Ukrainian soldiers use ingenious tactics to survive "drone war". Underground shelter shields 2S1 Gvozdika howitzer
The Ukrainian howitzer emerges from an underground shelter in the footage, presumably an improvised construct. The dugout features a flat, fortified wooden slope, allowing the driver to manoeuvre the vehicle in and out with ease. Equally essential is the overhead cover, seemingly made of wood cloaked with soil or branches. This measure serves a specific purpose: shielding the crew and equipment from Russian air assaults.
10:13 PM EST, January 17, 2024
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is frequently dubbed the "drone war", due to both sides' extensive reliance on unmanned aircraft. The invading forces consistently employ Lancet drones to obliterate Ukrainian gear.
2S1 Carnation in the Ukrainian army
These drones facilitate the invaders in effectively taking out not only dated Soviet-era apparatus used by Ukrainians but also up-to-the-minute equipment supplied by NATO nations. Video evidence confirms successful attacks on, for instance, Polish Crab self-propelled howitzers. The Lancet drone, boasting a wingspan of roughly 3.3 feet and an initial mass of approximately 26 pounds, can transport payloads up to 6.6 pounds within an operational range of 25 miles, reaching velocities of about 186 mph.
The 2S1 Gvozdika proves a recurring presence on the Ukrainian front lines, deployed by both Ukrainians and Russians. This self-propelled howitzer, a remnant from the Soviet era, was produced between 1971 and 1994. Over 10,000 units were made, most of which are currently engaged in the Ukraine conflict.
At approximately 17.5 tons, this artillery unit employs 122 mm caliber shells, which weigh around 48 pounds. It can launch them a distance of 9 miles, though the firing range can be extended to roughly 14 miles using gas generator projectiles.
The howitzer is mounted onto the tracked chassis of an MT-LB armored personnel carrier and powers up with a 300 HP engine. It can reach speeds of up to 37 mph on the road and 19 mph off-road. It can surmount vertical barriers as high as 2.3 feet and traverse bodies of water.
