2S23 Nona-SVK Self-Propelled Gun-Mortar
In 1981, a unique artillery system, designated 2S9, which embodied the features of a mortar and howitzer, was developed. It is now known as the Nona-S self-propelled gun. Nona-S is mounted on the BTR-D tracked airborne assault vehicle. Some time later a light-weight (1,200 kg) towed 120mm gun 2B16, designated Nona-K, was developed.
On the base of 2S9 the Motovilikha Plants Corporation developed in 1984 and adopted in 1990 120 mm 2S23 NONA SVK self-propelled gun. Nona-SVK is a BTR-80 variant armed with the 2A60 120 mm gun similar to the 2S9. It is used by Airborne units, and it was thought likely this vehicle equips mortar batteries of BTR-equipped motorized rifle battalions. A battery of these vehicles was tested under operational conditions in Chechnya and lost one vehicle to a landmine. The 2S23 is LGM-capable.
The SP gun is intended to suppress artillery and mortar batteries, missile launchers, armored targets, to destroy firing means, control posts and enemy manpower, as well as for smoking, blinding and lighting the locality. Nona-SVK is mounted on the chassis of an amphibious armored personnel carrier with the wheel arrangement of 8x8 and it can follow the tanks, to freely cross pits, trenches and water obstacles. The gun Nona-SVK is fitted with a 120 mm 2A60semi-automatic rifled gun having a combined breech mechanism and pneumatic rammer and is capable to deliver aimed direct and indirect fire without a fire position preparation. The additional weapons of the SP gun include a 7.62 mm machine gun mounted on the turret roof, a smoke-screen system, as well as sighting and night-vision devices.
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