The 2B14 "Podnos" is a Soviet-originated battlefield mortar of 82mm caliber. The system is of conventional design arrangement and function and has seen service since the 1980s. Design work was undertaken in 1983 with serial manufacturing had from the Nizni Novgorod Engineering Plant. The system has seen consistent action since introduction, fielded in such conflicts as the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989), the Syrian Civil War (2011-Present), and the Ukrainian-Russian War (2014-Present).
The mortar is made up of typical components as mortars go: the launch tube, the bipod support assembly, and recoil plate. The complete system tips the scales at 92.3 lb and requires a crew of four for optimal function. The launch tube is rated for 6lb High-Explosive (HE) projectiles of 82mm (3.2") caliber and a trained crew can let loose with 30 rounds-per-minute of in-direct fire. The mounting hardware allows for an elevation span of 45- to 85-degrees and inherent traversal of +/- 8-degrees. Anything more than this required complete relocation of the mortar system. Effective range is out to 2.65 miles.
The weapon can be transported by the available 2F510 series 2x1 wheeled assembly or by a dedicated prime mover vehicle such as the GAZ-66 series military 4x4 wheeled truck or similar wheeled or tracked solution.
Beyond its service with the Soviet Union, the mortar was purchased by the fighting forces of Georgia, Malaysia, Syria, and Ukraine and has also been seen in use with Lebanese militia elements. Unlike other Soviet weapons of the Cold War period, the 2B14 series did not go on to see widespread global acceptance. Former Soviet mortars were absorbed into the newly-established Russia Army after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 and under 300 are believed to still be in active circulation with Russian forces while some 3,000 remain in storage (and assumed available if needed).
The Ukrainian Army has actively used its 2B14 systems against Russian troops and separatist supporters in its War in Donbas in the East of the country. Novorossiya rebels are known to have used these weapons against Ukrainian forces as well.
Georgia; Lebanon (militia); Malaysia; Russia (Soviet Union); Syria; Ukraine
(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Fire Support
Capable of suppressing enemy elements at range through direct or in-direct fire.
TARGET / AREA SUPPRESSION
Inherent ability to provide suppression capabilities against target / target area.
VEHICLE MOUNTING
Versatility is such that it can be mounted to vehicles as an anti-infantry / area suppression solution.
SCOPE-CAPABLE / SIGHTING ASSIST
Supports mounting of optics (scopes) to aid in accuracy for ranged fire.
IN-DIRECT FIRE
Allows for the ability to arc its fire onto enemy positions / targets.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
Entry has an inherent psychological effect on participants of the battlefield due to potential damage / casualties.
Empty Wgt
92.33 lb 41.88 kg
Sights
Integrated Optics / Sighting Device.
Action
Manually-Operated; Repeat-Fire
(Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information)
Caliber(s)*
82mm
Sample Visuals**
Rounds / Feed
Single-Shot, Reusable Launch Tube.
*May not represent an exhuastive list; calibers are model-specific dependent, always consult official manufacturer sources. **Graphics not to actual size; not all cartridges may be represented visually; graphics intended for general reference only.
Max Eff.Range
14,010 ft (4,270 m | 4,670 yd)
Rate-of-Fire
27 rds/min
2B14 (Podnos) - Base Series Designation.
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns / operations.
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Georgia; Lebanon (militia); Malaysia; Russia (Soviet Union); Syria; Ukraine
