Prototype 2S3M 'Akatsiya' with M-385 155mm gun

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The Government Unitary State Enterprise "Factory No.9" had an initial start in producing standardized artillery and tank guns. In 1995, the factory started to develop 155mm gun systems. At the time, Russia already produced varying types of towed 155mm artillery guns. 
This development and modernization cycle was initiated after the existing in-service artillery systems utilizing a 152mm calibre gun such as the 2S3M 'Akatsiya' or 2S19 'Msta' were noticeably lacking in performance when compared to Western 155mm gun designs used on the PzH 2000 or G6. A large performance gap formed between Russian and Western 155mm guns. In addition to the growing performance gap, there was a global standard for the usage of larger calibre artillery guns, in which the 155mm gun dominated the market. 
As a result, Russia saw the opportunity to create its own 155mm gun design, which would open up the doors to international weapon trade programs. 

During the development of 155mm gun systems at "Factory No.9", designers set certain performance goals that were to be achieved: 
  • Increased ballistic performance with the ability to achieve ranges of 30-40km
  • Implementation of technical solutions that can improve overall combat capabilities: 
    • Length of the barrel not shorter than 8 meters (52 Calibre), barrel life not less than 2000 rounds, chromed barrel and breech. 
    • Integrated cooling system and a laser-based fuse system for igniting shell charges. 
    • Increased safety standards for the load sequence of ammunition. 
  • Equipping the gun system with advanced navigation and Fire-Control systems for higher target acquisition

The 155mm M-389 was designed and produced based on the 2A61 "Pat-B". The M-389 primarily differs from the 2A61 with its lighter weight assembly (1,3 Tons), the ability to fully traverse on its own tripod stand, ability to use an assisted loader mechanism. 

The M-389 was designed to be used in the modernization program of the 2S3M 'Akatsiya'. A 2S3M equipped with the M-389  approaches the same performance as the M109A6. 

2S3M2-155 "Akatsiya" fitted with a 155mm M-385 gun

The 2S3M2-155 was a standard 2S3M2 that was retrofitted to house a 3rd 155mm derived gun being the M-385. 


The 155mm M-390 is a modernized D-71, which achieves a firing range of 30km. 

Based on the development plans made in the late 90s and early 2000s, it was planned to make a 155mm gun system that could be fitted onto the 2S19 "Msta-S". The program was fulfilled and was shown for the first time at the Russian Arms Expo-2002 in Lower Tagil. 

2S19M1-155 Msta-S with 155mm M-388/M-389



Taken from: Magazine 'Military Parade 2000 No.3'
Image References: Warspot - 2S19M1-155 

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