Type 63
Overview
T107
A Turkish T107 launching one of its twelve 107mm artillery rockets.
Source: cabatli_53 @ www.militaryphotos.net -
© copyright lies with original owner
Egypt - Helwan
Iran - DIO
North Korea
South Africa - Mechem
Turkey - MKEK
Fadjr-1 (Iranian production)
H12 (Vietnamese designation)
RO 107 (South African production)
T-107 (Turkish production)
Type 75 (North Korean production)
Description
Introduction
The Type 63 is a towed multiple rocket launcher of Chinese origin. The Type 63 was developed in the late 1950's and accepted for service in 1963. The Type 63 is one of the most widely used rocket artillery systems in the world.
Design
The Type 63 is a very basic system that consists of three rows of four launch tubes which are mounted on a lightweight two wheel split trail carriage. Traverse and elevation is manual. Aiming is done in a similar way as with a mortar. Type 63 launchers have been fitted on a variety of vehicles to improve its mobility.
Firepower
The Type 63 fires unguided spin stabilized 107mm rockets that use solid propellants. The effective range is 8.5km. Longer range rockets have been developed. All 12 rounds can be fired in 7 to 9 seconds. Accuracy is poor. The Type 63 is mainly used against infantry positions.
Mobility
The Type 63 is towed by a light truck, which also carries the crew and additional ammunition. Due to its low weight the Type 63 can be towed manually over short distances. Many Type 63 launchers have been fitted on light trucks in order to increase the mobility even further.
Users
The Type 63 saw widespread service with the Chinese armed forces and was exported to many nations. Copies have been produced in many nations. The Type 63 remains in active use in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. In many recent conflicts the Type 63 has been used, both with militaries and various irregular forces.
Variants
Type 63
Chinese Type 63 in a Vietnamese museum.
Source: Binh Giang -
© public domain
List of Type 63 variants
Details
Media
Type 63
Several Type 63 with the split trails in travelling configuration.
Source: capone5 @ www.photobucket.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Type 63
Type 63 launcher mounted on utility vehicle in Afghan service.
Source: www.network54.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Type 63
Type 63 launcher mounted on HMMWV in Jordan service.
Source: Unknown photographer
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Type 81
The Chinese Type 81 combines a Type 63 launcher with a small 4x4 utility vehicle.
Source: www.fas.org
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner