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PLZ07



Overview


PLZ07

A number of PLZ07 during a parade.
Source: www.fyjs.cn - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
China
Type
Self-propelled howitzer
Entered service
2008
Status
In service
Development
Early 2000's
Developer
China - Norinco
Production
2008 - present
Producer
China - Norinco
Designations
Type 07
PLZ07A (renamed since introduction of amphibious PLZ07B)
Notable users
China

Description


Introduction

The PLZ07 is a modern self-propelled howitzer of Chinese origin. It was developed in the early 2000's to supplement and replace the older 122mm self-propelled howitzers in Chinese service.

Layout

The PLZ07 is based on a new tracked chassis. The engine is in the front with the driver to the left. The other four crewmembers are the commander, gunner and two loaders. They are seated in the turret at the rear. Three roof hatches allows them to enter the vehicle. A large rear hatch is used for loading ammunition.

Firepower

The main armament is the 122mm howitzer that is of similar design as the Russian D-30. The effective range and rate of fire presumed similar to the towed version. This would be 15.4 km with standard HE-Frag shells at a maximum of 7 rounds per minute. A Chinese rocket assisted round is capable of reaching 21.9 km. For self-defense a 12.7mm QJC88 heavy machine gun is fitted at the turret roof.

Protection

The PLZ07 is operated under full armor protection. The steel armor protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. NBC and fire suppression systems are fitted. A total of 12 smoke dischargers are fitted at the turret sides.

Mobility

The PLZ07 is based on a tracked chassis and has a reasonable cross country performance. A 590 hp diesel engine provides propulsion, allowing for a road speed of 65 km/h. There is no mention of an APU. The PLZ07 is not amphibious, but the PLZ07B variant is.

Users

The PLZ07 is in use with the Chinese armed forces. Although designed to replace all older 122mm self-propelled howitzers it is likely that only systems older than the PLZ89 will be replaced. These include the Type 70 and Type 85. The PLZ07 is not offered for export.

Variants


PLZ07

Side view of PLZ07 clearly showing QJC88 heavy machine gun on turret roof.
Source: www.china-defense-mashup.com - © copyright lies with original owner

PLZ07 self-propelled howitzer

The PLZ07 is a tracked self-propelled howitzer. The PLZ07 has a conventional layout with the driver and engine in the front of the hull and the turret with the other four crew members in the rear of the hull. The armament consists of a 122mm D-30 howitzer and a 12.7mm heavy machinegun for self defense.

The PLZ07B is a variant developed for use by naval infantry. This uses the same turret as the PLZ07 but a different type of chassis is used in order to make the PLZ07B amphibious.

Details


Facts PLZ07
General
Origin
China
Type
Self-propelled howitzer
Crew
5 (commander, driver, gunner, 2 loaders)
Dimensions
Weight
24.5 t
Length
6.66 m
Width
3.28 m
Height
2.5 m to turret roof
Main armament
Type
122mm PL96 howitzer
Ammunition
40 projectiles
Elevation
-3 to +70 degrees
Traverse
360 degrees
Range
15.4 km with standard ammunition
18 km with base bleed ammunition
21.9 km with rocked assisted projectile
Rate of fire
7 rpm maximum
Secondary armament
Type
12.7mm QJC88 heavy machine gun
Mount
Pintle mount on turret roof
Traverse
360 degrees, manual traverse and elevation
Automotive
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear
Suspension type
Torsion bar
Engine type
6V150 series water-cooled supercharged diesel engine
Power output
590 hp
Mobility
Max speed
65 km/h on road
Range
500 km
Power to weight ratio
24.1 hp/t
Protection
Armor type
Steel
Smoke
2x6 smoke grenade dischargers
NBC equipment
Yes

Media


Related articles


PLZ89

The PLZ07 was developed to supplement and replace the PLZ89. Both vehicles feature the same 122mm ordnance.

122mm D-30

The PLZ07 uses a domestic variant of the Soviet D-30 howitzer as main armament.

Norinco QJC88

The 12.7mm QJC88 heavy machine gun is mounted as self-defense armament on the turret roof.