2S9 Nona

2S9 Nona
2S9 in Saint-Petersburg Artillery museum
Type	Self-propelled air-droppable artillery
Place of origin	Soviet Union
Service history
In service	1981 – present
Used by	see Operators
Production history
Designer
Designed	1974-1980
Manufacturer	Motovilikha Plants
Produced	1979 – 1989
Specifications
Weight	8.7 tonnes
Length	6.02 m
Barrel length	approx. 1.8 m
Width	2.63 m
Height	2.3 m
Crew	4
Caliber	120 mm
Elevation	-4 to +80 degrees
Traverse	70 degrees
Rate of fire	10 rpm, max; 4 rpm, sustained
Effective firing range	8.8 km (conventional); 12.8 km (extended)
Armor	15 mm max
Main armament	120 mm 2A60 mortar
Secondary armament	7.62 mm machine gun
Engine	5D20 Diesel 240 hp
Power/weight	27.1 hp/tonne
Payload capacity	40-60 rounds
Suspension	torsion
Ground clearance	450 mm
Fuel capacity	400 liters
Operational range	500 km
Speed	60 km/h (road); 9 km/h (water)

The 2S9 NONA (Новейшее Орудие Наземной Артилерии - Newest Ordnance of Ground Artillery) is an extremely light-weight self-propelled and air-droppable 120 mm mortar designed in the Soviet Union that entered service in 1981. The 2S9 chassis is designated the S-120 and based on the aluminium hull of the BTR-D airborne multi-purpose tracked armoured personnel carrier. More generally, the 120 mm mortar is referred to as the Nona, with the 2S9 also known as the Nona-S; a BTR-80 based version is the 2S23 or Nona-SVK, and the towed 2B16 anti-tank gun version is named the Nona-K. Although no figures have been released, it is estimated that well over 1,000 2S9 were built.

The 2S9 Nona-S is an amphibious vehicle that can be propelled through the water by two rear water-jets. It is operated by a four-man crew comprising a commander, a driver/mechanic, a gunner, and a loader. The hull interior is separated into a command compartment, a fighting compartment and an engine compartment. A welded steel turret is located at the middle of the hull. The two-man turret has hatches for the gunner and loader respectively.

The 2S9 utilizes a 120 mm 2A60 mortar with a 1.8-meter-long barrel. It is breech-loaded and capable of firing HE (high explosive), white phosphorus and smoke rounds.

Figures (other than Russia) if not otherwise referenced are from Jane's Armour and Artillery