Russian self-propelled mortar
| 2S42 Lotos |
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 2S42 Lotos in the foreground |
| Type | Self-propelled mortar |
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| Place of origin | Russia |
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| Designer | TsNIITochMash |
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| Designed | 2016-present |
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|
| Mass | 18 tonnes |
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| Length | 7085 mm |
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| Width | 3152 mm |
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| Crew | 4 |
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| Caliber | 120 mm |
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| Traverse | 360° |
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| Rate of fire | 6-8 round per minute |
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| Maximum firing range | 13 km |
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|
| Engine | 2V-06-2 diesel
450 hp |
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| Power/weight | 28,3 hp per ton |
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| Suspension | Hydropneumatic suspension |
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Operational
range | 500 km |
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| 70 km/h |
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2S42 "Lotos" (Russian: 2С42 «Лотос»; "Lotos") is a Russian self-propelled 120 mm mortar system being developed for the Russian Airborne Forces. It is based on BMD-4M chassis and is being designed to replace 2S9 Nona self-propelled mortar.
Development
The 2S42 Lotos self-propelled artillery system was developed by TsNIITochMash specialists as part of the replacement of the 2S36 Zauralets-D self-propelled gun project with a 152-mm 2A89 howitzer, after work on this project was suspended in 2015 after preliminary tests.[1]
2S42 is being developed for airborne troops to replace the Soviet 120-mm airborne self-propelled artillery 2S9.[2]
As of October 2018, design work was completed, and according to the General Director of TsNIITochMash, the first prototype was being built, and tests of individual components were carried out in accordance with the established schedule.[3] It was expected that state trials would be conducted in 2019.[4] In an interview with RIA Novosti published in August 2023 chief director of TsNIITochMash confirmed that from October 2020 to March 2022 Lotos underwent preliminary trials. TsNIITochMash was addressing the comments received during preliminary trials, after which two prototypes of “Lotos” will be sent for state tests.[5]
Description
Hull
Due to the need to install new modules on the 2S42, the original BMD-4M hull was lengthened, while maintaining the layout and level of protection. The total weight of the self-propelled mortar is 18 tons. All crew members, consisting of 4 people, have their own hatches and viewing devices. The commander and gunner's seats are equipped with new optical-electronic sighting devices. Two crew members are located in the front of the hull, two more are in the fighting compartment.[3]
Armament
Main armament of the system is a 120mm breech-loaded mortar 2A80-1. Like its predecessors (2S9 and 2S31) it is actually a hybrid of a howitzer and a mortar being an unconventional design that lacks a direct NATO counterpart. The gun can deliver both direct and indirect fire. It can fire special 120mm rifled rounds, developed for Russian mortar systems, such as the previous 2S9 Nona-S, and any 120mm mortar bombs.[6] It can fire at a rate of around 6-8 rounds per minute. The Lotos has a maximum firing range of 13 km and a minimum firing range of 1 km. The Lotos can carry up to 40 rounds of ammunition in its automated loading system.[2] For self-defense the Lotos is fitted with a remotely controlled weapon station, armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun. Also there are smoke grenade dischargers that can set up a smoke screen.[6]
Chassis
Due to the lengthening of the hull and the increased total weight of the vehicle, the original BMD-4M chassis was lengthened to 7 road wheels - an additional 2 pairs were added. The maximum speed of the mortar is up to 70 km/h on public roads, and up to 40 km/h on rough terrain. Operational range is 500 km.[3]
