- Yes
- No
TL;DR: Prototype Soviet tank destroyer derived from the 2S1 Gvozdika, armed with a 100mm cannon linked to a ground radar
History
In May 1976, the Military-Industrial Commission of the USSR launched the development of a new self-propelled anti-tank gun under the code name ‘Norov’ (meaning ‘Vice’). This had a number of requirements:
- It was to be developed from a pre-existing vehicle to minimise complications
- It was to be equipped with a 100mm cannon
- It was to be equipped with a fire control system linked to a radar, to ensure detection of enemies at 3km, and tracking at 2km
The design was finalised at the end of 1977, but due to complications, the prototypes were only constructed and sent to testing in 1983. The vehicle chosen as the base was the 2S1 Gvozdika, a self-propelled gun that entered production in 1972. The 2S1 is in turn based on the MT-LBu APC chassis. The turret was built from the 2S1 but noticeably modified.
Testing of three prototypes took place over two years. The results were not conclusive. Although the vehicle met all the requirements laid out 9 years prior, by this point, Western vehicles like the Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams had begun production, with far superior armour than their predecessors. The 100mm smoothbore was deemed inadequate, and the project was cancelled.
While two of the prototypes were scrapped, the third was kept out in the open to rust until 2020. It was then restored (albeit without the radar) for display in Victory Park, Nizhny Novgorod.
- (Left) The 2S15 in 2012, (Right) The restored 2S15
Interesting Note
At some time during the development of the 2S15, the turret was placed on a T-62 hull and underwent trials. I haven’t yet found any more information on this, sadly.
Characteristics
The 2S15 is armed with a manually loaded 100mm smoothbore cannon derived from the MT-12 (2A29). It lacks the ejector but retains the distinctive muzzlebrake and other features. The exact specifications of the new cannon are not available, but it is likely very similar to the aformentioned MT-12. For reference, the MT-12 fires a wide range of ammunition, including APFSDS, HEAT-FS and GL-ATGMs. 3BM24 APFSDS penetrates 215mm at 1000m at 0°, and 3BK16M HEAT-FS penetrates 400mm at 0°. The MT-12K variant specifically is able to fire the 9M117 Bastion GL-ATGM, but no information is available as to whether the 2S15 fitted the Kastet guiding device. The 9M117 penetrates 600mm at 0°.
The most unique feature of the 2S15 is the radar mounted to the right of the cannon. This was designated 1A32, and was developed from the pre-existing 1A31 ‘Ruta’ for the MT-12. The 1A32 was just the 1A31 integrated with the 2S15’s fire control system, with some minor design changes. As mentioned earlier, the radar allowed the tank to detect targets at 3km and track them at 2km.
Aside from the turret, the vehicle remained practically identical to the original 2S1. The hull is 14mm thick at the front and 7mm across the sides and rear. It is equipped with a YaMZ-238N diesel engine providing 300hp and enabling the vehicle to reach a top speed of 60km/h. In total the vehicle weighs 15.7t, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 19.1hp/t.
Conclusion
The 2S15 would be an excellent addition to the Soviet tree. While it could fit in the light tank line, it would also be a good premium or event vehicle due to its uniqueness and prototype-status. It would fit at a BR of around 8.0-8.3, similar to the Object 685 but slightly worse in some key aspects.
Specifications
Armament
- 100mm smoothbore, MT-12/2A29 derivative
- 3BM24 APFSDS
- 215mm at 1000m at 0º
- 3BK-16M HEAT-FS
- 400mm at 0º
- 3OF12 HE
- Smoke
- 3BM24 APFSDS
Armour
- Turret
- Front - 14mm at 20º
- Sides - 7mm at 20º
- Rear - 7mm at 15º
- Hull
- Front - 14mm at 77º
- Sides - 7mm at 10º
- Rear - 7mm at 1º
Mobility
- Speed
- +60/-10km/h
- Weight
- 15.7t
- Engine power
- 300hp, ~19.1hp/t
Other
- Crew
- 4
Images
Sources