Russia's mighty Tyulpan self-propelled mortar has Achilles' heel on the battlefield

Russia's giant 2S4 Tyulpan (Tulip) self-propelled mortar has been used to pummel Ukrainian forces, but it does have a weakness on the battlefield.

The 30-tonne tracked vehicle mounts a 240mm mortar and is the largest self-propelled mortar in the world today, with the weapon designed to destroy heavy fortifications and large buildings.

Entering service with the Soviet Union in the 1971 and used extensively in Afghanistan, Chechnya and Syria, it is however now showing its age.

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It may be capable of firing bombs weighing 228kg out to a range of 20km, depending on the type of ammunition, but it takes 25 minutes to prepare for firing, and then fires just one round per minute. 

This means the Tyulpan is easily outmanoeuvred by Ukrainian forces using modern "shoot and scoot" techniques, where heavy mortar, rocket and artillery units open fire and then quickly leave the area before the enemy has time to locate them and return counter-battery fire.

These fast-paced manoeuvres are vital in a high-intensity conflict like in Ukraine, where both sides are deploying artillery-spotting radar and using drones to constantly look for mortars and artillery.