2S3 Akatsiya
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| 2S3 Akatsiya | |
|---|---|
| Name | 2S3 Akatsiya |
| Caption | A 2S3 Akatsiya in a museum setting. |
| Type | Self-propelled howitzer |
| Origin | Soviet Union |
| Service | 1971–present |
| Used by | See #Operators |
| Wars | Soviet–Afghan War, First Chechen War, Second Chechen War, Russo-Georgian War, War in Donbas, Syrian Civil War, 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine |
| Designer | Uraltransmash |
| Manufacturer | Uraltransmash |
| Production date | 1971–1993 |
| Number | ~4,000 |
| Weight | 27.5 tonnes |
| Length | 8.40 m (hull) |
| Width | 3.25 m |
| Height | 3.05 m |
| Cartridge | Separate-loading charge and projectile |
| Calibre | 152.4 mm |
| Action | Breech-loading |
| Rate | 2–3 rpm (sustained) |
| Velocity | 655 m/s |
| Range | 18.5 km (standard); 24 km (with rocket-assisted projectile) |
| Primary armament | 152 mm 2A33 howitzer |
| Secondary armament | 7.62 mm PKT machine gun |
| Engine | V-59 V-12 diesel |
| Engine power | 520 hp |
| Pw ratio | 18.9 hp/tonne |
| Suspension | Torsion bar |
| Vehicle range | 500 km |
| Speed | 60 km/h |
2S3 Akatsiya. The 2S3 Akatsiya is a Soviet-designed 152 mm self-propelled howitzer that entered service in 1971. Developed by Uraltransmash to provide mobile artillery support for armored formations, it was a key component of the Soviet Army's artillery during the Cold War. The system saw extensive combat use in numerous conflicts following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Development and history
The development of the 2S3 Akatsiya began in the late 1960s as part of a broader Soviet effort to modernize its artillery forces. The design bureau at Uraltransmash was tasked with creating a vehicle that could keep pace with the new T-64 and T-72 main battle tanks. The project aimed to replace older towed systems like the D-20 howitzer and provide greater survivability and mobility. The first prototypes were tested in 1968, with the system officially adopted by the Soviet Army in 1971 after successful state trials. Its introduction coincided with that of other new self-propelled artillery, such as the 2S1 Gvozdika, significantly enhancing the firepower of Soviet motor rifle divisions and tank divisions.
Design and features
The 2S3 is based on a modified chassis of the GM-569 universal tracked vehicle, which also forms the basis for the 2K11 Krug missile system. Its fully enclosed, welded steel turret provides protection for the four-man crew against small arms fire and shell fragments. The primary armament is the 152 mm 2A33 howitzer, a derivative of the towed D-20 gun-howitzer, mounted in the turret. The vehicle carries 46 rounds of separate-loading ammunition, including high-explosive, cluster munition, and later, Krasnopol laser-guided projectiles. A 7.62 mm PKT machine gun is mounted on the commander's cupola for local defense. The powerplant is a 520 hp V-59 diesel engine, giving it a top road speed of 60 km/h and an operational range of 500 km.
Operational history
The 2S3 first saw combat with the Soviet Army during the Soviet–Afghan War, providing fire support for operations in mountainous terrain. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, it was widely used by successor states. Russian Ground Forces employed it extensively in the First Chechen War and Second Chechen War during urban battles in Grozny. It was also used by Russian forces during the Russo-Georgian War in 2008. The system has been a persistent presence in the conflict in Eastern Ukraine since 2014, used by both Ukrainian Armed Forces and Russian-backed separatist forces in the War in Donbas. It has also been deployed by the Syrian Arab Army in the Syrian Civil War and remains in active use by Russia in the ongoing 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Variants
* 2S3 (1971): Initial production model. * 2S3M (1975): Modernized version with an improved R-123 radio and modified ammunition stowage. * 2S3M1 (1987): Further upgrade featuring an automated fire control system, 1V116 intercom, and compatibility with the Krasnopol guided projectile. * 2S3M2 (2006): A Russian modernization package including new navigation systems, digital communications, and enhanced survivability features. * 2S3M3 (Proposed): A prototype with a new turret and an extended-range 152 mm gun, but not serialized. * So-152 (Ukrainian): A Ukrainian modernization by Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau, featuring a new engine and improved electronics.
Operators
Current operators
* : Several hundred in service with the Russian Ground Forces and Russian Naval Infantry. * : An estimated 150 systems inherited from the Soviet Union; some upgraded to So-152 standard. * : Approximately 150 units. * : Around 120 units. * : Estimated 46 units. * : Roughly 50 units delivered by Russia. * : Small number in service. * : Limited number. * : Unknown quantity. * : Some systems reported.
Former operators
* : Passed to successor states. * : Transferred to unified Germany and scrapped. * : Divided between successor states; most retired. * : All retired by the early 2000s. * : Used during the Iran–Iraq War and Gulf War; status unknown.
Category:Self-propelled artillery of the Soviet Union Category:152 mm artillery Category:Cold War artillery of the Soviet Union