Soviet experimental self-propelled howitzer 2A3 "Capacitor"

The most powerful self-Propelled gun 2A3 "Capacitor", started in 1954. The weapons were intended to eliminate a major military and industrial targets located in enemy territory. The work of the complex was calculated for the conventional and nuclear warheads. Suspension gun with eight setbacks have been based on T-10 M. the Power plant has also been borrowed from this technique, virtually unchanged, with minimal modifications.

Design and development

Fixture aiming and charging, as well as swinging mechanisms SAU 2A3 "Capacitor" was designed under the guidance of designer I. Ivanova. After testing, the system was assigned a work index SM-54. Aiming the gun horizontally was carried out by turning all self-propelled units, the accuracy of the sight is provided through the use of a special electric motor through the rotating mechanism. Elevation was adjusted by means of hydraulic lifting devices. The projectile weight was 570 kg, and the range of the projectile-25.6 km away.

Interesting facts

Given the fact that at that time a suitable chassis for the transportation of such heavy weapons in the USSR was not, the designers have designed and created vosniadou the main basis of the heavy tank T-10M, using advanced components and parts (site No. 271). The main attention is paid to developers of possibility of compensation of a considerable recoil. Received chassis was fitted with a movable idlers and hydraulic dampers. They were aimed at maximum leveling of returns. Engine-power Assembly to consider techniques borrowed from the T-10, making him literally just a couple of modifications.

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Test

In 1955, the plant number 221 work on the creation of combat vehicles 2A3 "Condenser" (406 mm) was officially completed. Experimental barrel ballistic SM-Э124 were tested for exposure used charges. Artillery guns were fully stocked in the late summer of the same year. The mounting structure on the chassis of the Kirov manufacturers was carried out until the end of December 1956.

Full-scale testing of self-propelled guns 2A3 was carried out from 1957 to 1959 Testing was performed at the Central military training ground, near Leningrad (“Rzhevskiy polygon”). The exercise was conducted jointly with the test of self-propelled mortar «Eye" (420 mm). Many experts were not sure that the new gun will have no consequences to worry about a shot of such power. However, the "Capacitor" relatively well tested in terms of mileage and carrying out shots.

At the initial stage of ACS were numerous problems associated with a variety of breakdowns. For example, when you volley with a gun SM-54, based on the ACS, the technician retreated a few meters back, despite the fact that “inside” she was in caterpillar. First shooting with start-up charges with simulated nuclear weapons led to the deformation of sloths, not to withstand heavy recoil guns. In addition, there have been cases of failure of the installation of the equipment, accompanied by a breakage of the mountings of the transmission box.

Features

After activating each shot from the system 2A3 "Capacitor" the designers carefully conducted survey of the material, revealing the most relaxed elements and nodes. Then they developed solutions to existing problems. In the end, the technique in question has been subjected to many improvements increasing the reliability and practicality of the gun. In addition to combat low capacity, ACS showed low levels of maneuverability and passability. All attempts to neutralize the cons of technology special result did not give.

And failed to fully compensate for the recoil, at which she retreated back a few meters. The angular deviation of the horizontal guidance is also not impressed. It is worth noting that weight more than 60 tons gun length 20 metres – not contributing to the operational preparation of the self-propelled installation armed with obtaining the maximum desired result. The specified accuracy of firing required not only accurate sighting, but also very careful training to be used as artillery positions. Charge the gun was in a horizontal position only, with the use of special tools.

Soviet experimental self-propelled artillery

In General, it was made 4 sample modification 2A3 "Capacitor". All instances presented in 1957 during the ceremonial March on red Square. Although the complex had a number of shortcomings and the skepticism of their use from a number of military journalists and experts, the installation could be used in a combat situation.

In connection with the parameters of a maneuverability and mobility, and not very high range, compared to a set of “Moon”, the new equipment was not delivered.

Analogue

Armed 2A3"Condenser" during a demonstration has not made such a furor as his competitor – self-propelled mortar type «Eye 21B” (“Transformer”). This monster had to be noted even in the pages of international magazines.

Work on the creation of such sverhuspeshnogo mortar was conducted in parallel with the development of a "Compensator". The main designer for the production of the considered weapons became B. Shavyrin. Development of the mortar crew heavy duty caliber was designed in 1955, it was conducted the best-known Soviet enterprises of the defence areas. For artillery equipment, for example, answered Kolomenskoe military Bureau, and in part the tracked self-propelled chassis – special Kirovskiy plant in Leningrad. Powerful and lethal, the trunk was developed in the factory "Barricades". The length of the guns amounted to almost 20 meters. The first “Transformer” was ready in 1957, work on its improvement continued until 1960, after which they were stopped (by the decision of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union). In some cases, if you believe certain sources, this development was conducted as conducting disinformation about the true geopolitical goals against the probable enemy.

Gun 2A3: description of the design

The Main armament of the considered complex is smoothbore mortar with a caliber of 420 millimeters, a length of 47.5 units for calibration. Mines are charged by institution of ammunition in the trunk part with the help of a crane, which significantly complicates the efficiency and mobility of the event.

Rate of fire this mortar – one shot in five minutes. This particular complex could be aggregated with a nuclear warhead that can make one tactical strike at any target types. Range of defeat – 47 km away.

For vertical guidance angle is 50 to 75 degrees, and in the vertical direction of the barrel can be moved by a hydraulic system in two stages: the General setup of the installation and accurate aiming using the electric drive.

Summary

In General, at the Kirov plant in Leningrad were collected 4 mortar “Eye” self-propelled type. They were presented at the military parade where many foreign experts and journalists talked about the fact that introducing weapons – is more frightening prototype than a real working system start the fire.