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 examples modern technology this time presented by the corporation "Uralvagonzavod". 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, State Secretary and Deputy General Director of the Uralvagonzavod corporation Alexei Zharich on his page in social network Facebook has published several photos 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 Georgy Zakamennykh, General Director of the Central Research Institute Burevestnik (part of the Uralvagonzavod corporation), who revealed some technical features 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, to determine some of its features, and also to 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 diesel engine YaMZ-6565 with a capacity of 270 hp The transmission provides power to all six drive wheels.

Artillery self-propelled gun gets a cockpit, which is a shortened and redesigned version armored corps base machine "Ural-VV". 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 transport 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 project of CJSC "Floks" provides for the installation of a turntable, on which artillery unit. 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 claimed that with the help of new technical solutions managed 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 The artillery unit of the Phlox 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 foreign development.

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 broad capabilities. If this is true, then the new self-propelled gun is capable of using the most different 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 heavy machine gun"Cord". 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 Phlox self-propelled artillery project has a number of characteristic features that are unusual for such equipment. Russian development. 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 features designs 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 Phlox CJSC project, makes it possible to provide 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 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 preparation 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 the wheeled chassis and modern systems management.

The result of using a series 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.

In the domestic armed forces, there are currently no direct analogues of the Phlox SAO with similar features, 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 traits, 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 6 to 11 September, specialists and the general public will be able to get acquainted with the latest samples equipment and weapons of domestic design, including those from 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/

In the family of "flower" names of self-propelled artillery mounts, another replenishment. The nomenclature of domestic self-propelled guns with beautiful names"Carnation", "Acacia", "Khost" are proposed to be replenished with the Phlox firing system - a completely new concept combat vehicle that has the capabilities of several types of artillery weapons at once and, moreover, is mounted on the chassis of an armored off-road truck. The very idea of ​​\u200b\u200b"wheeled tanks" is not new in the world. However, it is Russian engineers and designers who offer a unified model that combines powerful weapons, mobility, and confident armor protection. The first sample of the new firing system has already been exhibited at the Army-2016 International Military-Technical Forum currently taking place in the Moscow region. "Phlox" should become one of the brightest "flowers" of this kind of "exhibition of achievements" of the Russian armed forces and defense industry. Premiere in "Patriot" The fact that the 120-millimeter self-propelled artillery gun "Phlox" (as this installation is officially called) is exhibited in the Patriot park, "Zvezda" was informed by the head of the public relations department of the Scientific and Production Corporation "Uralvagonzavod" Yulia Kolmakova. According to her, the company presents 56 units of military equipment at the static exposition of the forum, including 37 full-scale samples and full-size mock-ups. – Among them are Uraltransmash JSC, Omsktransmash JSC, Burevestnik Central Research Institute JSC, Elektromashina JSC NPO, ChTZ-Uraltrak JSC and others. The total exhibition space leased by the corporation in an open area is 1,360 square meters. Nevertheless, the Phlox system was the first among the new products that attracted the attention of connoisseurs of military equipment. Although in fairness it should be noted that the enterprises included in the structure of Uralvagonzavod this time presented a fairly wide range of original models. What is worth, for example, an 82-mm mortar or a mortar of 120 mm caliber mounted on the chassis of a RM 500 all-terrain vehicle (quad bike), placed on the platform of a UAZ Cargo truck (Patriot off-road vehicle). And yet the role of a kind of headliner of the exposition rightfully went to Phlox ". Moreover, on the eve of the exhibition, the Secretary of State - Deputy General Director of UVZ Alexei Zharich posted a photo of this self-propelled unit on his page in one of the social networks. The picture clearly shows the location of the gun (in the aft part of the chassis), the type of base is also easily recognizable - an all-wheel drive three-axle truck of the Ural-43206 type with a carrying capacity of more than ten tons. From some more detailed specifications the author of the photo abstained. Weapon innovation JSC "TsNII" Burevestnik "confirmed to the Zvezda correspondent the fact of the production of the Floks self-propelled gun on the basis of their enterprise, but they could not add anything significant to the information previously announced on this occasion by the general director Georgy Zakamennykh. He, in particular, said that the main distinguishing feature of the new self-propelled unit is its gun, which provides due to new constructive solutions reduced load on the chassis when fired and increased accuracy of fire. Stepping back, it is worth saying that it is this problem - the unstable position of the gun on the wheeled platform - that hinders the development of "wheeled tanks" in the West. The solution here is either to increase the mass of the main platform (by turning it into a full-fledged armored personnel carrier), or to use additional supports when firing from a stationary firing position. I must say that on the Phlox these issues are resolved more elegantly. It is possible to withstand increased loads when firing from a gun with such a powerful caliber due to the use of a modern recoil system with an auxiliary hydraulic effect. The mechanical energy of the shot is converted into thermal energy and serves to absorb shocks and shocks. As a result, shock loads on the gun carriage - a turntable mounted on the Ural chassis - are significantly softened. The Phlox's main caliber is the 2A80 gun - a unique combination of howitzer gun and mortar. The fire is carried out with 120-mm mines and shells with ready-made rifling. Interestingly, the gun is equipped with an innovative cooling system, and in addition, it uses an indicator that indicates the maximum allowable level of barrel heating. Separate words deserve the chassis of the artillery mount - the Ural car, made in a special armored version and equipped with a reinforced engine with a capacity of over 300 horsepower. The cabin here is welded, made of metal sheets of various thicknesses, and engine compartment equipped with its own armored casing. The manufacturer guarantees the safety of the crew even when an explosive device with a capacity of up to two kilograms of TNT is detonated. The Phlox crew will be able to repel attacks by sabotage and reconnaissance groups not only with standard weapons, but also with a 12.7-mm Kord machine gun mounted on the cab. In the ranks of "self-propelled guns" Placing a self-propelled artillery mount (and the Phlox to some extent fits this definition) on the wheelbase of a truck is really a new word in the domestic military-industrial complex. Only the Nona-SVK battalion self-propelled artillery gun, mounted on the chassis of the BTR-80 amphibious wheeled armored personnel carrier, comes to mind. Adopted in 1990, this self-propelled gun is a 120-mm rifled semi-automatic cannon-howitzer-mortar and the wheelbase of an armored personnel carrier . "Nona-SVK" is able to overcome trenches, trenches, water barriers on the move. In terms of the power of a high-explosive fragmentation projectile, its shot is comparable to the action of 152-mm ammunition. The closest modern models to Phlox can be considered the 120-mm Khosta self-propelled artillery gun and the Vena system of the same caliber. Both are caterpillar-mounted, both use a rifled semi-automatic cannon, both are produced at the production base of Motovilikhinskiye Zavody PJSC. At the same time, given that Vena is a relatively new self-propelled gun, there is every reason to believe that Phlox will take the most advanced technologies from it, including, for example, the use of a gun-computer complex. It allows you to exchange information between the combat vehicle and the control vehicle, prepare the initial data for firing at independently reconnoitered targets or according to information received from the battery control center. The system also adjusts the settings for firing at the notch of the first shot, controls the guidance elements in various modes, stores in memory (regardless of the presence or absence of energy) information about three dozen targets. All necessary information displayed on the commander's monitors, which are equipped with the cabin of the self-propelled guns "Phlox". Thanks to this system, it is possible to monitor the technical condition of the complex in real time, control the drives for horizontal and vertical guidance of the gun. A laser target designator-rangefinder is also connected to the computer of the gun-computer complex, and the topographical reference system provides automatic determination of coordinates even when the vehicle is moving. The time for readiness to fire, due to the presence of the gun-computer complex, can be ... no more than 20 seconds from the moment the information is received about the goal! A priority– in mobility Most experts related to rocket and artillery topics agree that Phlox is a very timely and potentially in demand weapon contemporary ground forces. former boss artillery of the motorized rifle regiment of the 27th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, Lieutenant Colonel of the Reserve Leonid Budzdorovenko admits: if his subordinates had such weapons, it would be much easier to resolve issues of fire support in the course of performing tasks in the North Caucasus. ”, which was in service with artillery battalions of motorized rifle regiments in the mid-1990s, had a caterpillar drive and was difficult to maintain, limited in speed, and most importantly, had big weight, which often did not allow crossing some bridges in the same Chechnya. In addition, according to experts in the field of artillery, such advantages of self-propelled guns as powerful armor are not so in demand in modern combat. The use of self-propelled guns in an attack, direct fire is a rarity, therefore, the presence of protection against anti-tank weapons is no longer a necessity. Fire is most often fired from closed firing positions remote from the line of contact, where there is no contact with enemy armor-piercing weapons. As for protection against attacks, for example, on the march, regular car booking will do just fine here. From the fire small arms and improvised explosive devices, it will protect, and ATGMs, as a rule, are not taken into an ambush. On the other hand, what the Phlox is inferior to traditional self-propelled guns, made on the chassis of the same armored personnel carriers or tracked vehicles, is the ability to overcome water barriers. The Ural, whatever one may say, does not float, which means that it is still limited in mobility ... Nevertheless, Uralvagonzavod is counting on the new weapon to find its consumer. And it is far from accidental that the sample of a self-propelled gun presented in the "Patriot" is painted in a protective disguise to match the color of the desert. This is one of those places on the planet where the problem of water barriers is not worth it ...

Photo of the latest Phlox self-propelled artillery mount. They were posted by the state secretary of Uralvagonzavod Alexey Zharich in his"Twitter".

Well, let's try to figure out what it is latest self-propelled guns, even though there is no 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 structure is the Ural-4320VV armored car with off-road capability, which is currently 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 booked by sixth grade(the car is invulnerable to armor-piercing incendiary bullets and shots from sniper rifles Dragunov) in front, including glass, according to fifth grade on the sides, and the engine compartment has a separate armored casing third class 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 an 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 cabin roof, which is also visible in the photo, there is a tele-thermal imaging module with a laser rangefinder and 12.7 mm machine gun "Kord"- a good means of self-defense. The module, apparently, is standard, here it is installed on an armored reconnaissance vehicle.

Now the most important thing is the tool. "Phlox" uses a combined semi-automatic rifled 120 mm gun 2А80.

A feature of this weapon is multifunctionality: 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 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 artillery units of the Russian army. home distinguishing feature new self-propelled guns - a gun unified in terms of ballistics and a shutter with a 2A80 gun, but providing, due to new design solutions, 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 missiles- 10 kilometers, 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 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 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, quite 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 it will be used in the development of self-propelled guns "Petrel" developments for the "Coalition-SV", that is, automation of gun guidance, including target selection, positioning of 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. It was announced about the analogy of the protective complex "Curtain", but since Shtora is still a Soviet development, then 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 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, for example. The development is specific, but if there are investors and buyers, then why not release such an anti-terrorist infantry fighting vehicle?

It is very likely that the military equipment market 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 Kord 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.

The Burevestnik Central Research Institute (part of the Uralvagonzavod corporation, manufactures artillery weapons) will present the latest Phlox mobile self-propelled artillery mount at the Army-2016 forum-exhibition. The product is equipped with a unique 120 mm gun, combining the capabilities long-range gun, howitzers and even mortars. Therefore, "Phlox" can hit enemy targets located at a distance of 10 km to only a hundred meters from its position, as usual artillery shells, and mines.

As Georgy Zakamennykh, general director of Burevestnik, told Izvestia, this is the first domestic self-propelled artillery mount(self-propelled guns) of a similar caliber, placed on a highly passable chassis of a car of the Ural family. It is designed to completely replace Russian army obsolete towed guns of a similar caliber.

The concept of placing a 120-millimeter gun on a vehicle chassis is a completely new solution for our army, - said Georgy Zakamennykh. - 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 the gun, which is unified in terms of 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 of fire.

On the roof of the armored cabin of the driver and artillery crew, a remotely controlled autonomous artillery module with a Kord machine gun of 12.7 mm caliber is installed. The gun itself consists of a barrel, a combined semi-automatic shutter, a cradle provided with a fence, anti-recoil devices and a lifting sector mechanism.

Vertical angles are controlled by a special drive that restores aiming after a shot. The transportable ammunition of the Phlox SAO, according to the Central Design Bureau, is more than 80 rounds, including 28 ready to fire in operational stacks. Compared to the existing towed and transportable 120-mm artillery weapons, all this ensures high mobility of the SAO and automation of the preparation and firing processes.

According to military historian Alexei Khlopotov, at present only the Russian army has unique artillery systems, combining the capabilities of guns, howitzers and mortars.

The Airborne Forces and the Ground Forces are armed with self-propelled guns "Nona" and "Khosta", and "Phlox", although it uses their ideology, it surpasses its predecessors in terms of range and accuracy of fire, as well as in the power of its ammunition, - Alexey told Izvestia Khlopotov. - Cannon-mortars fire not only conventional 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 hinged trajectory, like a howitzer, but also hit targets with direct fire, like conventional guns, and even throw mines, like mortars, almost vertically into enemy trenches.

The newest 120-mm Floks artillery complex includes the capabilities of a cannon and a mortar, using the base of the Ural vehicle with good cross-country performance. Previously unreleased self-propelled units of such a caliber, which in the future will replace the already old guns of a similar plan. The development of this project was carried out by the Nizhny Novgorod Central Research Institute "Burevestnik". The photos were presented on the Facebook page of UVZ State Secretary Alexei Zharich.

“The idea of ​​placing a 120mm weapon using the chassis of a car was a completely new solution for our military. In fact, this development is becoming a new class of weapons that will increase the mobility of the Russian army. The most important advantage of the new self-propelled guns was the 2A80 weapon unified on the bolt, when fired from which they were able to achieve a significant reduction in pressure on the support, ”shared his impressions CEO Georgy Zakamennykh.

Some indicators of the system

The newest Phlox complex will be equipped with special protection in the form of a combat module equipped with a Kord large-caliber machine gun. As a countermeasure to guided weapons, a system is used that detects laser radiation and interfering with the opposing side.

This development can fire a cannon covering several kilometers, and a mortar is suitable for firing on hilly and highlands. Large ranges of pointing angles are provided, which will allow for aimed shots at a distance of 10 kilometers or at targets located just a hundred meters from the combat position.