DEVELOPMENT OF SOVIET AUTOMATIC COMBINATION GUNS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85T00840R000301900001-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 17
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 23, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: October 1, 1985
• Content Type: REPORT

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NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION CENTER
imagery analysis report
Development of Soviet
Automatic Combination Guns (S)
Top Secret
Top Secret
SC-628371/85
IAR-0019/85
OCTOBER 1985
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DEVELOPMENT OF SOVIET AUTOMATIC COMBINATION GUNS (S)
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1. Within the last 35 years, the Soviets have developed two generations of automatic combination
guns, including the first Soviet automatic grenade launcher and at least four automatic gun/mortar
systems. Analysis of imagery and collateral information reveals that the F. F. Petrov Design Bureau,
associated with Perm Armament and Missile Support Equipment and Research and Development Plant
172 was probably responsible for designing most, if not all, of the weapons and that the 25X1
research establishment at Krasnoarmeysk Ordnance Research and Development Facility 25X1
was principally responsible for the testing of the guns and munitions.' 2 Because of this association, it
appears that Perm Plant 172 and Krasnoarmeysk Ordnance Research and Development Facility are the
primary installations where future Soviet grenade-launcher and gun/mortar systems could be identified.
(S/WN)
2. This report, which covers the period from summarizes imagery 25X1
and collateral concerning the research, development, test, and evaluation of selected combination-gun
systems and also provides some insight into the technological relationships among these weapons
systems. The report contains one location map (Figure 1), 10 photographs, and five small-format photo-
graphs or conceptual drawings that include the technical characteristics of the systems described. (S/WN)
KAUNUS
JONAVA0A1A
ENO,ARM EV*SK
GARRISONS AND UNIT
TRAINING AREAS
O TEST FACILITIES
A PRODUCTION PLANTS AND
DESIGN BUREAUS
Top Secret
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DISCUSSION
The First Generation
3. In the early 1970s, the Soviets introduced
the first generation of new automatic artillery sys-
tems capable of delivering both indirect and direct
artillery fire. Among the new systems defined by
the Soviets as combination guns were the Plamya
(flame)3 30mm automatic grenade launcher AGS-
17 and the Vasilek (also called Vasilyok; cornflow-
er)4 82mm automatic mortar D-18. A third sys-
tem-an 82mm, self-propelled (SP) combination
gun used by airborne forces-probably a proto-
type for the 120mm SP Gun BMD (2S9*), was de-
veloped and tested but never series produced.-5 All
three combination guns were tested at Krasnoar-
meysk Ordnance Research and Development Fa-
cility.
Plamya and Vasilek Combination Guns
4. The Plamya grenade launcher (Figure 2)
and the Vasilek mortar (Figure 3) have been at
Krasnoarmeysk since at least 1968. Both systems
are primarily antipersonnel weapons, with limited
antiarmor capabilities. They were first deployed
around 1971 to units guarding the Sino-Soviet bor-
der. (S/WN)
5. The Plamya ". . . is basically a much-im-
proved version of the US 40-mm MK19 MoD 0
machinegun, which saw extensive service in Viet-
nam. It therefore represents a departure from the
usual Soviet practice of continuous gradual prod-
uct improvement of infantry weapons and demon-
strates their willingness to 'borrow' extensively
from worldwide technological advances."3 (C)
The designator 2S9 when used in relation to automatic combination guns is classified TOP SECRET
In this report, the classification control markings are a breviated as tollows:
Belt-fed, blow-back-operated automatic infantry weapon mounted on a tripod or
armored vehicle3 (C)
Function Close direct and indirect barrage fire support to infantry companies against infantry,
motor vehicles, and lightly armored vehicles6 (C)
Issue Two per motorized rifle company3 (C)
Type Fire Automatic'
Range 50-1,730 meters3 (U)
Rate of Fire 40-60 rounds per minute; cyclic rate of 300-350 rounds per minute3 (U)
Basic Load 29 rounds3 (U)
Crew 2-36 (C)
Production The first Plamya was probably produced at Zlatoust Armaments Plant 66; current
production could be at any of the heavy machinegun-producing plants' (C/WN)
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Description Smooth-bore,' four-round-cassette fed,8 blow-
back-operated, automatic combination gun/mortar
mounted on a split trail gun carriage and trans-
ported on a GAZ-66 light truck
Function Close support; direct and indirect barrage fir
against personnel and armored vehicles9 10
Four per motorized rifle battalion of a motorized rifle regi-
ment, or naval infantry battalion of a naval infantry
brigade (S/WN)
Type Fire Automatic (C)
Range 5,000-6,000 meters10
Crew 5-79
Production The first Vasileks were probably produced at Zlatoust
Armaments Plant 66; current production could occur at
any of the heavy machinegun-producing plants' (C/WN)
6. The Vasilek was probably designed in the
late 1950s by the F. F. Petrov Design Bureau, with
possible assistance from automatic infantry weap-
ons designers. The factory markings on a Vasilek in
the Leningrad engineer and artillery museum indi-
cate that it was produced in 1960 and, at least
initially, designated D-18.1 2 (C)
7. The D-18 designator suggests that the Va-
silek is a Petrov design, since historically guns with
"D" designators, beginning with the 152mm How-
itzer D-1, have been Petrov Bureau designs.2 How-
ever, the Vasilek and Plamya systems tested in a
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Dvina exercise in the early 1970s were reportedly
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produced in Zlatoust,
robabl at Zlatoust Small
Arms Plant 66
a known producer
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of machineguns.7
8. A Vasilek mortar in the distinctive GAZ-66
carrier was first observed at Krasnoarmeysk in May
1971 (Figure 4), the year Vasileks were initially de-
ployed. The carrier was probably developed in the
late 1960s, since the GAZ-66 truck was not intro-
duced as the replacement for the old GAZ-51/-63
until the mid-1960s.11 (S/WN)
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Probable Prototype 2S9
9. The probable prototype 2S9 (Figure 5) was
first observed at Krasnoarmeysk on
= in a display that included the Plamya and
Vasilek systems (Figure 6). The appearance of the
probable prototype 2S9 with the Vasilek at Kras-
noarmeysk makes this vehicle a prime candidate
for the often-mentioned,12 but never identified,
82mm SP Vasilek.
10. The probable prototype 2S9 was proba-
bly developed between 1968 and 1970 through
the joint efforts of the Petrov Design Bureau and
designers at Volgograd Tractor and Armored Vehi-
cle Plant Volgograd is where the
original BMD was designed and is currently pro-
duced.13 During the late 1960s, the Volgograd de-
11. Automotive tests of the probable proto-
type 2S9 were possibly conducted at an automo-
tive test facility, on the extreme northeast end of
the Krasnoarmeysk range. In August 1971, vehicles
similar in size and configuration to the probable
prototype 2S9 were observed at this facility (Fig-
ures 7 and 8). The probable prototype 2S9 was not
observed again at Krasnoarmeysk, and by 1975,
the automotive test facility possibly associated with
its development had been abandoned.
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Description Turret adapted, possibly automatic 82mm combination gun/mortar on an amphibious,
airborne-associated, light universal (multipurpose) chassis (an elongated six-road-
wheel variant of the BMD) (S/WN)
Function Close direct and indirect fire support to Soviet airborne and air assault units; barrage
fire against infantry and light armor10
Issue Unknown
Range 5,000-6,000 meters (same as Vasilek)10
Rate of Fire Unknown
Crew Four (based on BMD crew)'6 (C)
Production The prototypes were probably assembled at Volgograd Tractor and Armored Vehicle
Plant; series production has not been identified13
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in the Baltic Military District, on
(Figure 9). Jonava is 18 nm northeast
of Kaunus and, at the time, housed a training regi-
ment of the 44th ATD.14 The correlation of imagery
sightings and collateral reports indicates a logical
sequence of events, from possible developmental
testing at Krasnoarmeysk through possible field
testing with the 44th ATD. However, there have
IAR-0019/85 Top Secret
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been no identifications of this vehicle deployed 25X1
with airborne units since the jonava display, and 25X1
the system never went into series production. In
fact, the limited number of probable prototype
2S9s produced was probably later refitted with the
upgraded 120mm combination gun of the 2S9
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The Second Generation
13. By 1975, the Soviets had developed and
were testing a second generation of combination
guns. Two systems of that generation, the 120mm
SP Gun BMD (2S9) and 120mm Combination Gun
(2S17*), have been identified.
with a new and more effective 120mm main gun
(Figure 10).
15. The 2S9, like its prototype, was probably
jointly developed by the Petrov Design Bureau and
the Volgograd Tractor Plant. The automotively
complete chassis are assembled at Volgograd Trac-
tor Plant and shipped by rail to Perm Plant 172 for
120mm SP Gun BMD (2S9)
the second-generation combination guns and has
been the subject of numerous reports since it was
identified at Riga Training Area 1
in March 1981. The 2S9 is probably the
upgraded version of the probable prototype 2S9
final assembly.
16. The 2S9 was possibly-imaged on
at Krasnoarmeysk and was first con-
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firmed on the firing line on Fig- 25X1
ure 11). Following extensive testing at
Krasnoarmeysk, the 2S9 was displayed at Kubinka
Arm Barracks Tuchkovo South AL-2
Figure 12) with other new armored fighting
Description Turret adapted, combination gun/mortar 2A515 mounted on an amphibious, air-
borne-associated, light universal, multipurpose chassis (an elongated six-road-
wheel variant of the BMD)
Function Close direct and indirect fire support" to Soviet airborne and air assault units
Issue 18 per airborne or air assault regiment (S/WN)
Range 500-12,000 meters indirect; 700 meters direct"
Rate of Fire Unknown
Crew Four (based on BMD crew)16 (C)
Production Perm Plant 172 is the final assembly plant for the 2S9; the main guns were
produced at Perm which receives the automotively complete chassis from Volgo-
grad Tractor and Armored Vehicle Plant13
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vehicles on The first possible 2S9
chassis identified at Perm Plant 172 was in the
shipping yard on (Figure 13). By May
1981, limited series production had apparently be-
gun at Perm Plant 172. The 2S9 was deployed with
airborne units in 1981 and publicly paraded in
Moscow on 9 May 1985.
120mm Combination Gun (2517)
17. The 2S17 (Figure 14) is the lesser known
of the second-generation combination guns. This
system consists of a 2S9 turret and main gun on a
2S1 SP Howitzer M1974 chassis. The 2S17 devel-
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opment probably involved the Petrov Design Bu-
reau at Perm Plant 172, Volgograd Shi
and and
Heavy Equipment Plant Krasno 264
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, and Kharkov Tractor and Missile Su ort
Equipment Plant Ordzhonikidze
18. The involvement of Volgograd Shipyard
in armored vehicle production is not new. The
turrets and chassis for all armored vehicles, includ-
ing BMDs and 2S9s, assembled at Volgograd Trac-
tor Plant are produced at the shipyard. Therefore,
the 2S9 turrets used for the 2S17 will be acquired
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from the Volgograd Shipyard. 25X1
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F
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Description: Turret adapted, 120mm combination 5 mounted on an amphibi-
ous 2S1 chassis
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Function Close direct and indirect fire support possibly to motorized rifle unitsn
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Issue Not yet deployed (S/WN)
Range 500-12,000 meters indirect (approx; same as 2S9);5 17 700 meters direct"
Rate of Fire Unknown
Crew Four (based on 2S1 crew)18 (U)
Production Kharkov Tractor Plant Ordzhonikidze will probably be t
the 2S 17; the chassis are produced at Kharkov which w
Perm Plant 172 and turrets from Volaoar
he final assembly plant for
ill receive main guns from
nd Heavy Equipment Plant
Krasno 26419
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19. The 2S1 chassis that is used for the 2S17
is produced at Kharkov Tractor Plant Ordzhonikid-
ze, and this plant or Perm Plant 172 will probably
be the final assembly plant for the 2S17. Most of
the military chassis that are based on the MT-LB
are designed and produced at Kharkov, which is
also currently the final assembly plant for the 2S1.
20. The 2S17 was first observed on
adjacent to a 2S9 on the firing line at Kras-
noarmeysk (Figure 15). This was the only observa-
tion of the system at Krasnoarmeysk in 1977. In
September 1977, a 2S1 chassis was in the shipping
yard at Perm Plant 172, where it remained through
August 1978 (Figure 16). This chassis was probably
used by the Petrov designers to work out problems
with the integrated system.
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21. Testing of the 2517 resumed at Krasnoar-
meysk in December 1979 and continued through
the end of 1984. Testing of the 2S17 has not been
observed at Krasnoarmeysk since then. Testing of
its counterpart used by airborne forces, the 2S9,
stopped approximately when the 2S9 was de-
ployed. Thus, the termination of 2S17 tests sug-
gests that the 2S17 may be ready to enter series
production and initial deployment.
Imagery Analyst's Comments
Deployment of the Combination-Gun Systems
/9 rVA
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22. It is apparent that the airborne forces
were the first consideration in the development of
a self-propelled combination-gun system. The very
nature of airborne operations demands such a sys- 25X1
tem. Soviet airborne units are projection forces 25X1
Top Secret
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that are dropped into an area to mount high-
speed, intense assaults. Airborne artillery crews us-
ing towed artillery are vulnerable to small-arms
and artillery fire throughout the operation. In the
battle zone, the artillery crews have little protec-
tion as they attempt to locate and mate artillery
pieces to prime movers, establish firing positions,
and relocate to new positions. Furthermore, the
transport of towed artillery and its prime movers
into the battle area presents a tremendous logisti-
cal problem because of the number of aircraft
needed. (S/WN)
23. The 2S9 eliminates many of the problems
that towed artillery presents to Soviet airborne
units. Once inside the vehicle, the crew has armor
protection and is immediately ready to fire and
maneuver. Moreover, the combination gun can
move at the high rate of speed and over the same
terrain as BMD-equipped maneuver elements. In
contrast, towed systems require setup and break-
down time on each move and have limited cross-
country mobility, all of which are hindrances to the
maneuver elements of the airborne unit. The 2S9 is
also cost effective. It can provide the direct and
indirect fire support previously achieved through
the coordination of howitzer, antitank gun, and
mortar fire. Theoretically, an airborne unit would
have to air drop one howitzer, one mortar, one
antitank gun, and three prime movers to get the
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support provided by dropping one 2S9. 25X1
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24. The 2S17 may be deployed to certain
ground forces units. Currently, a motorized rifle
unit of the new-type army corps at Minsk Head-
quarters Motorized Rifle Division/Army Barracks
AL-1/SA-6 and Kyakhta Army 25X1
Corps Headquarters/SA-6 Regiment/Barracks AL-1
? each have six 2S9s. These vehi- 25X1
Iles may be part of an airborne/air assault unit but
could also be place holders to be replaced by
2S17s at a later date. The Soviets evidently recog-
nize the values of such a system to their more
conventional ground forces.
All applicable satellite imagery acquired frorrj
report. (S/WN)
Small-Format Imagery
Figure
No Source Accession No
4
10
Army/FSTC AST-2660P-301-84
p 6, neg 559828
was used in the preparation of this 25X1
Classification
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
1. USDAO Moscow. IIR 6 901 0737 84, Vasilyok Automatic Mortar (U), 280728Z Aug 84 (CONFIDENTIAL/
2. Jane's Armour and Artillery, 1983-84, Fourth edition (UNCLASSIFIED)
3. US Arm F T A T-2660R-023-82, Soviet AGS-17, 30-mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (U), Sep 82
(SECRET 25X1
4. "Moskaus geheimer automatischer Morser: 'Vasilyok'-Die Kornblume' (Moscow's Secret Automatic
Mortar: the Vasilyok'-'the Cornflower')," Soldat and Technik, Frankfurt am Main, Feb 84, p 73
(UNCLASSIFIED)
IAR-0019/85 Top Secret
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5. DIRNSA. G/00/4185-80, Variant of Soviet Self-Propelled Weapon System with Covername ANONA Uses
Same Chassis As 122-mm Howitzer
6. DoD. IIR 2 227 0485 80, Procedure for Use of Automatic Grenade Launcher (Avto Maticheskiy Granato-
myot Stankovyy) Used by Soviet Motorized Rifle Units (U), 16 Dec 80 (CONFIDENTIAL)
7. DIA. DIADIN 167-1E, Automatic Weapons Manufactured by Small Arms Plant in Zlatoust (C), 170237Z
Jun 78 (SECRET
8. SSO DIA. DIN-1B 12856, New Mortar System, 210626Z Nov 75 (TOP SECRET
9. CIA. FIRDB-K-312 02611-78 New Soviet Ground Force and Aerial-Delivered Weapons, Oct 78
(SECRET)
10. DIA. DINSUM 238-83, SI-434961/83, Defense Intelligence Summary, 9 Dec 83 (TOP SECRET
11. Dept of the Army. TB 381-5-22A, "Surface Transport Equipment Eurasian Communist Countries' Vehi-
cles," Foreign Materiel Catalog, FOMCAT, Vol 22A, Jan 79, pp 31-34 (UNCLASSIFIED)
12. "AM Vasilek automatic 82 mm mortar," Jane's Defence Weekly, Vol 1, No 4, 4 Feb 84 (UNCLASSIFIED)
13. CIA. TD-00-K-323/21063-84, Weapons Programs at the Astrov Desi n Bureau of the Mytishchi Machine-
building Plant, 062000Z Dec 84 (SECRET
14. DoD. IIR 2 218 4249 76, (U) Kaunus (5453N-2355E) U/I Tracked Vehicle, 15 Jul 76 (CONFIDENTIAL)
15. NPIC. Z-20075/81, IAR-AO94/81, Airborne Activity at Riga, USSR (S), May 81 (SECRET
16. US Army/ITAC. RAC-24/8002/83, ATC-II-1110-082-83, BMD Family of Airborne Associated Vehicles (U),
Feb 83 (SECRET
17. SSO CHVILLE. Soviet 120-mm SP Howitzer (ABN) M1981 Deployment
85 (SECRET
18. DoD. IIR 2 218 010083, 122 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer, 1 Mar 83 (UNCLASSIFIED)
19. NPIC. IAR-0042/84, Imagery Analysis in the Evaluation of Soviet Weapon System Develop-
ment Cycles (5), Apr 85 (TOP SECRET
20. NPIC. Z- .6330/84 BMD Self-Propelled Artillery System in the New Type Army Corps, Minsk, USSR (S), 19
Jul 84 (SECRET
** The extracted information is classified SECREI~
***The extracted information is classified SECRE
REQUIREMENT
This report responds to topic 3.5.7 of the U.S. Foreign Intelligence Requirements, Categories, and Priorities,
(S, ICS84-7513, 1 January 1984 (S/
The author of this report is omments and queries regarding the report are
welcome. They may be directed to the Land Armaments Branch, Tactical Forces Division, Imagery Exploitation Group,
NPIC; (C)
IAR-0019/85 Top Secret
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