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155mm PLL01


WA-021


Overview


155mm WA-021

A 155mm WA-021 with APU displayed in the firing position.
Source: Chinese internet - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
China
Type
Towed howitzer
Entered service
1990's
Status
Limited service
Development
Early to mid 1980's
Developer
China - Norinco
Production
1986 - 2000's?
Producer
China - Norinco
Number produced
Over 50, possibly over 150
Designations
WA-021 and WAC-21 (export designation)
Type 89 (project name, possibly temporary PLA designation)
PLL01 (Chinese service)
AH1 (updated export designation)
Notable users
China
Iran

Variants


WA-021

Export model that is mostly seen without APU. Also available with APU, but far less common. Also known as the WAC21, which might be an error in which the number 0 in WA021 was interpreted as the letter C.

PLL01

Chinese service model. Only acquired in a small batch. Possibly called Type 89 at an earlier stage. Adopted in 1991 and seen in public in the 1999 parade. Possibly renamed PLL01 at a later stage when integrated with the same forward observation vehicle, fire control and weather radar as developed for export with the PLZ-45.

AH1

Improved export model introduced in the 2010's. Marketed with an improved APU over the WA-021. Possibly available without APU upon request. The AH1 retains the L/45 ordnance, while the AH2 (described separately) is an AH1 with L/52 ordnance.

Details


Facts WA-021
General
Origin
China
Type
Towed howitzer
Crew
9
Dimensions - Travelling
Weight
9.5 t without APU
Length
13.51 m with barrel facing rearward
9.07 m with barrel stowed over trails
Width
2.67 m
Height
3.05 m with barrel facing rearward
2.23 m with barrel stowed over trails
Dimensions - Firing position
Length
11.4 m
Width
9.93 m
Ordnance
Type
155mm 45-caliber howitzer
Ammunition
155mm NATO, 23-liter chamber
Barrel length
7.05 m
Muzzle brake
Yes, multi-slotted
Muzzle velocity
897 m/s at maximum charge level
Elevation
-5° to +72°
Traverse
30° left to 40° right
Fire control
Sights
M115 panoramic sight
M137 telescopic sight
Firepower
Rate of fire
4 to 5 rpm max
2 rpm normal
Range
39 km using base bleed shells
30 km using boat tail shells
Carriage
Type
Four wheel split trail carriage
Limber
No, fitted with trail wheels
Gun shield
No
Mobility
Towing vehicle
6x6 10-ton or 7-ton truck
Towed speed
90 km/h on road
15 to 50 km/h off road
Autonomous mobility
No, too heavy to be manhandled
APU
Optional

Media


Related articles


GH N-45 towed 155mm howitzer

The PLL01 / WA-021 is based on the technical design package acquired from Noricum, which produced and marketed the GH N-45. These systems are nearly identical in appearance and performance.

PLZ45 self-propelled 155mm howitzer

The PLZ45 is a self-propelled howitzer developed for export sales. This uses the same 155mm 45-caliber ordnance.

AH2 towed 155mm howitzer

The AH2 is a further development of the PLL01 / AH1 and is fitted with a longer 52-caliber ordnance.