replaced.

We see a niche for the new self-propelled guns in the Russian army in the replacement of ancient towed howitzers. For example, the M-30 of the 1938 model, according to information available in the open press, today there are 3,750 pieces in storage. Howitzers D-30 (2A18) of the 1968 model - 4400 in storage, while 30 pieces are still in service with the Airborne Forces and 20 pieces - with internal troops.

It is much more logical to use the remaining resource where it is now possible, without keeping it in storerooms. For example, in Syria, where government troops use the D-30.