The 2S5 Giatsint-S (Russian: 2С5 «Гиацинт-С», lit.'hyacinth') is a Soviet 152 mm self-propelled gun. "2S5" is its GRAU designation. It has nuclear, biological, and chemical protection. The 2S5 is capable of engaging targets at longer ranges and at a higher rate of fire than the more widely produced 2S3 Akatsiya 152 mm self-propelled gun, and is capable of firing nuclear projectiles.

2S5 Giatsint-S
152-mm self-propelled howitzer 2S5 Giatsint-S
TypeSelf-propelled artillery
Place of originSoviet Union
Service history
In service1978–present
WarsSoviet-Afghan War
First Chechen War
Second Chechen War
War in Donbas
Russo-Ukraine War
Production history
Designed1967–1974
Produced1976–1991
Specifications
Mass28.2 tons (61,729 lbs)
Length8.33 m (27.32 ft)
Width3.25 m (10.66 ft)
Height2.76 m (9 ft)
Crew5 (section of 7 with 2 in ammunition carrier)

Armor15 mm (.59 in)
Main
armament
152mm 2A37 L54-caliber gun (30 rounds)[1]
Secondary
armament
1× 7.62 mm machine gun
EngineDiesel
388 kW (520 hp)
Suspensiontorsion bar
Operational
range
500 km (311 mi)
Maximum speed 62 km/h (38 mph)
(road)
25 km/h (15 mph)
(off-road)

Production history

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Russian Army 2S5 howitzers during a field exercise in 2020.

Production of the 2S5 Giatsint-S (Hyacinth) started in 1976 along with the towed version the 2A36 Giatsint-B. It uses a chassis modified from the SA-4 Krug surface-to-air missile system with good cross-country mobility and is powered by a V-59 diesel engine which develops 520 hp.[1] Giatsint-S can carry 30 152 mm rounds with a range of 28 kilometers, or 33-40 kilometers for rocket-assisted projectiles. In addition to high explosives, the gun can also fire HEAT, cluster, smoke and nuclear projectiles.[2] Deploying to fire the gun takes 3 minutes, and it can sustain a rate of fire of 5 to 6 rounds per minute. Most of the crew, with the exception of the gunner, deploys outside of the vehicle while firing. It is usually accompanied by an ammunition carrier with an additional 30 rounds of ammunition.[3]

The 2S5 was introduced into service in 1978, replacing the 130mm M46 field gun battalions in Soviet artillery brigades at the Army and Front level, and has also been known as the M1981 by the United States. Production ceased in 1991.

Operational history

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The 2S5 was first used in combat by the Soviet Union in Soviet–Afghan War. Later, Russian forces used it in the First Chechen War and Second Chechen War.

The 2S5 has been employed by the Ukrainian Army and Russian Army in the war in Donbas.[4]

Operators

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Map of 2S5 operators in blue with former operators in red

Current operators

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Former operators

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See also

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Bibliography

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  • International Institute for Strategic Studies (15 February 2023). The Military Balance 2023 (1st ed.). Routledge. pp. 201−204. ISBN 978-1032508955.

References

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  1. ^ a b "2S5 Giatsin". military-today.com. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
  2. ^ "2S5 Giantsint". Military-Today. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
  3. ^ "2S5 152 mm Self-Propelled Gun". FAS.org. Federation of American Scientists. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
  4. ^ "2S5 Giacint-S in Ukraine ATO". For the Record. 27 December 2014. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
  5. ^ IISS 2023, pp. 175−176.
  6. ^ IISS 2023, p. 451.
  7. ^ IISS 2023, p. 185.
  8. ^ IISS 2023, p. 202.
  9. ^ IISS 2023, p. 205.
  10. ^ a b "Trade Registers". armstrade.sipri.org. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  11. ^ Institute for Strategic Studies (1989). The military balance, 1989-1990. London: Brassey's. p. 34. ISBN 978-0080375694.
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