The newest Chinese self-propelled gun will receive an armored assistant

The Chinese 155-mm self-propelled artillery system, which is a deep modification of the PLZ-05 produced since 2005, has received a number of significant improvements.

Thus, the undercarriage has become longer by one support roller from each side, the engine power has increased, which now amounts to at least 1000 hp.

Judging by the increased size of the tower, its internal equipment has been significantly improved, for example, the automated loading system and the sighting system have been improved.

The ACS will receive a new transport-charging vehicle (TZM) with a similar chassis. Earlier it was reported that TZM was also created for the PLZ-05, however, according to some reports, they were not purchased en masse.

At the same time, the Type 88 divisions going for export, also known as PLZ-45 (155-mm self-propelled guns specially designed for deliveries abroad), are necessarily equipped with such armored assistants. It was reported that each of them can carry up to 80 rounds and overload six to eight rounds of ammunition per minute. Perhaps the new car has even higher technical characteristics.

Armored loaders for artillery exist in many armies of the world. For example, in the United States, M992 FAASVS are operated, created on the M109 platform. Equipped with a belt conveyor and a crane, they are capable of delivering 155-mm, 175-mm and 203.2-mm ammunition.

There is a TZM and the South Korean K9 Thunder-K10, as well as the Turkish T-155 Fırtına, its TZM is called FAARV.

In Russia, the Central Research Institute "Burevestnik" has developed a 2F66-1 transport and loading machine on the basis of a four-axle KAMAZ-6350 (8x8). It supplies combat vehicles with 120-155 mm artillery rounds. In total, it can hold up to 92 shots. The designers took care of the security - the cabin, fuel tanks, bottom and van body were booked. The crew consists of two people.

Alexey Moiseev