2S31 Vena 120mm self-propelled mortar carrier tracked armored

: 02 July 2019

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2S31 Vena Self-propelled mortar carrier armoured vehicle

Description

Technical Data

Specifications

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Description

The 2S31 "Vena" is one of the latest Russian developed self-propelled artillery unit developed in 1996. It is based on the chassis of BMP-3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle and is mostly intended for motorized battalions fitted with the BMP-3 vehicles fire support. This artillery unit is offered mostly for export and hasn't entered service with Russian Army yet and any country. While the prime contractor for the BMP-3 chassis is the Kurgan Machine Construction Plant, the prime contractor for the 2S31 Vena system is the Motovilikha Plants Corporation. The Russian Vena automated self-propelled gun is unmatched anywhere in the world, claim experts at Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport. The 2S31 Vena is a tracked armoured vehicle, which can engage the enemy with a squall of high-precision mortar fire. Comparisons with foreign models of the same class show that Russia’s Vena performs two and a half time better than its rivals.

Variants

No variants at this time.

Technical Data

Armament

The 2S31 Vena is equipped with a three-man turret armed with 2A80 120-mm rifled gun. It is a further development of 2A51 Combined Artillery Gun used with 2S9 Self-Propelled Artillery Gun. This gun features semi-automatic lock, recoil absorbers and sector inclination devices. The main "Vena's" 2A80 artillery gun's difference from its predecessor is longer barrel providing a greater range of fire using the same projectiles intended for the 2A51. "Vena's" combined artillery gun is completed with pneumatic load assistant and integral powder smoke blowing equipment. The main gun is inclined from -4º to up to +80º in elevation, furthermore it is completed with a tracker, automatically re-establishing sighting line. In traverse range the main gun is turned with the whole turret. The 2S31 Vena is fitted with a bank of six 81 mm electrically operated 81 mm smoke grenade dischargers, mounted to each side, front of the turret. The 2S31 Vena fires both Russian and NATO standard shells and is fitted with an onboard computer making it possible to carry out super-precision fire in any weather and at time of the day or night over long distances.

Design and protection

The hull and turret of the 2S31 Vena are of all-welded aluminum armour construction providing the crew with protection from small arms fire and shell splinters.

Mobility

The 2S31 Vena is motorised by UTD-29 V-type 12-cylinder liquid cooled diesel engine. The UTD-29 reaches maximum power of 500 hp. "Vena" is fitted with hydro-mechanic transmission with power reducer for hydrojet engines. The suspension either side consists of six dual rubber-tyred roadwheels with the idler at the front, drive sprocket at the rear and three track-return rollers.

Accessories

"Vena" features modern fire control system. Gunner operates periscope sight and a separate sight for straight aimed fire. Vehicle commander's seat is placed in a separate turret right from the main gun. Commander operates autonomic target designation system and uses his own observation devices. Commander's turret has a traverse range in 90 degrees and provides good front observation. Fire control system also includes navigation and topographic positioning systems. The 2S31 Vena is fully amphibious being propelled in the water by two water-jets mounted low down one either side of the hull at the rear. Before entering the water the trim vane is erected at the front of the vehicle by the driver without leaving his seat and the bilge pumps are switched on. Standard equipment for the 2S31 Vena includes an NBC system of the overpressure type, land navigation system, night vision equipment, vehicle washdown capability and a toilet. A laser detector is mounted on the low part of the turret front, either side of the 120 mm 2A80 ordnance and on either side of the turret roof at the rear which is used in conjunction with the smoke grenade system.

Specifications