2S1

Infobox Weapon
name=2S1


caption=2S1 "Gvozdika"
origin=flagcountry|Soviet Union
type=Self-propelled artillery
is_vehicle=yes
length=7.26 m (25 ft)
width=2.85 m (9.35 ft)
height=2.73 m (9 ft)
weight=16 tons (35,273 lbs)
suspension=
speed=60 km/h (37 mph)
(road)
30 km/h (18 mph)
(off-road)
vehicle_range=500 km (310 mi)
primary_armament=2A18 122 mm (4.8 in) howitzer
secondary_armament=none
armour=20 mm (.78 in)
engine=YaMZ-238N diesel
crew=4
engine_power=220 kW (300 hp)
pw_ratio=

The 2S1 "Gvozdika" ( _ru. 2С1 «Гвоздика»; _en. carnation) is a Soviet 122-mm self-propelled howitzer that resembles the PT-76 but is essentially a version of the MT-LB APC. "2S1" is its GRAU designation. Alternative Russian designation is SAU-122 but in the Russian Army it is commonly known as "Gvozdika" ("Carnation"). The 2S1 is fully amphibious with very little preparation, and once afloat is propelled by its tracks. It is NBC protected and has infra-red night-vision capability.

Production history

The first prototype was ready in 1969. The S21 entered service with the Soviet Army in the early 1970s and was first seen in public at a Polish Army parade in 1974. The vehicle was deployed in large numbers (72 per tank division, 36 per motorized rifle division). Designated the M1974 by the US Army.Manufactured in Bulgarian, Polish and Russian state factories.

Variants

former Soviet Union

* MT-LBu - Bigger variant of the MT-LB, has the longer chassis and stronger engine of the 2S1.
* UR-77 "Meteorit" ("ustanovka razminirovaniya") - mine clearing vehicle with turret-like superstructure for two launch ramps. These are used to fire mine clearance hoses UZP-77 with rockets into a mine field after which the hoses are command detonated. This way, an area of 90 by 6 m can be cleared. The UR-77 is the successor for the BTR-50 based UR-67.
* RKhM "Kashalot" ("razvedivatel’naya khimicheskaya mashina") - chemical reconnaissance vehicle with detection, marking and alarm devices. This model has the hull shape and single rear of the 2S1 but the short chassis and machine gun turret of the MT-LB. Former Western designator: ATV M1979/4.
** RKhM-K - command version with additional signal equipment but without sensors or markers.

Poland

* 2S1M - upgrade with amphibious kit.

Romania

* Model 89 - Romanian variant that uses a modified version of the hull of the MLI-84.

Iran

* Raad-1 (thunder) - Iranian variant that is based on the hull of the Boragh APC.

Bulgaria

* BMP-23 ("bojna mashina na pekhotata") - infantry fighting vehicle with 23mm gun 2A14 and ATGM 9K11 "Malyutka" in a 2-man turret. The chassis is based on the one from the MT-LB but with components of the 2S1 and fitted with a 315hp engine.
** BMP-23D - improved version with 9K111 "Fagot" and smoke grenade launchers.
** BRM-23 - reconnaissance version. Prototype.
* BMP-30 - similar chassis as the BMP-23 but with the complete turret of the Soviet-made BMP-2. Only 10 build.

udan

* Abu Fatma - this appears to be a licence version.

Operators

* - 145
*
* - 10
* - 15
* - 5
* - 246 [ [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/belarus/army-equipment.htm Belarus Army Equipment ] ]
* - ~200
*
* - 9
*
* - 72 (known as "122 PsH 74")
* - 85
* - 153
*
*
* - 10
*
* - 533
* - 48
* - 1,725 [ [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/army-equipment.htm Russian Army Equipment ] ]
*flagicon|South Ossetia South Ossetia
* - 72
* - 8 reserve status
* - 49
* - 400
* - 638 [ [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/ukraine/groundforces-equipment.htm Ground Forces Equipment - Ukraine ] ]
* - 12
*
*
*
* - 12

Former Operators

*CZE - Phased out in early 2000s.
*CZS - Passed on to successor states.
*FR-YUG - Passed on to successor states.
*USSR - Passed on to successor states.
*YUG - Passed on to successor states.

Combat history

*Chechnya (Russia) - Second Chechen War (1999 to 2000)
*Iraq - First Gulf War, Second Gulf War
*Yugoslavia - Yugoslav Wars
*Kosovo (Yugoslavia) - Kosovo War
*2008 South Ossetia war

ee also

*List of artillery
*List of AFVs

References

External links

* [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/2s1.htm FAS.org]
* [http://www.armscontrol.ru/atmtc/Arms_systems/Land/Artillery/Self_Propelled/2S1_Gvozdika_SP_Howitzer.htm Armscontrol.ru]
* [http://www.hsw.pl/eng/s_gozdzik_p.php Huta Stalowa Wola - Polish manufacturer]
* [http://www.arsenal-bg.com Arsenal Co. - Bulgarian manufacturer of 2A31(2S1)]