2S4 Tyulpan

   The 2S4 Tyulpan (Tulip) self-propelled mortar was developed in the late 1960s. The first prototype was completed in 1969. It was accepted to service with the Soviet Army in 1971. Around 400 of these vehicles were built. It saw action in Afghanistan and Chechnya. Currently this self-propelled mortar is in service with Russia and possibly some other countries.

   Vehicle is fitted with externally-mounted 240 mm breach-laded mortar. It was developed from the M-240 towed mortar. The 2S4 fires all range of mines, developed for the M-240, including a High Explosive (HE), anti-armor and chemical. A standard HE shell weights 130 kg and has a maximum range of 9.6 km. Maximum range of fire is 19 km with rocket-assisted shells. The 2S4 is capable of firing laser-guided munitions. Originally the Tyulpan was also capable of firing ZBV4 shells with nuclear warheads. These also had a range of 9.6 km and 19 km with rocket assistance and were designed to destroy cities. At the end of the Cold War, Russia and United States deactivated their nuclear artillery units. By 2000 Russia reported that all nuclear artillery shells, including the ZBV4 shells for Tyulpan mortar, had been destroyed.

   The shells are stored in two automated drum-type storage areas. A total of 40 ordinary or 20 rocket-assisted shells are carried. It can also use ground ammunition. Due to large size of the weapon and weight of ammunition, maximum rate of fire is only one round per minute.

   Armor of this vehicle provides protection against small arms fire and artillery splinters. A 7.62 mm machine gun is mounted over commander's turret for self-defense.

   The 2S4 Tyulpan uses a modified tracked chassis of the Krug (Western reporting name SA-4 Ganef) surface-to-air missile system. A V-59 diesel engine, developing 520 hp, is located at the front.