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Russia's New 2S42 Lotos Self-Propelled Howitzer Undergoes Final Field Trial.
The 120mm 2S42 "Lotos" self-propelled howitzer, developed by the Central Research Institute for Precision Engineering (TsNIITOCHMASH, a Kalashnikov subsidiary), is advancing towards its state testing phase, as confirmed by the company on November 2, 2024. This announcement was shared with Russian federal media by Alan Lushnikov, President of Kalashnikov Concern and a Union of Russian Machine Builders board member.
The 2S42 Lotos is a self-propelled howitzer developed by the Central Research Institute for Precision Engineering in Russia. (Picture source: Kalashnikov)
During a recent public demonstration organized by Kalashnikov for International Military Journalists’ Day, the 2S42 "Lotos" showcased its maneuverability and operational capabilities in a live dynamic presentation. Developed to replace the aging "Nona" self-propelled artillery cannon, in service since 1981 and initially created with TsNIITOCHMASH's involvement, the Lotos artillery system marks a significant technological leap in self-propelled artillery.
Preliminary tests have shown that the Lotos surpasses its predecessor, the Nona-SM, in multiple operational aspects, particularly in firing range with standard high-explosive fragmentation rounds. The Lotos also boasts an increased ammunition capacity and a higher power index for its main explosive fragmentation shells.
Among the technological advancements in the Lotos system are automated guidance systems, enhancing the speed and precision of cannon alignment, and a mechanized ammunition storage unit, easing the loader’s tasks. The Lotos also provides significantly improved armor protection for its crew, ensuring greater safety in combat conditions.
The Lotos brings technical upgrades that notably distinguish it from the 2S9, especially in areas critical to modern battlefield effectiveness. First, in terms of firing power, the Lotos’s 120mm mortar cannon reaches a firing range of 13 kilometers, a clear improvement over the 2S9’s range of around 8.8 kilometers with standard rounds. This extended range allows the Lotos to deliver fire support from safer, more concealed positions, effectively protecting the crew and vehicle from counter-battery fire. Moreover, the Lotos achieves a firing rate of 6 to 8 rounds per minute, ensuring rapid and sustained bombardment capability, crucial for high-intensity engagements.
The Lotos also addresses ammunition logistics and crew efficiency through its automated ammunition handling system. This mechanized storage unit not only enables faster reloads but also alleviates the physical demands on the crew, allowing for a higher sustained rate of fire over extended periods. The onboard guidance system is another advancement over the 2S9, with digital targeting and alignment systems that ensure rapid, accurate deployment on target. This system drastically reduces setup times, enhancing the Lotos’s ability to quickly shift firing positions and adapt to fluid combat scenarios, an essential capability for artillery units facing potential counterattacks.
In terms of protection, the Lotos offers reinforced armor that improves upon the relatively lighter protection of the 2S9, safeguarding the crew from small arms fire and shrapnel in active combat zones. The vehicle’s hydropneumatic suspension system provides enhanced stability and mobility across diverse terrains, enabling the Lotos to maintain firing accuracy even in challenging environments. This is further supported by its 450-horsepower engine, which gives the Lotos a top speed of 70 km/h and a power-to-weight ratio of 28.3 hp per ton, far exceeding the 2S9’s mobility specifications.
The 2S42 Lotos is a self-propelled howitzer developed by the Central Research Institute for Precision Engineering (TsNIITochMash) in Russia, with design work beginning in 2016. Intended to replace aging systems, the Lotos combines mobility, firepower, and protection characteristics tailored for frontline artillery support units.
Weighing 18 tons, the 2S42 Lotos is equipped with a 120mm caliber, delivering substantial firepower with a firing rate of 6 to 8 rounds per minute. It can reach a maximum range of 13 km, allowing it to cover a broad operational radius supporting engaged troops. This self-propelled mortar features a 360° turret rotation system, enabling rapid targeting flexibility without requiring vehicle repositioning.
The Lotos structure is designed to accommodate a four-person crew, and its chassis is supported by a hydropneumatic suspension, providing stability and maneuverability across diverse terrains. It is powered by a 450-horsepower 2V-06-2 diesel engine, yielding a power-to-weight ratio of 28.3 horsepower per ton, significant for a vehicle of this class. This motorization allows it to reach a top speed of 70 km/h and an operational range of 500 km, making it suitable for long-range missions without frequent refueling.
With these innovations, the Lotos is set to offer enhanced firepower and operational efficiency, positioning itself as a formidable successor to the Nona-SM as it advances toward state testing.