ADEX 2018 Defence Exhibition outdoor area is, once again, especially highlighting a handful of rarely seen defense projects. Beside the ATMOS M-46 SPH we talked about yesterday, the Russian vehicle manufacturer Military Industrial Company (VPK) is presenting not less than six different variants of its famous Tigr 4x4 light amoured vehicles. Among them is a new mortar-carrier variant showcased for the first time outside of Russia.

The Tigr-M mortar carrier variant introduced at ADEX 2018
(Picture source Army Recognition)

In its basic configuration, the 2S12 mortar system consists of a 120mm 2B11 mortar, 2L81 wheeled carriage, single SPTA kit for mortar and a transport vehicle. The whole system is now installed in a single vehicle, with the mortar system replacing the troops compartment at the rear of the Tigr-M. The vehicle is operated by a crew of four and can convey up to 56 rounds in the rear compartment. The 2S12 Sani mortar can fire up to 10 rounds per minut within a maximum firing range of 7 km. It can fire HE, smoke, illuminating or incendiary rounds.

This new mortar carrier vehicle "is designed to destroy or suppress manpower and weapons located in open field or protected positions. Due to the significant capacity of the rounds, high rate of fire and outstanding mobility on the SBM VPK-233136 chassis, the complex is able to render the troops efficient and timely fire support," said VPK at ADEX 2018.

The layout of the legacy Tigr-M GAZ-233114 is standard with the engine at the front, the crew seats in the middle, and the troop’s compartment at the rear. It is motorized with the Russian-made YaMZ-5347-10 diesel engine compliant with Euro 4 environmental friendliness standard. Other special purpose variants include the Tigr Kornet-EM, which carries the Kornet-EM Multipurpose missile system, and the Tigr-M MKTK REI PP mobile electronic warfare vehicle equipped with Leer-2 EW system.