2S5 Giatsint

   Development of the 2S5 Giatsint (Hyacinth)152-mm self-propelled gun began in 1968 together with the 2A36 Giatsint-B towed gun of the same caliber. Both guns have similar ballistics and use the same ammunition. The 2S5 entered service with the Soviet Army in 1976. Production commenced the same year and ceased in the early 1990s. Currently it is in service with Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. The 2S5 Giatsint was only exported to Finland, locally designated as the 152 TELAK 91.

   The 2S5 Giatsint is fitted with a turretless 152-mm / L54 gun. This gun is completed with load assisting system. Maximum rate of fire is 5 - 6 rounds per minute. The Giatsint fires ordinary and rocket-assisted HE-FRAG projectiles, HEAT, cluster and smoke projectiles. Maximum range of fire with ordinary HE-FRAG projectile is 28.4 km, and up to 33 km with rocket assisted projectile. Some sources claim that the 2S5 is capable of firing 0.1 - 2 kT nuclear projectiles. Full ammunition load consists of 60 rounds, however only 30 of them are carried by the Giatsint. Other rounds are carried by the re-supply vehicle. It takes 3 minutes to prepare this artillery system for firing.

   Secondary armament consists of 7.62-mm machine gun. A shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile is carried inside the vehicle for protection against helicopters and low-flying aircraft.

   Hull of the Giatsint provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Front armor can withstand hits from small-bore automatic guns. In combat order it offers virtually no protection for the gun crew, as it's light shielding of the gun protects only the gunner.

   The 2S5 Giatsint uses a modified tracked chassis modified of the Krug (SA-4 Ganef) surface-to-air missile system. A similar chassis is also used for the 2S3 Akatsiya 152-mm self-propelled howitzer. Vehicle is powered by the V-59 diesel engine, developing 520 hp.