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PLZ05



Overview


PLZ05

A number of PLZ05 in the field during an excersize.
Source: www.ausairpower.net - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
China
Type
Self-propelled howitzer
Entered service
2007
Status
In service
Development
1996 - early 2000's (design project)
2005 (state trials)
Developer
China - Norinco
Production
Late 2000's - present
Producer
China - Norinco
Number produced
288 by 2013
Designations
Type 05
Notable users
China

Description


Introduction

The PLZ05 is a modern tracked 155mm self-propelled howitzer of Chinese origin. It is an indigenous development using lessons learned from the PLZ45 and Russian 2S19. The earlier PLZ45 was developed for export and was found not yet capable enough for Chinese service. Development took place in the early 2000's and certification took place in 2005 and 2006. By 2013 at least 16 regimens of 18 guns were in Chinese service.

Layout

The PLZ05 is based on a modified tracked PLZ45 chassis. The drive train is mounted in the front and the fully enclosed turret is fitted at the rear. The crew of five consists of a commander, driver, gunner and two loaders. The turret houses a fully automated loading system which is derived from the Russian 2S19 Msta. For export several variants of the PLZ05 have been developed.

Firepower

The PLZ05 is fitted with longer 155mm L/52 howitzer than the PLZ45. As a result longer ranges of over 50km can be achieved with special types of ammunition. Unlike the PLZ45 the PLZ05 is not fitted with a semi-automatic loader. A fully automatic loader similar to the Russian 2S19 is fitted. This doubles the maximum rate of fire to 8 to 10 rounds per minute. For self defense a 12.7mm QJC88 machine gun is mounted on the turret roof.

Protection

The PLZ05 is operated under full armor protection. The steel armor gives protection against small arms fire and shell splinters. Over the frontal arc the armor resists 14.5mm heavy machine gun fire. NBC and fire suppression systems are fitted. A total of 8 smoke dischargers are fitted.

Mobility

The PLZ05 is based on a slightly modified chassis of the PLZ45. The spacing between the road wheels is somewhat different but the rest is similar. An 8V150 diesel engine is fitted and provides up to 800 hp. This allows for a road speed of up to 55 km/h. An auxiliary power unit provides power when the engine is not running.

Users

The PLZ05 is only used by the Chinese armed forces and is to become the standard heavy self-propelled howitzer in Chinese service. The PLZ05 is only used by armored units. The PLZ05 is expected to remain in production and service for many years.

Variants


PLZ05

Several PLZ05 during a parade.
Source: www.china-defense-mashup.com - © copyright lies with original owner

Variants of the PLZ05

The PLZ05 is a tracked self-propelled howitzer. Only a single version of the howitzer was produced. A PLZ05A upgrade has been reported. Variants such as a ammunition resupply vehicle have been developed as well.

The PLZ05 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 155mm howitzer that is over 50 calibers long and is connected to a fully automatic loader. A 12.7mm heavy machinegun is fitted for self defense.

Details


Facts PLZ05
General
Origin
China
Type
Self-propelled howitzer
Crew
5 (commander, driver, gunner, 2 loaders)
Dimensions
Weight
35 t
Length
11.6 m
Width
3.38 m
Height
3.55 m
Main armament
Type
155mm L/52 howitzer
Ammunition
30 shells
Traverse
360 degrees
Elevation
-3 to + 65 degrees
Rate of fire
10 rpm max
Range
20 km with Krasnopol
Secondary armament
Type
12.7mm QJC88 heavy machine gun
Mount
Pintle mount on turret roof
Ammunition
300 rounds, 50 ready to fire
Traverse
360 degrees, manual traverse and elevation
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear
Suspention type
Torsion bar
Engine model
8V150 water-cooled turbocharged diesel
Power output
800 hp
Mobility
Max speed
56 km/h
Range
550 km
Power to weight ratio
23 hp/t
Protection
Armor type
Steel
NBC equipment
Yes
Smoke
2x4 smoke grenade dischargers

Media


Related articles


PGZ09

The PGZ09 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun uses the same type of chassis as used on the PLZ05 self-propelled howitzer.

PLZ83

The PLZ05 supplements the older PLZ83 in Chinese service. The PLZ05 is produced in larger quantity than the PLZ83.

Norinco QJC88

For self-defense a 12.7mm QJC88 heavy machine gun is mounted on the turret roof.

PLZ45

The PLZ05 was developed as a more capable system than the PLZ45, which was produced for export.