The developers of the newest 120 mm caliber "Lotus" self-propelled artillery gun (SAO) for the Airborne Troops are preparing it for state tests, which are scheduled for the spring of 2024, according to an informed source.
Engineers from TsNIITOCHMASH presented the 2S42 "Lotus" self-propelled gun at the "Army" forum in 2019. Preliminary tests of the installation were completed in 2023.
The SAO carries an increased ammunition load - twice as much as the previous generation "Nona". The firing range of the "Lotus" is 13 km, and the gun can deliver strikes with artillery shells and mines at a rate of 6-7 rounds per minute.
The developers ensured that with a weight of 18 tons, the self-propelled gun could float and reach a speed of 70 km/h. The 2S42 has a range of 500 km. The SAO crew consists of four people.
Earlier, www1.ru revealed the characteristics of the 2S9 "Nona-S" self-propelled gun, which has been positively reviewed by Russian military personnel.
