The 130 mm self-propelled artillery of the A-222 “Bereg” complex shows good efficiency. It is capable of independently finding various enemy surface targets and hitting them with precise fire. This complex differs significantly from other artillery systems and effectively solves their problems.
The military understood that to effectively protect the sea coast and coastal infrastructure of the Navy, in addition to powerful anti-ship missiles, artillery systems were also needed. Preferably mobile, large caliber, fast and high precision. That’s exactly how “The Shore” turned out. Unfortunately, its creation occurred in the late eighties and early nineties of the 20th century. These are difficult times for the country.
The complex was tested at the Black Sea Fleet training ground in Crimea. The tests were successful and in 1996 the A-222 Bereg was put into service. In 2003, the first production complex was transferred to the Black Sea Fleet. Deliveries continued, but in limited quantities. According to available data, there are not many such complexes in service in the coastal defense of the Crimea. However, its combat effectiveness has been repeatedly confirmed.
Each complex consists of a division with three batteries of two self-propelled guns each. Additionally, the division includes a central post and one or two combat support vehicles. All means of the complex are built on the special MAZ-543M wheeled chassis, thanks to which high mobility and agility is achieved.
The central post of the A-222 complex is equipped with its own radar and optical-electronic station. They provide detection and tracking of surface objects of various sizes at a distance of at least 35 km. Two detection channels can operate in various modes, from manual to fully automatic. In this case, the coordinates of the target are calculated and the data for shooting is provided. Commands are transmitted to the weapon support via a secure radio channel.
The 130 mm cannon for the Bereg was developed on the basis of a cannon from the AK-130 shipboard rapid-fire mount. The weapon received a developed muzzle brake and ejector. The oscillating part of the installation is built from components of the 2S19 “Msta-S” self-propelled gun and allows vertical guidance from -5 to +50. The aiming units are electric and manual backup.
The weapon uses unitary projectiles with four types of 130 mm projectiles, also from naval artillery. The main ones are the F-44 high-explosive projectile and the ZS-44 anti-aircraft projectile weighing up to 33.4 kg. There are 40 bullets in two turrets. The ammunition is fed manually from its placement in the rammer tray. A rate of fire of 12 shots per minute is provided.
Shooting range: up to 23 km. This is sufficient, since the main targets of the A-222 are enemy landing craft and unmanned ships operating near the coast. And they are destroyed with a single shot, even if they move at speeds above 100 km/h. The undoubted advantages of the Bereg include its ability to almost instantly transfer fire from surface targets to air targets. That is, an artillery complex is capable of simultaneously repelling sea and air drone attacks.
Interesting feature. The land complex was designed almost like a small warship. The combat support block has a cabin for rest and even its own kitchen with provisions and drinking water for a week, as well as a dining room designed for 4 people. There are cabinets for drying clothes and shoes. Undoubtedly, the A-222 “Bereg” has become a reliable additional protection against any sea and air attacks.
THE NAIS IS OFFICIAL EDITOR ON NAIS NEWS