After the development and adoption of the first Chinese mass self-propelled artillery Type 83 (analogous to the Soviet 2S3) in the early 80s, the command of the People's Liberation Army traditionally pays great attention to the development of this type of weapons. For example, the 155-mm PLZ-05, created already in the new century, can compete with the best foreign models in terms of its tactical and technical characteristics.
The new 155mm ??Chinese PLA Self-propelled gun. Very similar to the previous PLZ-05 model, but with a slightly different hull (notice number of wheels, separation of the last wheel, front light position & skirts) https://t.co/JwI9ldzXFc
— Jesus Roman (@jesusfroman) August 18, 2021
Thus, its maximum firing range with an active-rocket projectile reaches 50 km, and with a conventional one-39 km. There is a possibility of using laser-guided weapons of destruction.
Due to the presence of an automated loading system, which, according to some reports, is borrowed from the Russian 2S19 "Msta-S", the rate of fire reaches eight rounds per minute. Modern fire control equipment allows you to deploy in the shortest possible time, accurately hit targets and quickly withdraw to other positions in order to avoid retaliatory fire.
According to various estimates, the ACS can weigh about 40,000 kg. It is equipped with an engine with a capacity of 800 hp. The maximum speed on the highway is 65 km / h. The power reserve is 550 km. For self-defense, a 12.7-mm machine gun is used.
Interestingly, the PLZ-05 is only in service with the PLA, its predecessor, the simpler PLZ - 45, which does not have a loading machine, is exported. Currently, this self-propelled gun has been purchased by the armies of three states: Algeria, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
At the same time, the improvement of PLZ-05 continues. The newest modification, photos of which appear from time to time on the Web, was created on the chassis of the recently entered service Type 15 tank. It has an elongated chassis, respectively, a more powerful engine, a modified tower with updated equipment. It is expected that these self-propelled guns will continue to replace the outdated towed guns currently available in the troops.
Alexey Moiseev
