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2B9 Vasilek
2B9 Vasilek mortar-4058
82 mm 2B9 Vasilek Gun-mortar
Type Gun-mortar
Place of origin Soviet Union
Service history
Wars Soviet war in Afghanistan
Production history
Manufacturer Bolshevik Plant
Specifications
Mass combat: 632 kg (1,393 lb)

Shell 3.23 kg (7 lb 2 oz) bomb
Caliber 82 mm (3.2 in)
Breech muzzle or breech loaded
Elevation −1° to 85°
Traverse 60°
Rate of fire 20-30 rpm effective[1]
Muzzle velocity 270 m/s (890 ft/s)
Effective firing range 4,720 m (5,160 yd)
Sights PAM-1 2.5X or 3X

The 2B9 Vasilek (Cornflower) is an automatic 82 mm gun-mortar developed in the Soviet Union in the 1970s and subsequently fielded in the Soviet Army. Unlike conventional mortars, the 2B9 can fire in automatic mode using four-round clips, and rounds can be loaded from either the muzzle or the breech. Because of its wheeled carriage, the 2B9 resembles a light artillery piece more than a conventional mortar.

The 2B9 was used in Afghanistan by Soviet units and is still found in Russian airmobile infantry units. In the fighting in Afghanistan, Soviet units found the 2B9 a versatile and useful weapon.[2] The 2B9 can fire an antitank projectile, which weighs 3.1 kg and has a 75 g warhead that can penetrate 100mm of armor.[3]

By 1988, the 2B9 was also deployed as a self-propelled weapon by mounting the gun-mortar in the rear of an MT-LB armored personnel carrier.[4]

Notes[]

  1. sill-www.army.mil Note that Jane's states the effective ROF is 100-120 rpm.
  2. fmso.leavenworth.army.mil
  3. Leland Ness (ed.), Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007-2008, pp. 556-557, Surrey: Jane's Information Group, 2007
  4. sill-www.army.mil

External links[]

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