2S34 Hosta
2С34 Хоста
Overview
2S34 Hosta
Russian 2S34 Hosta self-propelled gun/mortar on the move during a public display in 2016.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin -
© CC BY-SA 4.0
Over 50 according to Russian sources
Hosta (official nickname)
Chosta, Khosta (alternative spelling)
2S1M (early project name)
Description
Introduction
The 2S34 Hosta is a modern era self-propelled gun/mortar of Russian origin. The 2S34 is a modernization and overhaul of existing 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers. For that reason the project was briefly called 2S1M, before being changed to 2S34. Since existing vehicles are used and no APS is fitted it is a cheaper alternative to the more advanced 2S31 Vena self-propelled gun/mortar.
Design
The 2S34 is an upgrade of existing stocks of 2S1 Gvozdika. The hull, engine and drivetrain are retained. The major difference is that the 122mm 2A31 howitzer is replaced by a 2A80-1 gun/mortar, which is longer and has a large square muzzle brake. A semi-automatic loader assists in loading the gun/mortar at a high angle of elevation. Survivability is increased by adding smoke grenade dischargers and a 7.62mm PKTM roof mounted machine gun.
Firepower
The 120mm 2A80-1 rifled gun/mortar provides the 2S34 a similar firepower as the 2S31 Vena. The exact rate of fire is unknown. Since a semi-automatic loader is fitted is can possibly attain the same 8 to 10 rpm maximum rate of fire as the 2S31 Vena. Regular mortar shells have a range of up to 7.2 km. Rocket assisted projectiles may reach up to 13 km. The Kitolov-2M guided artillery shell can also be used. The gun/mortar allows for direct fire. For use against armored vehicles a HEAT shell is available.
Protection
The 2S34 is operated under full armor protection. The steel hull protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. An NBC system is standard. Smoke grenade launchers have been fitted, which were lacking on the 2S1.
Mobility
The 2S34 retains the 300 hp YaMZ-238N V8 diesel engine coupled to a manual transmission. The 2S34 is fully amphibious and uses its tracks to propel it in the water. The low ground pressure allows for good mobility in swamps and snowy terrain.
Users
Russia is the only user of the 2S34 Hosta. A small batch was acquired in 2012. Possibly more existing 2S1 have been modernized over time. Despite being in active service, the 2S34 is uncommon compared to the older 2S1.
Media
2S34 Hosta
Russian 2S34 Hosta self-propelled gun/mortar on public display in 2014.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
2S34 Hosta
Right side view of Russian 2S34 Hosta self-propelled gun/mortar at a public display in 2016.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
2S34 Hosta
Rear view of Russian 2S34 Hosta self-propelled gun/mortar on the move during a public display in 2016.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
2S34 Hosta
Rear view of camouflaged Russian 2S34 Hosta self-propelled gun/mortar on the move on public road in Russia in 2012.
Source: Slava
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Details
Related articles
2S1 Gvozdika
The 2S34 Hosta is produced is an overhaul and modification of existing 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers.
2S31 Vena
The 2A80-1 ordnance of the 2S34 Hosta is similar to the 2A80 used on the 2S31 Vena. The Hosta is a less expensive alternative to the 2S31.
