2S9 Nona-S

   The 2S9 Nona-S self-propelled mortar system was developed for use by the Soviet air assault divisions. This light and airdroppable vehicle entered service with the Soviet Army in 1981. The 2S9 Nona-S was first seen in public in 1985. It is estimated that around 1 000 of these vehicles were built. The 2S9 Nona-S was successfully used during the Soviet war in Afghanistan and both Chechen wars.

   The 2S9 Nona-S is armed with a 120-mm 2A51 breach loaded mortar. It is compatible with rifled rounds, specially developed for this artillery system, 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 7.1 km with mines. Minimal firing  range is 1.7 km firing rounds and 400 m, firing mines. The Nona-S can engage armored vehicles. It's armor-piercing round penetrates 600 - 650 mm steel plate at 1 000 m range. It is also compatible with the Kitolov-2 precision guided munitions. The Kitolov-2 laser-guided round has a maximum range of 9 km and a hit probability of 80 - 90%.

   The Nona-S artillery system proved to be effective in mountainous terrain during the Soviet war in Afghanistan. It could engage targets, that were not accessible to ordinary guns and howitzers, because of elevation range.

   Thin aluminum armor of the 2S9 Nona-S provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

   Vehicle has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.

   The 2S9 Nona-S uses modified chassis of the BTR-D air assault transporter. Vehicle is powered by the 5D20 diesel engine, developing 240 hp. This artillery system is fitted with hydropneumatic suspension and has adjustable ground clearance from 110 to 450 mm. The 2S9 Nona-S is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets. This artillery system can be airlifted by An-12, An-22, or Il-76 military cargo aircraft. It can be airdropped, using a parachute system.

Variants

   2S9-1 Sviristelka, variant of the 2S9, developed for naval infantry units. It's ammunition load was increased to 40 rounds;

   2B16 Nona-K, towed variant of the Nona-S for the ground forces. It was accepted to service with the Soviet Army in 1986;

   2B18 Nona-M experimental towed mortar;

   2S23 Nona-SVK, variant of the Nona-S for the land forces. It is based on the BTR-80 APC chassis and is fitted with improved 2A60 gun/mortar;

   2S31 Vena, further development of the 2S9, based on the BMP-3 IFV chassis. Vehicle is fitted with longer barrel for increased range of fire.