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PHZ89



Overview


PHZ89

A Chinese PHZ89 multiple rocket launcher firing one of its 122mm spin stabilized rockets.
Source: Chinese internet - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
China
Type
Multiple rocket launcher
Entered service
1990
Status
In service
Development
1985 - 1986
Developer
China
Production
1990 - mid 1990's
Producer
China
Designations
Type 89 (old naming system)
PHZ89 (new naming system)
Notable users
China

Description


Introduction

The PHZ89 is a multiple rocket launcher of Chinese origin. It was developed in the mid 1980's to fulfill the need for a multiple rocket launcher that could keep up with main battle tanks in the field. At first this system was known as the Type 89, but with the Chinese redesignation of combat vehicles it is now known as the PHZ89.

Layout

The PHZ89 is based on the tracked Type 321 chassis which is also used by several other Chinese combat vehicles. At the rear of this vehicle a turret platform with standard 40 round 122mm rocket launcher is fitted. At the side of this platform there a small box that houses the gunner and anti-aircraft machinegun. In front of the launcher a box with second ammunition load is located, which significantly increases the reload speed.

Firepower

The PZH89 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. A second load of 40 missiles can be reloaded in only a few minutes. 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 PHZ89 can use them or if they are restricted to newer designs. A 12.7mm QJC88 heavy machine gun is mounted for self-defense.

Protection

The PHZ89 is operated under full armor protection, unless the roof mounted 12.7mm QJC88 heavy machine gun is used. The steel armor protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. There are no smoke grenade launchers and a NBC and and fire supression system are both not present.

Mobility

The tracked chassis provides the PHZ89 with a good off road capability, albeit at low speeds. A Deutz 520 hp diesel engine provides propulsion. The maximum speed is 55 km/h on roads and around 30 km/h in the field.

Users

The PHZ89 is only used by China and was never exported due to its high cost and complexity compared with truck mounted systems. It replaced the earlier 130mm Type 70 that was based on the YW-531 chassis. The PHZ89 was not produced in the same quantity as truck mounted Type 81 and it is only found in armored divisions.

Details


Facts PHZ89
General
Origin
China
Type
Multiple rocket launcher
Crew
5
Dimensions
Weight
29.9 t combat load
Length
6.85 m hull
7.18 m overall
Width
3.15 m
Height
3.18 m overall
Main armament
Type
122mm Grad artillery rocket
Mount
40 tube launcher on turntable
Ammunition
80 rockets, 40 ready to fire
Elevation
0 to +55°
Traverse
102° left and 66° right
Secondary armament
Type
12.7mm QJC88 heavy machine gun
Mount
Pintle mount on roof
Ammunition
50 rounds ready to fire
Traverse
Manual elevation and traverse
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels
Chassis layout
Drive sprocket front, idler rear
Track width
0.48 m
Length on ground
4.61 m
Tread
2.62 m
Suspension
Torsion bar
Automotive
Engine
Deutz Type 12150L diesel
Power output
520 hp
Fuel
885 L
Mobility
Speed
55 km/h max
40 km/h average on road
30 km/h cross country
Range
450 km
Power to weight ratio
17.4 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.45 m
Wall
0.7 m
Trench
2.6 m
Gradient
60 %
Slope
0 %
Fording
1.3 m
Protection
Armor type
Steel
Armor thickness
About 7 mm
NBC system
No
Smoke system
No
Equipment
Night vision
Yes

Media


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