2S31 Vena: Post-Soviet Slinger!
(Polls are at the Bottom)
Overview
My Fellow Players!
Today I want to suggest a unique variant of the venerable BMP-3, now a self-propelled mortar system rather than an IFV! Equipped with a 120mm Gun-Mortar & RCWS, it’ll be an interesting addition!
Basic Information
Designation: 2S31 Vena
Role: Self-Propelled Mortar System
Crew: 4
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Driver
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Commander
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Gunner
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Loader
Designer: PJSC Motovilikha Plants
Manufacturer: PJSC Motovilikha Plants
Total built: 30+
Specifications
Dimensions:
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Length: 6.75 m (22 ft 2 in)
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Width: 3.4 m (11 ft 2 in)
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Height: 3.15 m (10 ft 4 in)
Driving Performance:
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Engine: V10 Liquid-Cooled UTD-29 Diesel Engine
- 500 hp (372.8 kW)
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Maximum Speed: 70 km/h (43.5 mph)
- Max Speed (Amphibious): 10 km/h (6.2 mph)
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Maximum Range: 600 km (372 mi)
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Gross Weight: 19.1 tons (38,200 Ibs)
Armament:
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Main Armament: 1x 120mm 2A80 Breech-Loaded Gun-Mortar
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Elevation: -4°/+80°
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Ammunition: 70 Rounds
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Secondary Weapons: 1x 7.62mm PKMT Light Machine Gun
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Roof-Mounted RCWS
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Ammunition: 500 Rounds
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Additional Equipment:
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Smoke Grenades: 12x 81mm Smoke Grenades
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Laser Designator
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Laser Warning System
Usage In Battles
The 2S31 Vena would be an interesting vehicle, having to rely largely on its GL-ATGM for offense, while using its HE rounds for lighter vehicles. Being on the venerable BMP-3 platform, the Vena retains its mobility and amphibious capability, allowing for effective flanking and ambushes in the hands of experienced players.
Pros:
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Good Missile Penetration
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Great Mobility
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Amphibious Capability
Cons:
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Little Armor
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Can easily be overpressured or One-Shot
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Only can rely on ATGM for Defense
History
The design of the 2S31 Vena can be traced back to the 1980’s, taking the lessons from the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, where mortars proved more effective in the mountainous terrain compared to conventional artillery, as seen from the positive feedback from crews of self-propelled mortar vehicles such as the 2S9 Nona and paratroopers of the VDV. As a result, in 1988, the Soviet Ministry of Defense requested the development of a more modern, heavier mortar vehicle for the Army.
Inital designs used a modified 2A51 Gun-Mortar, mounted on several different hulls, which would lead to several vehicle designs, however the 2S31 would be developed at Motovilikhinskiye Zavody JSC, seeing assistance and supervision from the Precision Engineering Central Research Institute. Taking inspiration from the failed 2S18 SPH, the 2S31 would borrow its chassis, based on the BMP-3. During the collapse of the Soviet Union, the 2S31 would see a pause in development, only resuming in the mid-1990s, to finally see 2 prototypes completed in 1996, being unveiled at the IDEX-97 exhibition in the United Arab Emirates in 1997, now equipped with the 2A80, hoping to secure a contract to fund development further; however, no interest would be seen, delaying development, with the first fully-functional example being completed in 2006.
The 2S31 would see testing at Perm in 2007, finally being accepted for service in 2008, with the first vehicle delivered in 2010. A limited production run would go from 2010-2013; however, it would only be fully integrated into Russian missile and artillery units in 2014.
The 2S31 would also be produced for Azerbaijan in small numbers, with 18 units delivered, along with discussions for export to Venezuela, and has been marketed to nations that operate the BMP-3.
Sources
https://www.army-technology.com/projects/2s31-vena-120mm-self-propelled-gun/?cf-view
- Yes
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