| The Gvozdika was one of several new vehicles introduced in the Soviet Union during the 1970s.
The most common version is the 2S1 self-propelled 122mm gun/howitzer also known as SO-122, SAU-122 or M1974.The prototye 'izdeliye 26' was developed in 1969 and series
production started in 1972 with the first operational systems being delivered in 1974. In order to speed development the weapon chosen was the D30 122mm gun/howitzer,
while the hull came from the chassis and power train of the MT-LB general purpose tracked vehicle.
The all-welded steel hull of the Gvozdika series is divided into three compartments: driver's at the front on the left, YaMZ-238N, V-8, diesel, 300hp engine to the right of the driver
and the turret at the rear.
The suspension system is similar to the MT-LB multi-purpose tracked vehicle's and consists of seven road wheels with the drive sprocket at the front, idler at the rear, but no
track-return rollers. An unusual feature of the 2S1 is that the suspension can be adjusted to give different heights, which is of particular use when the vehicle is being
transported by tactical transport aircraft.
Standard equipment includes an NBC protection system, a SO-PG-Z sight, a OP5-37 telescope, an R-124 intercom system, a TA-57 field telephone, IR system with TKN-3B light
and TVN-2B driver's night sight and an NBC system. The 2S1 can also be fitted with wider tracks.
It is fully amphibious, being propelled in the water by its tracks. Any water that enters the hull during amphibious operations is removed via the exhaust outlet using the bilge
pump. Whilst afloat only 30 rounds (projectiles and charges) can be carried.
Over 11,000 vehicles were completed in the Soviet, Bulgarian and Polish State Arsenals with three-quarters being completed by the Russians. Countries, which have used the
Gvozdika besides the Soviet Union, include: Algeria, Angola, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Ethiopia, East Germany, Hungary, Iraq, Libya, Poland, Syria and Yugoslavia. Several of
these countries have split up (or been consolidated) since the original distribution, including Czechoslovakia, East Germany, the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia.
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