According to an article published by the Jerusalem Post on July 4, 2023, the 1st battery, attached to the 57th Motorized Infantry Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, employs the latest version of the local-made 2S22 Bohdana self-propelled howitzers, known as Bohdana 2.0, to target Russian troops near the village of Druzhkivka in the central Donbas region. Following the successful testing of this upgraded version, this means Ukraine now has the capability to launch American M982 Excalibur 155mm precision-guided shells from the howitzer.
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The article centers on the personal accounts of gunner officers engaged in the conflict and serves as a notable example illustrating that despite receiving weapons and military equipment from the U.S. and Europe, the Ukrainian armed forces continue to demonstrate their reliance on locally-made products. This is evident in their high satisfaction with the Bohdana, which not only play an important role in the ongoing battles but also showcase Ukraine’s self-sufficiency and military capabilities.
The upgraded version known as Bohdana 2.0 introduces various enhancements, including a new armored cabin. Notable differences include roof edges that are more curved towards the sides of the cabin, redesigned windows and doors with a different shape at their base, and larger steps. In terms of combat capabilities, the 2.0 version is able to fire American M982 Excalibur 155mm precision-guided shells. Additionally, a computerized fire control system has been installed on the chassis, enabling automatic targeting and target tracking. The Ukrainian forces have also updated the fire system to ensure effectiveness across different terrains. Moreover, there appears to be a transition to a different base for the three-axis chassis.
The 2S22 Bohdana is a 6×6 self-propelled howitzer, unveiled in 2018 during the Kyiv Independence Day Parade, has conducted its first firing and trial tests in October 2021. Ukraine’s armed forces have since deployed the vehicle in combat, while in january 2023, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense secured funds for additional units of the wheeled artillery systems.
The self-propelled howitzer, equipped with a 155mm cannon, is mounted on the KrAZ-6322 military truck, and it is entirely designed and manufactured in Ukraine by Kramatorsk Heavy Duty Machine Tool Building Plant.
Similar in design to the French CAESAR and Israeli ATMOS wheeled self-propelled howitzers, the 2S22 Bohdana is built on a 6×6 truck chassis. It features an armored cabin at the front and the artillery gun system at the rear.
The howitzer is capable of employing conventional NATO ammunition with its 155mm cannon, enabling it to achieve a firing range of up to 42 km with HEIAP ammunition and up to 50 km with artillery rocket-assisted projectiles.
Equipped with a modern aiming and fire control system, including a computerized fire control system, a ballistic calculator, an automatic gun laying system, and a navigation system, the 2S22 Bohdana can quickly establish its location and engage targets. The system is operated by a crew of five.
Benefiting from the utilization of the KrAZ truck chassis, the 2S22 Bohdana offers excellent mobility in both on-road and off-road conditions. It can achieve a maximum road speed of 80 km/h and has a cruising range of up to 1,000 km. The vehicle is capable of crossing vertical steps of 0.7m, trenches of 1m, gradients of 60%, and side slopes of 30%. Additionally, it can ford through water up to a maximum depth of 1.2m.
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