Introduced in 1957, the ZU-23-2 is a lightweight, automatic, towed anti-aircraft gun system. The ZU (Zenitnaya Ustanovka) translates anti-aircraft system. Formerly assigned to the SA Army Air Defence Artillery where it was known as the Bosvark (bush pig), this weapon will now be used in a ground role by the SF, a role in which it enjoys a fearsome reputation.
Pic: A ZU 23-2 Bosvark about to fire. At the time – 1999 – the weapon was still on issue to 10 Air Defence Artillery Regiment at Kimberley.
Type: |
Breech-loading towed twin 23mm automatic cannon. |
Numbers: |
36 |
Associated project names: |
|
Manufacturer: |
Various. |
Crew: |
6, requires two when emplaced. |
In action time: |
30 seconds. |
Calibre: |
23mm. |
Barrel length: |
2.01m (87.3 calibres). |
Ordnance: |
Two 2A14 Afanasyev-Yakushev cannon. |
Lower mount: |
Single axle chassis stabilised for firing by deploying three jacks. |
Upper mount: |
Comprises the ordnance, cradle as well as two ammunition feed systems and the sighting system. |
Mass: |
0.95mt. |
Length: |
4.57m (towing configuration). |
Width: |
1.83m (towing configuration). |
Height: |
2.87m (towing configuration). |
Ground clearance: |
0.33m. (towing configuration). |
Swept radius: |
? (at zero elevation, emplaced). |
Fording depth: |
1.1m. |
Muzzle velocity: |
970m/s. |
Rate of fire: |
800-1000 rpm per barrel (maximum), 200 rpm (sustained). |
Elevation: |
? |
Traverse: |
360 degrees. |
Max range: |
1.5-2.5km (vertical). |
Accuracy & consistency: |
Accuracy is not dependent on gun characteristics alone. Factors playing a role include variations in projectile mass, muzzle velocity, the accuracy of laying the gun in azimuth and elevation, meteorological conditions as well as barrel wear and history. |
Sight: |
Optical-mechanical ZAP23, telescope for ground role. |
Command system: |
Previously, Kameelperd. Now local control. |
Magazine: |
? |
Reload time: |
? |
Ammunition: |
HEI-T (High explosive incendiary – tracer), API-T (Armour piercing incendiary – tracer (API-T). |
Transportability: |
Towed by any light vehicle. Mounted on a 10mt Samil/Kwe100 when used by Air Defence Artillery. Road speed: 90km/h when towed. |
Comment: |
Introduced in 1957, the ZU-23-2 is a lightweight, automatic, towed anti-aircraft gun system. The ZU (Zenitnaya Ustanovka) translates anti-aircraft system. The system is rugged and reliable, though not entirely accurate. Its rate of fire and general utility, however, offsets this concern – as does the fitting of fire control equipment such as a laser rangefinder. Formerly assigned to the SA Army Air Defence Artillery where it was known as the Bosvark (bush pig), this weapon will now be used in a ground role by the SF. |