In China, the PLC-181 self-propelled artillery units were modernized. These combat vehicles began to enter the troops quite recently - in 2019. For the first time, they were demonstrated at a military parade dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
The self-propelled gun is made on the chassis of a three-axle all-terrain vehicle Taian GM 6x6 with a 400 hp engine. The cabin has received a reservation and accommodates six people.
It is believed that the use of such a wheeled platform will improve mobility, simplify and reduce the cost of operation.
The 155-mm howitzer is similar to the one used on the PLZ-05 tracked self-propelled gun and has a firing range of up to 39,000 meters with conventional high-explosive shells. There are also active-reactive, hitting more than 50,000 meters, and adjustable ammunition. The rate of fire is up to 6 rounds per minute.
The crew has modern guidance and aiming systems at their disposal, the capabilities of which are still classified.
Apparently, based on the experience of operating self-propelled guns in the troops, they modified the anti-rollback devices, installed another ballistic computer and mounted the Beidou satellite navigation system.
The improved equipment was received by the artillery unit of the 77th Army Group and has already participated in exercises.
Alexey Brusilov
