2S1 Gvozdika Explained
The 2S1 Gvozdika (ru|link=no|2С1 «Гвоздика», "Carnation") is a Soviet self-propelled howitzer introduced in 1972 and is in service in Russia and other countries . It is based on the MT-LBu multi-purpose chassis, mounting a 122 mm 2A18 howitzer. "2S1" is its GRAU designation. An alternative Russian designation is SAU-122, but in the Russian Army it is commonly known as Gvozdika. The 2S1 is fully amphibious with very little preparation, and once afloat is propelled by its tracks. A variety of track widths are available to allow the 2S1 to operate in snow or swamp conditions. It is NBC protected and has infrared night-vision capability.
The 2S1 was developed in Kharkiv, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. It has seven road wheels on each side; the running gear can be fitted with different widths of track to match terrain. The interior is separated into a driver's compartment on the left, an engine compartment on the right and a fighting compartment to the rear. Within the fighting compartment the commander sits on the left, the loader on the right and the gunner to the front. The all-welded turret is located above the fighting compartment. The 2S1 uses a 122 mm howitzer based on the towed D-30 howitzer. The gun is equipped with a power rammer, a double-baffle muzzle brake and a fume extractor. It is capable of firing HE (high explosive), leaflet, HE/RAP, armor-piercing HE, flechette and chemical rounds.[2]
Production history
The first prototype was ready in 1958. The 2S1 entered service with the Soviet Army in the early 1970s and was first seen in public at a Polish Army parade in 1974. The vehicle was deployed in large numbers (72 per tank division, 36 per motorized rifle division). It was designated the M1974 by the U.S. Army and manufactured in Soviet, Polish and Bulgarian state factories.
Variants
Iran
- Raad-1 ('Thunder') – Iranian variant based on the hull of the Boragh APC.
Myanmar
- 2S1U – In March 2019, a Ukrainian company, the Great Export Import Company, and the Myanmar military have signed a joint-venture agreement to build a plant capable of manufacturing armored personnel carriers (APCs) and self-propelled howitzers. The types of APCs that will be made in the plant are said to be eight-wheeled BTR-4Us while the howitzers will be 2S1Us, which are based on the MT-LBu multipurpose chassis.[3] [4]
Poland
The 2S1 Gvozdika, and other related vehicles such as the MT-LB and Opal, were produced in Poland by Huta Stalowa Wola under the name 2S1 Goździk.
- 2S1M Goździk – Version with special amphibious kit that increases the vehicle's amphibious capabilities.
- 2S1T Goździk – Version with a TOPAZ digital fire control system from WB Electronics. The system consists of a FONET-IP digital intercom system, new digital radio, military GPS receiver, military computer and dedicated software. The same system is used on other Polish Armed Forces artillery systems like the AHS Krab, Dana-T and WR-40 Langusta.
Romania
- OAPR model 89 (Obuzierul autopropulsat românesc, model 89) – Romanian variant combining the 2S1 Gvozdika's turret and a modified version of the MLI-84's chassis. Designed around 1978, it was produced between 1987 and 1992. Also, it is simply known as Model 89.[5] [6]
Russia
- 2S34 Khosta – Modernisation of the 2S1 with the 122 mm 2A31 gun replaced by the 120 mm 2A80-1 gun-mortar. Further improvements include a new Malakhit fire control system, a battlefield observation system and the ability to fire the Kitolov-2M guided ammunition. One unit, the 21st Guards Motor Rifle Brigade in Totskoye, is currently being equipped with the system.
Serbia
- 2S1 modernized - The modernization is being carried out on the basis of the 122 mm towed howitzer of the Serbian modernization program. Project "SORA 122mm" and NORA B-52. Where the truck platform was abandoned, which was used by the prototype version of the "SORA 122mm" system in favor of a much better, crawler platform 2S1 Gvozdika system. The action was made possible by two new projectiles and an increased range of about 40% from 15200to. A new ballistic computer and fire control system make it much faster to prepare for action. There is also a new inertial navigation system, GPRS, as well as the possibility of action, multiple projectiles in one point, MRSI. Thus, it was achieved that with one 2S1 Gvozdika system, in the system of MRSI action in one point, 6 projectiles can be fired in one minute; the modernized 2S1 Gvozdika is much improved. For better defense, a turret with a 12.7 mm machine gun was added. In 2021, the first modernized 2S1 Gvozdika system battery was inducted into service with the Serbian Army.
Soviet Union
Ukraine
- Kevlar-E – Infantry fighting vehicle based on the 2S1 platform, equipped with Shturm remote weapon station and room for 6 passengers in addition to the 3 crew. The original 220kW V8 diesel engine has been replaced with a 310kW diesel engine produced by Caterpillar, Cummins or Deutz, increasing the maximum road speed to 70km/h. The vehicle is amphibious and has air conditioning, a fire detection and suppression system, an NBC system, navigation system, and night-vision equipment. The variant was first introduced in April 2018.[8] The prototype has been fighting in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[9]
Vietnam
- PTH-122/01 – Local version of 2S1
Operators
Current operators
- – 140 as of 2024
Angola − 9+ as of 2024- – 9 as of 2024
- − 68 as of 2024
- – 125 as of 2024
- – 48 as of 2024
- – 10 as of 2024
- − 3 as of 2024
- − 6 as of 2024
- – 32 as of 2024
- − 20 as of 2024
- − Used in Syria
- − 60+ 2S1 and Raad-1 as of 2024
- – 60 as of 2024
- − Unknown number operated by the Peshmerga[10]
- − 18 as of 2024
- − Used by the Libyan National Army
- – 206 as of 2024
- − 6 2S1 and 34 Model 89 as of 2024
- – 130 used by the Ground Forces, 85 used by the Naval Infantry, plus an unknown amount operated by the 1st Army Corps, 2nd Army Corps, and border guards. Estimated to have 1,800 in storage as of 2024
- – 67 as of 2024
- – 40 as of 2024
- – 125+ used by the Ground Forces, Marines and Airborne Assault Troops as of 2024
- – 6 as of 2024
- − 18 as of 2024
Former operators
Czech Republic – 91 in 1999- – 230 in 1989. Passed on to successor states
- – 300 in 1989. Phased out in 1990 after German reunification
Iraq – Unknown number operational prior to the 2003 invasion of Iraq[11]
- [12]
Libya − 130 in 2004- − 24 in 2004
- – 3,200 used by the Ground Forces and 90 by the Naval Infantry in 1989. Passed on to successor states
- – Passed on to successor states[13]
Combat history
See also
Bibliography
- Book: International Institute for Strategic Studies . The military balance, 1989-1990 . 1989 . Brassey's . London . 978-0080375694 . International Institute for Strategic Studies . .
- Book: International Institute for Strategic Studies . The Military Balance 1999-2000 . 1999 . Oxford University Press . 978-0-19-922425-8 . en . . International Institute for Strategic Studies .
- Book: International Institute for Strategic Studies . Langton . Christopher . The Military Balance 2004/2005 . 2004 . Oxford University Press . 978-0-19-856622-9 . en . . International Institute for Strategic Studies .
- Book: International Institute for Strategic Studies . The Military Balance 2024 . 2024 . Taylor & Francis . 978-1-040-05115-3 . en . .
- Book: Trewhitt, Philip . Armored Fighting Vehicles . 1999 . 124 . Amber Books . New York, NY . 0-7607-1260-3.
External links
Notes and References
- Investments, M. (n.d.). 2S1-gvozdika. Mortar. Retrieved November 13, 2022, from https://mortarinvestments.eu/catalog/item/2s1-gvozdika
- Web site: Self Propelled Artillery and Mortars . Marat Kenzhetaev . 1998 . armscontrol.ru . MIPT Center for Arms Control, Energy and Environmental Studies . 3 May 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100110045031/http://www.armscontrol.ru/atmtc/Arms_systems/Land/Artillery/Self_Propelled/Self_Prop_Art_Mortars.htm#2s9 . 10 January 2010 .
- Web site: 9 March 2019 . myanmar-ukrainian firming aims plant deal .
- Web site: Joint venture to supply Ukrainian APCs to Myanmar army March 2019 Global Defense Security army news industry Defense Security global news industry army 2019 Archive News year . www.armyrecognition.com.
- http://www.worldwar2.ro/documents/004-artileria-romana-in-date-si-imagini.pdf p. 164
- Web site: 23 June 2018 . Obuzierul Autopropulsat Românesc, Model 1989 .
- Web site: САУ 2С15 "Норов". СССР . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140421121231/http://alternathistory.org.ua/2s15-norov . 21 April 2014 . 9 May 2014.
- Web site: Foss. Christopher F. Ukraine re-roles 2S1 SPH for infantry combat. IHS Jane's 360. 5 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180501230722/http://www.janes.com/article/79654/ukraine-re-roles-2s1-sph-for-infantry-combat. 1 May 2018. London. 29 April 2018. live.
- Web site: Axe. David. Ukraine Made Exactly One Oddball Kevlar-E Fighting Vehicle. It's Been Battling Around Kharkiv For A Year.. Forbes. 29 March 2023. 28 March 2023.
- Book: The Military Balance 2016. February 2016. 116. 9781857438352. Routledge . International Institute for Strategic Studies. International Institute for Strategic Studies . 491.
- Cordesman . Anthony H. . 7 February 2003 . Iraqi Armed Forces on the Edge of War . . 16 July 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100209162502/https://www.csis.org/files/media/csis/pubs/iraq_edgeofwar[1].pdf. 9 February 2010 . 6 . Anthony Cordesman.
- Web site: Mitzer . Stijn . Oliemans . Joost . Vehicles and equipment captured by the Islamic State inside Syria until November 2014 . Oryx Blog.
- Iztok . Kočevar. Micmac à tire- larigot chez Tito: L'arme blindée yougoslave durant la Guerre froide. The Yugoslav armored arm during the Cold War. Batailles et Blindés. fr. August 2014. Caraktère. 1765-0828. 62. 66–79.
- Web site: - YouTube. www.youtube.com.
Slovenia – 8 in 1999