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 artillery systems were built. The 2S9 Nona-S was successfully used during the Soviet war in Afghanistan and both Chechen wars. After collapse of the Soviet Union these self-propelled mortars were passed on to successor states. Currently Russia operates around 500 of these artillery systems. Other operators are Azerbaijan, Belarus (54), Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan (12), Ukraine (64) and Uzbekistan (60).

   The 2S9 Nona-S is armed with a 2A51 120 mm 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 with rifled rounds and 400 m with mines. The Nona-S can engage armored vehicles. Its armor-piercing round penetrates 600-650 mm steel plate at a range of 1 000 m. 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 and both Chechen Wars. 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 a 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, specially developed for naval infantry units. Its ammunition load was increased from 25 to 40 rounds. Production commenced in 1988.

   2S9-1M Nona-SM is an upgraded version of the airborne 2S9 Nona-S, fitted with a new fire control system, satellite navigation system. Its production commenced in 2007. Previous 2S9 Nona-S systems are being upgraded to the 2S9-1M Nona-SM standard. Also the and 2S9-1 Sviristelka systems and being refitted with similar fire control systems.

   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.

   2S42 Lotos is a recent Russian development. It was first publicly revealed in 2019. It was designed to replace the older 2S9 Nona-S, 2S9-1 Sviristelka and 2S9-1M Nona-SM systems in service with the Russian military. The new system has longer chassis, carries more ammunition and is better protected. Its production is scheduled to begin in 2020. It will replace the venerable 2S9 Nona-S in service with airborne and naval infantry units.

   China introduced a couple of artillery systems that utilize this Soviet technology of the 120 mm breech-loaded mortar.