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2S5 Giatsint-S 152-mm Self-Propelled Gun

The 152-mm self-propelled gun 2S5 (previously known as M1981) is an unturreted gun mounted on a six-roadwheeled tracked chassis similar to that of the 152-mm self-propelled howitzer 2S3. The nuclear-capable 2S5, along with its towed counterpart M1976, replaced the 130-mm field gun M-46 in gun battalions organic to artillery regiments and brigades at front and army level. It was fielded in 1981 and was deployed with Soviet forces in Eastern Europe during 1982. This deployment was part of an upgrade of Soviet nuclear and conventional theater forces and indicates the importance Soviet doctrine places on the capability to deliver low-yield nuclear strikes relatively close to Soviet forces. The 2S5 152-mm Self-Propelled Gun is more powerful, has a longer range and a higher rate of fire than the 2S3. However, the 2S5 has a limited main armament traverse and a narrower elevation range than the 2S3.

The all-welded steel armor chassis of the 2S5 has a maximum thickness of about 15-mm, providing the crew with some protection from small arms fire and shell splinters. A front-mounted dozer blade is used for clearing obstacles and preparing firing positions, in accordance with standard Russian doctrine, without the need for specialized engineer support [in constrast, American doctrine stresses mobility for survivability]. A large rear-mounted spade dig into the ground providing a more stable platform when the deployed in the firing position. A 7.62-mm machine gun mounted on the forward part of the cupola can be operated remotely, and a white light searchlight being mounted on the left side. The commander is provided with periscopes and other viewing devices. Standard equipment for the 2S5 includes an NBC system and infra-red night equipment for the driver and commander.

The long barrel of the 152-mm main gun is mounted externally to the rear, and is held in position by a travel lock when traveling. It is fitted with a five part multi-baffle muzzle brake. Crew fatigue is reduced by a semi-automatic loading system consisting of an electrically driven chain rammer left of the breech, a projectile tray and a charge tray. The projectile and charge are loaded in the trays and then swung upwards through almost 90° where the rammer rams the projectile then the charge. When not in operation the loading system folds back 90° parallel to the breech and the projectile and charge-loading system, which pivots on the right side.

The 2S5 takes three minutes to set up for action and about as long to secure for movement. A unit of fire is 60 rounds, and the mechanical ammunition-handling system enables a maximum rate of fire of 5-6 rounds/minute to be achieved. Ammunition is of the separate projectile and charge type, which can be supplied from on board via the rear of the vehicle or from the ground. A total of 30 rounds is carried, with projectiles stowed vertically in a carousel on the left of the rear compartment. The 30 propellant charges on the right in three rows of 10, stowed vertically on a horizontal conveyor belt that runs under the floor of the vehicle. The propellant charge consists of a cartridge case, and after firing the breech automatically opens and ejects the spent cartridge case.

The maximum range firing conventional ammunition is 28500-meters, while a range of 40,000-meters can be achieved using a rocket-assisted projectile. The standard high explosive fragmentation projectile weighs 46 kg, with propellant and cartridge weighing up to 34 kg. Other types of ammunition include chemical, concrete-piercing, improved conventional munitions and tactical nuclear.

Specifications

Alternative Designations 152-mm 2S5 Giatsint-S
Date of Introduction 1981
Proliferation At least 4 countries
Description
Crew 5 (section of 7 with 2 in ammo carrier)
Platform (chassis) Modified 2S3
Combat Weight (mt) 28.2
Chassis Length Overall (m) 8.33
Height Overall (m) 2.76
Width Overall (m) 3.25
Automotive Performance
Engine Type 520-hp V-59-V-12 multi-fuel diesel
Cruising Range (km) 500 km
Speed (km/h)
Max Road 63
Max Off-Road 25
Cross-Country INA
Max Swim 4.5
Fording Depths (m) 1.05
Emplacement Time (min) 2
Displacement Time (min) 1
Radio R-123M
Protection
Armor, Turret (mm) INA
Armor Turret Top (mm) 15
Armor Hull (mm) 15
Self-Entrenching Blade Yes
NBC Protection System Yes
Smoke Equipment None
ARMAMENT
Main Armament
Caliber, Type, Name 152-mm, canon, 2A37
Barrel Length (cal) 52
Rate of Fire (rpm)
Burst 6
Normal 5
Sustained 1-2
Fire from Ground INA
Loader Type Semi-automatic
Breech Type Horizontal sliding wedge
Muzzle Brake Type Multi baffle
Traverse (°)
Left 15
Right 15
Total 30
Elevation (°) (-/+) -2/+57°
Caliber, Type, Name 7.62-mm machinegun PKT
Mount Type Bow (ball-mounted)
Direct Fire Range (m) 1000
Max Effective Range (m)`
Day 1000 /400-500 on the move
Night 800
Fire on Move Yes
Rate of Fire (rpm) 650 (cyclic)
FIRE CONTROL
Indirect Fire PG-1M Panoramic Telescope (PANTEL)
Direct Fire N/A
Collimator K-1
Gun Display Unit None
Fire Control Computer None
VARIANTSNone
MAIN ARMAMENT AMMUNITION
Caliber, Type, Name
152-mm Frag-HE, OF-39
Indirect Fire Range (m)
Minimum Range 9100
Maximum Range 28,400
Complete Projectile Weight (kg) 43.51 (OF-29)
Muzzle Velocity 945 m/s
Fuze Type V-429 PD 152-mm, HEAT, BP-540 Direct Fire Range (m)
Minimum Range 0
Maximum Range 1000
Armor Penetration (mm) INA
Complete Projectile Weight (kg) 27.00
Muzzle Velocity 655 m/s
Fuze Type GPV-3 PD 152-mm Frag-HE, OF-86 Indirect Fire Range (m)
Minimum Range INA
Maximum Range 30,500
Complete Projectile Weight (kg) 43.8 (OF-59)
Muzzle Velocity 945 m/s
Fuze Type V-429 PD
Other Ammunition Types DPICM, DPICM-BB, Incendiary, Chemical, Flechette, Semi-active laser-guided Krasnopol-M Frag-HE

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http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/2s5.htm
Maintained by Robert Sherman
Originally created by John Pike
Updated Saturday, June 19, 1999 6:37:33 AM