Russo-Ukrainian War: The Gerbera Drone

Source: Reddit

     The purpose of a decoy, first and foremost, is to deceive. The more life-like the decoy is and assuming proper deployment and employment, it has the chance to trick the enemy into believing something that is not true. Interestingly, in military parlance, a “dummy” refers to a decoy that mimics a piece of weaponry or equipment that is in use on the battlefield. Nevertheless, the term decoy is used broadly regardless if the decoy in question is a dummy or not. The Ukrainian Army makes heavy use of decoys, notably of 155mm M777 howitzers, NASAMS surface-to-air missile systems, M142 HIMARS vehicles, and other high value military weapons. This is to preserve, as long as possible, the equipment they have from losses.

     The Russian Federation forces also make use of decoys though not to the extent the Ukrainians do. In fact, many of the photographed front line decoys put together by Russian units are not too convincing. However, the Russians are using far more realistic decoys of S-300 (NATO reporting name SA-10 Grumble) and S-400 (SA-21 Growler) long-range surface-to-air missile systems. For example, the Russian company BalticAir offers an inflatable S-400 for $22,235...a steal in comparison to the cost of the genuine article. These decoys are being deployed in the Far East to replace actual S-300 or S-400 units which have been diverted to Ukraine and they are also seen in Crimea. However, in some instances, these decoys are easily spotted as they are placed without the accompanying vehicles associated with these missile batteries, to include separate radar, tow, and/or command post vehicles.

     Unfortunately, there is one Russian decoy that is quite difficult to differentiate from the real thing and that is shown here in the form of a downed Gerbera drone. The Gerbera (sometimes known as the Gerber) mimics the general shape of the Iranian HESA Shahed 136 loitering munition which Russia has purchased from Iran as well as the Russian license-built version, the Geran-2. Both the Shahed 136 and the Geran-2 make up the majority of the weapons deployed in Russian drone strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure as well as civilian targets. The Gerbera is reported to have first appeared in service starting in late July 2024.

     When Russia launches an air attack against Ukrainian targets, mixed into the Geran-2 and Shahed 136 munitions are Gerbera drones. Their purpose is to draw Ukrainian anti-air fire to them which allows the lethal munitions to get through to the target. Generally, the Gerbera does not carry a payload but a Ukrainian defender does not have the time to determine if the Gerbera is or is not a Geran-2 of Shahed 136 as they look much the same. This results in Ukrainian anti-air units having to expend ammunition (to include surface-to-air missiles [SAMs]) on the decoys when they could have been used against actual targets. While heavy machine-gun ammunition and light cannon ammunition is more readily available for resupply, the Ukrainian military does not have very large stocks of replacement SAMs for potent systems such as the MIM-104 Patriot, IRIS-T, MIM-23 Hawk, and NASAMS. This is one reason the Ukrainian military is using older SAMs to make up for expenditures. This includes the S-200 (SA-5 Gammon) and the even older S-125 (SA-3 Goa). In fact, Ukraine had retired the S-200 in 2013 but has since taken them out of mothballs starting in the summer of 2023.

     The Gerbera is primarily built from plywood with foam plastics to make them very inexpensive to produce, light, and also radio-frequency transparent (meaning, radio waves can pass through the drone with little to no interference). Power usually comes from a Chinese DLE60 2-stroke, 60cc ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) made by Mile Hao Xiang Technology. Some Gerbera have also been shown to use a slightly more powerful Stinger 70cc ICE made by the Chinese company RCGF Stinger Company, Ltd. Either rear mounted engine drives a wooden, 2-bladed propeller. Overall, the Gerbera is 6.6 feet long with a wingspan of 8.2 feet. This is a bit smaller than the Geran-2 which is 11 feet long but the Geran-2 shares the same wingspan as the Gerbera.

     A rather disturbing fact about the Gerbera is the number of components that are not Russian. Besides the Chinese engines, the electronics are from around the world...even from the United States. The XK-F358 mesh network (a broad band communication system for drone control) inside downed Gerbera drones has been proven to show hardware obtained from U.S. companies Analog Devices, Micron Technology, Xilinx Inc., Altera Corp., and even Texas Instruments. Other countries include Germany (Infineon Technologies), Ampleon (Netherlands), Realtek (Taiwan), and UIY, Inc. (China). Controlled radial pattern antennas and their related hardware (CPRA; used to protect GPS systems from interference/jamming) have been sourced from Analog Devices (United States), NXP Semiconductors (Netherlands), Integrated Silicon Solutions (United States), Monolithic Power Systems (United States), Linear Technology Corp. (United States), and again from Texas Instruments. So far, the 3-axis gimbal mounted camera used by the Gerbera comes from the Chinese company Topotek. Universal flight controllers and the hardware that goes with them is mainly Texas Instruments products. Other parts for the flight controllers has been obtained from XLSEMI (China), ATMEL Corp. (United States), U-Blox (Switzerland), STMicroelectronics (Switzerland), and NXP Semiconductors (Netherlands). Some downed Gerbera drones were found to be using Ukrainian SIM cards which permitted the drones to use Ukrainian high-speed connections for control guidance.

     Besides being a decoy, the Gerbera has also been shown to come in two other variants. The first is a loitering munition (much like the Geran-2 it mimics). At this task, it is not as successful as the Geran-2. It is believed the explosive payload is only 22 pounds compared to 198 pounds of the Geran-2. The normal decoy Gerbera has a range of around 186 miles but the loitering munition variant is thought to have a shorter range due to the added weight. Also, the camera used by the Gerbera is of a low quality, broadcasting using TV channels. It means the drone operator must manually fly the Gerbera into the target, much like a FPV drone, but without the superior maneuverability of a FPV drone. The second variant is used for reconnaissance, either using video cameras or gathering electronic data.

     As a note, the slogan scrawled on the left wing translates to “There will be no truce!”

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Latek Safari HG-105M Shotgun

Source: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

     The prevalence of FPV (First Person View) drones on the battlefields of the Russo-Ukrainian War has been seeing the continued expansion of the shotgun as a means to combat them. At first, civilian shotguns were appearing in the hands of both Ukrainian and Russian troops, such as vintage TOZ-34 and TOZ-66 shotguns (neither of which are pump-action). The Ukrainian military has been purchasing more modern shotguns, notably those produced by Turkish arms manufacturers. One such example is shown here in the hands of a soldier of the 36th. Marine Brigade “Mykhailo Bilynsky”. The weapon is the Safari HG-105M semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun, built by the Ukrainian non-state arms manufacturer Latek LLC. This is a license-built variant of the HG-105 which is designed and produced by the Turkish company Hima Arms.

     Why are shotguns the preferred means to combat FPV drones? The reason is pretty basic. Shotguns throw a lot of metal pellets into the air which greatly increases the chances of striking a flying drone and potentially damaging it. The very common #00 (sometimes called “double ought”) buckshot shell contains 8 or 9 pellets, each .330 inches in diameter. #1 buckshot holds 12 to 16 pellets while #4 buckshot has 21 to 28 pellets though this comes at the expense of diameter size. Another advantage of buckshot is the spread of the pellets as they travel through the air. Thus, rather than relying on sheer luck to down a moving FPV drone with a pistol or rifle bullet, a single shotgun shell can hurl several projectiles into the air at one time with a single pull of the trigger. As such, the odds of a strike are increased. A skilled user will have conducted patterning with his weapon. This involves firing the shotgun at a target from different ranges to see how many pellets hit. Often, the further away the target is, the fewer pellets will hit. As such, by patterning, the firer will be able to tell the optimum engagement range in which the majority of pellets will hit.

     Specifics of the Safari HG-105M are not given (even on Latek's website) and so what follows are the specifications for the Hima Arms HG-105D to which the Safari HG-105M is most likely similar to. The receiver and a portion of the weapon's internals uses 6082 aluminum alloy while the furniture is polymer. The barrel, bolt, bolt carrier, and the lock is made of 4140 steel. Overall length of the HG-105D is 28.5 inches with a empty weight of 8.6 pounds. The HG-105D has interchangeable chokes (full, modified, and cylinder), allowing the user to optimize accuracy and range by constricting the barrel to maintain a tighter pellet pattern at longer ranges (full choke) or, if desired, the opposite...a wider spread at closer ranges (cylinder choke). A modified choke falls in between full and cylinder. The HG-105D can use either a 5-round or 10-round polymer magazine. There is a photograph of a Safari HG-105M in Ukrainian service with an extended “banana” magazine that looks to hold at least 15 rounds. There is a picatinny rail on top of the weapon for optics and it comes standard with flip-up sights. Being semi-automatic, it fires as fast as the operator can pull the trigger. Other features include a reversible charging handle and a height-adjustable cheek rest.

     At a full choke, the typical effective range for a shotgun is 150 feet or 45 meters. This is often good enough to engage a FPV drone that requires contact with the target in order to detonate. Likewise, it can be effective to tackle smaller drones which are used for bomb drops or reconnaissance. Of course, regardless, it requires the shotgun wielder to actually spot the drone in order to engage it as some drones are quite quiet until they are almost on top of the target.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Antonov An-196 Liutyi

Source: 14th. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Regiment

     The An-196 Liutyi ("Fierce"), shown here being prepped for a mission by personnel of the 14th. UAV Regiment, is produced by State Enterprise Antonov (a part of Ukroboronprom) and has been dubbed the “Ukrainian Shahed” (referencing the Iranian HESA Shahed 136 drones the Russians use) in media sources. The An-196 was developed in October 2022 and revealed a month later. 

     It is a pusher-design with the air-cooled, 4-valve engine in the rear, driving a 3-bladed propeller. The explosive payload of the An-196 is between 110 to 165 pounds which is wrapped in a fragmentation sleeve and the drone has a range in excess of 621 miles. The longest visually confirmed range achieved by an An-196 is 497 miles when one was downed by Russian anti-air defenses in the Ulyanovsk Oblast during an attack on the Syzran refinery in late April 2024. It is said the An-196 can attain a maximum range of 1,242 miles or more but this remains unverified. Such a range, if confirmed, may come at the expense of explosive payload capacity. 

     The drone uses a nose mounted impact fuze to detonate the warhead and guidance is a combination of satellite navigation and a onboard inertial navigation system. In addition, the An-196 uses a sophisticated flight computer system that allows it to autonomously change flight direction as needed as it flies towards the target. This is accomplished by pre-loading both navigation data and terrain data for the path into the computer. The drone can then compare what it “sees” externally and if they do not match, it can maneuver accordingly. For example, if a cellphone tower is not in the drone's data but the drone detects it in it's flight path, it will avoid it then return to its original trajectory. As such, it means that a drone operator isn't required to control the drone through its entire flight.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The BMP-2M "Berezhok"

Source: saintjavelin on Instagam

     What is likely the most bizarre ersatz anti-drone defense yet created is shown here, adorning a Russian BMP-2 IFV. The photograph started making the rounds of social media in the first week of May 2025. The defense consists of multiple lengths of heavy cables which have been unwound and the stranded steel wires that make up the cable splayed out into a cone-shaped arrangement. That the cable is heavy is because the steel wires are not bending and remain in the shape they were put into.

     It can be assumed that the intent of using such an odd method is to make it very difficult for a FPV drone operator to successfully fly his or her drone into the BMP-2 without the drone's propellers striking one or more of the wires and either becoming fouled in the wires or the propeller blades being damaged or broken. It is also possible that the wires may catch on a piece of the drone body such as on the zip-ties that are usually used to secure RPG warheads to the drone (as an example). One can imagine entering or exiting the BMP-2 is a tricky affair and that the wiring could be bent back if the vehicle runs through obstacles or closer confines such as urban terrain or wooded areas. In addition to the multiple wire bristle bunches, the BMP-2 also has the far more common anti-drone cage atop the turret. It is quite high and utilizes weighted chains on the sides rather than metal screens or chain link fencing.

     As for the exact make of the BMP-2, it looks to be a BMP-2M “Berezhok”. The name refers to the B05YA01 Berezhok (meaning “Shore”) combat module that replaces the standard BMP-2 turret. The new turret retains the 2A42 30mm autocannon and co-axial PKT 7.62mm machine-gun of the original BMP-2 but adds a AG-30M (or AGS-17) 30mm automatic grenade launcher (with 300 rounds) and two launch rails on each side of the turret for the 9M133M Kornet-M (NATO reporting name AT-14 Spriggan) anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). The BMP-2M “Berezhok” does not carry any reloads for the missiles and so only the four fitted to their launch rails are available. The standard 9M133 missile, which uses SACLOS (Semi-Automatic Command to Line Of Sight) laser beam riding guidance, can attain a maximum range of 3.4 miles can penetrate over 1,000mm of rolled homogeneous armor after explosive reactive armor (ERA) due to its tandem charge HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank) warhead.

     Other upgrades to the BMP-2M “Berezhok” include six 81mm Type 902V Tucha smoke grenade launchers, a R-168 aqueduct intercom system for the crew, PL-1 laser illuminator, BPK-3-42 gunner's sight, 1PZ-13 commander's sight, laser range finder, and a ballistic computer tied into a “Redut” fire control system (FCS). The FCS can maintain tracking on multiple targets and can continually update firing solutions for all of the turret's weapons. Some vehicles may be equipped with the more powerful UTD-23 engine but this is more to compensate for the added 2 tons of weight due to the turret and armor (see below) as performance is the same as the regular BMP-2.

     For armor, the BMP-2M “Berezhok” has the same level of protection as the standard BMP-2 hull but some vehicles, like this one, utilize the 675-sb3KDZ add-on armor kit. This adds slat armor panels to the vehicle sides, front (missing here), turret circumference, and rear. In addition, the hull sides and the lower glacis of the front hull are fitted with polymer NERA (Non-Explosive Reactive Armor) blocks. These NERA blocks (in addition to the steel mounting plates the blocks are connected to) allow the BMP-2M “Berezhok” to withstand impacts from 12.7mm heavy machine-gun ammunition and some smaller anti-tank grenades.

For more information on the base BMP-2, visit:

https://photosofmilitaryhistory.blogspot.com/2025/01/russo-ukrainian-war-bmp-2-141st.html

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Praktika Kozak-5

Source: Reddit

     Photographed sometime in April 2025, a Kozak-5 infantry mobility vehicle (IMV) sports an extensive arrangement of anti-drone screens around the vehicle and what appears to be an anti-mine apparatus fitted to the front. The Kozak-5 (“Kozak” meaning “Cossack”) is a development of Ukrainian company Praktika's Kozak-1 which first appeared in 2009.

     The Kozak-5 is built using a variant of the chassis for the Ford F550 truck. While the Kozak-5 can be obtained with a stock chassis, it can be upgraded with a strengthened front axle housing, heavier shock absorbers and coil springs, and bigger wheels to support heavy-duty tires. A further upgrade involves replacing the regular axles with Meritor built axles which boost payload capacity by 2 tons on the front axle, even heavier springs and shock absorbers, Meritor quadratic brakes, CTIS (Central Tire Inflation System), and mil-spec wheels.

     For an engine, a Power Stroke 6.7 liter V8 diesel motor is installed with a 330 horsepower output. This is paired to a Torq Shift 10-R-140 automatic transmission with a 11-speed gearbox (10 forward, 1 reverse). On  the road, the Kozak-5 has a maximum speed of 93 miles per hour and with the onboard fuel capacity, the operational range is 497 miles.

     As an IMV, the Kozak-5 supports STANAG 4569 Level 2 armor protection as standard, using a steel alloy blend which has both a high hardness but also some plasticity. As such, the all-around defense can defeat Russian BZ 7.62x39mm API (Armor-Piercing Incendiary) ammunition at 30 meters. It also protects against 155mm HE (High-Explosive) shell fragments at 80 meters. The bullet-proof glass, made by Praktika, uses a sandwich of glass panes connected by polymer film layers. Against blasts from mines and IEDs, the Kozak-5 comes standard with STANAG 4569 Level 2a and 2b defense. Thus, it can withstand running over a 13 pound explosive charge within a pressure activated mine (Level 2a) and can also protect against a mine detonation underneath the center of the vehicle, again with a 13 pound explosive charge (Level 2b). Additional protection comes from an automatic fire extinguishing system, one for the engine and the other for the crew compartment.

     The Kozak-5 can be fitted out with three styles of turret. The first is the “basic turret” and that is shown in the photograph here. It consists of a front gun shield with two vision blocks, side shields with vision blocks, and a rear shield. Rear view mirrors are provided on the turret sides. The “simplistic design” is much as the first but without the front gun shield. Finally, there is the “closed design” which is a fully enclosed turret with bullet-proof glass vision panes and a roof hatch. The gun mount for all three turrets is designed for medium machine-guns like the 7.62mm PK. The turret is electrically rotated but can be manually rotated if need be. There are five gun ports (two per side and one in the rear) that permit passengers to utilize their small arms.

     Other systems include ergonomic seats (IMV model capacity is 9 men, including the two man crew), internal lighting, individual “goose-neck” lights for directed illumination, self-recovery winch, heater, and air-conditioning system (with an additional AC evaporator). Optional equipment includes video cameras, GPS navigation system, radio unit(s), black-out lighting, and a rear-view video camera for use by the driver.

     Returning to the photograph, the front screen is hinged to permit access to the hood for engine maintenance. There is a gap in the front screen arrangement to allow for a field of fire for the turret weapon (not fitted in this picture) though the overhead screen limits the area of attack by a FPV drone against the turret. The more interesting feature is the anti-mine apparatus. Each side has two thick rubberized material (likely conveyor belts) flaps, weighted at the bottom with a metal bar arrangement and chains can be seen which look to be what the strips are secured to via another metal bar. In turn, the chains are attached to the arms coming off the front of the Kozak-5. When in operation, the flaps would  drag along the ground and hopefully would catch any lever activated landmine and set it off before the Kozak-5's wheels did. It is similar to the KMT-6 mine ploughs Soviet-era tanks utilize to dig into the ground and push buried mines to the sides of the tank before the tracks hit them.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Skybike CRDX-200

Source: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

     The usage of motorcycles in war is nothing new. In fact, they saw widespread use starting in World War One where motorcycles were used primarily by reconnaissance units for scouting but also served a more vital role as the mainstay of communication units where dispatch riders found the motorcycle indispensable as a means to relay documents and orders between units when radio links were not available. To a lesser extent, motorcycles were used as transport for personnel and supplies. More recently, special forces around the world have adopted motorcycles as they are easily airdropped, small, and provide rapid off-road movement. The advent of viable electric motorcycles able to handle the rigors of the battlefield have added an element of stealth for special forces operators who no longer have to worry about the obvious engine noise of conventional petrol powered motorcycles.

     However, what was quickly learned was that motorcycles have little place in assaults. It was tried in World War One and the outcome was a disaster and the concept quickly abandoned, never to return. That was until the Russo-Ukrainian War, which started in late February 2022. The Russian Federation, in response to high losses of armored vehicles and logistical vehicles, has seen units more and more fill out their ranks with ATVs, civilian cars and trucks, and motorcycles. While it would be within reason that such vehicles can work well enough behind the lines, Russian units use them on the front lines. Notably, motorcycles are used in direct assaults against Ukrainian lines. 

     The Russian logic for “assault motorcycles” on paper seems somewhat reasonable. Motorcycles are fast, permitting the infantrymen riding them to rapidly close with the enemy. Once near, they dismount and fight on foot. Second, motorcycles are not heavy enough to set off landmines designed to target far weightier armored personnel carriers. Third, motorcycles are more maneuverable in comparison to bigger and slower armored vehicles which makes the job of FPV drone operators a bit more difficult. Combine the latter with man-portable drone jammers, that job gets a little harder.

     But, the disadvantages of using motorcycles in the assault are pretty plain to see. Motorcycles are not armored nor do they offer the rider any measure of protection against bullets or artillery/rocket fragments. Secondly, the rider cannot deploy his weapon with anything close to usefulness. At least one hand needs to steer the motorcycle and being accurate while “one-handing” an AK-74 is pretty laughable. Third, the rider has to divide his attention between the enemy and the terrain, especially when “off-roading” lest he run into a shell hole or hit an obstacle. To be fair, a lot of Ukrainian terrain is relatively flat with low grass in areas where cropland is not able to be planted. Finally, Ukrainian FPV drone operators are more than capable of hitting a Russian motorcyclist at speed and drone jammers are absolutely no guarantee of safety. That is because there is no way of knowing if a particular drone running down a motorcycle is using a frequency that rider's EW (Electronic Warfare) device is capable of jamming. Needless to say, the Russian Federation is finding out what other countries learned a while ago...motorcycles in the assault does not produce worthwhile results. But that hasn't stopped the Russian Army and so losses are very high with motorcycle troops having quite a short lifespan.

     The Ukrainian Armed Forces, notably the Ukrainian Army and Ukrainian Special Forces, do utilize motorcycles. Besides being used for the age-old roles of dispatch and scouting, they are also used by logistical units to quickly run supplies to front-line troops. They are not used for assaulting Russian lines. The particular motorcycle seen here, used by a soldier (drone jammer on his back) of the 58th. Motorized Bridgade “Ivan Vyhovskyi”, is a Skybike CRDX-200. Skybike is a brand name held by the Chinese company Sky Team, Ltd. which is a manufacturer and exporter of motorcycles. The CRDX-200 has a retail cost of around $1,500USD.

     Power comes from a 1-cylinder, air-cooled, 4-stroke 197cc engine that develops 14.3 horsepower. It is paired to a mechanical, 5-speed transmission. The engine is provided with both electric start as well as the more standard mechanical kick starter. Maximum speed is 71 miles per hour. The fuel tank capacity is 1.5 gallons. The CRDX-200 uses front and rear disk brakes while for suspension, the front utilizes inverted telescopic forks while the rear is a pendulum-style monoshock absorber. Thanks to a lightweight steel tubular frame, impact-resistant plastic components, carbon alloy exhaust pipe, and light alloy front forks, the CRDX-200 weighs 220 pounds.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Gentex HGU-56/P Rotary Wing Helmet System

Source: inukraine_official on Instagram

     A Ukrainian WSO (Weapon Systems Officer) seated in the forward cockpit of a Mil Mi-24 (NATO reporting name Hind) helicopter gunship. He is wearing a decorated Gentex HGU-56/P Rotary Wing Helmet System, a popular flight helmet for Ukrainian Mi-24 pilots and WSOs rather than the vintage Soviet-era ZSH-3B helmets from the 1980s.

     The HGU-56/P has a weight of 2.95 pounds and features a Gentex attenuating liner within a graphite/aramid fiber shell. The liner not only reduces the effects of impact forces but is also shaped in such a way that the wearer's head is kept forward, increasing the field of view by 3 degrees (in comparison to similar helmets). While seemingly a very small number, the boosted view arc can mean the difference between spotting or not spotting a threat to the helicopter. The HGU-56/P uses a lightweight retention system the allows it to be compatible with HMD (Helmet Mounted Display) units, communication systems, and even oxygen delivery systems.

     The WSO has added the Gentex Maxillofacial Shield (MFS) for the HGU-56/P which is an optional add-on. The MFS weighs only 5 ounces but protects the wearer's lower face from flying debris (such as that kicked up by rotor wash) and can even resist fragmentation traveling at no more than 550 feet per second. Another benefit to the MFS is that the helmet's microphone (fitted to the left side of the helmet) is placed behind the MFS which reduces the ambient noise thereby enhancing clarity.

     Another piece of optional kit the WSO has on his helmet is a Wilcox DPAM (Dual Powered Aviation Mount) utilized for NVGs (Night Vision Goggles). On the back is a quick release plate which fits to the helmet. The DPAM uses a Lemo 4-pin connector which allows the NVG connected to the mount to run off the helicopter's power or, if need be, the DPAM has its own power supply via batteries to operate the NVG. The Lemo connector can be seen on the right side of the DPAM while the lever in the center of the mount is the switch for external power or battery power.

     While the “MILF Operator” patch and the other morale patches need little explanation, the WSO has drawn the chemical symbol for epinephrine on his helmet, better known as adrenaline.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Sukhoi Su-25M1 Grach

Source: UKR_Air_Patrol on Instagram

     Another Soviet-era aircraft seeing heavy use in the Russo-Ukrainian War is shown here, the Sukhoi Su-25 Grach (“Rook”; NATO reporting name Frogfoot). Currently, all of the Su-25 aircraft in the Ukrainian Air Force are operated by the 299th. Tactical Aviation Brigade “Vasyl Nikiforov”. The particular aircraft in the photograph (which is not recent) is “Blue 08”, a Su-25M1, that was flown by Captain Vladyslav Voloshyn until the aircraft was shot down on August 29, 2014 by a MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense System) or a SAM (Surface-to-Air Missile) system during the Battle of Ilovaisk which ran from August 7 to September 2, 2014. Voloshyn successfully ejected and it took him four days to make his way back to Ukrainian lines. The Su-25M1, and variants of it, remain the mainstay of the brigade's attack aircraft. The Su-25 is a dedicated ground attack/close air support aircraft, analogous to the U.S. Air Force's Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II. Production started in 1978 with the first Soviet Air Force units fielding the Su-25 beginning in 1981. The last Su-25 rolled off the manufacturing line in 2017.

     The Su-25M1 (which is a Ukrainian modernization of the standard Su-25) is powered by two Tumansky (Gavrilov) R95Sh axial-flow, non-afterburning turbojets with each engine providing a maximum of 9,037 pounds of thrust. This is enough to provide the Su-25M1 with a maximum speed of 590 miles per hour at sea level. Maximum range is around 620 miles though with 9,700 pounds of war load and two external fuel tanks, a combat range of 470 miles can be achieved. The engines provide for a rate of climb of 11,400 feet per minute and the Su-25M1 has a service ceiling of 23,000 feet.

     Befitting a ground attack/support aircraft, the Su-25 has a number of features to enable it to survive and operate. In the nose is a Kylon-PS laser rangefinder/target designator, a DISS-7 Doppler speed/drift sensor beneath the cockpit (paired to the KN-23-1 [see below]), SSP-2I fire warning system with two UBSh-4-2 fire extinguishers, ASO-2V chaff/flare dispensers, SPO-15 Beryoza (“Birch”) radar homing warning system, AKS-5 gun camera, SO-69 transponder, SRZO-2 Khrom-Nikel IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe) interrogator with a SRO-2M Khrom IFF transponder, KN-23-1 navigation suite (which includes the RSBN-6S short-range radio navigation system, ARK-15M automatic direction finder, RV-15 radio altimeter, UUAP-72 angle-of-attack indicator/accelerometer, SVS-1-72-18 air data computer, PVD-18G-3M and PVD-7 pressure probes, and a MRP-56P marker beacon receiver), R-862 transceiver, R-828 VHF transmitter-receiver, and a ASP-17BTs-8 computing gun sight.

     The pilot sits within a tub made of ABVT-20 titanium alloy armor plates which range between 10mm to 24mm thick. The pilot is provided with a K-36L ejection seat and just behind the headrest is a 6mm thick plate of steel armor secured to the bulkhead. The canopy windshield is made of 65mm thick TSK-137 triplex bulletproof glass. To see behind him, the pilot has a rear facing periscope (atop the canopy) and two rear-view mirrors in the canopy frame. Because the Su-25 is not meant for high altitude flight, the cockpit is not pressurized. The cockpit is, however, NBC (Nuclear Biological Chemical) protected by an overpressure system and dust filters. The pilot wears a KP-52M oxygen mask, the aircraft's oxygen system providing a oxygen mix at altitudes of 1.2 to 4.3 miles and over that, up to the Su-25's ceiling, the pilot breathes pure oxygen. In case of ejection, the seat includes a BKO-3VZ emergency oxygen system.

     Other protective systems in the Su-25M1 include 20mm thick protective material around the fuel tanks while the fuel tanks themselves are fitted with explosion-suppression polyurethane foam. The Su-25M1 has two independent hydraulic systems that operate flight controls, braking, and the landing gear and this provides for redundancy in case of damage. The engines are capable of surviving, and will continue to operate, after taking a direct hit from a 23mm cannon shell. Despite this, armor plating is fitted on the underside of the aircraft, forward of the engine cowlings, as well as around the engine exhaust zone and rear parts of the engine nacelles. Armor is also added to the rear fuselage sides as well as armor fitted to the underside of the main service fuel tank within the fuselage. Flight controls, namely the elevator control rods, are duplicated to enhance survivability. In the tailcone are two PTK-25 cruciform brake parachutes.

     The main weapon of the Su-25M1 is the VPU-17A cannon installation that consists of a single Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-2-30 twin-barrel 30mm cannon which is provided with 250 rounds of belted ammunition. The cannon has a maximum rate of fire of 3,000 rounds per minute with a range of 1.1 miles. There are eleven hardpoints (four on each wing and three centerline) on the Su-25M1 which enables the aircraft to carry up to 8,800 pounds of stores. Common weapons carried include the S-5 55mm unguided rocket, the larger S-8 80mm unguided rocket, FAB-250 (550lb.) and FAB-500 (1,100lb.) free-fall bombs, and more recently, French-made AASM HAMMER guided bombs. If available, the Su-25M1 can utilize the SPPU-22 cannon pod which is equipped with a Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 twin-barrel 23mm cannon and 260 rounds. Auxiliary fuel capacity can come from either the PTB-800 (176 gallons) or PTB-1150 (253 gallon) drop tanks. Up to four tanks can be carried.

     Specifically, the Ukrainian modernization program was carried out by MiGremont and included adding a new GPS receiver, upgrading the radio communication systems, enhancing the gun sight, and adding a digital flight data recorder. The modernization has allowed the Su-25M1 to fire the S-13 122mm unguided rockets.

     The 299th. Tactical Aviation Brigade started the Russo-Ukrainian War with twenty-four Su-25 of various models (to include two-seat trainers) operational. Since April 2023, mothballed Su-25s have been withdrawn from storage and refitted to replace losses. Another two Su-25 were obtained from Macedonia. Speaking of losses, there have been 10 confirmed Su-25 losses (based on their fuselage numbers) with nine pilots killed and one captured by Russian Federation forces. Another ten aircraft have also been reported lost (though what their fuselage numbers are isn't known) in combat and on the ground with the loss of four pilots as confirmed killed with another two pilots probable KIA. One pilot, Roman Vasyliuk, was shot down on March 14, 2022 and captured but later released on April 24, 2022 in a POW swap.

     As for Russian losses, to date, the Russian Air Force has lost thirty-eight Su-25 aircraft as confirmed by the Oryx website.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The General Dynamics F-16AM Fighting Falcon

Source: inukraine_official on Instagram

     The road to Ukraine receiving the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a story all to itself, mainly in the politics that held up the process. Ukraine formally requested the F-16 in late February 2022 in order to quickly update the Ukrainian Air Force's (UAF) air defense capability. Although the F-16 entered service in 1980, three years before the Mikoyan MiG-29, the F-16 has been in continual improvement cycles since its introduction which have allowed it to surpass the abilities of the MiG-29s of the UAF. Former President Joe Biden finally approved the supply of the F-16 to Ukraine in August 2023 but the UAF would not receive its first jets until July 2024. The specific model of F-16 the UAF is using is the F-16 Block 15 MLU (Mid-Life Update), designated the F-16AM, and they are not coming from the United States but from Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway. The pledges include thirty aircraft from Belgium (none delivered yet), nineteen from Denmark (none delivered yet), twenty-four from the Netherlands (a portion have been delivered), and twelve (plus 10 more for parts) from Norway. To date, only seven F-16s are operational with the UAF.

     The F-16AM is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-200 turbojet that can generate 23,830 pounds of thrust when on full afterburner. This provides for a maximum speed of 1,345 miles per hour and a cruise speed of 577 miles per hour. The service ceiling is 55,000 feet and a operational range of 1,407 miles.

     The majority of the MLU improvements are in the avionics. The biggest of these was upgrading the radar to the AN/APG-66(V)2 model. The AN/APG-66, designed by Westinghouse, first appeared in the 1970s and is the primary fire-control radar system for the F-16. The radar is of the X-band, pulse-Doppler type and uses a planar array, consisting of six LRUs (Line Replaceable Units) to ease repair/maintenance. Operating frequency range is between 6.2 to 10.9 gigahertz. The (V)2 variant boosts the detection range to 52 miles by incorporating enhancements that help in filtering out the effects of chaff, ground clutter, and jamming. The AN/APG-66 is a look down/shoot down system which means it uses a PRF (Pulse-Repetition Frequency) which allows the radar to sift through ground clutter, locate targets, and enable the engagement of targets below the F-16AM. Likewise, the radar has look up/shoot up capability. The search cone is 120 degrees by 120 degrees.

     Other updates included an improved IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe) which permits the F-16 to utilize BVR (Beyond Visual Range) munitions that exceed the onboard radar's range. Additional changes include redesigned cockpit displays, updated EW (Electronic Warfare) systems, new communication sets, updated flight controls to improve low-altitude handling, and the ability to integrate with U.S. AN/AAQ-14 LANTIRN (Low Altitude Navigation & Targeting Infrared for Night) and AN/AAQ-28 Litening targeting pods. Ukrainian pilots are equipped with the JHMCS (Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System)

     The only built-in armament of the F-16AM is the General Electric M61A1 Vulcan 20mm, 6-barrel rotary cannon. A total of 511 rounds is carried. Hydraulically operated and electrically fired, the M61A1 can spit out 6,000 rounds per minute. The typical ammunition load is the reliable M56A3/A4 HEI (High-Explosive Incendiary) round. The M56 can create a blast radius against ground targets out to 6.6 feet with a shrapnel hazard out to 66 feet. Against armor, the round can penetrate 13mm of rolled homogeneous armor at 0 degrees slope at a range of 341 feet. The effective range of the M61A1 is 1.9 miles.

     For hardpoints, the F-16AM has two wing-tip rails, a total of six under-wing hardpoints, and three centerline hardpoints for a total war load capacity of 17,000 pounds. The F-16 can utilize a whole host of ordnance and so to go through all of them would make for a short novel. As such, ordnance seen in use by the UAF's F-16AM jets include: AIM-9 Sidewinder (infrared guided, short range AAM [Air-to-Air Missile]), AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile), and the GBU-39 250 pound glide SDB (Small Diameter Bomb). Other equipment seen on hardpoints include the AN/ALQ-131 ECM (Electronic Countermeasures) pod, Sargent Fletcher manufactured 370 gallon drop tanks, and Terma (a Danish company) built PIDS+ (Pylon Integrated Dispensing System Plus) and ECIPS+ (Electronic Combat Integrated Pylon System Plus). The latter two systems are defensive packages that include MAWS (Missile Approach Warning System), chaff dispensers, flare dispensers, radar warning system (alerting the pilot when his aircraft is “painted” by a radar system), and a homing receiver warning system (again, alerting the pilot when his aircraft is being targeted by a homing radar). As a note, the specific models of the Sidewinder seen include the AIM-9L, AIM-9M and AIM-9X while the AMRAAM has been seen in the AIM-120B and AIM-120C variants.

     In the photograph, visible are AIM-120C missiles on the wing-tip rails and AIM-9M on a wing hardpoints along with what appears to be a Terma ECIPS+ on the plane nearest the viewer. The aircraft also have drop tanks. Also, at least two of the F-16AMs retain their Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) paint and on the furthest F-16AM, the rectangle on the vertical stabilizer is the painted over RNLAF tail code. The same plane shows a lot of carbon scoring around the gun port for the M61A1.

     So far, the UAF has primarily deployed their F-16AM fighters in the air defense role, combating Russian cruise missiles and the 9K720 Iskander (NATO reporting name SS-26 Stone) short-range ballistic missiles. More rarely, the F-16AM is sortied for ground attack missions due to not having air superiority and the risk to the pilot and plane from anti-aircraft fire (MANPADS, mobile SAM systems, and the like).

     To date, the UAF has lost one F-16AM along with its pilot, Lieutenant Colonel Oleksii Mes, call sign Moonfish. He was killed on August 26, 2024 during a mission to combat a Russian mass aerial attack consisting of some 120 missiles and over 100 drones. According to Ukrainian sources, Mes destroyed three cruise missiles and one drone before being downed and killed. How he was downed was initially unknown. A U.S. official said it was pilot error, something that the UAF refuted. Ultimately, it was found that Mes was shot down by friendly ground fire during the attack, the weapon having been a MIM-104 Patriot missile.

Portrait: Chasseur Alpins Caporal, 1902

Source: Author's Collection

     At the thrift was this picture, measuring 14” x 16”, of a soldier. It looks to be heavily retouched and is on thick board. The only writing is the date, 1902, on the back. So, down the rabbit hole I went. My best, educated guess, is that the man is French and belongs to a chasseurs alpins (“Alpine Hunters”) unit. Formed in 1888, the chasseurs alpins are the French Army's mountain infantry, specifically trained to operate in mountainous terrain.

     My guesswork is based on a few things. The first is the tunic, which bears a resemblance to the French Army Modèle 1893 jacket. This one looks to have four front pockets, evidenced only by the flaps. Some searching shows the pocket count tended to vary but the overall cut was the same. It has the nine buttons as typical for the type. Now, chasseurs alpins enlisted jackets tended to have a broad lapel collar while officers usually had the collar as seen here. Of course, it is possible that this soldier had a jacket with a smaller lapel that could be upturned and closed at the throat. Now, the most telling evidence is the chevrons on the sleeves. They are dead ringers for the enlisted rank chevrons used by the chasseurs alpins. Although hard to see, this soldier has two stripes per sleeve, giving him the rank of “caporal” or Lance corporal. The final item that swayed my opinion is the mustache, a facial hair fashion readily worn by chasseurs alpins soldiers at the time.

     The visible handle and hilt of the bayonet appears to be that used with the French Berthier Modèle 1982 rifle.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum

Source: Reddit

     A Mikoyan MiG-29 (NATO reporting name Fulcrum) of the 40th. Tactical Aviation Brigade “Ghost of Kyiv” sporting an impressive tally of bombing missions, 69 in all. The MiG-29 is the most numerous fighter in the Ukrainian Air Force and the majority of them are operated by the 40th. The most numerous version in Ukrainian service is the MiG-29 (Product 9.13) Fulcrum C which appeared in 1989.

     The MiG-29 is powered by two Klimov RD-33 turbofan engines fitted with afterburners and each engine is capable of 11,110 pounds of thrust without afterburner and 18,340 pounds of thrust at full afterburner. This provides for a maximum speed of 1,520 miles per hour (just at Mach 2). The airframe is rated for +9 g forces. With 998 gallons of onboard fuel (excluding drop tanks), the MiG-29 has a maximum combat range of 560 miles when loaded out with six AAMs (Air-to-Air Missiles). With just internal fuel and no munitions, the range is 890 miles. Ferry range, with three drop tanks, is 1,802 miles. Rate of climb is 1,082 feet per second which means the MiG-29 can attain it's 60,000 foot service ceiling in a little under a minute.

     The only onboard armament is a single Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 30mm autocannon which is provided with 150 rounds. A short recoil operated weapon, the GSh-30-1 has a maximum rate of fire of 1,800 rounds per minute with an effective range of 1.1 miles. The autocannon can fire ammunition to allow the pilot to engage ground targets but in the Russo-Ukrainian War, such an attack is too great a risk with the prevalence of MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense Systems) and other anti-air weapons. As such, it is likely Ukrainian MiG-29s carry ammunition suitable for air combat and such rounds have distance-armed, delayed action fuzes.

     The MiG-29 has seven hardpoints, one underneath the fuselage and three per wing. All together, the MiG-29 can carry 8,818 pounds of war load. Common AAMs used by Ukraine include the Vympel R-73 (NATO reporting name AA-11 Archer) and the older Vympel R-27 (NATO reporting name AA-10 Alamo). Interestingly, because of the lack of air-to-air combat between Ukrainian and Russian fighter jets, many R-73 missiles are being repurposed as SAMs (Surface-to-Air Missiles) for use by air defense ground forces. Befitting the bomber role, the MiG-29 can carry four of the common Soviet-era FAB-250 550 pound bomb or the larger FAB-500 1,100 pound bomb. Likewise, Russia is making heavy use of both types of bombs against Ukrainian targets. In some instances, the Russians have created wing packages that allow the bombs to glide, extending their range. However, the Ukrainians are using primarily non-Soviet munitions but offering similar glide capacity. The first is the JDAM-ER fitted to GBU-62 bombs. The Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range is a kit that turns a regular free-fall 1,000 pound GBU-62 bomb into a guided weapon. The kit consists of a tail unit affixed to the rear of the bomb that contains an inertial navigation system, GPS module, steerable fins, and a autopilot. Around the bomb's body is a series of strakes that provide a measure of lift to extend the glide range. At a optimal release altitude, the JDAM-ER can attain a range of 46 miles. Another tool in the Ukrainian Air Force's arsenal is the similar French AASM 250 HAMMER (see the link below for more information).

     Other systems of the MiG-29 include a Phazotron NO19E Rubin airborne radar for target tracking and engagement (maximum search range of 93 miles), OEPrNK-29 series optronic Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system (9 mile range), digital fly-by-wire flight controls, SPO-15LM Beryoza RWR (Rear Warning Radar), Gardeniya-F1U jammer, SRZP-1 IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe), SRO-1P transponder, SN-29 navigation system, SUO-29M weapon selector, ILS-31 HUD (Heads-Up Display), FKP-EU gun camera, and the Schchel-3UM-1 helmet-mounted target designator.

As a side note, the MiG-29 Fulcrum C is nicknamed the “Gorbatov”, or “Hunchback”, due to the expanded and extended spine of the airframe to accommodate additional fuel capacity. It is also sometimes called the “Fatback”.

     From the opening of the Russo-Ukrainian War in February 2022 to date, the 40th. Tactical Aviation Brigade has lost ten MiG-29 fighters during combat sorties at the cost of eight pilots. The most notable non-combat unit loss was Major Andrii Pilshchykov, call sign “Juice”, who was killed during a mid-air collision with another jet during training on August 25, 2023. He was flying a Aero L-39M1 Albatross trainer. Pilshchykov was a very public advocate for the push for Ukraine to receive General Dynamics F-16 fighters and he was also a philanthropist in obtaining equipment to outfit Ukrainian pilots.

For more information on the AASM 250 HAMMER, visit:

https://photosofmilitaryhistory.blogspot.com/2025/01/russo-ukrainian-war-aasm-250-hammer-asm.html

Russo-Ukrainian War: The FV101 Scorpion

Source: Reddit

     Usually, the rank and file consumer of news about military aid to Ukraine only knows of the aid packages sent by the U.S. and other NATO nations. However, this is not the only source of military equipment that is being deployed by Ukrainian ground forces. There are a number of non-profit organizations which utilize crowdfunding to collect monies with which to make purchases of surplus equipment, including vehicles. The largest of these is the Serhiy Prytula Foundation whose funding drive efforts allowed for the purchase of 101 former British Army armored vehicles in 2023. Likewise, since demilitarized British Army vehicles (to include armored ones) are available on the open market, other organizations or even groups of individuals can obtain such vehicles. One of these is shown here in this photograph, belonging to the 1st. Operational Battalion “Forpost”, 1st. Presidential Operational Brigade “Bureviy”. The vehicle is the FV101 Scorpion. Entering British service in 1973, the FV101 is just one of a number of vehicles within the Alvis Vehicles designed and built Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked), CVR(T), family. The FV101 was classified as a light tank and also served as a reconnaissance vehicle and while it was withdrawn from British Army service in 1994, the FV101 remains in service with a number of countries. The largest current operator is Oman, with some 120 in service.

     Power for the 8-ton FV101 comes from a Cummins BTA series diesel engine that develops 190 horsepower and this is paired to a TN15 transmission manufactured by Self-Changing Gears Limited. The TN15 has a 7-speed gearbox, a Merritt-Brown triple-differential, and a electro-hydraulic, semi-automatic control system. This provides for a top road speed of 45 miles per hour and enough fuel is carried to give a maximum cruise range of 470 miles.

     For a main gun, the FV101 was normally fitted with either a 76mm L23A1 gun or the 90mm Cockerill Mk.3 gun along with a L43A1 7.62mm coaxial machine-gun. However, since this FV101 was demilitarized, the main gun and coaxial machine-gun were not present. So, the men of the 1st. Operational Battalion installed a 14.5mm KPVT heavy machine-gun. The KPV, designed in 1944 and entering Soviet service in 1949, continues to see combat and is the primary armament of vehicles such as the BTR-70 and BTR-80 8x8 armored personnel carriers and the BRDM-2 4x4 armored scout car. The KPVT is a variant of the KPV meant for installation in vehicles. With a rate of fire of 600 rounds per minute, the KPVT is fed from 40-round belts. Two of the main rounds are the B-32 API (Armor-Piercing Incendiary) and MDZ HEI (High-Explosive Incendiary). The B-32 uses a full metal jacket with a tungsten-carbide core which is capable of penetrating 32mm of rolled homogeneous armor at a 90 degree slope (RHA) at a range of 500 meters. At further ranges, the penetration value is reduced until it is ineffective against even the lightest armored vehicles. The MDZ round has an effective range of 1.8 miles with a maximum range of 2.5 miles. Assuming the original gun mounting remained, this would allow the KPVT to be elevated to a maximum of 35 degrees and a maximum of 10 degrees of depression. The turret can be traversed a full 360 degrees but as standard, it is not powered. This means the gunner uses a crank to turn the turret.

     The three man crew (commander, driver, and gunner) is protected by 7059 aluminum-zinc-magnesium alloy armor. The front hull supports 13mm of armor but due to the slope, the effective armor is 25mm thick. The sides and turret also support 13mm of armor but lack the sloping to increase the protection. Thus, from the front, the FV101 is resistant to some 14.5mm ammunition at 200 meters while the remainder of the FV101 can protect against shell fragments and some 7.62mm rounds. The standard FV101 was NBC (Nuclear Biological Chemical) protected but this was likely removed as part of the demilitarization along with the smoke grenade launchers. Likewise, the standard thermal night sights, communication systems, and navigational systems were also certainly removed as well. However, the commode underneath the commander's seat and the boiling vessel (with its internal water tank) were probably left installed.

     In addition to the KPVT, the crew has added at least three drone jammers to the turret. The white smudge on the hull side looks to be a censor, masking some sort of emblem, tactical symbol, or other identifiable insignia. Another photograph of this same FV101 shows the crew posing with their vehicle but they, too, are blocking the view of the hull side.

     As a side note, the group Armored Turtle: International Volunteers has been attempting to crowd fund for a FV101 Scorpion that is for sale in Britain which is not demilitarized as of March 2023. It has the L23A1 gun and the gun sights but it appears that the group has not been successful in obtaining it. Of course, one has to consider how available ammunition would be for it. Also, even the British Army did not like the gun as it lacked a fume extractor and so the turret tended to fill with fumes from firing.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The 2S7 Pion 203mm SPG

Source: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

     Artillery in the Soviet Army is said to have earned the label the “God of War” from Iosef Stalin in a speech he gave some time in 1944. Even the U.S. Army's artillery branch considers itself the “King of Battle”. In the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, the undisputed “king” of artillery is shown here, the 2S7 Pion (“Peony”) 203mm self-propelled gun (seen here in service with the 43rd. Artillery Brigade “Taras Triasylo”). The 203mm 2A44 gun is one of the most powerful pieces of artillery currently in operational service in the world while the 2S7 itself is the largest self-propelled gun in theater. Both belligerents in the conflict operate the 2S7 with Russia also using the upgraded 2S7M Malka. Ukraine only operates the 2S7 because the 2S7M is exclusively a Russian modernization. Originally known in the West as the M1975, the 2S7 started full service with the Soviet Army in 1976 with production of the 2S7 ending in 1990. Sources differ on how many 2S7 rolled off the line but it ranges as few as 250 all the way up to 1,000.

     The 51-ton 2S7 is built upon a chassis (designated originally as Obiekt 216) that makes use of T-80 tank components and for an engine, it utilizes a V-46-1 turbocharged, liquid-cooled V-12 diesel motor that develops 840 horsepower. The engine is paired to a manual transmission with an 8-speed gearbox. The top road speed of the 2S7 is 32 miles per hour and enough fuel is carried to provide a maximum cruise range of no more than 404 miles.

     The heart of the 2S7 is its 2A44 203mm L/56 gun. With a weight of 8 tons, the barrel sits in a hydraulically powered cradle which permits a maximum of 60 degrees of elevation down to 0 degrees. The gun can be traversed 15 degrees to the left or right of center but any more requires the entire vehicle to turn. The 2A44 uses a 2-cycle screw-type breech. As the photograph shows, there is no gun shield to protect the crew when in operation. Speaking of crew, the 2S7 carries seven men (commander, driver, gunner, and the remaining being loaders) while another vehicle (typically carrying additional ammunition) contains another seven men who assist with transferring ammunition to the 2S7 when in action. The loaders are provided with a powered ammunition handling system that includes a rammer. This is positioned on the right rear of the vehicle. In the photograph, the soldier by the gun's breech is standing in the control platform for the system. The 2S7 only carries four rounds of ready ammunition which is the reason it is accompanied by a vehicle with additional projectiles and powder bags. A skilled crew, using the ammunition handling system, can maintain a rate of fire of 1.5  to 2 rounds a minute. The 2A44 barrel has a service life of 450 rounds before it should be replaced. If need be, the 2S7 can be loaded manually though the rate of fire is far less.

     The gunner is seated on the left side, also near the breech, but lower than the loader's station. At his position, he uses a PG-1M panoramic telescope to sight the gun for indirect fire and also has a K-1 collimator at his disposal. If forced to engage in direct fire, the gunner has a OP4M-87 telescope to aim with. The basic round for the 2S7 is the ZOF 43 HE-FRAG (High-Explosive Fragmentation) and the 2S7 can lob this 243 pound projectile to a maximum range of 23 miles. However, the Ukrainians have shot about all of their Soviet made ammunition and so most Ukrainian 2S7s are firing U.S. M106 HE projectiles that were used by the M110 8” self-propelled howitzer (which was retired in U.S. service in 1994). If provided with a RAP (Rocket Assisted Projectile), the 2S7 can achieve a range of 29 miles though this projectile is much lighter at 227 pounds. The 2A44 uses a pneumatic recuperator and has hydraulic recoil brakes. To help absorb recoil and assist with stabilization, a spade at the rear of the 2S7 is deployed. Due to the massive concussive shock wave when the gun fires, the 2S7 has a siren that sends out warning tones for five seconds before the gun fires. This gives soldiers near the 2S7 that do not have hearing protection or are near the muzzle area to protect their ears and/or get clear of the muzzle. A trained crew can have the 2S7 in action, from the halt, within 6 minutes and can have the 2S7 in traveling order within 5 minutes.

     The chassis of the 2S7 supports only 10mm of welded steel armor and this protects the cab, crew compartment, and other hull components such as the engine. This is only proof against some small arms calibers and artillery shell splinters. In the forward cab sits the commander, driver, and the gunner and the front windows can be covered with armored shutters. There are two cab roof hatches and the commander and driver have periscopes for vision when “buttoned up”. Behind the cab is the engine then behind that, a crew compartment where the loaders ride in with access by two hull top hatches. There is a overpressure-type NBC (Nuclear Biological Chemical) system along with anti-radiation liners for the cab and crew compartment along with a heater system for cold weather operations and crew comfort. To power systems with the engine off, the 2S7 has a 24-horsepower 9R4-6U2 APU (Auxiliary Power Unit). For communications, the 2S7 uses the R-123M and R-173 radio systems and a 1V116 crew intercom system.

     The 2S7 has no defensive armament outside of small arms carried by the crew though the 2S7 usually carries one to two 9K32 Strela-2 (NATO reporting name SA-7 Grail) MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense System) to defend against aerial attack.

     The 2S7M Malka (a species of corydalis flower found in the Caucasus) appeared in 1983 with the main modifications being the ability to carry 8 rounds of ready ammunition, an improved ammunition handling system which can permit a sustained rate of fire up to 2.5 rounds per minute, usage of the V-84-B multi-fuel engine (which provided for more cruise range), updated R-173 radio systems, digital fire control system, and a reduction in crew to six.

     To date (April 7, 2025), the Russians have lost thirty-two 2S7/2S7M vehicles while the Ukrainians have lost thirteen 2S7 vehicles.