203 mm 2S7 Pion (obyekt 216)
Vadim Zadorozhny’s Museum of Equipment (Moscow, Russia)
The 2S7 Pion was identified for the first time in 1975 in the Soviet Army and was called M-1975 by NATO (the 2S4 Tyulpan also received the M-1975 designation), whereas its official designation is SO-203 (2S7). It used a new-design chassis, partly based on T-72 and T-80 design, carrying an externally mounted 2A44 203 mm gun on the hull rear. The vehicle is self-entrenching and has an overpressure CBRN defense system.
The 2S7 uses a tracked chassis that was designed specifically for this artillery system. It uses a number of automotive components from the T-72 and T-80 main battle tanks. It is powered by a V-46-I turbocharged liquid-cooled V12 diesel engine. It is also fitted with an auxiliary power unit, developing 24 hp and powering all systems when the main engine is shut down.
It takes the crew about six minutes to set up and five minutes to dismantle. It carries four 203 mm projectiles for immediate use. It is capable of firing nuclear ammunition. The gun has a range of 37,500 metres (23.3 mi), but this can be extended to 55,500 metres (34.5 mi) by using a rocket-assisted projectile.
Development bureau: Кировский Завод (Leningrad, USSR)
Assembly: Челябинский Тракторный Завод (Chelyabinsk, USSR)
Chief engineers: Nikolai Popov and Georgiy Sergeev
Years of production: 1976—1983
Production: 347
Crew: 7
Engine: V-46-1 (V12)
Power: 780 HP
Max speed: 50 km/h
Fuel consumption: 420 l/100 km
Range: 625 km
Weight: 45 t
