2S7 Pion

   The 2S7 Pion 203-mm self-propelled gun entered service with the Soviet Army in late 1970s. Currently it is in service with Russia, Belarus, Georgia and Ukraine. It is the most powerful conventional artillery system in the world.

   The 2S7 Pion is armed with a powerful 203-mm gun, fitted with a load assisting system. It fires ordinary and rocket-assisted HE-FRAG projectiles, chemical and nuclear projectiles. Ordinary HE-FRAG projectile weights 110 kg and contains 17.8 kg of explosives. It has a maximum range of 37.5 km. The rocket-assisted projectile weights 103 kg and contains 13.8 kg of explosives. It has a maximum range of 47.5 kg. Ammunition load of the 2S7 Pion consists of only 8 rounds. Only 4 rounds are carried by this artillery system, remaining 4 rounds are carried by escorting vehicle. Maximum rate of fire is 1.5 rounds per minute.

   Brief out of action time allows Pion to fire 1 or 2 rounds and leave firing position before the first round hits target located 47 km away. This shoot-and-scoot capability allows to avoid counter-battery fire.

   The 2S7 Pion has a crew of 14, however 7 men are seated inside the vehicle and remaining are carried by escorting truck or armored personnel carrier.

   The 2S7 uses specially for this vehicle developed tracked chassis, with a number of automotive components of the T-72 and T-80 main battle tanks. It is powered by the V-46-1 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 750 horsepower. Vehicle is also fitted with auxiliary power unit, developing 24 hp and powering all systems when the main engine is shut down.

Variants

   2S7M Malka, improved variant of the 2S7 Pion, sometimes referred as Pion-M. It has improved rate of fire to 2.5 rounds per minute. It also carries more rounds for the main gun. The 2S7M Malka entered service with the Soviet Army in 1983.

   BTM-4 trench digger, based on Pion chassis.