2S1

This page is about the Soviet tank destroyer 2S1. For the other version, see 2S1 (Italy).

2S1

2S1

Description

The 2S1 Gvozdika is a Soviet self-propelled howitzer that was introduced in 1972. The vehicle utilizes the MT-LBu chassis and is equipped with a 122 mm 2A18 howitzer. The vehicle is operated by four crews: commander, gunner, loader, and driver. It is separated into two principal compartments, with the driver in the front on the left and the other crews in the turret at the back. The 2S1 Gvozdika's welded steel armour offers minor protection against small arms fire and artillery shrapnel but is insufficient for direct confrontations with enemies. The first prototype was delivered in 1969 and entered service with the Soviet Army in the early 1970s. It made its public debut at a Polish Army parade in 1974. The vehicle has amphibious capabilities and can be ready for amphibious operations in under 20 minutes. Before entering the water, crews will activate the bilge pump, mount the trim vane at the front of the hull, attach shrouds above the drive sprocket and front roadwheels, and lower water deflectors on rear track covers. During amphibious operations, the vehicle's tracks propel it forward, while a bilge pump through the exhaust pumps out any water that enters.

Introduced in the Update "Sons of Attila", the 2S1 Gvozdika has a distinct playstyle when compared to other vehicles in its rank. It is armed with a 122 mm 2A18 howitzer and fires high explosive (HE) shells at adversaries rather than the more frequent armour-piercing (AP) ammunition used by tanks. However, the large calibre of the main armament means that even if the HE shell fails to penetrate most enemy vehicles that the 2S1 Gvozdika encounters, the sheer explosive strength of the ordnance frequently ensures severe damage, if not outright destruction. Built on a light chassis, the 2S1 Gvozdika boasts exceptional top speed, allowing the player to get into key positions early in the battle. However, players must be aware of the vehicle's slow turret traverse speed and thin armour structure, as missing a shot is typically fatal due to poor survivability and a high reload time.

General info

Survivability and armour

The 2S1 has as much armour as light tanks such as the PT-76B, light enough armour to be penetrated by the American .50 cal, so this tank is not the most protected.

Armour type:

• Rolled homogeneous armour

Armour	Front (Slope angle)	Sides	Rear	Roof
Hull	14 mm at 39°	7 mm Top 7 mm Bottom	7 mm	7 mm
Turret	7-14 mm Turret front 14-20 mm Gun mantlet	7 mm	7 mm	7 mm
Cupola	14 mm	14 mm	14mm	7-14 mm

Notes:

Mobility

In RB, the mobility of the 2S1 is tolerable. It reaches a higher speed quicker than most tanks in its BR due to it being built on a light chassis but bleeds speed quickly when turning. Turning the 2S1 from a stand still is incredibly slow and driving forward or reversing first is suggested to gain the needed momentum to turn.

In AB, the 2S1 moves like a light tank, accelerates quickly and has a high speed with good turning with some speed bleeding.

Game Mode	Max Speed (km/h)		Weight (tons)	Engine power (horsepower)		Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
	Forward	Reverse		Stock	Upgraded	Stock	Upgraded
Arcade				426			__.__
Realistic				265			__.__

Armaments

Main armament

122 mm 2A31					Turret rotation speed (°/s)					Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode	Capacity	Vertical	Horizontal	Stabilizer	Stock	Upgraded	Full	Expert	Aced	Stock	Full	Expert	Aced
Arcade	40	-3°/+70°	±180°	-	8.8	12.2	14.8	16.4	17.4	13.00	11.50	10.60	10.00
Realistic					5.9	7.0	8.5	9.4	10.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition	Type of warhead	Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
		10 m	100 m	500 m	1,000 m	1,500 m	2,000 m
3OF24	HE	51	51	51	51	51	51
3BK-10	HEATFS	400	400	400	400	400	400
3OF7	HE-VT*	51	51	51	51	51	51
3OF56	HE	51	51	51	51	51	51

Shell details
Ammunition	Type of warhead	Velocity (m/s)	Projectile mass (kg)	Fuse delay (m)	Fuse sensitivity (mm)	Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (kg)	Ricochet
							0%	50%	100%
3OF24	HE	686	27.2	0.3	0.1	6.11	79°	80°	81°
3BK-10	HEATFS	726	18.4	0.05	0.1	1.67	65°	72°	77°
3OF56	HE	690	21.8	0.3	0.1	6.11	79°	80°	81°

Proximity-fused shell details
Ammunition	Type of warhead	Velocity (m/s)	Projectile mass (kg)	Fuse delay (m)	Fuse sensitivity (mm)	Arming distance (m)	Trigger radius (m)	Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (kg)	Ricochet
									0%	50%	100%
3OF7	HE-VT*	686	27.2	0.3	0.1	500	7	6.11	79°	80°	81°

Ammo racks

Full ammo	1st rack empty	2nd rack empty	3rd rack empty	4th rack empty	5th rack empty	6th rack empty	Visual discrepancy
40	__ (+__)	__ (+__)	__ (+__)	__ (+__)	__ (+__)	__ (+__)	__

Usage in battles

The 2S1's biggest weakness is high fire rate guns such as AA and other howitzers as both can eviscerate your vehicle very quickly. In RB, it is suggested to use your howitzer as it was intended: long distance destruction. Use your speed to get to vantage points. The 2S1 does not have much gun depression so you will need to use the environment for your own concealment and gun shooting angles.

In AB, it is quite the opposite, since there is no point in concealment in arcade your best being in the second line behind heavy tanks and mediums picking off enemy heavy's and mediums.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Fairly mobile
• HE rounds have enough filler to destroy any target
• Great elevation angles

Cons:

• Long profile
• Very weak armour
• Crew placement not ideal
• Extremely slow turret traverse
• Slow turn speed from standstill

History

The development of a new self-propelled gun for the Soviet army was based on the well-proven D-30 howitzer and the chassis of the MT-LB multipurpose amphibious towing vehicle. The D-30 towed howitzer was modified to be placed in the SPG turret, the MT-LB chassis was lengthened by adding a wheel pair to improve the driving performance and increase the room of the fighting compartment. After a year of testing, the vehicle was put into service in September 1970 under the designation 2S1 Gvozdika. Serial production of the SPG continued until 1991. The vehicle was produced in the USSR, as well as in Bulgaria and Poland under license. The 2S1 is still in service with the armies of many countries of the world.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins

• Skins and camouflages for the 2S1 from live.warthunder.com.

See also

Related development

• 2S1 (Italy)
• 2S3M

External links

• [Devblog] 2S1: The Blast Blossom