The gorse tricks. Self-propelled mortars based on Typhoon-VDV will appear in 2022
The first batch of the newest 82-mm self-propelled mortars 2С41 “Drok” will be delivered for trial operation to the troops in 2022. Currently, prototypes of these weapons are in the final stage of preliminary tests. In the same year, it is planned to complete state tests of weapons. AiF.ru understood the technical characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of the new mortar.
Drok is a self-propelled mortar designed to support airborne assault units. It was created on the basis of the Typhoon-VDV armored vehicle, which has bulletproof and mine protection. The main armament of the Drok is an 82-mm smoothbore mortar. Auxiliary – 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun. In addition, it is equipped with optical-electronic countermeasures to enemy weapons.
The mortar barrel is mounted on recoil devices in a tower with mechanized guidance drives. It is also equipped with a modern fire control system, which provides the calculation of data for firing. All operations to prepare for a shot are carried out from the fighting compartment, while some of the tasks are taken over by automation.
The mortar can fire with conventional ammunition, as well as new mines with increased power and range. Shooting is possible from the fighting compartment of the vehicle and from the ground. The firing range is from 100 meters to 6 km, the firing rate is about 12 rounds per minute, it is brought to alert in 40 minutes. The Drok has a crew of four.
The safety level of the crew has been increased due to the refusal to fire through the open upper hatch: on the Drok, the mortar is located in the armored turret. The system with a machine gun will allow you to fight off the enemy in a direct collision. An important feature of the Drok, which gives advantages in certain situations, is the ability to dismantle the barrel and fire from open positions. For this, the armored car transports a base plate and a biped.
The concept of a self-propelled mortar on a serial chassis is not new, but in current conditions its importance is increasing. The development of artillery systems and reconnaissance means increases the risks for mortars. A portable or towed mortar with a tractor and crew can become a victim of retaliation, and therefore mortars need a mobile and protected platform.
Military experts criticize Drok, but not strongly. The criticism is related to the relative complexity of the project and the high cost of the combat vehicle. An armored car with a special turret and mortar is much more expensive than portable and transportable 82-mm systems with a different carrier – a truck or an unarmored vehicle. The high price is smoothed out by the fact that this provides an increase in survivability and combat qualities, and simplifies landing.
Also, a significant part of self-propelled mortars, including domestic ones, are equipped with 120 mm barrels. As a result, in terms of fire characteristics, they are superior to the Drok. However, it must be taken into account that the Airborne Forces need systems of different calibers.
The Drok complex is based on the Typhoon-VDV armored vehicle. Typhoon-VDV weighs up to 18 tons. The vehicle is protected by ceramic armor, thanks to which its body can withstand detonation from four to six kilograms of TNT. The design provides for all the basic means and methods of protecting the crew from the negative effects of the explosion. In particular, the crew and troops are accommodated in energy-absorbing seats.
The armored car is equipped with a KamAZ-650.10-350 engine with a capacity of 350 hp. and an automatic transmission. The suspension is made on the basis of hydropneumatic shock absorbers. The maximum speed of the car reaches 100 km / h, the cruising range is 1200 km, the capacity is 7 people. The combat weight of the armored car in the basic configuration is 13.5 tons.
This armored combat vehicle can carry personnel and cargo, providing them with a high level of security.
