Echelon with clones of American M777 howitzers filmed in China

Transportation by rail of new 155-mm towed AH4 howitzers was filmed in one of the provinces of China.

In total, eighteen pieces of equipment can be seen on the platforms. At the same time, it is reported that this is only part of what is in the echelon transferring the artillery unit to the exercise area.

Foreign experts consider the brainchild of the NORINCO AH4 corporation to be an analogue of the M777 cannon produced by the British company BAE Systems for the US Army. They are largely similar in design and tactical and technical characteristics.

The overseas system has been in operation since 2005, and the product from China first became known nine years ago.

"Three sevens" is a little lighter: 4200 kg vs. 4500 kg. This allows them to be transferred using helicopters.

The length of the barrels is the same - 39 calibers. The firing range of conventional projectiles also does not differ much from 24700 kg and 25000 kg, respectively.

In terms of maximum range, the advantage is with Chinese active-jet ammunition, they can hit 40,000 meters, competitors - 30,000 meters.

However, the American controlled M982 Excalibur with a satellite inertial system is also capable of covering a distance of 40,000 meters. The PLA fighters so far have only high-precision laser-guided weapons that destroy the enemy at a distance of 25 km. The number of calculations is seven people each. Both howitzers are exported, so BAE Systems supplies the armies of Australia, Canada and India with them, and NORINCO sent a batch to the United Arab Emirates.

Alexey Brusilov