2S31 Vena

{{Infobox weapon

| name = 2S31 Vena

| image = 2S31 Vena - Oboronexpo2014part3-02.jpg

| caption =

| origin = Russia

| type = Self-propelled mortar

| is_ranged = yes

| is_artillery = yes

| is_vehicle = yes

|service = 2014–present

|designer = Motovilikha Plants

|design_date = 1980–2007

|manufacturer = Motovilikha Plants

|production_date = 1996

| length = {{convert|7|m|abbr=on}}

| width = {{convert|3|m|abbr=on}}

| height = {{convert|3|m|abbr=on}}

| weight = {{convert|19.1|t|abbr=on}}

| rate = 8-10 rounds per minute

| max_range = {{convert|7.2|-|13|km|abbr=on}}

| elevation = -4° to +80°

| traverse = 360°

| suspension = Individual torsion bar

| speed = {{convert|70|km/h|abbr=on}}

| vehicle_range = {{convert|600|km|abbr=on}}

| primary_armament = 2A80 120 mm mortar

| secondary_armament = 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun

| armour =

| engine = Diesel UTD-29

| crew = 4

| engine_power = {{convert|340|kW|abbr=on}}

| pw_ratio = {{convert|19.4|kW|abbr=on}} per ton

}}

The 2S31 Vena ({{langx|ru|"2С31 Вена"}}) is a Russian amphibious self-propelled 120 mm mortar system. "2S31" is its GRAU designation.

Description

The 2S31 consists of a 120mm 2A80 rifled gun-mortar mounted on the chassis of the BMP-3 infantry combat vehicle.{{cite web

|title=SOFEX 2016 - Russia shows firepower [SOFEX16D1]

|author=Foss, Christopher

|url=http://www.janes.com/article/60129/russia-shows-firepower-sofex16d1

|location=London

|publisher=Jane's Information Group

|date=10 May 2016

|accessdate=29 September 2016

|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222060827/http://www.janes.com/article/60129/russia-shows-firepower-sofex16d1

|archivedate=22 December 2016

|url-status=dead

}} It was developed by Joint Stock Venture "Plants of Motovilikha" ({{langx|ru|ОАО "Мотовилихинские заводы"}}). The 2S31's turret is equipped with digital automated fire control system, navigation system, and optical/electronic reconnaissance and target acquisition system. Its 2A80 gun-mortar is capable of launching a high-explosive mortar projectile with a maximum range of {{convert|18,000|m|yd|abbr=on}}. The vehicle is protected by a welded aluminium hull to protect against small arms fire and shrapnel.[https://www.armyrecognition.com/russia_russian_army_vehicles_system_artillery_uk/2s31_vena_self-propelled_mortar_carrier_data_sheet_specifications_information_intelligence_pictures.html 2S31 Vena Self-propelled mortar carrier armoured vehicle], Army Recognition, retrieved 16/02/2021 It can also fire armour-piercing projectiles that can penetrate up to {{convert|650|mm|in|abbr=on}} of steel plate at ranges of up to {{convert|1|km|abbr=on}}. A separate sighting system is used when engaging in direct fire mode.[https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/2s31.htm 2S31 Vena Self-Propelled Gun], Global Security.org, retrieved 16/02/2021

Service history

Reportedly first combat use of Vena was during Second Nagorno-Karabakh War.{{Cite web |title=Одна из лучших легких САУ в мире - 2С31 прошла боевую проверку в Карабахе |url=https://vestnik-rm.ru/news/oborona-i-bezopasnost/odna-iz-luchshih-legkih-sau-v-mire-2s31-proshla-boevuyu-proverku-v-karabahe |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=vestnik-rm.ru}}

In September 2023, Vena appeared in Vesti program during the report about Russian troops fighting near Bakhmut, confirming its use during Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-15 |title=Новая российская автоматизированная самоходка 2С31 "Вена" замечена в зоне СВО |url=https://rg.ru/2023/09/15/novaia-rossijskaia-avtomatizirovannaia-samohodka-2s31-vena-zamechena-v-zone-svo.html |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=Российская газета |language=ru}}

Current operators

  • {{AZE}}
  • {{RUS}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2023/03/counting-down-list-of-russian-army.html|title=List Of Russian Army Equipment Not Yet Destroyed In Ukraine

}}

See also

References

{{Reflist}}