General Facts

TYPE
Self-propelled howitzer

ORIGIN
USSR

NICKNAMES
SO-152 (Soviet service)
M1973 (NATO designation)

DESIGNED
1967 - 1971

DESIGNER
UZTM

PRODUCTION
1971 - late 1980's

PRODUCERS
USSR - Uraltransmash

QUANTITY
Over 10.000 produced

UNIT COST
Unknown

CHARACTERISTICS
Well armored
Powerful armament
Limited internal space Mediocre range

Introduction

The 2S3 is a tracked 152mm self-propelled howitzer of Russian origin. It was developed from 1967 onwards and was accepted for Russian service in 1971. The Russian nickname is Akatsiya, which is Russian for the acacia flower. The NATO designation is M1973.

Layout

The layout of the 2S3 is traditional with the driver and drive train in the front and the turret in the rear. The crew consists of a commander, driver, gunner and loader. Two additional crewmen are carried in the ammunition carrier as whenever possible shells from an external source are used.

Firepower

The 2S3 is armed with a 28-caliber 152mm howitzer that is derived from the towed D-20 howitzer. The maximum range 18.5km with standard ammunition. The maximum rate of fire is four rounds per minute. Sustained fire is one round per minute. A total of 46 rounds are carried in the vehicle. A PKT machine gun is mounted on the turret roof for self-defense.

Protection

The 2S3 is operated under full armor protection. The steel armor protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. An NBC system is present but smoke grenade dischargers are not.

Mobility

The 2S3 has a good cross country mobility due to its tracked chassis, but its speed is rather limited. A 520hp diesel engine provides propulsion. The 2S3 is not amphibious.

Users

The 2S3 was adopted by most Soviet forces and exported to a variety of Soviet allies. It is estimated that over 10.000 units have been produced. The 2S3 remains in use with over a dozen nations. In Russian service the 2S3 is being replaced by the 2S19 Msta.

2S3 Akatsiya

The 2S3 is a tracked 152mm self-propelled howitzer. The 2S3 is armed with a 28-caliber 152mm howitzer. The gun is derived from the towed D-20 and uses the same ammunition. Late production versions are designated 2S3M. The 2S3M has a loading carousel which increases the rate of fire but reduces the internal ammunition capacity to 40 rounds. The 2S3M1 is fitted with a data terminal as well.

Specifications:
2S3 Akatsiya

Type	Self-propelled howitzer
Crew	4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader)
Length	7.77 m (hull), 8.4 m (gun forward)
Width	3.25 m
Height	3.05 m
Ground clearance	0.45 m
Weight	27.5 t combat load
Ground pressure	0.59 kg/cm2
Wheelbase	Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 4.94 m length, 0.48 m width
Turn radius	?
Engine	V-59 V12 multifuel diesel, 520 hp

Power ratio	18.9 hp/t
Transmission	Manual, 6 forward, 2 reverse
Speed	60 km/h
Fuel	830 L
Range	500 km on road, 270 km cross country
Wall	0.7 m
Trench	3.0 m
Gradient	60% gradient, 30% slope
Fording	1.0 m
Armor	Steel, up to 20 mm
NBC equipment	Yes

Night vision	Yes
Smoke	No
Remarks	-
Armament	152mm L/38 2A33 howitzer 7.62mm PKT machine gun
Weapon1	152mm L/28 2A33 howitzer 46 rounds -6 to +60 degrees elevation, powered 360 degrees traverse, powered, non-stabilized
Weapon2	7.62mm PKT machine gun on turret roof 1.500 rounds, 100 ready to fire manual traverse and elevation non-stabilized
Weapon3	-
Weapon4	-
Weapon5	-
Weapon6	-