2S42 Lotos Russian 120mm Self-Propelled Mortar System

2S42 Lotos

Self-Propelled Mortar (SPM)

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2S42 Lotos Russian 120mm Self-Propelled Mortar System (A)TRADOC ODIN WEG

Basic Information

Name

2S42 Lotos Russian 120mm Self-Propelled Mortar System

Designation

2S42 Lotos

Alternate Designation

2S42 Lotos

Equipment Type

Self-Propelled Mortar (SPM)

Manufacturer

Central Research Institute for Precision Engineering (TsNIITochMash), a subsidiary of the Kalashnikov Group.

Date of Introduction

2024

Description

The 2S42 Lotos Russian 120mm Self-Propelled Mortar System specifically designed for the Russian Airborne Forces (VDV). This advanced artillery platform represents a significant modernization effort intended to replace the Soviet-era 2S9 Nona, which has been in continuous service since 1981. The system combines enhanced firepower, improved mobility, and crew protection while maintaining the air-droppable capabilities essential for airborne operations. The Lotos is reported to be 1.5 times more effective than the Nona-SM in terms of ammunition load, firing range, and high-explosive warhead power. The 2S42 Lotos is optimized for airborne rapid deployment operations requiring organic fire support. Its primary mission encompasses indirect fire support for airborne units conducting deep penetration operations, raids, and point-seizure missions behind enemy lines. Secondary capabilities include direct fire assault support and counter-battery artillery engagement. The system's integration with digital fire control and communications systems enables real-time target acquisition and coordinated fires at battery, battalion, and higher echelon levels. TsNIITochMash is developing enhanced ammunition packages including extended-range guided munitions with effective ranges up to 30 kilometers, significantly expanding engagement envelope and counter-battery capabilities. Upgraded variants with improved electronic protection, advanced electronic warfare countermeasures, and enhanced navigation systems are under development to further increase system survivability and firing precision.

Ground Specifications

Crew 4

Mobility Type Track

Main Weapon 120mm Self-Propelled Mortar System

Engine Diesel (450 hp)

NBC Protection Yes

Amphibious Yes

Max Speed 70.0 km/h

Range 500.0 km

System

Alternative Designation 2S42 Lotos

Type Self-Propelled Mortar System

Caliber 120mm

Manufacturer Central Research Institute for Precision Engineering (TsNIITochMash), a subsidiary of the Kalashnikov Group.

Chassis The 2S42 Lotos is built on a lengthened BMD-4M chassis modified to accommodate the new weapon system and turret assembly. The extended hull maintains the original protection level while adding two additional pairs of road wheels, bringing the total to seven per side compared to the standard BMD-4M configuration.

Configuration Track

Crew 4 ea

Amphibious and Airdrop Capabilities The 2S42 Lotos inherits the BMD-4M's essential amphibious design, enabling river and water obstacle crossing at 10 km/h. The system is specifically engineered for vertical envelopment via military transport aircraft, with documented drop-testing demonstrating successful airdrop capability from various altitudes and angles. These characteristics make the Lotos an integral component of rapid airborne assault operations requiring immediate fire support.

Dimensions

Length 7,085 mm

Width 3,152 mm

Height INA

Weight, Combat 18 tons

Automotive

Engine Name 2V-062

Engine Type Diesel

Engine Power 450

Maximum Range 500 km

Maximum Speed 70 km/h

Amphibious Yes

Amphibious Speed 10 km/h

Main Weapon System

Name 2A80-1

Type Breech-loaded mortar, classified as a hybrid gun-mortar system that lacks direct NATO equivalents. Unlike conventional mortars restricted to high-angle indirect fire, this gun-mortar architecture enables both direct and indirect fire missions, combining the extended range capabilities of artillery with the tactical flexibility of assault guns.

Caliber 120 mm

Elevation -4° to +80°

Traverse 360-degree turret traverse

Rate of Fire 6–8 rounds per minute

Maximum Range 13 km (with standard high-explosive fragmentation rounds)

Minimum Range 1 km

Combat Preparation Time 30 seconds from marching to firing position

Ammunition Compatibility The 2A80-1 gun-mortar accepts a diverse array of 120mm ammunition types: Standard 120mm rifled rounds developed for Russian mortar systems; High-explosive fragmentation projectiles; Armor-piercing rounds capable of penetrating 600–650 mm of steel plate at 1,000 meters; Shaped-charge/anti-tank rounds; Standard 120mm mortar bombs; Kitolov-2M laser-guided rounds with maximum range of 10 km and reported hit probability of 80–90%.

Basic Load The Lotos carries up to 40 rounds of 120mm ammunition, nearly double the capacity of its predecessor. The system features a mechanized ammunition storage and loading system, which significantly improves crew efficiency, reduces manual labor during extended fire missions, and enhances personnel safety by limiting direct ammunition handling.

Auxiliary Weapon System

Note For self-defense and suppression of enemy personnel, the Lotos is equipped with a remotely controlled weapon station armed with a 7.62mm PKT machine gun, allowing the crew to engage secondary targets from within the protected hull.

Fire Control System

Note The 2S42 incorporates advanced optical-electronic and infrared targeting systems that enable accurate engagement in low-visibility conditions. The commander and gunner stations feature new automated guidance systems that enhance both the speed and precision of gun aiming, reducing time-to-target and improving overall combat effectiveness compared to the 2S9. The integrated digital fire control system integrates navigation data, ballistic computation, and automatic gun laying to minimize preparation time and increase firepower density. The system supports autonomous target acquisition and engagement, enabling the Lotos to function independently or as part of a broader artillery battery, division, or corps-level artillery system.

Protection

Armor While the Lotos maintains the light aluminum armor of the airborne platform optimized for weight reduction and air-transportability, the lengthened hull provides increased volume for additional protective systems. The system includes radiological and chemical protection modules, enabling crew operations in contaminated environments.

Applique Armor INA

NBC Protection Yes

Smoke Equipment The vehicle also features smoke grenade dischargers for tactical concealment and protection against precision-guided munitions.

Image Sources

Notes https://en.kalashnikovgroup.ru/catalog/raketno-artilleriyskoe-vooruzhenie/samokhodnye-artilleriyskie-orudiya/samokhodnoe-artilleriyskoe-orudie-lotos

Details

Country of Origin Russia

Category Self-Propelled Mortar System

Land > Infantry Vehicles > Self-Propelled Mortar System

Classification

Domain

Ground

Equipment Status

Active

Dimensions

Length

7.09 m

Width

3.15 m

Height

—

Weight

18000 kg

Operators (1)

Russia

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