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PLL05



Overview


PLL05

A PLL05 self-propelled gun/mortar in the field.
Source: Chinese internet - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
China
Type
Self-propelled gun-mortar
Entered service
2008
Status
In service
Development
1999 - 2003 (design project)
2005 (Chinese state trails)
Developer
China - Norinco
Production
Mid 2000's - present
Producer
China - Norinco
Number produced
Possibly as many as 450
Designations
Type 05
Notable users
China

Description


Introduction

The PLL05 is a modern self-propelled mortar of Chinese origin. It was developed in the early 2000's and is in Chinese service since 2008. The design of the main armament may have been derived from the Russian 2S23 Nona-SVK and was probably developed with Russian aid. The PLL05 is a capable gun/mortar that can be used for both direct and indirect fire.

Layout

The PLL05 is based on the WZ-551 6x6 wheeled chassis, which is already in use for various other roles. For instance the ZSL-92 infantry fighting vehicle is common in Chinese service. In the PLL05 the rear troop compartment houses a two man turret. This turret is an improved version of a 120mm gun/mortar turret that was developed around 2001 for export sales.

Firepower

The main armament is the breach loaded 120mm gun/mortar that is connected to a semi-automatic loader. The maximum effective range is 8.5 km for 120mm mortar rounds, 9.5 km for a howitzer like projectile and 12.8 km for rocket assisted mortar shells. It is mainly used for indirect fire but is also capable of direct fire using both HE and HEAT-FS shells up to 1.2 km. The maximum rate of fire is 6 to 10 rounds per minute. Secondary armament consists of the 12.7mm QJC88 heavy machine gun which is mounted on the turret roof. The QJC88 is used for self-defense against nearby infantry, light armored vehicles and helicopters.

Protection

The steel armor of the WZ-551 chassis protects the crew against small arms fire and shell splinters. When firing the gun/mortar the crew remains under armor protection. There are two banks of three smoke grenade launchers on the turret and an NBC system is fitted.

Mobility

The 6x6 chassis gives the PLL05 a good mobility on roads and reasonable cross country performance. A Deutz 320hp diesel engine connected to an automatic gearbox provides propulsion. The maximum road speed is 85 km/h and the range is 600 km on roads. Even though the PLL05 is heavier than most WZ-551 variants it remains fully amphibious. In the water it is propelled by two steerable propellers located behind the rear wheels.

Users

The PLL05 is in service only with the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army. It is not in widespread service, but is a piece of standard equipment as it is used by light mechanized infantry divisions. A total of 18 vehicles make up a battalion. The PLL05, or at least the original turret design, remains available for export.

Details


Facts PLL05
General
Origin
China
Type
Self-propelled gun-mortar
Crew
4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader)
Dimensions
Weight
16.5 t combat load
Length
6.70 m
Width
2.8 m
Height
2.82 m to cupola
Main armament
Type
120mm rifled gun/mortar
Mount
Turret
Ammunition
36 rounds
Elevation
-4 to +80° elevation, powered
Traverse
360° traverse, powered
Stabilizer
No
Secondary armament
Type
12.7mm QJC88 heavy machine gun
Mount
Pintle mount on turret roof
Ammunition
300 rounds, 50 ready to fire
Traverse
Manual traverse and elevation
Stabilizer
No
Chassis
Chassis type
Wheeled chassis, 6x6
Wheelbase
1.9 + 1.9 m
Tire size
14.00 x 20
Automotive
Engine
Deutz BF8L413FC V8 diesel
320 hp at 2.500 rpm
Transmission
Automatic, 5 forward, 1 reverse
Fuel
400 L
Mobility
Max speed
85 km/h on road
8 km/h in water
Range
600 km
Power to weight ratio
19.4 hp/t
Turn radius
9.5 m
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.41 m
Wall
0.55 m
Trench
1.2 m
Gradient
60 %
Slope
47 %
Fording
Amphibious
Protection
Armor type
Steel
NBC system
Yes
Smoke
2x3 smoke grenade dischargers
Equipment
Night vision
Yes

Media


Related articles


2S23 Nona-SVK

The design concept of the PLL05, and possibly even its main armament, is derived from the Russian 2S23 Nona self-propelled mortar.

ZSL92

The PLZ05 is based on the same 6x6 chassis as the ZSL92 infantry fighting vehicle.

PPZ10

The PPZ10 uses the same turret with 120mm smoothbore gun mortar but is mounted on a tracked chassis.