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Hello, I would like to suggest Romanian variant of Soviet 2S1 system called OAPR Model 1989 (Obuzierul Autopropulsat Românesc, which translates to Romanian Self-Preopelled Howitzer). While the vehicle utilizes Soviet made 2S1 turrets, the chassis it uses is from domestically produced MLI-84.
History
Spoiler
Model 1989 was designed as a cheaper and easier to locally build and maintain alternative to Soviet 2S1 self-propelled howitzer.
The idea to modernize Romanian ground forces with self-propelled artillery was in heads of Romanian militaries since the end of 70s. Romania had other vehicles which could fulfill that role, but they were drastically outdated (SU-76M, SU-100, SU-152).
Few years before 1989 revolution, Romania finally acquired six 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers from Soviet Union (which lacked fire control systems), it was also desided to import turrets and install them on domestic chassis of BMP-1 variation MLI-84. According to different sources these turrets were either received from Soviet Union or Bulgaria.
Spoiler
Romanian 2S1 for reference and comparasion.
Total amount of 42 Model 89 howitzers were built between 1987 and 1992 at Romanian MFA S.A. Mizil factory. Compared to 2S1 these vehicles were heavier, but due to more powerful engine had a bit better trust to weight ratio, plus featuring MLI-84 base they got bigger overall dimensions. Armor protection was similar to 2S1, apart from thicker hull.
The vehicle remained amphibious, kept night-vision systems as well as NBC protection.
Romania used Model 1989 howitzers up until 2005, when they were put in storage.
During this period they were operated by the 25th and the 55th Artillery Battalions of Romanian ground forces.
There is no footage of these machines usage in 1989 revolution or any real combat activities, but they still played an important role in Romanian artillery history.
Nowadays Romania is switching towards another type of self-propelled howitzers - South Korean K9, locally named Tunetul.
Specifications
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Cannon: 122 mm 2A31 howitzer (local designation: A565);
Ammo capacity: 40 shells (HE, HEAT);
Length: 7.505 m;
Width: 3.15 m;
Height: 2.72 m;
Combat weight: 18,3 t;
Engine: 360 hp (268.5 kW) 8V 1240 DTS;
Power-to-weight ratio: 19,67 hp/t;
Maximum speed: 64 km/h;
Vertical guidance (min/max): -3 °/ +70°;
Crew: 4 (commander, gunner, loader and driver).
Photos
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Sources:
- Wikipedia.org - 2S1 Gvozdika
- Tank-Encyclopedia.com - Obuzierul autopropulsat românesc, Model 1989
- Artileria Română În Date și Imagini by Adrian Stroea and Gheorghe Băjenaru.
I think this vehicle while being very close to the original 2S1 can still have a place in the game as a bit different and that’s why interesting alternative to it. In my opinion it could be a cool squadron vehicle for example.