The Phlox (Floks) is new Russian 120mm wheeled self-propelled mortar carrier developed and designed by the Russian JSC Central Research Institute Burevestnik, a subdivision of UralVagonZavod. This artillery system is designed to conduct firing missions against stationary and moving targets by mortar shells and high-precision projectiles. It can be used for direct and indirect fire. The Phlox is proposed to replace towed artillery systems of similar caliber in the Russian Army. The Phlox is also is marketed by Uralvagonzavod to response on new request of international military market.
The mortar system uses some components of the 2S31 Vena self-propelled mortar system. This 120 mm mortar system is compatible with all munitions, developed for the Soviet/Russian 120 mm combined mortar systems, such as 2S9 Nona-S. It can fire various munitions, including HEAT, HE-FRAG, and smoke. Maximum range of fire with these munitions is 13 km. Also this artillery system can fire any 120 mm mortar mines. Maximum range using mortar mines is 7.5 km. For precision attacks against armored targets the Floks can use Kitolov-2M precision guided munitions. These have a range of 10 km. Maximum rate of fire is up to 8 rounds per minute when firing HE-FRAG rounds and up to 10 rounds per minute, when firing mines.
The Phlox (Floks) is based on the chassis of a new Ural-63704-0010 6×6 military truck with a crew cab a the front and the 120mm artillery weapon at the rear. It has a crew of four including driver, commander and two operators. The crew cab is protected against firing of small arms and shell splinters. Cab’s floor withstands blasts equivalent to 2 kg of TNT. Vehicle is also fitted with NBC protection system. The truck carries a total of 80 ammunition, with 16 rounds stored in a box located at the right side of the truck chassis, the remaining ammunition are located in a small shelter located at the rear of the crew cab. More rounds can be carried by escorting truck.
This truck is motorized with a YaMZ-652 turbocharged diesel engine turbocharged diesel engine (license-produced version of Renault dCi 11 engine), developing 440 hp. coupled to a five-speed gearbox. The truck can run at a maximum speed of 75 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 1,000 km. This vehicle has good cross-country mobility over difficult terrain, such as as sand, snow and mud. With preparation vehicle can ford water obstacles up to 1.75 m deep. The Phlox is also fitted with an autonomous power supply unit to operate the main armament when the main engine is out of work. Standard accessories of the vehicle includes a central tyre inflation system, NBC protection system, heating and navigation and orientation system.
