2S33 Msta-SM2 is an improved version of the 2S33 Msta-S. For the first time, it was revealed in 2013 and 2016 reports stated that 30 of these systems will be delivered to the Russian army. The deliveries started in 2017 and until the next year, at least 15 systems were ready.
Weaponry
The 2S33 Msta-SM2 howitzer is equipped with a new 2A79 152mm gun that has improved ballistics. The weapon can shoot with greater force and pressure than the 2S33 Msta-S. The maximum range with the standard HE-FRAG ammunition is almost 30km while the rocket-assisted rounds can reach 40km. The original 2S33 Msta-SM2 had a maximum range of 24km with the standard shells and 29km with the second ones. The range has been extended dramatically.
The howitzer is compatible with every 152mm shell that is used in the self-propelled 2S33 Msta-S, the 2A675 Msta-B, the D-20, and the 2S3 Akatsiya. There is also a variety of different 152mm shells like the standard HE-FRAG anti-tank missiles etc.
2S33 Msta-SM2 is compatible with the newer Krasnopol-D guided missiles that navigate through GPS. This ammunition has a range of 43km. The system can also shoot the laser-guided Krasnopol-M2 ammunition within a range of 26km.
2S33 is armed with a semi-auto loading system that can work at any angle. It is believed that the fire rate reaches 10 rounds per minute. Internally, there is space for up to 50 shells. More shells are being transferred by military trucks.
In the vehicle, there is also a 12.7 machine gun for defense purposes. The gun is being operated remotely.
The hull and the turret of the system are built from armored steel. The armor protects small firearms. The howitzer features the NBC protection SYSTEM.
The chassis of the 2S33 Msta-SM2 shares common parts with the T-72 and T-80 tanks. The hull of the system is similar to the one used by the T-72 tank, although its armor is greatly inferior. The engine that powers the self-propelled weapon is a diesel V-84A engine that develops 840hp.
A strange feature of the weapon is the fact that it can surpass water objects up to 5 meters in depth.
