Soldier355
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Russian developers TsNIITochmash continue testing the Lotos self-propelled guns; the unit may soon enter service with the troops. Preliminary tests of the airborne 120-mm self-propelled gun 2S42 were carried out back in 2023; the self-propelled gun is being developed for airborne and marine units. The 2S42 Lotos self-propelled gun is designed to replace the existing 2S9 Nona-S self-propelled guns and will complement the family of the new Vena self-propelled guns and Phlox self-propelled guns, which we previously showed. It is worth noting that the Vena self-propelled gun is a more advanced solution, but also more expensive. The Lotos self-propelled gun is made on the basis of the BMD-4M with an extended hull and the addition of two rollers on the chassis, this reduces the cost of production and simplifies maintenance. The self-propelled gun has a 120 mm gun that combines the properties of a cannon, howitzer and mortar; it can also use “Kitolov” guided projectiles. The self-propelled gun turret has a highly automated fighting compartment, the rate of fire of the 2S42 “Lotos” is up to 8 rounds per minute, at a range of up to 13 km, the “simultaneous fire attack” firing mode is used. Ammunition - about 40 shots. To protect the crew, a 7.62 mm Kalashnikov tank machine gun is used. The Lotos self-propelled gun has a mass of 18 tons and reaches a speed of up to 70 km/h, with a cruising range of at least 500 km. The combat crew of the vehicle is four people.