Twin-Barrel Self-propelled Howitzer Prototype or Koalitsija-SV

[rock127]

Twin Barrel Self-propelled Howitzer Prototype or Koalitsija-SV

The 2S35 Koalitsija-SV (coalition) is a prototype twin-barrel self-propelled howitzer. The first demonstrator of this unique artillery system was completed in 2006 and uses a number of components from the 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzer. However production variant of this new SPH will look differently. The Koalitsija-SV is intended to replace the ageing Russian 152-mm artillery systems.

The twin-barrel Koalitsija-SV has a high rate of fire comparing with current artillery systems. It might be around 16 rounds per minute. This artillery system will be fitted with two 152- or 155-mm howitzers. Vehicle has a fully-automatic ammunition handling and loading systems. Two barrels have a number of other advantages comparing with usual self-propelled howitzers. The Koalistsija-SV is more reliable as both guns have associated autoloaders and if one of them fails, another keeps on firing. This SPH uses both barrels in quick succession, so the guns do not overheat and have a twice longer service life. The Koalitsija-SV can load both barrels at any inclination angles. This SPH is capable of multiple round simultaneous impact firing. It can also launch two precision-guided rounds, that will hit two different targets simultaneously.

The Koalitsija-SV will have an automatic targeting and charge selection system.The demonstrator vehicle has a crew of 5, however production Koalitsija-SV will have a high level of automation. It's crew will consists of only two men, located in a well protected compartment at the front of the hull.

Demonstrator of the Koalitsija-SV uses a modified Msta-S chassis, however production self-propelled howitzer will have a new tracked chassis. Production vehicles will be also fitted with larger turret.

 

[Damian]

This is older and most probably cancelled project, new SPH also codenamed Koalitsija as far as I know, will have a single barrel and will be more compact, based of course on "Armata" platform.

 

[rock127]

This is older and most probably cancelled project, new SPH also codenamed Koalitsija as far as I know, will have a single barrel and will be more compact, based of course on "Armata" platform.

Any idea about the reason it got cancelled? It says high rate of firing and dual reliability in case one barrel fails etc.

 

[Damian]

Any idea about the reason it got cancelled? It says high rate of firing and dual reliability in case one barrel fails etc.

First imagine how complex this thing must be, autoloader itself capable to feed both barrels with projectiles and propelant charges, then think how heavy this thing is, both gun howitzers, their autoloaders, their mount, everything this is bigger and heavier than one barreled version.

Now think about training of crews and maintnance personell, about maintnance in the field.

Oh and costs, I doubt this thing can be called cheap.

I would preffer to have a single, yet accurate barrel, and really, to have good rounds per minute rate, you do not need such overcomplex design.

 

[hest]

It is not correct, Koalitsya was not intended to be twin-barrelled, there was a requirement to meet characteristics and this was developed as a research project. Now it is reported to employ liquid cooled barrel which compared with current systems (Msta, PzH 2000, etc) would give it higher fire rate and at extended range.

They are also researching guns working on different physical principles, some was tested recently Для Минобороны изобрели электрохимическую пушку - ВПК.name

 

[The Last Stand]

Advantages:

Higher rate of fire.
More reliability.
More firepower.
More rounds fired before barrel replacement.

Disadvantages:

Lesser ammunition for each gun (twice the ammunition has to be carried by trucks.)
More spare parts.
More maintenance.
Much more costlier production.
More technical expertise needed in time of war.
Chassis wears out quicker.

 

[AVERAGE INDIAN]

There is logic to both sides of the massive firepower in a large package versus the firepower in many small packages. I am fairly certain from looking at it that the barrels cannot be independantly aimed. So you can rapidly fire a salvo, but are not able to engage two targets seperately. You have a larger heavier more complicated system so while it will be less expensive that a pair of single barreled system it is not 1/2 the cost. A pair of equally modern single barreled artillery pieces will be able to have a faster rate of fire if you are going just for single target firing. You will with any reasonable design have better ammo storage with 2 units over one, if you aren't trying for pure massed fire you have a the ability to engage in multiple area's with 2 guns and the better survivability. I won't claim to be an artillery specialist and I can see a place for such a weapon ( obviously and no one would waste the resources to build preproduction testbeds if there wasn't) I don't see huge numbers of dual barreled cannons taking the place of single barreled artillery pieces. It is going to eat a little less fuel but the heavier chassis probably means that is is using at least 2/3rds and probably more like 3/4ths of the fuel the manpower issue is far more significant at 3 men minimum per self propelled howitzer chassis. most of the time the second barrel will be something of a waste however since you can't spred out the two barrels and you aren't continuously fire huge numbers of shells in a time sensitive manner.

 

[bhramos]

Unknown gun

 

[Damian]

Unknown gun

This is not unknown gun, it is AMOS twin barreled gun-mortar.