2S17 ‘Pion’

Tactical-Technical Specifications

Mass: 46.5 t;

Calibre: 203.2 mm;

Elevation:

- vertical: 0-60 °;

- horizontal: −15 + 15 °;

Maximum firing range: 37.5 km;

Minimum firing range: 8.4 km;

HE-frag shell weight: 110 kg;

Firing rate: up to 2.5 rpm;

Projectiles: 4;

Projectile types: HE, HE-frag, special;

Transfer to a firing position: 5 minutes;

Crew: 7;

Engine: 780 hp;

Maximum speed: 51 km/h;

Reserve distance: 500 km.

These weapons are so unique that they arouse interest even in people unrelated to military field. All crew members travel on the bodywork of the vehicle in movement. The body is divided into four parts. The front control compartment houses the commander, the driver-mechanic and one of the crew members. The engine-transmission unit is behind the control unit, with the accounting unit behind that. This unit houses the gunner and 3 crew members (2 in the updated version) with shell stowage. The rear compartment holds the folding support plate and the cannon of the self-propelled artillery unit.

The 2C7 has a 13 mm armour with an 8 mm double bulletproof inner lining.

The crew members inside the self-propelled unit are safe from the consequences of mass destruction weapons. The armour reduces radiation exposure three-fold.

Russia is considered the largest user of these weapons.

These weapons can also launch nuclear ammunition (‘special ammunition’ in military jargon).