BM7201 2S3 AKATSIYA SPG

The first prototypes of the 2S3 Akacja self-propelled howitzer appeared in 1967, and the serial production of the car was carried out in 1971-1993. The 2S3 self-propelled howitzer was powered by a single 520 HP V-59 engine. The basic armament of the vehicle is: 152.4 mm D22 howitzer and 1 PKT machine gun, 7.62 mm. The 2S3 self-propelled howitzer was built on the chassis of the 2K11 Krug anti-aircraft defense system. A classic construction system is used, and the armor is welded from armor plates up to 30 mm thick. The maximum range of the HE shell is approximately 18,500 m. With the use of missile support, the range increased to approximately 24,000 m, but the firing accuracy suffered from it. It is worth noting that the 2S3 vehicle could fire Krasnopol-type laser guided missiles. Late production series of the 2S3 self-propelled howitzer were modernized, consisting in the use of new FCS (Fire Control System), a longer range radio station and an attempt to increase the rate of fire of the entire complex. The 2S3 self-propelled howitzer was widely exported to both the Warsaw Pact and the Third World countries. It also took part in numerous conflicts, including the Iraqi-Iran war (1980-1988), the war in Iraq in 1991 and 2003, both Russian-Chechen wars, and contemporary military operations in the Donbas. To this day, it is in service with the armies of many countries, mainly Ukraine and Russia.