2S39 Magnolia Explained

2S39 Magnolia
Origin:Russian Federation
Type:Self-propelled mortar
Is Ranged:Yes
Is Artillery:Yes
Is Vehicle:Yes
Designer:Burevestnik
Manufacturer:Uralvagonzavod
Production Date:2022-present
Weight:27.5 tons unloaded, 10 tons ammo
Crew:4
Caliber:120mm
Rate:2 (min.) - 10 (max.)
Max Range:10 km (shells), 7 km (mines)
Carriage:DT-30PM
Elevation:-5° to +80°
Traverse:360°
Engine:YaMZ-847-10
Engine Power:800 hp
Payload Capacity:30 tons, 80 rounds
Vehicle Range:700 km (fuel range)
Speed:44 km/h on asphalt, 5 km/h on water, unknown on unpaved

2S39 "Magnolia" (Russian: 2С39 «Магнолия»; "Magnolia") is a Russian self-propelled 120 mm mortar system developed for the Russian Armed Forces by Burevestnik. TASS first reported on the project in November 2017.[1] Magnolia developed for units deployed in the Far North.[2] It is being built on the basis of the DT-30PM articulated tracked vehicle.[3]

Development

Magnolia developed as part of the "Nabrosok" program. In 2021 it was reported that state trials for the system would end in 2022. In August 2022 Uralvagonzavod reported that it started serial production of Magnolia system.[4]

Description

The vehicle is built on the chassis of the DT-30PM tracked vehicle, consisting of two sections connected by a joint. The first section of the vehicle has an armored cabin for the crew and an engine compartment with a YaMZ-847-10 turbocharged diesel engine with a power of 800 hp., connected to a four-speed gearbox with a locking differential. Additionally, the engine system is equipped with a pre-heater, allowing it to be started at temperatures as low as -50°C.[5]

The second section of the vehicle has a turret with a 120 mm mortar, the same as the one used on the 2S9 Nona vehicles. The weapon is actually a hybrid of a howitzer and a mortar being an unconventional design that lacks a direct NATO counterpart. It is compatible with mortar ammunition, both from the Soviet era and later Russian ammunition - including HE and smoke ammunition. For precision attacks against armored targets it uses the Kitolov-2M precision guided munitions. The vehicle carries a maximum of 80 rounds of ammunition, and its effective range depends on the type used and ranges from 7 to 10 km. For self-defense, a 7.62 mm machine gun is additionally mounted on the turret.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Самоходка "Магнолия" на шасси гусеничного транспортера разрабатывается для Крайнего Севера - ТАСС . 2023-10-30 . TACC.
  2. Web site: Magnolia new Russian 120mm artillery system based on articulated tracked vehicle weapons defence industry military technology UK analysis focus army defence military industry army . 2023-10-30 . www.armyrecognition.com.
  3. Web site: Сычев . Василий . Испытания арктической артиллерийской самоходки завершатся в 2022 году . 2023-12-12 . N + 1 — главное издание о науке, технике и технологиях . ru.
  4. Web site: В России началось серийное производство новейших орудий "Флокс" и "Магнолия" - ТАСС . 2023-12-12 . TACC.
  5. Web site: Magnolia 120 mm Self-Propelled Mortar System MilitaryToday.com . 2023-10-30 . www.militarytoday.com.