2S43 Malva.

Technical Data

• Armament

  The 2S43 Malva is armed with a 152mm 2A64 howitzer, capable of firing various ammunition types, including high-explosive (HE) rounds, cluster munitions, precision-guided munitions like the Krasnopol-M1, and jamming rounds. The howitzer features a vertical sliding wedge breech and a double baffle muzzle brake. The 2S43 Malva is designed to operate efficiently in fully automatic mode, enhancing its effectiveness and reducing the workload on the crew. The howitzer is equipped with an automatic loading system that manages the loading of shells into the breech. This system allows for a high rate of fire, with the capacity to fire up to 8 rounds per minute in rapid succession. This process significantly reduces manual handling and speeds up the rate of fire. The onboard storage holds a mix of ammunition types, and the system is capable of handling all 152mm howitzer ammunition available in the Russian inventory, including rounds for older Soviet-era weapons like the D-20. The standard ammunition range is over 24 kilometers, which extends up to 29 kilometers with rocket-assisted projectiles. The Malva supports Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) operations and can carry a basic load of 30 rounds. Additionally, the Malva is equipped with a bank of 10 smoke grenade launchers for enhanced self-protection which is mounted at the front roof of the crew cab.

• Design and protection

  The 2S43 Malva features an open-top design with the howitzer mounted at the rear of the vehicle. Built on the BAZ-6010-027 8x8 truck chassis, the vehicle measures 13 meters in length, 2.75 meters in width, and 3.1 meters in height, with a combat weight of 32,000 kg. The crew of five, including the commander, driver, gunner, and two loaders, is housed in an armored cabin at the front. This cabin provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters.When operating in fully automatic mode, the crew inside the armored cabin utilizes the fire control system to manage targeting and firing procedures. The ballistic computer calculates firing solutions based on input from GPS navigation and automated targeting systems. Once target coordinates are received, the system can engage the target within 30 seconds. The crew monitors and adjusts parameters through advanced optics, including thermal imaging and night vision, ensuring accuracy in diverse environmental conditions.

• Mobility

  The 2S43 Malva is powered by a YaMZ-8424.10 V8 turbocharged diesel engine, producing 470 horsepower and 1,682 Nm of torque at 1,400 rpm. This engine allows the Malva to achieve a top road speed of 80 km/h and an operational range of 1,000 kilometers. The suspension system includes independent torsion bars and hydraulic shock absorbers, ensuring stability and maneuverability across various terrains. The Malva can ford depths up to 1.4 meters, climb gradients up to 60%, traverse side slopes up to 40%, cross trenches up to 2 meters wide, and climb vertical steps up to 0.6 meters high. The wheeled chassis is less expensive to operate and produce compared to tracked systems, enhancing overall cost-efficiency.

• Combat Equipment

  The 2S43 Malva is equipped with advanced onboard combat systems to maximize its operational effectiveness. The fire control system includes a ballistic computer, GPS navigation, and automated targeting systems, enabling rapid and precise target acquisition and engagement. The vehicle is fitted with modern optics, such as thermal imaging and night vision devices, ensuring effective operation in various weather conditions and during nighttime. For self-protection, the Malva is equipped with smoke grenade launchers to obscure its position and reduce vulnerability to enemy fire. Additionally, the vehicle includes an auxiliary power unit (APU) to support its systems during extended operations.