Tulip: The heaviest mortar in the world

The self-propelled 2S4 Tyulpan (Russian for tulip) is currently the heaviest mortar deployed in the world.
Designed in 1975, it was actively used in the Afghan and Chechen conflicts.
Five crewmen are required to deploy the mortar into firing position. The mortar can swiftly change its location after launching an attack against the enemy.
The 240-mm mortar is capable of destroying fortified buildings and the enemy’s manpower and armour at a distance of up to 20 km.
The 2S4 can fire the 276-pound Smel’chak (Russian for daredevil) shell, which is guided by a separate laser designator.
Russia has over 400 units that are gradually being brought back into service after being stored for a long time.
Dozens of mortars are being used by the Syrian army in the on-going conflict.

 rbth