122 mm self-propelled howitzer Gvozdika

The 2S1 "Gvozdika" is a Soviet 122-mm self-propelled artillery system based on the MT-LB chassis, designed to destroy enemy personnel, artillery batteries, and fortifications, as well as to clear passages through minefields and obstacles.

Serial production of the system began at the Kharkiv Tractor Plant named after S. Ordzhonikidze in 1971 and lasted until the early 1990s.

After World War II, the importance of self-propelled artillery in local conflicts became apparent. Therefore, from 1947 to 1953, research was conducted to create new self-propelled howitzers. However, in 1955, at the direction of Nikita Khrushchev, most of the work on self-propelled artillery was halted. Later, the Soviet Ministry of Defense concluded that a strategic nuclear war was unlikely, as it would lead to the destruction of both warring parties. Instead, the more realistic scenario was local conflicts using tactical nuclear weapons. In such conflicts, self-propelled artillery had a clear advantage over towed artillery.

With the resignation of Nikita Khrushchev, work on the creation of self-propelled artillery in the USSR resumed. In 1965, Soviet troops conducted large-scale exercises at the Lviv training grounds using artillery pieces from World War II. The results of the exercises showed that the self-propelled artillery systems in service did not meet the requirements of modern combat. In order to eliminate the gap between Soviet self-propelled artillery and that of NATO countries, in 1967, Resolution No. 609-201 of the CPSU Central Committee and the USSR Council of Ministers of July 4 was issued. In accordance with this resolution, the development of a new 122-mm self-propelled howitzer for the Soviet Army's land forces officially began.

Research Institute-100 had previously carried out research work to determine the appearance and basic characteristics of the new self-propelled howitzer. In the course of the research, three variants of the self-propelled gun were developed. The first one is based on the chassis of the Object 124 (in turn, created on the basis of SU-100P), the second one is based on the MT-LB multipurpose transporter-tractor, and the third one is based on the BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle.

In all versions, the main weapon was a 122-mm howitzer with D-30 ballistics.

As a result of the work, it was found that the chassis of the Object 124 had excessive load capacity and weight, and the vehicle would lose the ability to force water obstacles by swimming. The MT-LB chassis lacked stability when firing and the required level of permissible loads on the vehicle's chassis. The best option was the chassis of the BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle, but P.P. Isakov managed to get a ban on the use of the BMP-1 as a base vehicle. Therefore, it was decided to use the extended and modified base of the MT-LB multipurpose transporter-tractor as the chassis. The resulting developments formed the basis of the design development project called “Gvozdika” (MMAC index - 2C1). The Gvozdika was to be used by artillery battalions of motorized rifle regiments to replace the 122-mm howitzers M-30 and D-30.

The main developer of the 2S1 was the Sergo Ordzhonikidze Kharkiv Tractor Plant, while the 2A31 howitzer (factory designation D-32) was designed by OKB-9. In August 1969, the first four experimental 2S1 SPGs arrived for testing. The tests revealed a high level of gas contamination in the fighting compartment. At the same time, a similar situation arose with the 152 mm self-propelled howitzer 2S3. This led to the development of bagged versions of the howitzers. Based on the 2A31, the 122 mm howitzer D-16 with bagged loading was developed. Instead of a wedge breech, a chain rammer and charges in the shell, the D-16 used a piston breech, pneumatic rammer, and bagged charges. However, tests showed that the drawbacks of the new D-16 howitzer were similar, as the flamboyance of the shots remained the same, while the same grouping and firing range were maintained. In addition, inconvenience was found when working with charge packs, as well as design flaws in the pneumatic rammer, which resulted in the firing rate remaining at the level of the base gun. Further refinement of the D-16 design led to the creation of a modernized model under the index D-16M, which showed an increase in firing range with fragmentation-high-explosive shells to 18 km, thanks to an increased chamber and the use of more powerful bagged charges.

In 1971, the results of research on the cartridge variant of 122mm and 152mm howitzers were analyzed at 3 Central Research and Development Institutes (CRDI) under the "Development" program. Despite the obtained results, 3 CNII concluded that further research on the cartridge variant of 2A31 howitzer was not feasible. The main reason was the absence of a technical solution at that time, which would allow the creation and introduction of reliable and safe charges in a rigid cartridge or a burning case. The scientific and technical knowledge gained from the research was recommended to be used in creating new 122mm high-explosive fragmentation shells with improved aerodynamic shape. The problem of gas contamination of the combat compartment of the 2S1 self-propelled artillery unit was solved by using a more powerful ejector and cases with improved obturation. In 1970, after further improvements, the 2S1 "Gvozdika" self-propelled artillery unit was accepted for service in the Soviet army by the decree of the CPSU Central Committee and the Council of Ministers of the USSR No. 770-249 of September 14. In 1972, the state tests of the 4P134 parachute platform were carried out, and it was accepted for service. This platform had a flight weight with a cargo of up to 20.5 tons. Using the five-point parachute system PS-9404-63R, it was planned to carry out airborne operations with 2S1 self-propelled howitzers.

The system consisting of the 4P134 platform, the PS-9404-63R parachute system, and the 2S1 self-propelled howitzer underwent a full cycle of testing, but did not enter service with the VDV due to the development of the 2S2 "Violet" 122mm self-propelled howitzer. The self-propelled howitzer 2S1 received its baptism of fire during the war in Afghanistan. The tactics of its use involved deploying 2S1 batteries following assault groups and destroying detected enemy firing points with direct fire. This tactic significantly reduced the losses of Soviet troops. During escorting in difficult terrain, fire support was provided by special reserve batteries of 2S1. The command of 2S1 batteries was carried out by commanders and artillery platoons, which provided reinforcement to motorized rifle battalions and companies. One of the most famous episodes of the use of 2S1 was the operation to capture the Shingar and Haki-Safed regions. In 1986, 2S1 were used during the offensive in the province of Kandahar. The self-propelled howitzer platoons provided fire support to the battalions. In total, during the offensive, the 2S1 platoon destroyed 7 enemy targets. Overall, the results of the first combat use of 2S1 were positive.