Description:
2S3, also known as Akatsiya, is a 152mm caliber self-propelled howitzer which comprises an amphibious tracked chassis, D-20 towed howitzer cannon and a crew of six-man. The United States called this weapon the M-1973. It is powered by a 520-hp diesel engine and features NBC and ballistic protection. Its primary armament has a range of 17.5 km that can be extended to 30 km with rocket assisted projectiles (RAP). 2S3M is an upgraded version replacing D-20 by 2A33 cannon.
The Soviet Army deployed 2S3 as a replacement for aging towed howitzers in its division's artillery units. This howitzer was based on the same chassis of Krug (SA-4) air defense system. In addition to the Soviet Union, 2S3 was sold to several customers all over the world.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 6
Guns: Main Gun Caliber 152 mm
Dimensions: Height 3.1 m, Length 7.8 m, Width 3.2 m
Weights: Max Weight 27,500 kg (60,626 lb)
Performance: Main Gun Max Range 17,400 m (57,087 ft), Max Range 450 km (243 nm), Top Speed 17 mps (32 kt)
Power: Power 520 shp
Other: Max Rate of Fire 4 rounds per minute, Sustained Rate of Fire 3 rounds per minute