The first batch of Russia’s 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV (Coalition-SV) 152 mm self-propelled howitzer (SPH) has completed its preliminary company trials ahead of factory tests and official trials with the Russian Ground Forces. The self-propelled howitzer’s 2A88 152 mm/L52 gun was tested in four stages: the first “warm-up” shot, followed by two fired with enhanced charges, after which the howitzer fired four to eight rounds at a single target.
An experimental batch of four vehicles has been manufacturered in Yekaterinburg by UralTransMash, a subsidiary of UralVagonZavod (UVZ). UVZ’s 2018 annual report stated that development of the 2S35’s component parts had been completed, although the TASS news agency reported in 2015-17 that the system would be in service by 2017. The 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV is expected to replace the 2S19 Msta-S SPH in Russian service.
The 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV has a maximum rate of fire of 16 rds/min and a range of 70 km with rocket-assisted ammunition. The elf-propelled howitzer is fitted with an automatic loading system allowing a high rate of fire, as well as a water-cooling system that sprays the breech of the gun between shots. As with the T-14 Armata main battle tank, the crew of three is seated abreast at the front of the hull, leaving the turret uninhabited.
