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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

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Self-propelled howitzer
Entered service
1976 (2S7 Pion)
1986 (2S7M Malka)
Status
In service
Development
1967 - 1974 (2S7 Pion)
Mid 1980's (2S7M Malka)
Developer
Soviet Union - Kirov factory & Barrikady arsenal
Production
1974 - 1975 (2 prototypes)
1976 - 1985 (2S7 Pion)
1985 - 1990 (2S7M Malka)
Producer
Soviet Union - LKZ / Leningrad Kirov plant
Chassis and system integration
Soviet Union - Barrikady arsenal
Ordnance
Number produced
At least 500 produced. Some sources indicate over 1.000 systems.
Designations
2S7 (GRAU index)
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

2S7 Pion
The 2S7 Pion is a massive tracked self-propelled howitzer. The chassis is based on the T-80 main battle tank. The 2S7 is fitted with a 203mm L/56 2A44 howitzer.
2S7M Malka
The late production variant is designated 2S7M. It was designed under the Malka program. The 2S7M is fitted with a more powerful and reliable engine, is fitted with newer radios, carries 8 rounds of ammunition and has an increased rate of fire of 2.5 rounds per minute.

Details


Facts 2S7 Pion 2S7M Malka
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Self-propelled howitzer
Crew
7 (commander, driver, radio operator, gunner, 2 loaders)
Dimensions
Weight
45.0 t combat load
Length
13.12 m overall
Width
3.38 m
Height
3.0 m
Armament
Type
203mm L/56 2A44 howitzer
Ammunition
4 shells on vehicle
Elevation
0 to +60 degrees elevation, powered
Traverse
-15 to +15 degrees traverse, powered
Rate of fire
1.5 rpm max
Automotive
Chassis
Tracked chassis, 7 roadwheels
Drive sprocket front, idler rear
Ground pressure
0.80 kg/cm^2
Engine
V-46-I diesel
Power output
780 hp at 2.000 rpm
Mobility
Max speed
50 km/h on road
Range
650 km on road
Power to weight ratio
17.3 hp/t
Ground clearance
0.4 m
Wall
0.7 m
Trench
2.5 m
Gradient
40 %
Slope
20 %
Fording
1.2 m
Protection
Armor
Steel, up to 10 mm
Crew exposed when using main armament
NBC system
Yes
Equipment
Night vision
Yes
Radio
R-123M

Media


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.