2S1 Gvozdika

The 2S1 Gvozdika is a self-propelled artillery system featuring a 122mm howitzer mounted on a tracked amphibious chassis, capable of firing up to five rounds per minute at targets located 9.5 miles (15.3 km) away with standard ammunition.

Development of the 2S1 Gvozdika began in the late 1950s in Kharkiv, with the first prototype completed in 1958 and mass production starting in 1971, entering service with Soviet forces around 1972 to replace older towed artillery systems.

Named Gvozdika meaning Carnation in Russian, this vehicle represents Cold War era Soviet military engineering and has become a recognizable symbol of Soviet artillery innovation, with over 10,000 units produced and distributed worldwide to allied nations.

The vehicle has a crew of four members including commander, gunner, loader, and driver, and is powered by a YaMZ-238N diesel engine producing 300 horsepower, achieving road speeds up to 37 mph (60 km/h) with an operational range of 310 miles (500 km).

The 2S1 Gvozdika features adjustable suspension height and amphibious capabilities requiring minimal preparation time of approximately 20 minutes, allowing it to cross water obstacles at speeds up to 2.8 mph (4.5 km/h) using its tracks for propulsion.