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
Type 89 (project name, possibly temporary PLA designation)
PLL01 (Chinese service)
AH1 (updated export designation)
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
Media
155mm PLL01
Several Chinese 155mm PLL01 towed howitzers as seen during a parade in 1999.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
155mm WA-021
A 155mm WA-021 towed howitzer without APU in transport configuration with barrel stowed over the trials.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
155mm PLL01
A 155mm PLL01 towed howitzer with its ordnance at maximum elevation.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
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.