2S42 Lotos Self-propelled mortar system

[Zarvan]

The 2S42 Lotos was designed as a successor to a venerable 2S9 Nona-S mortar system



Country of origin Russia
Entered service Expected in 2020
Crew 4 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight 18 t
Length (gun forward) ~ 7 m
Hull length ~ 5.8 m
Width ~ 3.15 m
Height ~ 3.05 m
Armament
Main gun 120 mm howitzer/mortar
Barrel length ?
Machine guns 1 x 7.62 mm
Projectile weight 17.3 kg
Maximum firing range 13 km
Maximum rate of fire 6 - 8 rpm
Elevation range - 4 to + 80 degrees
Traverse range 360 degrees
Ammunition load
Main gun 40 rounds
Machine guns ~ 1 500 rounds
Mobility
Engine 2V-06-2 diesel
Engine power 450 hp
Maximum road speed 70 km/h
Amphibious speed on water 7 km/h
Range 500 km
Maneuverability
Gradient 60%
Side slope 30%
Vertical step ~ 0.9 m
Trench ~ 1.8 m
Fording Amphibious


The 2S42 Lotos is a new self-propelled mortar system, designed for the Russian airborne and naval infantry units. A model of this artillery system was first revealed in 2017. A pre-production prototype was publicly revealed in 2019. Its mass production is scheduled to begin in 2020. It will replace the older 2S9 Nona-S, 2S9-1 Sviristelka and 2S9-1M Nona-SM self-propelled mortar systems in service with the Russian military.

The 2S24 Lotos is a light, airportable and amphibious vehicle. The new vehicle has longer chassis, carries more ammunition, and is better protected than the older 2S9 series systems. Mobility, rapid redeployment and air transportability are the key factors of this airborne artillery system.

The Lotos is armed with a 120 mm breech-loaded mortar. It is loaded manually by the loader. This artillery system can be used as mortar or howitzer, and deliver direct or indirect fire. It fires special 120 rifled rounds, developed for Russian mortar systems, such as the previous 2S9 Nona-S, and any 120 mm mortar mines. Developers claim that the Lotos will also use newly developed rounds that are more deadly. Maximum range of fire is up to 13 km using rifled rounds. Minimal rate of fire is 1 km. The previous 2S9 Nona-S proved to be effective in mountainous terrain during Soviet War in Afghanistan and both Chechen wars. It could engage targets, that were not accessible to ordinary guns and howitzers, because of elevation range.

The Lotos can engage armored vehicles. Its armor-piercing round penetrates a 600-650 mm steel plate at a range of 1 000 m. It is also compatible with the Kitolov-2M laser-guided rounds. These have a maximum range of 10 km and a hit probability of around 80-90%.

Maximum rate of fire is claimed to be 6-8 rounds per minute. It is claimed that a total of 40 rounds of ammunition are carried for the main gun.

The Lotos is significantly heavier than the previous Nona-S and is claimed to be more survivable. It is estimated that its front arc withstands 12.7 mm round and all-round protection is against to 7.62 mm rounds and artillery shell splinters. Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

The Lotos has a brief reaction and redeployment time. It takes only 30 seconds to prepare vehicle for firing from traveling order. Also 30 seconds is enough to leave the firing position in order to avoid counter-battery fire.

For self-defense the Lotos is fitted with a remotely controlled weapon station, armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun. Also there are banks of smoke grenade dischargers that can set up a smoke screen.

This artillery system is operated by a crew of 4, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.

The 2S42 Lotos artillery system uses a modified chassis of a 2S25 Sprut-SD or the newer Sprut-SDM-1 airborne light tank. It is claimed that this vehicle is powered by a 450 hp engine. Most likely it is a 2V-06-2 diesel used on the Russian BMD-4 airborne combat vehicle. It is less powerful than that of the airborne light tank. Engine compartment is located at the rear. Vehicle has a hydropneumatic suspension with adjustable ground clearance. Maximum road speed is up to 70 km/h. Maximum off-road speed is up to 30-40 km/h. The 2S42 Lotos is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by 2 waterjets. Vehicle is sea worthy up to a Sea State 3.

A Russian Il-76 military transport aircraft can carry two of these light tanks. This artillery system can be airdropped with the crew on board.

A new airborne artillery fire control vehicle is being developed in Russia to support the Lotos mortar systems. It will provide targeting data.

2S42 Lotos
120 mm Self-Propelled Mortar System

2S42 Lotos
120 mm Self-Propelled Mortar System

2S42 Lotos
120 mm Self-Propelled Mortar System

2S42 Lotos
120 mm Self-Propelled Mortar System

2S42 Lotos
120 mm Self-Propelled Mortar System

2S42 Lotos
120 mm Self-Propelled Mortar System

http://www.military-today.com/artillery/2s42_lotos.htm