PHL81
Overview
Type 81
A Type 81 multiple rocket launcher in travelling position with bench erected and blast shields removed.
Source: www.sinodefense.com -
© copyright lies with original owner
PHL81 (new naming system)
Description
Introduction
The Type 81 is a late Cold War era multiple rocket launcher of Chinese origin. The design was derived from a captured Soviet made BM-21 Grad in the late 1970's. As such the Type 81 has the same performance as the BM-21 Grad. The Type 81 has been renamed as the PHL81 in Chinese service.
Layout
The Type 81 features a 40 round 122mm rocket launcher that is directly copied from the BM-21 Grad design. The launcher is placed on the rear of the indigenous SX2150 heavy duty 6x6 truck. Of the 7 crewmembers four are seated in the cab and the other three on the resupply vehicle or on a folding bench between the cab and the launcher. In the firing position the windows are covered by metal blast shields.
Firepower
The Type 81 fires 122mm spin stabilized rockets of the same pattern as used in the Soviet BM-21 Grad and a wide variety of warheads is available. The launcher holds 40 rockets that can be ripple fired in 20 seconds. Additional rockets are carried on resupply vehicles and it takes 7 men 8 to 10 minutes to reload. The standard rockets have a range of 20 km and models with a range of 30 and 40 km have been developed, although it is unknown if the Type 81 can use them or if they are restricted to newer designs.
Protection
The Type 81 is based on the unarmored SX2150 chassis and during travel, firing and reloading the crew is not protected at all. There are no NBC system or smoke grenade launchers.
Mobility
The SX2150 6x6 truck provides good mobility both on and off road, albeit at a mediocre speed. A Chongfa 200 hp diesel engine provides propulsion. It is unknown if the later SX-2150K with more powerful engine was ever used to serve as the basis for the Type 81.
Users
The main user of the Type 81 has always been the Chinese military. It is used at the corps and regiment level and replaced older 130mm systems. It Chinese service it is supplemented by the newer Type 90 system. Over time the Type 81 has been exported to various nations with ties to China in Asia and Africa.
Variants
Type 81
A Type 81 multiple rocket launcher firing one of its 40 spin stabilized 122mm rockets.
Source: Chinese internet -
© copyright lies with original owner
Variants and identification
The PHL81 multiple rocket launcher is a Chinese adaptation of the Soviet BM-21 Grad. It utelizes the same 40 round 122mm rocket launcher and is easily identified by its SX2150 6x6 truck chassis with its forward control cabin. Although it should not be confused by the Romanian APR-40 which looks similar, but uses the DAC-665T forward control truck. There are no variants of the Type 81.
Details
Media
Type 81
Left side view of Type 81 multiple rocket launcher.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Type 81
Rear view of two Chinese Type 81 firing a rocket salvo. Note the blast shields on the windows.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Type 81
A battery of Type 81 multiple rocket launchers plus several transloaders.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Type 81
A Type 81 multiple rocket launcher firing one of its 40 spin stabilized 122mm rockets.
Source: www.fyjs.cn
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Type 81
A Type 81 multiple rocket launcher firing one of its 40 spin stabilized 122mm rockets.
Source: www.fyjs.cn
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
BM-21 Grad
The design of the PHL81 is based on the Soviet BM-21 Grad. The launcher and ammunition are very similar, but the Chinese version is based on a local SX2150 truck chassis.
PHZ89
Chinese tracked multiple rocket launcher. Similar to PHL81, but mounted on a tracked chassis with light armor. Forty additional rockets are carried in an armored bin in front of the launcher.