Pre-premiere show: NORINCO SH11 Chinese SAU
The Chinese defense industry has completed the development of a new self-propelled artillery installation and built a prototype. In the near future, a promising self-propelled gun is planned to be presented at the military-technical exhibition AirShow China 2018, which will be held in November in Zhuhai. It is reported that a promising model on a wheeled chassis received the name SH11. At the same time, a few weeks before the first official show, certain materials on the new project, as well as photographs of a prototype, became public knowledge.
The first information about the promising project appeared at the very end of September. One of the specialized Chinese resources published a short note and several photos from the assembly shop of the NORINCO Corporation. It was reported that the company is completing the assembly of a prototype of a promising self-propelled artillery, carrying an 155-mm gun. A sample called SH11 is planned to be shown at a future military technical exhibition in Zhuhai. A few published photos allowed to understand the main features of the new ACS.
Experienced SAU SH11 dj tower installation time
A few days later, Jane's news agency, with reference to Chinese sources, clarified some features and characteristics of the project. So, the self-propelled gun is built on the basis of the 8x8 “08 Type” wheeled chassis, also known as ZBL-08 and VN-1. It is proposed to mount a completely new habitable tower. At the same time, the fighting compartment is said to be distinguished by an increased level of automation. The combat weight of such a machine reaches 36 T. Crew - 3 man.
A little later, a new photograph of a promising sample. The finished car was probably captured at the site, against the backdrop of nature. In the new photograph it was possible to notice that in the past time, the prototype received some necessary aggregates, and was also painted. However, there were no significant architectural changes, for obvious reasons.
The international military-technical exhibition AirShow China 2018 will open on November 6 and will work for several days. During this event, the corporation NORINCO, as always, will show a number of already known and completely new designs. A promising self-propelled gun at the future exhibition will play the role of a new development, which, however, is already known to specialists and the public. It is worth expecting that at the exhibition in Zhuhai the developer organization will reveal the main features of the project and the technical characteristics of the finished sample.
***
According to published data, the wheeled chassis of the 11 Type infantry fighting vehicle became the basis for the promising self-propelled SH08 self-propelled artillery. Apparently, the equipment necessary for the transport of personnel is removed from the regular armored corps, instead of which new equipment is placed. In addition, the necessary completion of the roof, providing for the installation of a larger shoulder strap. Despite this restructuring, the layout of the chassis, in general, remains the same. The engine compartment remains in the front of the case, next to it is stored control compartment. All other volumes are now given under the equipment of the crew compartment.
The chassis has a shape characteristic of the current wheeled armored vehicles. The frontal projection is formed by several inclined armor plates of various sizes, providing protection against bullets and shrapnel, as well as small-caliber projectiles. The onboard part of the body is made in the form of box-shaped units above the large wheel arches, separated by boxes for spare parts and equipment. The horizontal roof of a large area simplifies the installation of a large combat module. A large hatch is retained in the vertical stern sheet, which can be used to load ammunition.
Future prototype chassis during rework
In the basic configuration, the BMP VN-1 is equipped with a Deutz BF6M1015C diesel engine with HP 440 power. What motor is used on heavier ACS is unknown. With the help of a mechanical transmission, torque is distributed to all eight driving wheels. Transmission for SH11 was a bit modified. The self-propelled gun cannot swim and is therefore not completed with feed water cannons, which made it possible to remove the appropriate means of power supply.
The chassis has a four-axle undercarriage with an individual suspension of large diameter wheels. As part of the suspension used torsion bars and spring shock absorbers. It can be assumed that during the reorganization of the chassis into the carrier of the turret with a tool, the suspension undergoes some changes and is enhanced in accordance with the growth of loads. However, accurate data on this has not yet appeared.
Even if the chassis is reinforced by the use of a heavier turret, its strength is insufficient to fire from the wheels. Before shooting, it is proposed to hang the car on four jacks. A pair of such devices is placed between the second and third axles of the chassis, another one - at the level of the hull aft sheet.
Especially for the promising ACS, a completely new turret was developed with installation for 155-mm guns. Apparently, this tower is made in the form of a combat module with all the necessary devices, suitable for installation on any compatible platform. In addition, the latter, in addition to the tower, must carry some other devices necessary for the operation of the implement. In particular, inside the body of the base chassis can be located part of the portable ammunition.
The published photos show that the new tower is being built on the basis of an armored corps of relatively large size and relatively complex shape. In terms of booking a new tower, probably does not differ from the used case and provides protection from bullets and shrapnel. It can be assumed that the front part of the turret accommodates the gun mount and the crew seats, while the other volumes are allocated for various instruments and ammunition.
Tower new design
In the turret of the new ACS, an 155-mm rifled howitzer with a barrel of 39 caliber is mounted. It can be assumed that this product was created on the basis of one of the existing developments used as part of other self-propelled complexes. The gun barrel is equipped with a developed slit-type muzzle brake and
ejector To reduce the negative impact on chassis with limited characteristics apply advanced recoil devices. Their large cylinders protrude beyond the fighting compartment and are protected by a rectangular casing. In the stowed position, the barrel is fixed on the folding restraint.
From the published data, it follows that the pointing of the gun in two planes is carried out using remote-controlled drives controlled by a fire control system. The allowable pickup angles are not yet known, but there is reason to believe that the chassis design limits the horizontal sector of shooting in a certain way. At the same time, shooting with large elevation angles along the hinged paths is possible.
The well-known reports about the SH11 project mention the presence of an automatic loader providing preparation for the shot. Thus, separate loading shots should be in aft mechanized packing and fed to the gun with the help of automation. Perhaps the automatic loader allows you to work with variable charges. Anyway, such devices dramatically reduce the load on the crew.
The composition of the fire control system has not yet been clarified, but it most likely corresponds to current trends. Thus, it is proposed to install two blocks of optical-electronic devices on the roof of the tower. One of them must be used by the gunner, the other by the commander. In this case, the commander has a full panoramic sight. All these devices are connected with electronic control panels at workplaces in the tower. The consoles must handle all incoming data and calculate various parameters. The composition of the onboard equipment will allow self-propelled guns to fire direct fire or shoot from closed positions.
The auxiliary armament of the new type of ACS is quite simple. On the roof of the tower mounted open installation with a heavy machine gun. On the front sheets of the tower there are two rows of smoke grenade launchers aimed at the front hemisphere. It is also possible to transport personal weapons crew in the fighting compartment.
Ready prototype SH11 on the ground
Due to automated systems for various purposes, designers from NORINCO managed to reduce the crew to three people. The first of these is a driver mechanic and is located in front of the hull. Above it is a folding hatch cap with glazing. For greater driving comfort, the driver has a pair of rear-view mirrors with a distinctive exterior.
In the tower are only the gunner (probably on the right) and the commander (left). Above their seats are their own hatches. In addition, access to the tower is provided by a pair of large-sized side hatches. Also in the fighting compartment can be accessed through the chassis stern hatch. It was saved and probably should be used to load the ammunition or when feeding ammunition from the ground.
Perspective self-propelled gun seriously differs from the base BMP in terms of size and weight. Thus, the length of the machine due to the forward protruding tool must increase from the original 8 m to 9-10 m. The width may remain the same, at the level of 3 m. . The declared combat weight reaches 3 t - on the 3,2-36 t more than the older versions and machines based on the BMP "Type 10".
The existing wheeled infantry fighting vehicle is capable of speeds up to 100 km / h. A significant increase in mass in a new project should noticeably reduce mobility. The maximum speed of SH11 can be tens of kilometers per hour lower than that of the base sample. In addition, we should expect a certain decrease in cross-country ability. Finally, a heavy self-propelled gun can not swim.
The combat characteristics of the SAU remain unknown. The new 155-mm howitzer complies with existing Chinese standards, and therefore should be able to use all the available shots of the appropriate caliber. The length of the barrel suggests that the firing range of an ordinary projectile can reach 15-20 km. When using an active-projectile, a range increase of several kilometers should be expected. In addition, increased combat effectiveness can be achieved with the help of adjustable projectiles.
***
According to the latest data, NORINCO has already built a prototype of a new self-propelled artillery unit and should soon bring it to the test. In addition, the first public demonstration of this product will take place in a matter of weeks. At the future exhibition AirShow China 2018, SAX SH11 will be shown to domestic and foreign visitors for the first time. Perhaps it is after the upcoming exhibition that the prototype will be sent to full-fledged tests, during which it will be able to show its capabilities.
Tower equipment close-up. The commander’s panoramic sight is clearly visible.
Prospects for the new project remain unknown. Not too much information has been published, and therefore the future of the SH11 ACS is difficult to predict. At the same time, you can make some assumptions. First of all, there is reason to believe that the new self-propelled gun will be able to interest the People’s Liberation Army of China. It already has several wheeled self-propelled guns of various types in service, but it still does not have 155 mm caliber systems. Perhaps the promising machine SH11 will occupy the remaining niche, with the result that the Chinese artillery troops will be able to use a full fleet of wheeled and tracked vehicles with different types of howitzers. Land artillery will become a more flexible tool capable of solving all the tasks.
The use of the chassis "Type 08" / ZBL-08 / VN-1 can be a peculiar hint. This wheeled infantry fighting vehicle and some samples at its base are offered to foreign customers. Thus, SH11 SAU has all chances to become an export model. Moreover, this project was originally able to create for the sale of equipment abroad. An indirect confirmation of this version may be the fact of the publication of data on the self-propelled gun before the official show. China usually does not show ahead of time new designs for its own army.
The available information about the NORINCO SH11 self-propelled gun project gives an approximate picture, but does not provide answers to a number of important questions. The purpose of the project, the exact characteristics and combat capabilities of the prospective model remain unknown. Fortunately, all this information will be published in the very near future. November 6 in Zhuhai starts the new exhibition AirShow China, which will host the official presentation of promising ACS. At the same time, the organization-developer will announce all the information of interest. There are only a few weeks left before the publication of official data.
On the materials of the sites:
https://janes.com/
https://snafu-solomon.com/
https://defence.pk/
http://china-defense.blogspot.com/
The first information about the promising project appeared at the very end of September. One of the specialized Chinese resources published a short note and several photos from the assembly shop of the NORINCO Corporation. It was reported that the company is completing the assembly of a prototype of a promising self-propelled artillery, carrying an 155-mm gun. A sample called SH11 is planned to be shown at a future military technical exhibition in Zhuhai. A few published photos allowed to understand the main features of the new ACS.
Experienced SAU SH11 dj tower installation time
A few days later, Jane's news agency, with reference to Chinese sources, clarified some features and characteristics of the project. So, the self-propelled gun is built on the basis of the 8x8 “08 Type” wheeled chassis, also known as ZBL-08 and VN-1. It is proposed to mount a completely new habitable tower. At the same time, the fighting compartment is said to be distinguished by an increased level of automation. The combat weight of such a machine reaches 36 T. Crew - 3 man.
A little later, a new photograph of a promising sample. The finished car was probably captured at the site, against the backdrop of nature. In the new photograph it was possible to notice that in the past time, the prototype received some necessary aggregates, and was also painted. However, there were no significant architectural changes, for obvious reasons.
The international military-technical exhibition AirShow China 2018 will open on November 6 and will work for several days. During this event, the corporation NORINCO, as always, will show a number of already known and completely new designs. A promising self-propelled gun at the future exhibition will play the role of a new development, which, however, is already known to specialists and the public. It is worth expecting that at the exhibition in Zhuhai the developer organization will reveal the main features of the project and the technical characteristics of the finished sample.
***
According to published data, the wheeled chassis of the 11 Type infantry fighting vehicle became the basis for the promising self-propelled SH08 self-propelled artillery. Apparently, the equipment necessary for the transport of personnel is removed from the regular armored corps, instead of which new equipment is placed. In addition, the necessary completion of the roof, providing for the installation of a larger shoulder strap. Despite this restructuring, the layout of the chassis, in general, remains the same. The engine compartment remains in the front of the case, next to it is stored control compartment. All other volumes are now given under the equipment of the crew compartment.
The chassis has a shape characteristic of the current wheeled armored vehicles. The frontal projection is formed by several inclined armor plates of various sizes, providing protection against bullets and shrapnel, as well as small-caliber projectiles. The onboard part of the body is made in the form of box-shaped units above the large wheel arches, separated by boxes for spare parts and equipment. The horizontal roof of a large area simplifies the installation of a large combat module. A large hatch is retained in the vertical stern sheet, which can be used to load ammunition.
Future prototype chassis during rework
In the basic configuration, the BMP VN-1 is equipped with a Deutz BF6M1015C diesel engine with HP 440 power. What motor is used on heavier ACS is unknown. With the help of a mechanical transmission, torque is distributed to all eight driving wheels. Transmission for SH11 was a bit modified. The self-propelled gun cannot swim and is therefore not completed with feed water cannons, which made it possible to remove the appropriate means of power supply.
The chassis has a four-axle undercarriage with an individual suspension of large diameter wheels. As part of the suspension used torsion bars and spring shock absorbers. It can be assumed that during the reorganization of the chassis into the carrier of the turret with a tool, the suspension undergoes some changes and is enhanced in accordance with the growth of loads. However, accurate data on this has not yet appeared.
Even if the chassis is reinforced by the use of a heavier turret, its strength is insufficient to fire from the wheels. Before shooting, it is proposed to hang the car on four jacks. A pair of such devices is placed between the second and third axles of the chassis, another one - at the level of the hull aft sheet.
Especially for the promising ACS, a completely new turret was developed with installation for 155-mm guns. Apparently, this tower is made in the form of a combat module with all the necessary devices, suitable for installation on any compatible platform. In addition, the latter, in addition to the tower, must carry some other devices necessary for the operation of the implement. In particular, inside the body of the base chassis can be located part of the portable ammunition.
The published photos show that the new tower is being built on the basis of an armored corps of relatively large size and relatively complex shape. In terms of booking a new tower, probably does not differ from the used case and provides protection from bullets and shrapnel. It can be assumed that the front part of the turret accommodates the gun mount and the crew seats, while the other volumes are allocated for various instruments and ammunition.
Tower new design
In the turret of the new ACS, an 155-mm rifled howitzer with a barrel of 39 caliber is mounted. It can be assumed that this product was created on the basis of one of the existing developments used as part of other self-propelled complexes. The gun barrel is equipped with a developed slit-type muzzle brake and
ejector To reduce the negative impact on chassis with limited characteristics apply advanced recoil devices. Their large cylinders protrude beyond the fighting compartment and are protected by a rectangular casing. In the stowed position, the barrel is fixed on the folding restraint.
From the published data, it follows that the pointing of the gun in two planes is carried out using remote-controlled drives controlled by a fire control system. The allowable pickup angles are not yet known, but there is reason to believe that the chassis design limits the horizontal sector of shooting in a certain way. At the same time, shooting with large elevation angles along the hinged paths is possible.
The well-known reports about the SH11 project mention the presence of an automatic loader providing preparation for the shot. Thus, separate loading shots should be in aft mechanized packing and fed to the gun with the help of automation. Perhaps the automatic loader allows you to work with variable charges. Anyway, such devices dramatically reduce the load on the crew.
The composition of the fire control system has not yet been clarified, but it most likely corresponds to current trends. Thus, it is proposed to install two blocks of optical-electronic devices on the roof of the tower. One of them must be used by the gunner, the other by the commander. In this case, the commander has a full panoramic sight. All these devices are connected with electronic control panels at workplaces in the tower. The consoles must handle all incoming data and calculate various parameters. The composition of the onboard equipment will allow self-propelled guns to fire direct fire or shoot from closed positions.
The auxiliary armament of the new type of ACS is quite simple. On the roof of the tower mounted open installation with a heavy machine gun. On the front sheets of the tower there are two rows of smoke grenade launchers aimed at the front hemisphere. It is also possible to transport personal weapons crew in the fighting compartment.
Ready prototype SH11 on the ground
Due to automated systems for various purposes, designers from NORINCO managed to reduce the crew to three people. The first of these is a driver mechanic and is located in front of the hull. Above it is a folding hatch cap with glazing. For greater driving comfort, the driver has a pair of rear-view mirrors with a distinctive exterior.
In the tower are only the gunner (probably on the right) and the commander (left). Above their seats are their own hatches. In addition, access to the tower is provided by a pair of large-sized side hatches. Also in the fighting compartment can be accessed through the chassis stern hatch. It was saved and probably should be used to load the ammunition or when feeding ammunition from the ground.
Perspective self-propelled gun seriously differs from the base BMP in terms of size and weight. Thus, the length of the machine due to the forward protruding tool must increase from the original 8 m to 9-10 m. The width may remain the same, at the level of 3 m. . The declared combat weight reaches 3 t - on the 3,2-36 t more than the older versions and machines based on the BMP "Type 10".
The existing wheeled infantry fighting vehicle is capable of speeds up to 100 km / h. A significant increase in mass in a new project should noticeably reduce mobility. The maximum speed of SH11 can be tens of kilometers per hour lower than that of the base sample. In addition, we should expect a certain decrease in cross-country ability. Finally, a heavy self-propelled gun can not swim.
The combat characteristics of the SAU remain unknown. The new 155-mm howitzer complies with existing Chinese standards, and therefore should be able to use all the available shots of the appropriate caliber. The length of the barrel suggests that the firing range of an ordinary projectile can reach 15-20 km. When using an active-projectile, a range increase of several kilometers should be expected. In addition, increased combat effectiveness can be achieved with the help of adjustable projectiles.
***
According to the latest data, NORINCO has already built a prototype of a new self-propelled artillery unit and should soon bring it to the test. In addition, the first public demonstration of this product will take place in a matter of weeks. At the future exhibition AirShow China 2018, SAX SH11 will be shown to domestic and foreign visitors for the first time. Perhaps it is after the upcoming exhibition that the prototype will be sent to full-fledged tests, during which it will be able to show its capabilities.
Tower equipment close-up. The commander’s panoramic sight is clearly visible.
Prospects for the new project remain unknown. Not too much information has been published, and therefore the future of the SH11 ACS is difficult to predict. At the same time, you can make some assumptions. First of all, there is reason to believe that the new self-propelled gun will be able to interest the People’s Liberation Army of China. It already has several wheeled self-propelled guns of various types in service, but it still does not have 155 mm caliber systems. Perhaps the promising machine SH11 will occupy the remaining niche, with the result that the Chinese artillery troops will be able to use a full fleet of wheeled and tracked vehicles with different types of howitzers. Land artillery will become a more flexible tool capable of solving all the tasks.
The use of the chassis "Type 08" / ZBL-08 / VN-1 can be a peculiar hint. This wheeled infantry fighting vehicle and some samples at its base are offered to foreign customers. Thus, SH11 SAU has all chances to become an export model. Moreover, this project was originally able to create for the sale of equipment abroad. An indirect confirmation of this version may be the fact of the publication of data on the self-propelled gun before the official show. China usually does not show ahead of time new designs for its own army.
The available information about the NORINCO SH11 self-propelled gun project gives an approximate picture, but does not provide answers to a number of important questions. The purpose of the project, the exact characteristics and combat capabilities of the prospective model remain unknown. Fortunately, all this information will be published in the very near future. November 6 in Zhuhai starts the new exhibition AirShow China, which will host the official presentation of promising ACS. At the same time, the organization-developer will announce all the information of interest. There are only a few weeks left before the publication of official data.
On the materials of the sites:
https://janes.com/
https://snafu-solomon.com/
https://defence.pk/
http://china-defense.blogspot.com/
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