2S23 Nona-SVK

   The 2S23 Nona-SVK self-propelled mortar system was developed in the late 80s. It is a variant of the tracked 2S9 Nona-S, which was designed for the Soviet air assault divisions. The 2S23 Nona-SVK was specially developed for the Soviet motorized infantry and uses an 8x8 wheeled chassis. First production vehicles were delivered in 1990. A small number of the 2S23 Nona-SVK mortar systems is currently in service with the Russian Army.

   The Nona-SVK fitted with a slightly different turret, than the 2S9 Nona-S. This mortar system is armed with a 120-mm 2A60 breech loaded mortar. It is a variant of the 2A51, used on the 2S9 Nona-S. Both vehicles use specially developed rifled rounds, and any 120-mm mortar mines. This mortar system can be used as mortar or howitzer, delivering direct or indirect fire. Maximum range of fire is 8.85 km with ordinary projectiles, 12.8 km with rocket assisted projectiles and 7.15 km with mines. Some sources claim, that a HE-FRAG projectile of the 2S23 is as effective as a standard 152-mm howitzer projectile. It's armor-piercing round penetrates 600 - 650 mm steel plate at 1 000 m range. The 2S23 Nona-SVK is also compatible with the Kitolov-2 precision guided munitions. These laser-guided rounds have a range of 9 km and a hit probability of 80 - 90%. Ammunition load was increased to 30 rounds. The Nona-SVK can also use ground ammunition.

   Secondary armament consists of remotely controlled 7.62-mm machine gun, mounted on top of the roof. The 2S23 Nona-SVK also carries four AKS-74 assault rifles, two Igla-1 surface-to-air missiles and 15 hand grenades.

   Front armor of the Nona-SVK provides protection against 12.7-mm projectiles. All-round protection is against 7.62-mm armor-piercing rounds and artillery shell splinters. The Nona-SVK is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

   Vehicle has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver. Crew enter and leave vehicle through hatches in the turret roof and above commander's and driver's station. Emergency hatch is provided between the second and third road wheels.

   The Nona-SVK is based on a modified BTR-80 armored personnel carrier chassis. Wheeled chassis of the 2S23 has a number of advantages over the 2S9 Nona-S, such as greater strategic mobility and lower life cycle costs. Vehicle is powered by the KamAZ-7403 diesel engine, developing 260 horsepower. It is fitted with central tyre inflation system. Run-flat tyres can also be fitted. The 2S23 Nona-SVK is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets. The Nona-SVK may also be used by Russian naval infantry units.