2S7 Pion
SO-203
Overview
2S7 Pion
Forward view of 2S7 Pion on the move during the 2015 Ukraine conflict.
Source: Unknown author -
© copyright lies with original owner
1986 (2S7M Malka)
Mid 1980's (2S7M Malka)
1976 - 1985 (2S7 Pion)
1985 - 1990 (2S7M Malka)
Chassis and system integration
Soviet Union - Barrikady arsenal
Ordnance
M1975 (NATO reporting name)
Obyekt 216 (GABTU index)
Pion (nickname for 2S7)
Russian for "peony"
Malka (nickname for 2S7M)
Refers to a river in Russia
Pion-M
Incorrect nickname for 2S7M, Pion-M design project is related to naval ordnance
SO-203 (Russian military service)
Piwonia (Polish military service)
Pivonka (Czechoslovak military service)
Description
Introduction
The 2S7 is a late Cold War era self-propelled howitzer of Russian origin. In 1967 a requirement for a large caliber long range self-propelled howitzer was issued and in 1976 the first 2S7 were in active service. The 2S7 has the nickname "Pion", which is "peony" in English. Although bigger artillery pieces have been constructed, the 2S7 Pion is the most powerful self-propelled howitzer that was mass produced.
Layout
The 2S7 is based on a highly modified and stretched T-80 chassis. Four crewmembers are seated in the front cabin, the engine is mounted behind it and three crew members are in the rear compartment. The ordnance is mounted at the rear. A giant spade at the rear is lowered to provide stability while firing.
Firepower
The 2S7 is fitted with the massive 56-caliber 203mm 2A44 howitzer. With standard ammunition it has a range of 37.4 km and a rocket-assisted projectile can be fired out to 47.5 km. The rate of fire is 1.5 rounds per minute. Four rounds of ammunition are carried on the 2S7 with the remainder on a support vehicle. The improved 2S7M carries 8 rounds and has a rate of fire of 2.5 rpm. No secondary armament is fitted.
Protection
The steel armor protects the crew against small arms fire and shell splinters when on the move. In the firing position the crew members are exposed since the ordnance is mounted in the open. An NBC system is fitted, but smoke grenade launchers are not.
Mobility
The 2S7 is based on a tracked chassis that provides a reasonably good cross country performance given its size and weight. The 780 hp V-46 diesel engine provides propulsion. Even with this amount of power the 2S7 remains a quite slow vehicle. The improved 2S7M uses the more reliable 840 hp V-84 diesel engine.
Users
The 2S7 Pion was used by many USSR nations. It is estimated that over 1.000 units have been built. Today the 2S7 is relatively uncommon as with the end of the Cold War the need for such a powerful weapon system has faded.
Variants
2S7 Pion
Rear view of 2S7 Pion in Polish service.
Source: www.mon.gov.pl -
© GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Variants of the 2S7 self-propelled howitzer
Details
Media
2S7 Pion
Forward view of former Soviet 2S7 Pion in a museum
Source: One half 3544
Copyright: public domain
2S7 Pion
Right side view of 2S7 on the move.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
2S7 Pion
Large number of 2S7 Pion stored in Belarus.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
203mm shells for 2A44 howitzer
The 2S7 Pion uses a range of ammunition specifically developed for this long barrel howitzer.
M110
The American M110 self-propelled howitzer can be considered the NATO counterpart of the 2S7 Pion. It is armed with a 203mm howitzer, but fires shells that a bit lighter and has a shorter maximum range.