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Navrosok / Sketch development work (ROC)

In the interests of the missile forces and artillery, new types of weapons and equipment are being created. Several self-propelled guns of a new type have been developed in recent years as part of development work with the Sketch code. The new family of vehicles includes three combat vehicles with different base chassis and different weapons.

Together with the latest wheeled self-propelled convertible, a whole family of new highly mobile guns and mortars is in the final stages of development. According to experts, the transition to such equipment is a modern trend in world artillery, and the new installation will be able to interest foreign buyers of domestic weapons. At the Central research Institute "Petrel" (Nizhny Novgorod) in the framework of development work "Sketch" was developed self-propelled artillery gun (SAO) "Phlox" and "Magnolia", as well as mortar "Gorse". CAO "Phlox" is based on a wheeled chassis "Ural", "Magnolia" - on a two-caterpillar chassis for use in conditions of weak soils, and self-propelled mortar "Gorse" is mounted on a wheeled chassis "Typhoon".

In Soviet times, industry developed options for placing self-propelled artillery on a wheeled chassis, but it didn’t go further than individual experimental samples. Then the concept was that self-propelled artillery should accompany tanks and have a cross-country comparable to them - be able to overcome dirt, rough terrain. Today, there are practically no military operations on such terrain. Europe has a large developed road network. In the southern directions, there are many dirt roads, rocky ground, steppes, where wheeled vehicles are doing well.

The Opytno Konstruktorskie Raboty Navrosok [experimental - design work "Sketch"] started in 2015. Opytno Konstruktorskie Raboty consists of actions aimed at creating a completely new product or improving it in the form of working documentation and a prototype, in order to be further applied in industrial production. This entails development of preliminary designs, technical design, production of working design documentation, production and testing of prototypes is carried out. These works are carried out both in specialized laboratories of universities, in design bureaus and at pilot plants, and in scientific departments of large industrial organizations.

Sketch soon gave the first results. The prototype of Flox CJSC was first presented at the Army-2016 exhibition. At the same event, the first demonstration of the Gorse mortar took place, although this development was demonstrated only in the form of a scale model. Thus, in just a few recent years, the Central Research Institute "Burevestnik" created and brought to testing a prospective artillery and mortar complex.

On 30 September 2018, on the eve of the Day of Ground Forces, the MK edition published an interview with the Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces, Colonel-General Oleg Salyukov. The commander spoke about current work and promising projects. Among other things, he mentioned new developments for artillery formations. According to the commander-in-chief, a promising artillery and mortar complex with the code "Sketch" is being developed. Systems from this complex are intended for use in missile forces and artillery at the battalion level. All samples of the family are based on different chassis. Among other things, it provides for the adaptation of equipment for operation in the Arctic.

In November 2019, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces, General of the Army Oleg Salyukov, in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper, said that, as part of the Sketch development work, the development of a whole line of highly mobile artillery and mortar weapons on various types of chassis, including for actions in the Arctic region, which will provide an increase in the mobility and fire capabilities of the battalion's artillery.

As part of the Sketch development work at the Burevestnik Central Research Institute, the Flox and Magnolia self-propelled artillery pieces (SAO), as well as the Drok mortar were created. SAO "Flox" is mounted on a wheeled chassis "Ural", "Magnolia" - on a two-link tracked chassis for use in soft ground, and the self-propelled mortar "Drok" is mounted on a wheeled chassis "Typhoon-K".

Serial production of newest artillery systems, developed in Central research Institute "Burevestnik" in the framework of development work "Sketch" will begin in a year and a half. This was announced in February 2020 by the representative UVZ international exhibition of arms Defexpo 2020 in the Indian Lucknow.

There are several more models of gun mounts that are now being developed as part of the same experimental design work "Sketch" at the Nizhny Novgorod Central Scientific Research Institute "Burevestnik". Their creation under a contract with the military department started in 2015. All new items received colorful names, continuing the Soviet tradition of designating self-propelled guns.

The most unusual of them - Project 2S39 "Magnolia" - is designed for operations in the Far North. The tower of the 120-mm cannon "Vena" was mounted on a powerful two-link Arctic all-terrain vehicle DT-30MP "Vityaz". As a result, a tracked combat vehicle can float, move through swamps and ice. Ammunition "Magnolia" reaches 80 shells and mines. With them, the gun can fire both direct fire and mortar fire at a distance of up to 10 km. At the same time, the use of corrected 120-mm ammunition is also possible.

Another project in the final stages of creation is the 2S40 "Phlox" self-propelled artillery gun. The base for it was the six-axle chassis of the Ural-4320 "Motovoz-M" trucks. High automation is declared as a key feature. The unit can quickly arrive at position, prepare to fire and move swiftly after completing the task.

Another representative of the new family will be the 82-mm automatic mortar 2S41 "Drok", mounted on the armored chassis "Typhoon VDV" K-4386 developed by KamAZ. It is planned to equip such batteries in the battalions of paratroopers and mountain riflemen. A car weighing 14 tons can not only be transported by military transport aircraft, but also be parachuted.

According to the representative of the plant, testing mortar "Gorse"and self-propelled guns "Phlox" and "Magnolia" is scheduled to be completed in a year and a half, then is planned to start serial production of the newest complexes. In the coming months it was planned to complete the set of tests a 82-mm self-propelled mortar "Gorse", 120-mm SAO on a truck chassis "Phlox", 152-mm SAO chassis two-tier armored tracked Transporter "Magnolia." In the same period, will begin mass production of these samples - he told reporters.

https://topwar.ru/147960-novosti-okr-nabrosok-tri-orudija-zavershajut-ispytanija.html">Project Sketch: Three guns complete tests October 8, 2018

"Vnabrosok" ["Sketch"]

Russia is developing a complex of artillery and mortar weapons of the battalion level "Sketch" with various chassis options. Russia began working in 2015 on the creation of the newest artillery complex "Vnabrosok" ["Sketch"], which will go into service with artillery and missile troops. It is being developed with various options for the base chassis, including for operation in the Arctic. Colonel-General Oleg Salyukov, Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces, spoke about this in an interview with Moskovsky Komsomolets . He said that Russia is also completing the development of the Koalitsiya-SV interspecific artillery system, which implements the innovative Firestorm firing mode. The colonel-general stressed that the combat capabilities of this weapon are twice as high as all existing domestic and foreign counterparts. A member of the Expert Council of the Collegium of the Military-Industrial Commission, military expert Viktor Murakhovsky noted that within a year the complexes will begin to enter the troops. ""Sketch" is the name of a whole family of development work, which includes the creation of both a self-propelled mortar on a wheeled chassis, and the creation of artillery pieces on wheeled and tracked chassis. If we talk about artillery, then this is a caliber of 120 mm. And a mortar - execution in two calibers: a battalion set - 82 mm and a regimental set - 120 mm. Chassis or self-propelled platforms - wheeled and tracked, which will be used - are already used products. For example, the chassis of an armored car "Tiger" or the chassis of an armored car of the KamAZ family "So, I think, within a year, the tests will be fully completed, and serial deliveries of these products to the armed forces will begin," Viktor Murakhovsky said. According to him, self-propelled guns can perform combat missions more effectively. “The mortars that are currently used by the ground forces are not self-propelled, they are transported by truck. It takes a lot of time to load onto a vehicle.The self-propelled systems, which are now being tested and will be delivered to the troops, make it possible to deploy in the shortest possible time, literally within 3-4 minutes. positions so as not to fall under the influence of the enemy - self-propelled mortars and artillery pieces of a new generation make it possible to carry out such tasks effectively," the military expert noted. In 2016, some information about the goals and objectives of the projects was announced, as well as their technical details were disclosed. New self-propelled guns, which, as is now known, belong to the same family, are intended for firing at enemy ground targets located at distances of up to tens of kilometers. It is proposed to use the SAO when firing from closed positions, while ensuring the possibility of hitting targets in a wide range of ranges, including at minimum distances. It was argued that the new projects are implementing a new concept for our army of a universal 120-mm gun on a wheeled chassis. The Nona and Khosta self-propelled guns are already in service with similar weapons, but they were built on the basis of a tracked armored vehicle. It is expected that the use of wheeled chassis will combine the combat qualities of weapons and the high mobility of automotive vehicles. The latter features are of particular importance, since they can increase the survivability and combat effectiveness of self-propelled guns. At the same time, the Sketch project provides for the installation of similar artillery systems on different chassis. This approach allows you to get additional benefits associated with mobility. Thus, the Phlox SAO is built on a wheeled platform and is intended for use in areas with a developed road network and not the most difficult off-road conditions. For more difficult areas, including the Arctic, another version of the self-propelled gun, the Magnolia, has been created. The presence of a floating tracked chassis gives such a combat vehicle obvious advantages. State tests of the mortar and self-propelled gun mount, created as part of the Sketch development work, will be completed by the end of 2018. According to the contract documents signed by the executor of these works, the Nizhny Novgorod Central Research Institute Burevestnik (part of the Uralvagonzavod corporation), preliminary tests of the Sketch-Drok mortar and the Sketch-Floks 120 mm self-propelled artillery mount began in January 2018. The agreements provide that state testing and approval of design documentation for the mass production of these guns will be completed by November 25, 2018. To combat unmanned aerial vehicles, the Derivation-PVO anti-aircraft artillery system is currently being developed. Such developments as the Armata tank, the Kurganets-25 infantry fighting vehicle and the Boomerang armored personnel carrier are in the final stage, they will soon begin to enter the Russian Ground Forces, Salyukov said. In addition, the creation of an Arctic modification of the Tor-M2 anti-aircraft missile system, which is capable of hitting all types of high-precision weapons, both from a standstill and on the move, has already been completed. According to TASS, this includes Phlox and Magnolia artillery mounts and the Drok mortar. The agency received information about the start of testing in the press service of Uralvagonzavod. According to the company, the Phlox and Magnolia guns and the Drok mortar were successfully undergoing preliminary tests. "Phlox" on the wheeled chassis "Ural" is a 120-millimeter self-propelled artillery gun. The Magnolia CJSC has the same caliber on a tracked chassis. Caliber mortar "Drok" on the chassis of "Kamaz" - 82 mm. New reports about the progress and results of the Sketch project, as well as about the vehicles of this family, appeared [curiously] at the official level. On 30 September 2018, on the eve of the Day of the Ground Forces, the MK publication published an interview with the Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces, Colonel-General Oleg Salyukov. The commander spoke about current work and promising projects. Among other things, he mentioned new developments for artillery formations. According to the commander-in-chief, a promising artillery and mortar complex with the code "Sketch" is being developed. Systems from this complex are intended for use in missile forces and artillery at the battalion level. All samples of the family are based on different chassis. Among other things, it provides for the adaptation of equipment for operation in the conditions of the Arctic. On 03 October 2018, new details of the Sketch project were published by T-Digest, an online publication of NPK Uralvagonzavod. In addition, his message contained new information about the progress of work. According to T-Digest, the Sketch family includes three types of self-propelled artillery. These are the Phlox and Magnolia self-propelled guns, as well as the Drok self-propelled mortar. The new "flower" systems have some common features, but at the same time they are seriously different from each other in all respects. The development of the new family of equipment was carried out by the Burevestnik Central Research Institute (Nizhny Novgorod), which is part of the NPK Uralvagonzavod. This enterprise has long been engaged in the creation of artillery systems, and for some time now its product catalog includes three promising products at once. T-Digest indicates that all three artillery systems are currently being tested. Moreover, they are already entering the final stage of the project. Thus, in the near future, three self-propelled guns may receive a recommendation for adoption, and then go into mass production. However, the timing of the completion of the tests and the possible start of service has not yet been specified. The publication at Uralvagonzavod manages with a general wording and writes "very soon." It should be noted that these reports refer to already known developments of the domestic industry. So, the development work "Sketch" started in 2015 and soon gave the first results. A prototype of the Phlox SAO was first presented at the Army-2016 exhibition. At the same event, the first display of the Drok mortar took place, although this development was shown only in the form of a scale model. The third example of the Sketch family, the Magnolia gun, has not yet been openly demonstrated. Thus, in just the past few years, the Burevestnik Central Research Institute has created and brought to testing a promising artillery and mortar complex. The Sketch family includes three artillery systems. Two of them have already been shown as mock-ups or full-fledged prototypes. The third has not yet been shown to the public, but its approximate appearance is already known. Also, the authors of the project have already published part of the characteristics of promising technology. All this allows us to draw up a fairly detailed picture, in which, however, there are still white spots. SAO "Floks" is a 120-mm artillery system based on a three-axle armored car. The basis of this sample is the Ural-VV chassis, rebuilt as necessary. In front of the chassis is a two-row cab, behind which are two large blocks with the necessary equipment. A rotary device with a gun was placed directly at the stern. The chassis is equipped with a 270 hp diesel engine. and a transmission that provides all-wheel drive. Models of advanced technology from the Central Research Institute "Burevestnik". In the foreground is the Drok self-propelled mortar. Photo Soyuzmash.ru The self-propelled gun was developed on the basis of the existing 2A80 product and unified with it in a number of units. The original design was seriously redesigned, which made it possible to increase the accuracy and accuracy of fire, as well as reduce the load on the chassis. Used 120-mm barrel without rifling, equipped with a semi-automatic shutter. With it, the gun can use both standard mortar mines and artillery shells of the appropriate caliber. This expands the range of tasks to be solved and makes Phlox a direct analogue of the serial Vienna and Hosts. Gun ammunition consists of 80 shots. Of these, 28 are located in the so-called. operational arrangements. "Phlox" is equipped with a modern fire control system, including navigation and gun guidance control. An interesting innovation is the sensors that track the position of the barrel. With their help, after each shot, you can restore the aiming. In terms of ballistics, "Phlox" corresponds to "Vienna", as a result of which the firing range of conventional shells reaches 8-10 km. Active-jet fly 15-17 km. The crew has an armored cabin that protects against small arms and shrapnel. In addition, for self-defense, it is proposed to use a remotely controlled combat module with a Kord machine gun. Next to it, 902B products are mounted on the cab roof. The appearance of the Magnolia SAO has not yet appeared in open sources, but certain features of this machine are already known. According to recent reports, this project involves the installation of guns from the Phlox on a different chassis. The latter is a two-link caterpillar transporter DT-30. Apparently, a modification with armored habitable compartment is used, and a rear link is allocated for the installation of an artillery system. DT-30 is equipped with a 710 hp diesel engine. and a special transmission that drives the caterpillars of both links. Between themselves, the two conveyor housings are connected using a special unit, which includes hydraulic drives. With a curb weight of 28 tons, the conveyor is capable of carrying up to 30 tons of cargo. The new gun of the 2A80 type does not have a large mass, and therefore the Magnolia should also have a large margin of carrying capacity. It can be used to increase ammo capacity or improve conditions for the crew. NPK Uralvagonzavod and the Ministry of Defense have not yet shown the Magnolia SAO to the public, but the existence of a prototype of this type is already known. It is possible that soon the prototype will receive its share of attention. The DT-30 transporter is the basis of the promising Magnolia SAO. Photo Vitalykuzmin.net The Drok self-propelled mortar also exists in the form of a prototype, but so far only models of such equipment have been shown at exhibitions. With their help, the designers clearly showed the main provisions of the project, the architecture and capabilities of the combat vehicle. First of all, it should be noted that the new mortar on a self-propelled chassis is seriously different from previous domestic developments in its class. The base for the "Drok" was the two-axle armored car "Typhoon-VDV", originally designed for the installation of various weapons. The new project provides for the use of a special combat module mounted on the roof. This module is a turret with 82mm mortar mounts. The barrel is placed on recoil devices, but if necessary, it can be removed. In this case, the mortar turns into a wearable one and is used with a bipedal and base plate of standard types. The Drok combat vehicle is designed to solve the same tasks as other mortars of all classes. The characteristics of the 82-mm mine allow you to effectively solve the tasks of fire support at the battalion level. According to the developer, the Drok self-propelled gun carries 40 minutes with it and shows a rate of fire of up to 12 rounds per minute. Firing range - from 100 m to 6 km. *** In recent decades, the need to transfer artillery systems of all major classes to self-propelled chassis has become obvious. At the same time, building an ACS of a traditional design is not always possible or expedient. All this becomes prerequisites for the emergence of new original models of artillery equipment, which differ noticeably from those previously created. According to reports of the last few years, the Central Research Institute "Petrel" and NPK "Uralvagonzavod" within the framework of the "Sketch" project managed to create three variants of self-propelled guns at once, which are distinguished by comparative simplicity with sufficiently high combat characteristics. In addition, they are distinguished by good mobility, which contributes to increased survivability. At the same time, two out of three samples, being equipped with special tools, are capable of performing the functions of guns, howitzers and mortars. Previously, the components of the new artillery and mortar complex appeared only at exhibitions, but by now the projects have moved far ahead. According to the latest reports, "Phlox", "Magnolia" and "Drok" have already entered the state tests and are nearing their completion. After all the necessary checks, new vehicles can enter service with the ground or airborne forces. Surprisingly, in the works on the topic, it is not so much the creation of self-propelled guns on a wheeled chassis as two variants of the 120-mm self-propelled guns. Such artillery systems have long become in Russia a kind of idée fixe; everything is fine with these 120 mm universal guns, except for one thing - the lack of ammunition, more precisely 120 mm shells, there are no problems with mines, since there are still large stocks from Soviet times.