2S19 Msta-S

   The 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzer entered service with the Soviet Army in 1989. Currently it is in service with Russia, Belarus, Georgia, Ukraine and Venezuela.

   It is fitted with a 152-mm / L47 howitzer, which is similar to that used on the 2A65 Msta-B towed howitzer, additionally fitted with an semi-automatic loader and fume extractor. This gun can be loaded at any angle. Maximum rate of fire is 7-8 rounds per minute. The Msta-S is compatible with all standard 152-mm projectiles used by the D-20 towed gun-howitzer and 2S3 Akatsiya self-propelled howitzer. The 2S19 fires a wide range of munitions, including standard and rocket-assisted HE-FRAG projectiles, cluster projectiles with anti-tank submunitions, jammer carrying projectiles. It is capable of firing Krasnopol and Krasnopol-M precision guided munitions. Maximum range of fire is 24.7 km with standard HE-FRAG projectile and 28.9 with rocket-assisted projectile. The Krasnopol projectile has a maximum range of 20 km and a hit probability of 90%. A total of 50 rounds are carried inside the vehicle. This artillery system has a brief reaction time. It can stop and fire it's first round within 1-2 minutes from travelling.

   A separate conveyer in the rear of the turret allows loading of ground ammunition. Two additional crew members are required in order to fire using ground ammunition.

   Secondary armament of the 2S19 Msta-S SPH consists of remotely controlled 12.7-mm machine gun mounted on top of the roof. Vehicle is also fitted with smoke grenade dischargers.

   Hull ant turret of the Msta-S are welded from steel armor. It provides protection for the crew against small arms and artillery shell splinters. This artillery systenm is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

   Tracked chassis of the Msta-S SPH uses many components of the T-72 and T-80 main battle tanks. Hull of the Msta-S resembles that of the T-72 MBT, however it has significantly thinner armor. Vehicle is powered by a rear-mounted V-46-6 diesel engine, developing 780 hp. Some howitzers were fitted with a more powerful V-84A diesel engine, developing 840 hp. Additionally it is equipped with auxiliary power unit, which powers all systems, when the main engine is turned off. The Msta-S self-propelled howitzer is fitted with a deep wading kit. With preparation it fords water obstacles up to 5 m deep. Vehicle is also fitted with a self-entrenching blade.

Variants

   2S19M, fitted with computerized fire control system;

   2S19M1, fitted with a 155-mm / L52 howitzer, which meets a standard NATO requirements. This artillery system is intended for export customers. Maximum range of fire is 30 km with a standard projectile and 40 km with rocket-assisted projectile. A total of 46 rounds are carried.