Performance and specifications of the nuclear-capable Russian self-propelled mortar 2S4 Tyulpan

 The History and Specification Performance of Russia's 2S4 Tyulpan Self-Propelled Gun

The 2S4 Tyulpan is a Soviet/Russian self-propelled gun designed to provide long-range fire support for ground troops. It is one of the largest artillery systems in the world, with a 240mm caliber gun capable of firing nuclear and conventional shells up to 20km away. In this article, we will explore the history and technical specifications of the 2S4 Tyulpan, its role in the military, and how it compares with other artillery systems.

Introduction

Overview of 2S4 Tyulpan self-propelled gun

The 2S4 Tyulpan is a self-propelled artillery system that was developed by the Soviet Union in the early 1970s. It is mounted on a tracked chassis and can traverse rough terrain to provide fire support for ground troops.

Historical background

The development of the 2S4 Tyulpan was prompted by the need for a long-range artillery system that could provide fire support for troops operating in the rugged terrain of Afghanistan. The first prototype was built in 1971, and the system entered service with the Soviet Army in 1976.

Significance of 2S4 Tyulpan in the military

The 2S4 Tyulpan is considered to be one of the most powerful and accurate artillery systems in the world. Its long-range capabilities and high accuracy make it ideal for supporting ground troops in combat situations, and it has been deployed in a number of conflicts, including the Soviet-Afghan War, the Chechen Wars, and the Russo-Ukrainian War.

Design and Development

Technical specifications

The 2S4 Tyulpan has a 240mm caliber gun that can fire both conventional and nuclear shells. The gun is mounted on a tracked chassis and has a range of up to 20km. It weighs approximately 45 tons and can travel at speeds of up to 60 km/h.

Armament and mobility

The 2S4 Tyulpan is equipped with a 240mm howitzer that can fire shells weighing up to 130kg. The gun has a maximum firing rate of one round per minute and can fire both conventional and nuclear shells. The system is also equipped with a 7.62mm PKT machine gun for self-defense.

Crew and features

The 2S4 Tyulpan is operated by a crew of six, including a commander, gunner, loader, driver, and two ammunition handlers. The system is also equipped with a laser range finder and a ballistic computer to help the crew calculate firing solutions.

Production and Deployment

Timeline of production

The 2S4 Tyulpan was produced from 1971 to 1989, with approximately 700 units built during this time. Production ceased after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but the system remains in service with the Russian Army and has been deployed in various conflicts around the world.

Domestic and international deployment

The 2S4 Tyulpan is primarily used by the Russian Army, but it has also been exported to a number of other countries, including Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan. In addition to its combat role, the system is also used for training and ceremonial purposes.

Operational history

The 2S4 Tyulpan has been used in a number of conflicts around the world, including the Soviet-Afghan War, the Chechen Wars, and the Russo-Ukrainian War. It is particularly well-suited to providing fire support in mountainous and rugged terrain, where traditional artillery systems may struggle to operate effectively.

Comparison with other artillery systems

Comparison with U.S. M109 howitzer

The 2S4 Tyulpan is often compared to the U.S. M109 howitzer, which is one of the most widely used artillery systems in the world. While the M109 has a smaller caliber gun (155mm), it has a higher firing rate and is generally considered to be more reliable than the 2S4 Tyulpan.

Comparison with other Russian artillery systems

The 2S4 Tyulpan is just one of several artillery systems developed by the Soviet Union and later Russia. Other systems include the 2S1 Gvozdika (122mm), the 2S19 Msta (152mm), and the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV (152mm). Each system has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of system will depend on the specific requirements of the mission.

Conclusion

The 2S4 Tyulpan is a powerful and accurate self-propelled gun that has played a significant role in a number of conflicts around the world. Its long-range capabilities and high accuracy make it ideal for supporting ground troops in combat situations, particularly in mountainous and rugged terrain. While it may not be as widely used as other artillery systems, the 2S4 Tyulpan remains an important part of the Russian Army's arsenal.

FAQs

What is the range of the 2S4 Tyulpan?

The 2S4 Tyulpan has a range of up to 20km.

Can the 2S4 Tyulpan fire nuclear shells?

Yes, the 2S4 Tyulpan is capable of firing both conventional and nuclear shells.

How many crew members are required to operate the 2S4 Tyulpan?

The 2S4 Tyulpan is operated by a crew of six.

How does the 2S4 Tyulpan compare to other artillery systems?

The 2S4 Tyulpan is particularly well-suited to providing fire support in mountainous and rugged terrain, while other systems may be better suited to different types of missions.

Is the 2S4 Tyulpan still in production?

No, production of the 2S4 Tyulpan ceased in 1989, but the system remains in service with the Russian Army.