The first batch of Russia’s 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV 152 mm self-propelled howitzer (SPH) has completed its preliminary company trials ahead of factory tests and official trials with the Russian Ground Forces, the Ministry of Defence’s TV Zvezda reported on 31 December.
Russia’s 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV SPH (pictured at Army 2018) has completed its preliminary company trials. (Jane’s/Mark Cazalet)
The report states that the SPH’s 2A88 152 mm/L52 gun was tested in four stages: the first “warm-up” shot, followed by two fired with enhanced charges, after which the howitzer fired four to eight rounds at a single target.
An experimental batch of four vehicles has been produced by UralTransMash, a subsidiary of UralVagonZavod (UVZ). UVZ’s 2018 annual report stated that development of the 2S35’s component parts had been completed, although the TASS news agency reported in 2015–17 that the system would be in service by 2017.
The 2S35 is expected to replace the 2S19 Msta-S SPH in Russian service, TV Zvezda reported. In a documentary on the vehicle, the channel claims that it has a maximum rate of fire of 16 rds/min and a range of 70 km with rocket-assisted ammunition.
The SPH is fitted with an automatic loading system allowing a high rate of fire, as well as a water-cooling system that sprays the breech of the gun between shots. As with the T-14 Armata main battle tank, the crew of three is seated abreast at the front of the hull, leaving the turret uninhabited.
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