Role

A Soviet/Russian 203 mm self-propelled gun at the corps level, part of the High Command Reserve. The base 2S7 “Pion” was developed by the Kirov Plant (Leningrad) under the “Object 216” designation and adopted in 1975 as the longest-ranged serial self-propelled gun in the world — a status it still retains. 2S7M “Malka” (1986) is a deep upgrade: the running gear was reinforced using T-80 components (V-84B diesel, 840 hp), an automated loading system was introduced (raising the rate of fire to 2.5 rounds per minute from the original 1.5), and the sights and communications suite were updated. The 2A44 gun with a 56-calibre barrel (11.2 m) achieves a range of up to 37.4 km with the standard high-explosive 3OF43 (110 kg) and up to 47.5 km with the rocket-assisted 3OF44. The 3VB2 tactical nuclear round of 2 kt yield and concrete-piercing 3OF43 can be fired. Ammunition stowage is 8 rounds on the vehicle, with main supply coming from the ground or from the 9T234 ammunition resupply vehicle. The crew works in the open (4 men in the cab plus 2 loaders). The system saw service in Afghanistan (1985–1989), Chechnya (1995–1996), Syria (since 2017) and in the Russian–Ukrainian conflict (since 2022). After thirty years in reserve some vehicles were returned to service from 2017; a modernisation programme to the “Malka-M” level is underway.

Specifications

• Combat mass 46,5 t
• Length (gun forward) 13,12 m
• Hull length 10,50 m
• Barrel length 11,20 m (L/56)
• Width 3,38 m
• Height 3,00 m
• Ground clearance 0,40 m
• Crew 4 + 2 pers. (cab + loaders)
• Chassis “Object 216” (T-80 components)
• Engine V-84B · 840 hp diesel
• Power-to-weight 18,1 hp/t
• Max speed (road) 60 km/h
• Operational range 650 km
• Main gun 203 mm 2A44 (rifled gun)
• Elevation 0 … +60 °
• Traverse ±15 ° (without chassis turn)
• Range, HE (3OF43) up to 37.4 km
• Range, RAP (3OF44) up to 47.5 km
• Nuclear round 3VB2 (up to 2 kt)
• Ammunition stowage 8 rds (on vehicle)
• Rate of fire 2.5 rds/min
• Loading system autoloader (since 1986)
• Resupply vehicle 9T234 (on 2S7 chassis)
• Sight PG-1M · OP4M-87A (panoramic + direct)
• Armour up to 10 mm (small-arms protection)

Модификации

Operators