Superheavy artillery targets cities
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The 2S7M, the biggest armoured artillery piece in Russia’s arsenal, could decimate large urban areas as Moscow seeks to pummel Ukrainian cities into submission
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2S7M MALKA

203mm self-propelled howitzer Upgraded version of Soviet-era 2S7 Pion

Designated to destroy targets in tactical depth of defence behind front line

Hydraulic loading chain mechanism

Gun operator position

SPECIFICATIONS
Length: 13.2m (gun forward) Width: 3.38m
Weight: 46 tonnes
Max. range:
675km

2A44 cannon Range: 37.5km (conventional shells) 55km (active rocket)

Gun can elevate 60 degrees

Lock holds cannon when travelling

Crew
14 – 7 on combat vehicle and 7 on escort truck

T-80 tank chassis
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Recoil spade
Provides stability during firing

Rear compartment
Remaining four crew

Powerplant
840hp diesel engine

Control compartment
Driver, gunner and commander

Speed: 50km/H

Ammunition: Includes concrete-piercing, tactical nuclear, and possibly chemical rounds

Rate of fire: 2.5-3 rounds per minute

Single nuclear shell could cause damage twice as great as Beirut explosion, analysts say

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Sources: Global Security, Army Recognition, Forbes
Picture: YouTube © GRAPHIC NEWS