2A18
Encyclopedia
The D-30, or 122-mm howitzer D-30 (GRAU
index 2A18), is a Soviet howitzer
that first entered service in the 1960s. It is a robust piece that focuses on the essential features of a towed field gun suitable for all conditions. The D-30 has a maximum range of 15.4 kilometers, or over 21 km using RAP ammunition
.
With its striking three-leg mounting the D-30 can be rapidly traversed through 360 degrees. Although no longer manufactured in FSU nations the D-30 is still manufactured internationally and is in service in more than 60 countries' armed forces.
The barrel assembly of the 2A18 gun is used by the 2S1
self-propelled howitzer. There are also Egyptian, Chinese, and Syrian self-propelled variants and conversions. The Syrian conversion utilizes the hull of a T-34
tank.
Military requirements that led to the D-30 can only be deduced. Its role supporting tank and motor rifle regiments, and Soviet doctrine from the Great Patriotic War, suggest that while indirect fire was the primary role, direct fire anti-tank was very important. The latter is evidenced by the very effective HEAT shell, the low silhouette of the piece, its wide and rapid top-traverse and its shield.
The D-30 was designed by the well established design bureau at Artillery Plant No 9 in Sverdlovsk (now Motovilikha Plants
in Yekaterinburg) led by the eminent artillery designer Fëdor Fëdorovich Petrov (1902-1978). This team had been responsible for designing both the earlier M-30 and the post-war 152 mm D-20 Gun-Howitzer
and other guns.
Soviet divisional artillery was assigned to manoeuvre regiments (in Regimental Artillery Groups - RAGs) and as divisional troops (in Divisional Artillery Groups - DAGs). A RAG was normally three batteries, each of six pieces, to each motor rifle and tank regiment. DAGs were mostly equipped with 152 mm pieces, but the DAG of a motor rifle division included a D-30 battalion. The role of a RAG was a normal field artillery role to support manoeuvre forces with indirect, semi direct and direct fire.
The D-30 entered Soviet service in 1963 and is sometimes referred to as the M1963. In 1967 widespread introduction of self-propelled guns was authorised and the D-30’s barrel and ammunition was used for the new 2S1. When the 2S1 entered service it was usually assigned to tank regiments and motor rifle regiments equipped with BMP Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). D-30s were retained in motor rifle regiments equipped with BTR IFVs.
The D-30 has been widely exported and used in wars around the world, notably in the Middle East, and particularly in the Iran-Iraq War
- a long-lasting war of attrition similar to World War I
.
The gun remains a mainstay of artillery forces in developing countries and is deployed in the War in Afghanistan
. Soldiers from several western armies have been trained on D-30 by various user nations in order to be able to train Afghan soldiers on it.
Another distinctive feature of the gun is the large tow linkage fixed to the muzzle; in transport the stabilizers are folded away and the barrel serves as a trail.
Compared to the M-30, the new howitzer had a significantly longer 35 calibre gun barrel, just short of being a gun-howitzer by Soviet definition. Like other guns of the period it has a high efficiency muzzle brake
; this allowed an increased HE muzzle velocity of 175 m/s to 650 m/s, and raised maximum range by 3,500 m from 122 mm M-30 and by 2000 m from 76 mm M1942 to 15.3 km. Weight increased by 650 kg over that of the M-30, to 3,150 kg; the D-30 was over twice the weight of the 76mm M1942. Accuracy improved, with mean error at about 10 km dropping from 35 m with the M-30 to just 21 m.
Effective stabilisation length is a fundamental aspect of a gun mount, and legs 120° apart need to be longer than with a smaller angle. The D-30's design minimises this problem in several ways. Trunnions are close to the ground, as a result of placing the recoil system and cradle above the barrel. The trunnions are also at the very rear of the breech; this maximises the recoil space when firing at higher elevation angles. Their rearward position also pushes the recoiling element forward on the mount, maximizing relative rearward span of the stabilizers and so stability during recoil. Additionally there is a very efficient muzzle brake, which absorbs about half the recoil. There is no mechanism to reduce recoil length as the angle of elevation increases.
Some of the design decisions have a price. The muzzle brake produces about twice the overpressure in the area around the gun that is acceptable to western armies, and is the reason it is often seen being fired with a long lanyard, which reduces rate of fire. Furthermore, the maximum elevation angle is restricted to 18° (early versions) or 22° (later versions) when the breech is over a trail leg. This is enforced by a mechanical cam that prevents the piece firing for about 60% of the total top traverse, and limits range to about 12 km, with full maximum range only possible in the central arc of about 48° between each pair of legs. The extreme rearward location of the trunnions means the elevating mass is unbalanced, requiring a strong balancing mechanism to enable manual elevation. To do this, the D-30 uses compression balancing gears.
A central jack is powered by hand operated hydraulics. This jack is lowered while the wheels are raised to permit two of the stabiliser legs to be swung 120° rearwards. The mounting is then lowered and the ends of the legs spiked to the ground. This mounting provides for quick traversing to fire in any direction.
The pair of large tires are suspended on a single trailing arm; maximum towing speed is 60 km/h on the road. As was normal in Soviet designs the tyres were filled with foam. Initially the D-30 had no brakes and no seat for the layer - non-essential luxuries.
A sliding block breech was adopted instead of M-30’s pre-1914 screw pattern, permitting a slight increase in the rate of fire. This breech is semi-automatic vertical sliding block breach, with a tied jaw and the block moving down to open. It opens automatically and ejects the empty cartridge case when the gun fires. It is closely related to the design of the breaches on other Soviet post World War II guns and howitzers.
The non-reciprocating sights are standard Soviet pattern, designed for one-man laying. Included are a direct fire anti-tank telescope, a panoramic periscopic indirect-fire sight (a dial sight) in a reciprocating mounting, an angle of sight scale, and a range drum for each charge engraved with the range (distance) scale. The elevation levelling bubble in mounted on the dial sight mount. The range drum enables the standard Soviet technique of semi-direct fire when the piece is laid visually on the target and the range set on the range drum.
Soviet 122 mm howitzers used different ammunition to 122 mm guns, although there was some compatibility. In the case of ammunition for the D-30, the standard 122 mm howitzer shell weight of 21.8 kg was retained, with a metal cartridge case containing variable propelling charges, cartridge and shell are loaded separately. This means the shells have to be hand rammed by a man to the right of the breech with a ramming rod. The D-30 could fire the older M-30 ammunition. However new shells were also introduced, eventually including a rocket assisted projectile with a range of 21.9 km. The M-30’s range of propelling charges comprising base and 8 increments were replaced by a new one comprising base and four increments, and single base propellant was retained. A more effective High Explosive (HE) shell was developed, as well as smoke, illumination and chemical filled projectiles.
In keeping with Soviet doctrine the anti-tank role is important; there is a HEAT
shell capable of penetrating 460 mm of steel armour plate.
The maximum rate of fire of the D-30 is 6-8 rounds per minute, and about 75 rounds per hour. There is disagreement as to whether this maximum rate of fire is achievable for indirect fire. Based on reloading speeds of similar guns using separate charges, solo re-laying, and given a stable emplacement, semi-automatic breech and no long lanyard, (examples are the 25-pdr. and 105mm L118), and assuming concurrent lay adjustment during reloads, then it probably is when in the hands of a competent detachment. However, 5-6 rounds per minute may be more realistic with a poorly trained gun crew.
The D-30 is noted for simplicity of maintenance by its users; reputedly there are no special tools, all jobs can be down with a wrench and large hammer. However, like any other gun routine maintenance is essential, and western troops in Afghanistan have reported Afghan manned D-30s having problems with shells sticking in the barrel due to lack of cleaning.
MT-LB
tracked vehicles were often employed by Soviet forces for towing instead of trucks. This led to the development of a self-propelled variant combining the gun with the chassis of the MT-LB
, the 2S1
. This was the first Soviet enclosed turret self propelled artillery gun, going into service in the early 1970s. The 2S1
is very light and mobile, and amphibious without preparation. Good mobility and quick reaction abilities of the 2S1 enhance the flexibility of the D-30, reducing its vulnerability in maneuver battles.
Post 1973, Syrian and Egyptian armed forces fielded D-30 guns fitted to the hulls of obsolete T-34 tanks, similar to Israeli conversions of Sherman
hulls. This rather crude modification improves the speed of divisional artillery, allowing for both escape and the ability to match speed with front-line mechanized forces. A major drawback is the lack of protection for the gunners.
For more information see 2S1
.
The legs are then locked in place with locking pins. The carriage is lowered via the hydraulic jack so the legs touch the ground; integral stakes are then hammered into the ground. At this point the gun is ready for direct fire using the OP4 direct fire sight, or can be orientated and have its position fixed via the aiming circles for subsequent indirect fire using the Pantel sight.
s, with variable charges:
Grau
Grau is a German word meaning "gray" and a Catalan word meaning "grade". It may refer to:* BAP Almirante Grau , a De Zeven Provinciën class cruiser in service with the Peruvian Navy* Grau Käse, Tyrolean grey cheese...
index 2A18), is a Soviet howitzer
Howitzer
A howitzer is a type of artillery piece characterized by a relatively short barrel and the use of comparatively small propellant charges to propel projectiles at relatively high trajectories, with a steep angle of descent...
that first entered service in the 1960s. It is a robust piece that focuses on the essential features of a towed field gun suitable for all conditions. The D-30 has a maximum range of 15.4 kilometers, or over 21 km using RAP ammunition
Rocket Assisted Projectile
A Rocket Assisted Projectile is an artillery or cannon round incorporating a rocket motor for independent propulsion. This grants the projectile both greater speed and range than an ordinary shell, which is propelled only by the ballistic force of the gun's exploding charge...
.
With its striking three-leg mounting the D-30 can be rapidly traversed through 360 degrees. Although no longer manufactured in FSU nations the D-30 is still manufactured internationally and is in service in more than 60 countries' armed forces.
The barrel assembly of the 2A18 gun is used by the 2S1
2S1
The 2S1 Gvozdika, ; is a Soviet 122-mm self-propelled howitzer that resembles the PT-76 but is essentially a version of the MT-LB APC, mounting the 2A18 howitzer. "2S1" is its GRAU designation. An alternative Russian designation is SAU-122 but in the Russian Army it is commonly known as Gvozdika...
self-propelled howitzer. There are also Egyptian, Chinese, and Syrian self-propelled variants and conversions. The Syrian conversion utilizes the hull of a T-34
T-34
The T-34 was a Soviet medium tank produced from 1940 to 1958. Although its armour and armament were surpassed by later tanks of the era, it has been often credited as the most effective, efficient and influential design of World War II...
tank.
History
The 122 mm (originally 48 lines) calibre was adopted by Russia in the early 20th century, becoming very important to Soviet artillery during the Second World War. Development of the D-30 began in the 1950s, as a replacement for the M-30 howitzer, widely used in divisional and regimental artilleries. The D-30 also replaced remaining 76 mm M1942 guns in motor rifle regiments.Military requirements that led to the D-30 can only be deduced. Its role supporting tank and motor rifle regiments, and Soviet doctrine from the Great Patriotic War, suggest that while indirect fire was the primary role, direct fire anti-tank was very important. The latter is evidenced by the very effective HEAT shell, the low silhouette of the piece, its wide and rapid top-traverse and its shield.
The D-30 was designed by the well established design bureau at Artillery Plant No 9 in Sverdlovsk (now Motovilikha Plants
Motovilikha Plants
Motovilikha Plants is a Russian metallurgical and military equipment manufacturer. The full official name of the company is Open stock venture for special machinery and metallurgy "Motovilikha Plants" .*...
in Yekaterinburg) led by the eminent artillery designer Fëdor Fëdorovich Petrov (1902-1978). This team had been responsible for designing both the earlier M-30 and the post-war 152 mm D-20 Gun-Howitzer
152 mm towed gun-howitzer M1955 (D-20)
The 152 mm gun-howitzer M1955, also known as the D-20, is a manually loaded, towed 152 mm artillery piece, manufactured in the Soviet Union during the 1950s. It was first observed by the west in 1955, where it was designated the M1955. Its GRAU index is 52-P-546...
and other guns.
Soviet divisional artillery was assigned to manoeuvre regiments (in Regimental Artillery Groups - RAGs) and as divisional troops (in Divisional Artillery Groups - DAGs). A RAG was normally three batteries, each of six pieces, to each motor rifle and tank regiment. DAGs were mostly equipped with 152 mm pieces, but the DAG of a motor rifle division included a D-30 battalion. The role of a RAG was a normal field artillery role to support manoeuvre forces with indirect, semi direct and direct fire.
The D-30 entered Soviet service in 1963 and is sometimes referred to as the M1963. In 1967 widespread introduction of self-propelled guns was authorised and the D-30’s barrel and ammunition was used for the new 2S1. When the 2S1 entered service it was usually assigned to tank regiments and motor rifle regiments equipped with BMP Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). D-30s were retained in motor rifle regiments equipped with BTR IFVs.
The D-30 has been widely exported and used in wars around the world, notably in the Middle East, and particularly in the Iran-Iraq War
Iran-Iraq War
The Iran–Iraq War was an armed conflict between the armed forces of Iraq and Iran, lasting from September 1980 to August 1988, making it the longest conventional war of the twentieth century...
- a long-lasting war of attrition similar to World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
.
The gun remains a mainstay of artillery forces in developing countries and is deployed in the War in Afghanistan
War in Afghanistan (2001–present)
The War in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001, as the armed forces of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Afghan United Front launched Operation Enduring Freedom...
. Soldiers from several western armies have been trained on D-30 by various user nations in order to be able to train Afghan soldiers on it.
Description
The most distinctive features of D-30 are the low mobile mounting and the above-barrel recoil system. The three legged mobile mount is unusual for field artillery, with stabilisers that are clamped together for towing and then deployed when in action. Earlier similar designs were the 1939 French 47SA39 APX (photo), and the German 1943 10.5cm Leichte Feldhaubitze 43 designs by Skoda and Krupp, neither entered service. However, the Bofors 105 mm L28 Light Field Howitzer 4140, was similarly arranged with four legs and did enter Swedish and Swiss service. Before this the British 2-pdr. anti-tank gun, designed in the 1930s, also used a three-legged mounting.
Another distinctive feature of the gun is the large tow linkage fixed to the muzzle; in transport the stabilizers are folded away and the barrel serves as a trail.
Compared to the M-30, the new howitzer had a significantly longer 35 calibre gun barrel, just short of being a gun-howitzer by Soviet definition. Like other guns of the period it has a high efficiency muzzle brake
Muzzle brake
Muzzle brakes and recoil compensators are devices that are fitted to the muzzle of a firearm or cannon to redirect propellant gases with the effect of countering both recoil of the gun and unwanted rising of the barrel during rapid fire...
; this allowed an increased HE muzzle velocity of 175 m/s to 650 m/s, and raised maximum range by 3,500 m from 122 mm M-30 and by 2000 m from 76 mm M1942 to 15.3 km. Weight increased by 650 kg over that of the M-30, to 3,150 kg; the D-30 was over twice the weight of the 76mm M1942. Accuracy improved, with mean error at about 10 km dropping from 35 m with the M-30 to just 21 m.
Effective stabilisation length is a fundamental aspect of a gun mount, and legs 120° apart need to be longer than with a smaller angle. The D-30's design minimises this problem in several ways. Trunnions are close to the ground, as a result of placing the recoil system and cradle above the barrel. The trunnions are also at the very rear of the breech; this maximises the recoil space when firing at higher elevation angles. Their rearward position also pushes the recoiling element forward on the mount, maximizing relative rearward span of the stabilizers and so stability during recoil. Additionally there is a very efficient muzzle brake, which absorbs about half the recoil. There is no mechanism to reduce recoil length as the angle of elevation increases.
Some of the design decisions have a price. The muzzle brake produces about twice the overpressure in the area around the gun that is acceptable to western armies, and is the reason it is often seen being fired with a long lanyard, which reduces rate of fire. Furthermore, the maximum elevation angle is restricted to 18° (early versions) or 22° (later versions) when the breech is over a trail leg. This is enforced by a mechanical cam that prevents the piece firing for about 60% of the total top traverse, and limits range to about 12 km, with full maximum range only possible in the central arc of about 48° between each pair of legs. The extreme rearward location of the trunnions means the elevating mass is unbalanced, requiring a strong balancing mechanism to enable manual elevation. To do this, the D-30 uses compression balancing gears.
A central jack is powered by hand operated hydraulics. This jack is lowered while the wheels are raised to permit two of the stabiliser legs to be swung 120° rearwards. The mounting is then lowered and the ends of the legs spiked to the ground. This mounting provides for quick traversing to fire in any direction.
The pair of large tires are suspended on a single trailing arm; maximum towing speed is 60 km/h on the road. As was normal in Soviet designs the tyres were filled with foam. Initially the D-30 had no brakes and no seat for the layer - non-essential luxuries.
A sliding block breech was adopted instead of M-30’s pre-1914 screw pattern, permitting a slight increase in the rate of fire. This breech is semi-automatic vertical sliding block breach, with a tied jaw and the block moving down to open. It opens automatically and ejects the empty cartridge case when the gun fires. It is closely related to the design of the breaches on other Soviet post World War II guns and howitzers.
The non-reciprocating sights are standard Soviet pattern, designed for one-man laying. Included are a direct fire anti-tank telescope, a panoramic periscopic indirect-fire sight (a dial sight) in a reciprocating mounting, an angle of sight scale, and a range drum for each charge engraved with the range (distance) scale. The elevation levelling bubble in mounted on the dial sight mount. The range drum enables the standard Soviet technique of semi-direct fire when the piece is laid visually on the target and the range set on the range drum.
Soviet 122 mm howitzers used different ammunition to 122 mm guns, although there was some compatibility. In the case of ammunition for the D-30, the standard 122 mm howitzer shell weight of 21.8 kg was retained, with a metal cartridge case containing variable propelling charges, cartridge and shell are loaded separately. This means the shells have to be hand rammed by a man to the right of the breech with a ramming rod. The D-30 could fire the older M-30 ammunition. However new shells were also introduced, eventually including a rocket assisted projectile with a range of 21.9 km. The M-30’s range of propelling charges comprising base and 8 increments were replaced by a new one comprising base and four increments, and single base propellant was retained. A more effective High Explosive (HE) shell was developed, as well as smoke, illumination and chemical filled projectiles.
In keeping with Soviet doctrine the anti-tank role is important; there is a HEAT
Heat
In physics and thermodynamics, heat is energy transferred from one body, region, or thermodynamic system to another due to thermal contact or thermal radiation when the systems are at different temperatures. It is often described as one of the fundamental processes of energy transfer between...
shell capable of penetrating 460 mm of steel armour plate.
The maximum rate of fire of the D-30 is 6-8 rounds per minute, and about 75 rounds per hour. There is disagreement as to whether this maximum rate of fire is achievable for indirect fire. Based on reloading speeds of similar guns using separate charges, solo re-laying, and given a stable emplacement, semi-automatic breech and no long lanyard, (examples are the 25-pdr. and 105mm L118), and assuming concurrent lay adjustment during reloads, then it probably is when in the hands of a competent detachment. However, 5-6 rounds per minute may be more realistic with a poorly trained gun crew.
The D-30 is noted for simplicity of maintenance by its users; reputedly there are no special tools, all jobs can be down with a wrench and large hammer. However, like any other gun routine maintenance is essential, and western troops in Afghanistan have reported Afghan manned D-30s having problems with shells sticking in the barrel due to lack of cleaning.
Self-Propelled Versions
MT-LB
The MT-LB is a Soviet multi-purpose fully amphibious auxiliary armoured vehicle which was first introduced in the late 1960s...
tracked vehicles were often employed by Soviet forces for towing instead of trucks. This led to the development of a self-propelled variant combining the gun with the chassis of the MT-LB
MT-LB
The MT-LB is a Soviet multi-purpose fully amphibious auxiliary armoured vehicle which was first introduced in the late 1960s...
, the 2S1
2S1
The 2S1 Gvozdika, ; is a Soviet 122-mm self-propelled howitzer that resembles the PT-76 but is essentially a version of the MT-LB APC, mounting the 2A18 howitzer. "2S1" is its GRAU designation. An alternative Russian designation is SAU-122 but in the Russian Army it is commonly known as Gvozdika...
. This was the first Soviet enclosed turret self propelled artillery gun, going into service in the early 1970s. The 2S1
2S1
The 2S1 Gvozdika, ; is a Soviet 122-mm self-propelled howitzer that resembles the PT-76 but is essentially a version of the MT-LB APC, mounting the 2A18 howitzer. "2S1" is its GRAU designation. An alternative Russian designation is SAU-122 but in the Russian Army it is commonly known as Gvozdika...
is very light and mobile, and amphibious without preparation. Good mobility and quick reaction abilities of the 2S1 enhance the flexibility of the D-30, reducing its vulnerability in maneuver battles.
Post 1973, Syrian and Egyptian armed forces fielded D-30 guns fitted to the hulls of obsolete T-34 tanks, similar to Israeli conversions of Sherman
M4 Sherman
The M4 Sherman, formally Medium Tank, M4, was the primary tank used by the United States during World War II. Thousands were also distributed to the Allies, including the British Commonwealth and Soviet armies, via lend-lease...
hulls. This rather crude modification improves the speed of divisional artillery, allowing for both escape and the ability to match speed with front-line mechanized forces. A major drawback is the lack of protection for the gunners.
For more information see 2S1
2S1
The 2S1 Gvozdika, ; is a Soviet 122-mm self-propelled howitzer that resembles the PT-76 but is essentially a version of the MT-LB APC, mounting the 2A18 howitzer. "2S1" is its GRAU designation. An alternative Russian designation is SAU-122 but in the Russian Army it is commonly known as Gvozdika...
.
Variants
- 2A18 or D-30 - basic model, as described.
- 2A18M or D-30M - new double baffle muzzle brake, square central base plate, towing lunette assembly.
- 2A18M-1 or D-30M-1 - with semi-automatic loader. Prototype.
- D-30A - modified recoil system, new muzzle brake.
- 2S12S1The 2S1 Gvozdika, ; is a Soviet 122-mm self-propelled howitzer that resembles the PT-76 but is essentially a version of the MT-LB APC, mounting the 2A18 howitzer. "2S1" is its GRAU designation. An alternative Russian designation is SAU-122 but in the Russian Army it is commonly known as Gvozdika...
self-propelled version.
- Type 85 or D-30-2 Chinese self-propelled version of the D-30.
- D-30-3 - Chinese upgrade of the Type 5985 mm divisional gun D-44The 85-mm divisional gun D-44 was a Soviet divisional 85-mm calibre field artillery gun used after World War II. It was designed as the replacement for the 76 mm divisional gun M1942 . The gun is no longer in front-line service with the Russian Ground Forces, although some 200 of the Chinese Type...
85 mm field gun with 122 mm weapon. - Type 86, variously, Type 83, Type 96 - Chinese licence-production or derivative of the D-30.
- D-30-3 - Chinese upgrade of the Type 59
- D30 RH M-94 - Croatian built version, new muzzle brake, redesigned trail, improved hydraulic brakeHydraulic brakeThe hydraulic brake is an arrangement of braking mechanism which uses brake fluid, typically containing ethylene glycol, to transfer pressure from the controlling unit, which is usually near the operator of the vehicle, to the actual brake mechanism, which is usually at or near the wheel of the...
. - D 30-M - Egyptian licence version of the D-30.
- SP 122 - Self-propelled version, mounted on a T-34T-34The T-34 was a Soviet medium tank produced from 1940 to 1958. Although its armour and armament were surpassed by later tanks of the era, it has been often credited as the most effective, efficient and influential design of World War II...
chassis.
- SP 122 - Self-propelled version, mounted on a T-34
- HM 40 Iranian version.
- Saddam - Iraqi version.
- Shafie D-30I or HM-40 - Iranian version.
- D-30J - Yugoslav/Serbian version of the D-30M.
- D-30JA1 - Improved Serbian version.
- M-91 "Mona" - Yugoslav variant with the 100 mm ordnance of the MT-12. Prototype only.
- Khalifa - Sudanese licenced version of the D-30.
Emplacement Procedure
A location chosen for emplacement of the D-30 should be as level as reasonably possible. Firstly the carriage is raised via an internal hydraulic jack located under the cradle of the gun. Once the gun is at the required height the wheels are raised via the wheel lifting lever; this allows the two split stabilizer legs to be separated from the mono stabiliser leg and brought rearward into firing configuration.The legs are then locked in place with locking pins. The carriage is lowered via the hydraulic jack so the legs touch the ground; integral stakes are then hammered into the ground. At this point the gun is ready for direct fire using the OP4 direct fire sight, or can be orientated and have its position fixed via the aiming circles for subsequent indirect fire using the Pantel sight.
Ammunition
The D-30 fires separate loading projectileProjectile
A projectile is any object projected into space by the exertion of a force. Although a thrown baseball is technically a projectile too, the term more commonly refers to a weapon....
s, with variable charges:
| Available Ammunition | |||||||
| Type | Fuze | Weight | Warhead | Velocity, (max. propellant load) | Armor Penetration | Notes | |
| OF-462 | FRAG-HE | RGM-2,D-1,D1U V-90,AR-5 |
21.76 kg | 3.675 kg of TNT | 690 m/s | n/a | |
| 3OF56 | FRAG-HE | RGM-2,D-1,D1U V-90,AR-5 |
21.76 | 4.05 kg of A-IX-2 | 690 m/s | n/a | Improved HE-FRAG. |
| BK-6M | HEAT-FS | GPV-2 | 17.47 kg | 1.6 kg of A-X-1 | 740 m/s | 460 mm to 580 mm | |
| BK-13 | HEAT-FS | ? | 21.4 kg | 2.1 kg | ? | ? | |
| S-463 | Illumination | T-7 | 22.4 kg | 1 kg flare | 690 m/s | n/a | Illumination time ≥ 25 s. |
| D-462 | Smoke | KTM-2 | 22.3 kg | 3.6 kg of WP | 690 m/s | n/a | |
| 3OF69M | Laser guided | ? | 28 kg | 5.5 kg HE-FRAG | ? | ? | |
| ? | ICM | Ms-1 | 22.5 kg | 18 M-42 bomblets or 15 M-42D bomblets |
683 m/s | M42 – 70 mm M42D - 110 mm |
Egyptian made. |
| M335 (CL 3153) | ICM | ? | 22.5 kg | 24 M85 bomblets | 698 m/s | 105 mm | Israeli round. |
| ER 122 HB | FRAG-HE | RGM-2,M72 | 21.86 kg | ? | 692 m/s (735 m/s supercharge) | n/a | RH-Alan Croatian produced. |
| ERBB 122 HB | FRAG-HE | RGM-2,M72 | 21.86 kg | ? | 692 m/s (735 m/s supercharge) | n/a | RH-Alan Croatian produced. |
| Norinco ERFB/HB | FRAG-HE | ? | 21.76 kg | ? | 725 m/s | n/a | Chinese produced. |
| Norinco ERFB/BB | FRAG-HE | ? | 22.25 kg | ? | 730 m/s | n/a | Chinese produced. |
| Norinco Cargo | ICM | ? | 21.76 kg | 30 Type 81 bomblets | 682 m/s | 80 mm | Chinese produced. |
| Norinco HE-I | HE-I | ? | 21.76 kg | ? | 690 m/s | n/a | Chinese produced. |
| Norinco Smoke | Smoke | ? | 22.15 kg | 3.2 kg of WP | 690 m/s | n/a | Chinese produced, produces smoke for more than 70 seconds. |
| Norinco Illumination | Illumination | ? | 21.3 kg | 1.09 kg flare | 683 m/s | n/a | Chinese produced, 600,000 candela flare, burns for 50 seconds. |