The 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV is a Russian 152 mm self-propelled howitzer. It has been in development since the early 2010 by TsNII Burevestnik and Uralvagonzavod. The 2S35 first publicly appeared during the 9 May 2015 parade. From 2016 the 2S35 has been undergoing a testing program. In 2021, the equivalent of one battalion of self-propelled howitzers has reportedly entered service.

The 2S35 is equipped with an automated turret fitted to a chassis derived from the T-90 at least for the first howitzers. For the full scale production the 2S35 should use the Armata chassis. The whole crew of 3 is in the hull.

The 2S35 is armed with a 152 mm 2A88 gun associated to an automatic loader. The rate of fire goes from 8 to 16 rounds per minute depending on the sources. The maximum range is 40 to 80 km depending on the munitions. The full load of munitions is estimated between 50 and 70 rounds.

For its close protection the 2S35 is armed with remote 12,7 mm Kord heavy machine gun as well as 12 smoke-grenade dischargers.

The kit

Released by Zvezda in 2019, it presents a high level of details just like all the latest models of the manufacturer. It is composed of 12 light grey plastic sprues, 1 sprue of clear parts, 1 lower hull, 1 bit of nylon mesh, 1 sheet of decals and 1 instructions booklet with an additional color sheet for the decorations.

The desing of the turret with flat parts reminds the 1970s however the quality of the carving is up to the current standard. The fit of the parts is perfect or close to. The cleaning of the parts can be sometimes tedious (suspension, smoke grenade launchers). The tracks in lengths of links and lengths of guide-teeth allow an easy and quick build. The most nit-pickers will delete the bits of plastic between the guide-teeth when the tracks are assembled.

As usual with Zvezda no PE parts are included. The bit of nylon mesh again reminds the 1970s however in this case it is not really visible.

The only options concern the gun and the MG. The gun can be displayed in the fire or the travel positions. For the latter the travel lock is attached to the gun with a specific part molded with the gun. The MG can be displayed at 2 different elevations depending on the elevation spring which is used.

For the decoration Zvezda allows to represent a vehicle during the 9 May parade and another one with an individual number. Both vehicles are plain green.

The

The hull

At step 1 it is necessary to thoroughly clean the mold lines on the suspension springs.

At step 3 the footsteps are not glued yet to avoid the breakage.

At step 4 the roadwheels and sprockets wheels are not assembled. Only the inner parts are installed on the hull. This will allow to assemble the tracks and remove them easily.

At step 5 the tracks are assembled without any difficulty. The idlers wheels are not glued. They are adjusted at the very last moment. On the left track you need to exchange the position of sub-assemblies 5b and 5c.

At step 6 before installing the fenders you need to glue the upper hull C2.

At step 8 the template for cutting the air vents in the mesh is slightly too large.

At step 10 the skirts are prepared and attached. Beforehand the lower hull and the tracks must be painted and attached.

At step 14 the cables are glued but the unditching log is not installed to facilitate the painting. The log G57 is smooth. Some texture is created with coarse sandpaper.

The turret

Steps 15 and 16 do not need any comment.

Instead of gluing the numerous parts at step 17, the turret roof is glued as per step 18. Then only the details have been added. The smoke grenade launchers require a thorough cleaning of the mold lines. The seams between parts B20, B8 and B25 present a gap to be filled with putty.

Steps 19 et 25 do not need any comment. The many parts require a careful cleaning however the fit is good.

At step 26 do not glue the oblique base of part H49.

At step 33 you can drill out the muzzle of the MG.

At step 39 you have to choose the option for displaying the gun: either travel mode or fire mode. To do so Zvezda provides 2 different parts depending on the choice. The inside of the gun muzzle is to be painted silver before assembling the gun halves. The you need to thoroughly sand the seam.

The decoration

Zvezda proposes two decorations: the one used during the parade of 9 May and one for a vehicle in a unit with a simple 3-digit number. Zvezda provides generic numerals.

For the color there is no choice, is it plain green. The base shade is XF-65 Field Grey. After a coat of gloss varnish is sprayed the Saint-George stripes are applied to the sides of the turret. You have to slightly reduce their width so they can be inserted between the grab handles.

A dark brown wash is applied in the recesses and a light drybrush is applied to enhance the details. The log is first painted in XF-78 Wooden Deck Tan. A dark brown wash is applied then the log is drybrushed with various grey shades.

Conclusion

Zvezda released a superb model which is quite easy to assemble thanks to clear instructions and very fine details. One can regret the choice of nylon mesh instead of PE parts. The design of the turret with flat parts is not an issue since the fit of the parts has been very well designed.

The 2S35 is a must-have in any collection of modern SPG. The quality of the Zvezda model is up to the standard of the major manufacturers for a more affordable price.