Trench Horror at 358 m/s - What is Known About the Russian Corrected Mines "Smelchak"

A photograph has appeared online of a large mine from the 1K113 "Smelchak" complex, ready for use in Russian self-propelled 240-mm heavy mortars 2S4 "Tyulpan."

"Smelchak" is a corrected mine, its guidance is carried out by a laser designator, rangefinder 1D15. This high-precision guided mine was developed in the Moscow Design Bureau "Divkon" in the 1970s in Soviet times. But even fifty years later, this development is considered one of the best in its class. Its only weakness is that the mine has a relatively modest range.

"Smelchak" works in two versions. The first weighs 134.2 kg, of which 32 kg is explosive. The initial speed of this mine is 358 m/s. The maximum firing range is more than 9 km. The second, modernized version, has a mass of 134 kg, an explosive weight of 40 kilograms, and a slightly increased range of 9.5 km. It is noteworthy that "Smelchak" can also be used against moving targets at this range if their speed is up to 40 km/h.

The "Tyulpans" themselves, from which the "Smelchaks" are fired, were also developed by Soviet weapon developers in the 1970s, and have been modernized. These mortars have long been considered the most powerful self-propelled mortars in the world. They hit at a distance of up to twenty kilometers with 240 mm mines of various characteristics. The mines of the modernized "Tyulpans" leave craters in the ground with a diameter of 10 meters and a depth of more than 5 meters.

The mortar, weighing more than 27 tons, fires at specified squares, working in tandem with drones, and destroying enemy manpower, weapons, equipment, and fortifications with a high degree of protection. The mortar shells penetrate even three-meter walls. Drones and scouts help to adjust the fire in real time.

The self-propelled chassis of the "Tyulpan", as noted in the Ministry of Defense, is similar to the "Akatsiya", and the self-propelled gun calmly copes with difficult uneven roads. On the highway, thanks to a diesel engine with a capacity of more than 500 hp, it can accelerate to 62.8 km/h.

From the enemy's side, the "Tyulpan" is difficult to hit - its crew is under reliable protection. It has an armored hull with protection against armor-piercing bullets from large-caliber machine guns and sniper rifles, as well as against fragments of mines and shells.