180mm S-23
NATO: 203mm M1955
Overview
S-23
Side view of former Soviet S-23 in a museum
Source: One half 3544 -
© public domain
1971 (second batch, 12 units)
203mm M1955 (NATO reporting name)
180-мм пушка С-23 (cyrillic)
Russian for "180mm gun S-23"
Syria
Egypt
Description
Introduction
The S-23 is a early Cold War era heavy gun of Soviet origin. It was developed after World War 2 to provide Soviet forces with the ability for long range shelling. In the West it was referred to as the 203mm M1955 gun, although its actual caliber is 180mm. When introduced the S-23 had a phenomenal range, good accuracy and reasonable volume of fire. Only decades later would modern 155mm 52-caliber howitzers offer a similar range.
Design
The 180mm 49-caliber ordnance with pepperpot muzzle brake was derived from the older Chapayev naval gun. The gun is mounted on a heavy split trail carriage. The carriage has a single axle with four wheels. A 16 man crew is required for normal operations. A two wheel limber is used in travel configuration. No gun shield is provided since the S-23 is to be used well behind the frontline.
Firepower
The S-23 fires powerful 180mm shells at high velocity at ranges up to 30.4 km. Types of shell include high explosive and concrete piercing. Reportedly a nuclear round was developed as well. A rocket assisted projectile introduced in the early 1970's extends the maximum range out to 43.8 km. The maximum rate of fire is 1 round per minute. Sustained fire reduces the rate of fire to 1 round every 2 minutes. Accuracy is reported to be good, even at maximum range.
Mobility
The S-23 is a large and heavy gun and as such is difficult to transport. In travelling mode a two wheel dolly is used and the ordnance is withdrawn to the rear in order to reduce overall length. A heavy truck or preferably a tracked prime mover is used to tow the gun. In Soviet service the AT-T artillery tractor was used.
Users
The S-23 was adopted by Soviet forces and was officially used at a ratio of 12 weapons per heavy artillery brigade. However, it seems that production stopped after only 7 units. Production resumed at a later date to counter the US self-propelled M107. It was exported to several Soviet allies and was used during several Middle East conflicts. In Soviet service the S-23 was officially replaced by the self-propelled 2S7 Pion and heavy rocket artillery such as the FROG-7.
Details
Media
S-23
Forward view of S-23 on display in Egypt.
Source: Moustafa Ragai
Copyright: public domain
180mm S-23
180mm S-23 towed by AT-T artillery tractor in the streets of Moscow.
Source: TASS - Alexey Gorshkov
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
S-23
Former Egyptian S-23 captured by Israeli forces in 1973.
Source: US DOD
Copyright: public domain
S-23
Forward view of former Soviet S-23 in a museum
Source: www.tanky.dovidnyk.info
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
S-23
Four S-23 towed by AT-T artillery tractors. Note the limber and barrel in travel position.
Source: www.armyrecognition.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
S-23
Rear view of S-23 in an Israeli museum.
Source: Bukvoed
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
S-23
Forward view of S-23 in an Israeli museum.
Source: Bukvoed
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
180mm S-23
180mm S-23 towed by AT-T artillery tractor during a parade in Moscow in 1964.
Source: Thomas Taylow Hammond
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
180mm shells
A number of Soviet 180mm naval shells on display. Those used in the S-23 are believed to look similar.
Source: Lord Mountbatten
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Related articles
2S7 Pion
The 2S7 Pion replaced the S-23 in long range shelling. It has a larger caliber, longer range and better mobility.
203mm B-4
The S-23 replaced the remaining World War 2 era 203mm B-4 in Soviet service. Compared to the B-4 the S-23 has a longer range.
M107
The supply of US 175mm M107 to Israel prompted a second batch of S-23 to be produced for Soviet allies in the Middle East.