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Type 83



Overview


Type 83

Forward view of Type 83 multiple rocket launcher.
Source: Chinese internet - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
China
Type
Multiple rocket launcher
Entered service
Mid 1980's
Status
Obsolete
Development
1978 - 1984
Developer
China
Production
1984 - 1988
Producer
China - Factory 123
Number produced
Reportedly several dozen.
Designations
Type 83 (Chinese service)
WM-40 (export designation)
1983年式273毫米火箭炮
Notable users
China

Description


Introduction

The Type 83 is a late Cold War era multiple rocket launcher of Chinese origin. It was developed to provide long range artillery for the Chinese forces. Although development started in the 1950's, the project suffered from the 1960's reforms in China. In the late 1970's the project was restarted. The Type 83 was only produced in limited numbers. The WM-80 is a product improved version developed for the export market.

Design

The Type 83 is based on the Type 60-1 artillery tractor. The four round launcher is fitted on a turntable and fires over the frontal arc. Each box type launcher contains inner launch rails. Unlike the later WM-80 the launchers are fixed and rockets are located individually. The large 273 mm diameter unguided rockets are fin stabilized. Before firing two stabilizers are lowered. Time into action is about 1 minute. Additional rockets are carried in transloader trucks equipped with a crane.

Firepower

The Type 83 carries four 273mm Type 83 rockets. A four round salvo is fired in 7.5 seconds. At the time of development the 40 km range was considered long, about twice as long as regular 122mm rocket artillery could achieve. Minimum range is 23 km. CEP is about 300 m in range and 500 m in lateral spread. The only type of warhead available is high explosive.

Protection

The Type 60-1 tractor chassis is a soft skinned vehicle. While operating the launcher and throughout the lengthy reloading procedure the crew remains in the open. There is no NBC protection, although personal systems may be carried.

Mobility

The tracked chassis gives the Type 83 all terrain mobility. The maximum speed is poor at only 45 km/h. Average speed is about 30 km/h. The Type 83 is not amphibious.

Users

The Type 83 was adopted by the Chinese PLA in limited numbers. It was slated to be replaced by the more capable PHL03 system. The Type 83 has not been exported.

Details


Facts Type 83
General
Origin
China
Type
Multiple rocket launcher
Crew
5 (commander, driver, gunner, 2 loaders)
Dimensions
Weight
17.5 t combat load
15.1 t empty
Length
6.19 m
Width
2.60 m
Height
3.18 m (launcher lowered)
Main armament
Type
4x 273mm rocket launcher
Mount
Turntable launcher on flatbed
Ammunition
4 rockets ready to fire
Elevation
+5 to +56° elevation, manual
Traverse
-10 to +10° traverse, manual
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels
Layout
Idler front, drive sprocket rear
Suspension
Torsion bar
Automotive
Engine model
Model 12150L-11
Engine type
Diesel
Power output
300 hp
Mobility
Speed
45 km/h on road
30 to 35 km/h on dirt road
Range
400 km
Power to weight ratio
17 hp/t
Protection
Armor type
None, softskin vehicle
NBC system
None
Smoke system
None

Media


Related articles


273mm Type 83

The Type 83 fires the 273mm Type 83 artillery rocket.

PHL03

The PHL03 is a more modern long range multiple rocket launcher which was adopted to replace various older systems in Chinese service, including the Type 83.