Difference between revisions of "2S3M"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' ("Akatsiya") was a modernized version of the 2S3 self-propelled artillery. As the first of three modernization attempts, it featured a new 2A33 howitzer capable of loading more advanced ammunition, increasing its effective range, reliability, and accuracy. The {{Specs|name}} also incorporated a single mechanized ammunition rack, as opposed to the 2S3's two. This change allowed for an increase in the maximum ammunition capacity from 40 to 46 rounds. Even though the changes weren't significant, they were seen as a step in the right direction toward bringing Soviet artillery efficiency more in line with that of western nations. The {{Specs|name}} served as the main production model of the series and was widely deployed in the Soviet Union and its allies. Further efforts to extend the service life of the series were undertaken in the mid-1980s and early 2000s, resulting in the 2S3M1 and 2SM2 variants, respectively.
 +
 
 +
The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]]. In comparison to the SU tank destroyer series, it offers significantly different gameplay. Other than the obvious difference of not being a "casemate", it is very lightly armoured but highly mobile. Its cannon relies on the use of HE and HE-VT shells capable of disintegrating even the most heavily armoured tanks at its battle rating. The proxy shells are also sufficient against low flying aircraft, as they have a very capable fuse and a high explosive effect that can cause significant damage.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
−
''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
The survivability of the 2S3M is extremely situational. Due to having absolutely no effective armour to stop any munition but small firearms such as 7.62 mm machine guns, it is very vulnerable to all damage. However, solid shots such as APCR, AP or APDS have a chance to go right through the armour without causing any damage whatsoever. The armour of the 2S3M can also partially stop artillery strikes fragmentation depending on the distance between the explosion and the platform. The best armour of the 2S3M is not to be seen. As a howitzer with a very potent weapon, it should be never stay stationary after firing, as this can disclose the location of the platform and be killed. The engine in the front of the hull can occasionally absorb some shots, allowing the 2S3M to fire back and disable the enemy.
  
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Hull || 15 mm (74°) || 15 mm ''Top'' <br> 15 mm ''Bottom'' || 15 mm || 10 - 15 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Turret || 10 - 30 mm ''Turret front'' <br> 20 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 15 mm || 15 mm || 10 - 15 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
+
| Cupola || 10 mm || 10 mm || 10 mm || 5 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''
+
The 2S3M, while not the fastest tank at its BR, is quite speedy and able to get to key positions before most of the enemy. It takes time to accelerate and brake due to the heavy weight of the main gun, but it reaches the top speed fairly easily. It holds a max speed of 60 km/h, which is fast for a tank at this battle rating, and it often reaches its top speed. As it is based on the SU-100P hull, it has a very decent turn rate and reverse speed, being able to reach up to -14 km/h while on reverse. It has a very capable cross-country capability and when track module is researched, along with a much better turn radius.
  
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=739|rbMinHp=460}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=739|rbMinHp=460}}
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{{main|2A33 (152 mm)}}
 
{{main|2A33 (152 mm)}}
  
−
''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
+
The 2S3M has access to the 152 mm 2A33 howitzer, a very potent gun with a significant firepower at the cost of a long reload time. The performance of the gun is excellent, with a shell that has one of the highest amount of explosives at its rank. While it is slower in performance compared to the Type 75 SPH or the Bkan 1C, only going 655 m/s compared to the Bandkanon's 850 m/s and the Type 75's 750 m/s , it holds one of the most devastating rounds in game: the 3OF25. Holding more than 10 kg of TNT equivalent explosive mass, it is able to annihilate any lightly armoured ground vehicle with a direct hit anywhere and even the most protected vehicles can still be destroyed in one shot if aimed properly.
 +
 
 +
Additionally, the 2S3M also has the 3OF25 (PF) shell. This is a proximity-fused high-explosive shell which detonates automatically when it gets close to a tank or plane, which allows it to explode above the roof of an enemy vehicle, destroying it in a similar fashion to a top attack missile. However, it will detonate on any features of the map, be that a rock, a mound of dirt, or even the ground. This, combined with its trigger radius (from 1 to 3 m) makes it little effective for shooting down vehicles hiding just behind ridge lines or obstacles, but effective against planes. The proximity fuse arms past 300 m, against closer targets the fuse doesn't work and the shell will perform just like the standard 3OF25 shell.
 +
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 46 || rowspan="2" | -4°/+60° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 46 || rowspan="2" | -4°/+60° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 8.8 || 12.2 || 14.8 || 16.4 || 17.4 || rowspan="2" | 17.29 || rowspan="2" | 15.30 || rowspan="2" | 14.10 || rowspan="2" | 13.30
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 6.0 || 7.0 || 8.5 || 9.4 || 10.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:2A33 (152 mm)/Ammunition|OF-540, BP-540, BR-540B, 3OF25, 3OF25 (PF)}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| OF-540 || HE || 49 || 49 || 49 || 49 || 49 || 49
 
−
|-
 
−
| BP-540 || HEAT || 250 || 250 || 250 || 250 || 250 || 250
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-540B || APHEBC || 166 || 164 || 157 || 148 || 140 || 133
 
−
|-
 
−
| 3OF25 || HE || 62 || 62 || 62 || 62 || 62 || 62
 
−
|-
 
−
| 3OF25 (PF) || HE-VT || 62 || 62 || 62 || 62 || 62 || 62
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| OF-540 || HE || 655 || 43.56 || 0 || 0.1 || 5,900 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| BP-540 || HEAT || 680 || 27.67 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 5,910 || 62° || 69° || 73°
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-540B || APHEBC || 600 || 48.96 || 1.2 || 19 || 1,020 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| 3OF25 || HE || 655 || 43.56 || 0 || 0.1 || 10,120 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| 3OF25 (PF) || HE-VT || 655 || 43.56 || 0 || 0 || 10,120 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 +
* The {{PAGENAME}} uses two-piece ammunition, composed of projectiles (yellow) and propellant charges (orange). Both have separate racks.
 +
* Projectiles and propellant charges are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 +
* Hull empty: 13 ''(+33)'' shells.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
{{main|PKT (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|PKT (7.62 mm)}}
 +
The 2S3M is also equipped with a 7.62 mm machine gun, which is useful for clearing bushes and fences in the path of this tank's high explosive shell. The PKT machine gun is not very effective against any planes directly. It serves more to attract a plane's attention and secure an easy destruction with the proximity shell, rather than being used as a weapon itself.
  
−
''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Pintle || 1,500 (250) || 700 || -6°/+15° || -160°/+155°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
 
 +
The 2S3M should be used as a support gun, able to take down even the heaviest of targets with a single shot. Teammates should be supported with the power of this weapon as well as the variety of projectiles available to it. It is not to be played as a frontline vehicle due to the immense reload time and aiming of the weapon. However it is a very good guerilla combatant and skirmisher if used as a backup for frontline vehicles.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Its deadly HE shells can finish anything with overpressure, like [[Panther II]], [[Tiger II (H)]], [[M4A3E2 (76) W]], etc.
+
* Powerful HE shells can finish off anything with overpressure, like [[Panther II]], [[Tiger II (H)]], [[M4A3E2 (76) W]], etc.
−
* Has a variety of shell types: HE, HEAT, HE-VT, APHEBC
+
* HEAT with a penetration of 250 mm is able to penetrate most tanks at the rank
 +
* Has a variety of shell types to suit different preferences and situations: HE, HEAT, HE-VT, APHEBC
 +
* HE-VT shell lets it take an anti-aircraft role and potentially harm lightly-armoured enemies behind cover
 
* Is turreted, allowing more flexible tactics
 
* Is turreted, allowing more flexible tactics
 
* -14 km/h reverse speed is good enough to retreat into cover
 
* -14 km/h reverse speed is good enough to retreat into cover
 
* Has a dozer blade to build a dirt cover
 
* Has a dozer blade to build a dirt cover
−
* Has NVD for night battles
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
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* Poor -4° gun depression limits its ability in hilly terrains
 
* Poor -4° gun depression limits its ability in hilly terrains
 
* Long reload time
 
* Long reload time
−
* Turret is huge, easily to get spotted and hit
+
* Turret is huge with ready rack at the back, easy to get spotted and destroy with ammo rack detonation
 +
* Slow turret steering speed
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
By 1964, NATO was equipped with the M109 self-propelled artillery. However, the Soviet army were still using artillery developed during WWII. During an exercise at Yavoriv military base, senior officials determined that the various types of artillery developed during World War II were not suitable for the war at that time. In order to make up for the technological gap with NATO countries, Resolution No. 609-201, issued by the Central Committee of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union on July 4, 1965, was finalized, starting the development plan for the new 152 mm self-propelled gun. In 1971, the Soviet Union passed the acceptance of the 2S3 self-propelled gun and began mass production.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_2s3m Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|Yr8N-qXDGjM|'''The Shooting Range #287''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 01:04 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 186: Line 160:
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
* [[Type 75 SPH]]
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[Bkan 1C]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 195: Line 168:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wt:en/news/7460-development-2s3m-hammer-of-the-war-god-en|[Devblog] 2S3M : Hammer of the war god]]
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{USSR tank destroyers}}
 
{{USSR tank destroyers}}

Latest revision as of 07:43, 17 December 2023

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
2S3M
ussr_2s3m.png
GarageImage 2S3M.jpg
2S3M
USSR flag.png USSR
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.3 6.3 6.3
Class:
Research:35 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:210 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The 2S3M ("Akatsiya") was a modernized version of the 2S3 self-propelled artillery. As the first of three modernization attempts, it featured a new 2A33 howitzer capable of loading more advanced ammunition, increasing its effective range, reliability, and accuracy. The 2S3M also incorporated a single mechanized ammunition rack, as opposed to the 2S3's two. This change allowed for an increase in the maximum ammunition capacity from 40 to 46 rounds. Even though the changes weren't significant, they were seen as a step in the right direction toward bringing Soviet artillery efficiency more in line with that of western nations. The 2S3M served as the main production model of the series and was widely deployed in the Soviet Union and its allies. Further efforts to extend the service life of the series were undertaken in the mid-1980s and early 2000s, resulting in the 2S3M1 and 2SM2 variants, respectively.

The 2S3M was introduced in Update "Winged Lions". In comparison to the SU tank destroyer series, it offers significantly different gameplay. Other than the obvious difference of not being a "casemate", it is very lightly armoured but highly mobile. Its cannon relies on the use of HE and HE-VT shells capable of disintegrating even the most heavily armoured tanks at its battle rating. The proxy shells are also sufficient against low flying aircraft, as they have a very capable fuse and a high explosive effect that can cause significant damage.

General info

Survivability and armour

Self-entrenching equipment
Creation of ramparts and trenches in soft ground
Armourfront / side / back
Hull30 / 15 / 15
Turret30 / 15 / 15
Crew4 people
Visibility94 %

The survivability of the 2S3M is extremely situational. Due to having absolutely no effective armour to stop any munition but small firearms such as 7.62 mm machine guns, it is very vulnerable to all damage. However, solid shots such as APCR, AP or APDS have a chance to go right through the armour without causing any damage whatsoever. The armour of the 2S3M can also partially stop artillery strikes fragmentation depending on the distance between the explosion and the platform. The best armour of the 2S3M is not to be seen. As a howitzer with a very potent weapon, it should be never stay stationary after firing, as this can disclose the location of the platform and be killed. The engine in the front of the hull can occasionally absorb some shots, allowing the 2S3M to fire back and disable the enemy.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 15 mm (74°) 15 mm Top
15 mm Bottom 		15 mm 10 - 15 mm
Turret 10 - 30 mm Turret front
20 mm Gun mantlet 		15 mm 15 mm 10 - 15 mm
Cupola 10 mm 10 mm 10 mm 5 mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB66 / 16 km/h
RB and SB60 / 15 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
2 back
Weight27.5 t
Engine power
AB992 hp
RB and SB520 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB36.1 hp/t
RB and SB18.9 hp/t

The 2S3M, while not the fastest tank at its BR, is quite speedy and able to get to key positions before most of the enemy. It takes time to accelerate and brake due to the heavy weight of the main gun, but it reaches the top speed fairly easily. It holds a max speed of 60 km/h, which is fast for a tank at this battle rating, and it often reaches its top speed. As it is based on the SU-100P hull, it has a very decent turn rate and reverse speed, being able to reach up to -14 km/h while on reverse. It has a very capable cross-country capability and when track module is researched, along with a much better turn radius.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 66 16 27.5 739 992 26.87 36.07
Realistic 60 15 460 520 16.73 18.91

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 524 → 4 827 Sl icon.png
RB3 958 → 5 422 Sl icon.png
SB5 372 → 7 359 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications61 800 Rp icon.png
103 500 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training61 000 Sl icon.png
Experts210 000 Sl icon.png
Aces890 Ge icon.png
Research Aces570 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
130 / 200 / 250 % Sl icon.png
178 / 178 / 178 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 200 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
2 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
2 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
6 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
6 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 200 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ussr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods dozer blade.png
Dozer Blade
Research:
6 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 200 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
152mm_ussr_HEAT_ammo_pack
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 200 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods night vision device.png
NVD
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 200 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
2 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
152mm_ussr_APHEBC_ammo_pack
Research:
2 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
152mm_ussr_HE_3OF25_ammo_pack
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
152mm_ussr_HE_VT_3OF25_ammo_pack
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.

Main armament

152 mm 2A33 cannon
Ammunition46 rounds
First-order12 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
17.3 → 13.3 s
Vertical guidance-4° / 60°
Main article: 2A33 (152 mm)

The 2S3M has access to the 152 mm 2A33 howitzer, a very potent gun with a significant firepower at the cost of a long reload time. The performance of the gun is excellent, with a shell that has one of the highest amount of explosives at its rank. While it is slower in performance compared to the Type 75 SPH or the Bkan 1C, only going 655 m/s compared to the Bandkanon's 850 m/s and the Type 75's 750 m/s , it holds one of the most devastating rounds in game: the 3OF25. Holding more than 10 kg of TNT equivalent explosive mass, it is able to annihilate any lightly armoured ground vehicle with a direct hit anywhere and even the most protected vehicles can still be destroyed in one shot if aimed properly.

Additionally, the 2S3M also has the 3OF25 (PF) shell. This is a proximity-fused high-explosive shell which detonates automatically when it gets close to a tank or plane, which allows it to explode above the roof of an enemy vehicle, destroying it in a similar fashion to a top attack missile. However, it will detonate on any features of the map, be that a rock, a mound of dirt, or even the ground. This, combined with its trigger radius (from 1 to 3 m) makes it little effective for shooting down vehicles hiding just behind ridge lines or obstacles, but effective against planes. The proximity fuse arms past 300 m, against closer targets the fuse doesn't work and the shell will perform just like the standard 3OF25 shell.


152 mm 2A33 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 46 -4°/+60° ±180° N/A 8.8 12.2 14.8 16.4 17.4 17.29 15.30 14.10 13.30
Realistic 6.0 7.0 8.5 9.4 10.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
OF-540 HE 49 49 49 49 49 49
BP-540 HEAT 250 250 250 250 250 250
BR-540B APHEBC 171 169 160 150 141 133
3OF25 HE 62 62 62 62 62 62
3OF25 (PF) HE-VT 62 62 62 62 62 62
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
OF-540 HE 655 43.56 0.3 0.1 5,860 79° 80° 81°
BP-540 HEAT 680 27.4 0.05 0.1 4,800 62° 69° 73°
BR-540B APHEBC 600 48.96 1.2 19 739.2 48° 63° 71°
3OF25 HE 655 43.56 0.3 0.1 10,120 79° 80° 81°
Proximity-fused shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Arming
distance (m) 		Trigger
radius (m) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
3OF25 (PF) HE-VT 655 43.56 0.3 0.1 300 3 10,120 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
46 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Notes:

  • The 2S3M uses two-piece ammunition, composed of projectiles (yellow) and propellant charges (orange). Both have separate racks.
  • Projectiles and propellant charges are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Hull empty: 13 (+33) shells.

Machine guns

7.62 mm PKT machine gun
Ammunition1 500 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate700 shots/min
Main article: PKT (7.62 mm)

The 2S3M is also equipped with a 7.62 mm machine gun, which is useful for clearing bushes and fences in the path of this tank's high explosive shell. The PKT machine gun is not very effective against any planes directly. It serves more to attract a plane's attention and secure an easy destruction with the proximity shell, rather than being used as a weapon itself.


7.62 mm PKT
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 1,500 (250) 700 -6°/+15° -160°/+155°

Usage in battles

The 2S3M should be used as a support gun, able to take down even the heaviest of targets with a single shot. Teammates should be supported with the power of this weapon as well as the variety of projectiles available to it. It is not to be played as a frontline vehicle due to the immense reload time and aiming of the weapon. However it is a very good guerilla combatant and skirmisher if used as a backup for frontline vehicles.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful HE shells can finish off anything with overpressure, like Panther II, Tiger II (H), M4A3E2 (76) W, etc.
  • HEAT with a penetration of 250 mm is able to penetrate most tanks at the rank
  • Has a variety of shell types to suit different preferences and situations: HE, HEAT, HE-VT, APHEBC
  • HE-VT shell lets it take an anti-aircraft role and potentially harm lightly-armoured enemies behind cover
  • Is turreted, allowing more flexible tactics
  • -14 km/h reverse speed is good enough to retreat into cover
  • Has a dozer blade to build a dirt cover

Cons:

  • Thin armour, any weapon larger than a MG is threatening
  • Poor -4° gun depression limits its ability in hilly terrains
  • Long reload time
  • Turret is huge with ready rack at the back, easy to get spotted and destroy with ammo rack detonation
  • Slow turret steering speed

History

By 1964, NATO was equipped with the M109 self-propelled artillery. However, the Soviet army were still using artillery developed during WWII. During an exercise at Yavoriv military base, senior officials determined that the various types of artillery developed during World War II were not suitable for the war at that time. In order to make up for the technological gap with NATO countries, Resolution No. 609-201, issued by the Central Committee of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union on July 4, 1965, was finalized, starting the development plan for the new 152 mm self-propelled gun. In 1971, the Soviet Union passed the acceptance of the 2S3 self-propelled gun and began mass production.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #287 - Metal Beasts section at 01:04 discusses the 2S3M.

See also

External links


USSR tank destroyers
SU-76M  SU-76M · SU-76M (5th Gv.Kav.Corps) · SU-85A
SU-57B  SU-57B · SU-76D
T-34 Derivatives  SU-122 · SU-85 · SU-85M · SU-100 · SU-122P
Heavy Tank Derivatives  SU-100Y · ISU-122 · ISU-122S · SU-152 · ISU-152 · Object 268
SU-100P and Derivatives  SU-100P · Object 120
Wheeled  YaG-10 (29-K)
Airborne  ASU-57 · ASU-85
Rocket  BM-8-24 · BM-13N · BM-31-12
ATGM  IT-1 · Shturm-S · Object 775 · Khrizantema-S
Artillery  2S1 · 2S3M
Other  SU-5-1 · ZiS-30 · SU-122-54
USA  SU-57

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