2S3 Akatsiya

   Development of the 2S3 Akatsiya (Acacia) 152-mm self-propelled howitzer began in 1967. It was a response to appearance of the US M109 self-propelled howitzer. First prototypes were completed in 1968. It entered service with the Soviet Army in 1971. The first significant batch of 70 vehicles was delivered in 1973. It was produced in large numbers until production ceased in 1993. The 2S3 Akatsiya is currently in service with a number of countries.

   The Akatsiya is fitted with the D-22 152-mm / L27 howitzer, which is a modified variant of the D-20 towed gun-howitzer. The 2S3 is fitted with a load assisting system. Maximum rate of fire is only 3 - 4 rounds per minute. This howitzer can fire 30 rounds in 10 minutes or 75 rounds per hour. The Akatsiya is compatible with all 152-mm munitions developed for the D-20, ML-20 and D-1 towed artillery systems. These include AP-tracer, HE-FRAG, HEAT, illumination and nuclear projectiles. Improved variant, the 2S3M is also capable of firing Krasnopol precision guided projectiles. Maximum range of fire is 17.4 km. Maximum range of direct fire is 4 km. Usually a total of 40 rounds are carried. These include 36 HE-FRAG rounds and 4 HEAT rounds.

   Secondary armament consists of remotely controlled 7.62-mm machine gun, mounted on top of the roof.

   The 2S3 has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver. Two additional ammunition handlers are attached, when firing ground ammunition.

   All-welded steel armor of the Akatsiya provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

   The 2S3 Akatsiya uses a modified tracked chassis of the Krug (SA-4 Ganef) surface-to-air missile system. Vehicle is powered by a V-59 diesel engine, developing 520 hp. Two self-propelled howitzers of this type can be airlifted by the An-22 military cargo aircraft.

Variants

   2S3M, improved variant produced in 1975-1987. It has a magazine capacity of 46 rounds. This artillery system is capable of firing Krasnopol precision guided projectiles;

   2S3M1, upgrade of the 2S3M, fitted with datalink. It was produced in 1987-1993. All surviving 2S3 self-propelled artillery systems were upgraded to the 2S3M1 standard.