Chinese modern SAU PLZ-52
In 2005, the Chinese company North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) at the International Aviation Expo in Beijing presented the latest PLN-155 52-mm self-propelled howitzer (also known as Type 05 and PLZ-05).
The howitzer was developed by improving the artillery part of the PLZ-45 and PLL01 systems of the 155 caliber of millimeters, which were developed at the beginning of the 1990-s. Such self-propelled guns were in service with the People’s Liberation Army of China and were exported mainly to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait (the latter ordered the delivery of two lots of 27 systems each). However, the manufacturer, in the process of studying the market, found out that modern buyers prefer old 155-millimeter systems with 45 trunk lengths of SAU calibers with 52 lengths of caliber, as this allows an increase in firing range. In addition, for PLZ52, 155-mm projectiles designed for PLZ45, NATO-standard projectiles, as well as Russian laser-guided artillery shells can be used. The development of the self-propelled artillery PLZ-52 began in the middle of the 1990-s. The first prototype saw the set in 2003 year.
The base of the PLZ-52 is an 6-roller tracked chassis, which is very similar to the Russian 2-XNNXX (Msta-S) self-propelled artillery installation (Msta-S) of a millimeter 19 caliber. According to Chinese sources, the Type 152 is a completely Chinese development and is not a copy of the Russian artillery system.
weaponry
Chinese self-propelled artillery unit PLZ-52 equipped howitzer L52 - 155-mm barrel length of 52 caliber for maximum range of up to 53 km rocket-assisted projectile type ERFB-BB-RA, up to 39 km - conventional projectiles and to 20 km - controlled laser-guided projectiles.
The gun is equipped with an automatic loader, which ensures the loading of projectiles at different elevation angles of the barrel, as well as a modular propelling charge, which realizes the maximum firing speed of 8 shots per minute. This ensures the rate of fire - 3 shot for 15 seconds and simultaneous exploding of 4 shells, which significantly increases the intensity of fire impact on enemy targets. The PLZ-52 can automatically load 30 ammunition aboard. The barrel is supplied with an extractor of powder gases and slits of the muzzle brake. The trunk in the transport position is held in place with a lock located on the front plate. The lock is installed manually. The gun in the vertical plane is induced in the range of -3 °. + 68 °, and the tower in the horizontal plane can rotate to full 360 °. The SAU barrel is able to withstand about 2,5 thousand shots.
As an additional weapon serves as an anti-aircraft machine gun W85 caliber 12,7 mm, mounted on the turret and used to ensure the protection of the machine in battle. In addition, the machine gun can be used in the setting of barrier fire, counteracting low-flying targets. Ammunition machine gun - 500 cartridges. The machine gun is controlled by the commander of the ACS. In addition, on each side of the tower in its front part one smoke grenade launcher for four shots is installed.
Construction and protection
The design of the housing and turret of the self-propelled artillery installation PLZ-52 is very similar to the SAU PLZ-45, differing barrel length (45 caliber) with the same caliber guns. The design is all-welded from armor steel, which provides protection against fragments of shells and small arms fire weapons. The crew of the SAU is four people: the commander, driver, gunner and loader. The driver's seat is located in front of the chassis to the left of the engine. The driver's seat is equipped with three periscopes, for the entrance / exit there is a solid opening hatch back. The tower is located at the rear of the hull. This layout increases the stability of self-propelled guns, both during movement and when firing. The internal volume of the tower compared with the tower PLZ-45 increased. Commander's turret is located closer to the left side of the tower, and on the right side - a hatch for the shooter. On the front of the hatch commander mounted panoramic sight. In the stern of the tower there are a couple of small doors, and in the stern of the hull there are large doors that open to the right and are intended for loading ammunition.
Chassis
Self-propelled artillery installation PLZ-52 is equipped with a 1000-strong engine, aggregated with an automatic transmission, which provides excellent mobility mobility. On roads with a hard surface, ACS PLZ-52 can move at speeds up to 65 km / h, with a power reserve of 450 kilometers.
The torsion bar suspension on both sides has six double drive wheels with a rubber band. The sixth and fifth wheels are spaced apart over long distances to ensure optimal weight distribution. The guide wheel is located in the aft of the hull, leading - in the bow. In addition, each board has three supporting rollers. To protect the upper part of the suspension are side screens.
Equipment
The PLZ-52 self-propelled gun mount is equipped with a digital fire control system having a two-channel sight with a thermal imager and a laser range finder. Perhaps, the electronic equipment includes a radar meter for the initial velocity of the projectile. It also has a short reaction time to the first shot, which ensures the outstanding survivability of self-propelled guns on the battlefield. Laser fiber-optic gyroscopic navigation system allows autonomous operation without the support of reconnaissance vehicles. Computerized technologies simplify work and improve information sharing. The use of intelligent 155-mm projectiles, such as the GS1 and laser-homing projectiles, allow SAU PLZ-52 to hit various targets on the battlefield. The standard equipment of the self-propelled artillery installation includes: auxiliary power unit, collective protection system, fire extinguishing system with detection and suppression of explosions.
Ammunition
The main ammunition of SAU PLZ-52 are 155-millimeter separate-loading shots, which are produced by the Chinese company Norinko:
- high-explosive fragmentation projectile ERFB / HE having a leading belt and improved aerodynamics;
- high-explosive fragmentation projectile ERFB-BB / HE having a bottom gas generator, a leading belt and improved aerodynamics;
—High-explosive active-missile projectile ERFB-BB / RA;
- lighting projectile;
- cluster projectile on 72 combat elements;
- smoke shell.
NATO standard 155 mm ammunition can also be used. For high-precision shooting using guided artillery shells with laser-guided. This ammunition was copied from the Russian Krasnopol shell, which allows firing from 3 to 20 km.
It can be carried out not only by mounted fire, but also by direct fire, like an ordinary gun.
For the supply and delivery of ammunition, obviously, can be used transport-loading machine from howitzers PLZ-45.
Application
Currently being mass produced SAU PLZ-52. The People’s Liberation Army of China in the 2012 year adopted the 240 of such machines.
In the PLA they are distributed as follows:
1. Shenyang Military District (60 machines):
- 1 and 2 battalions, 7 artillery brigade, group of the 39 army. A total of 36 self-propelled guns;
- 1 Battalion, Artillery Regiment, 116 Mechanized Infantry Division, 39 Army Group. A total of 24 self-propelled guns.
2. Beijing Military District (72 machines):
- The 3 and 4 battalions, the 6 artillery brigade, the 38 armies. A total of 36 self-propelled guns.
- The 1 and 2 battalions, the artillery regiment, the 112 mechanized infantry division, the group of the 38 army. A total of 36 self-propelled guns.
3. Nanking Military District (36 machines):
- The 1 and 2 battalions, the artillery regiment, the 1 amphibious mechanized infantry division, the 1 group of armies. A total of 36 self-propelled guns.
4. Guangzhou Military District, (72 machines):
- The 2 and 5 battalions, the artillery regiment, the 123 mechanized infantry division, the 41 army group. A total of 36 self-propelled guns.
- The 1 and 2 battalions, the artillery regiment, the 124 amphibious mechanized infantry division, the 42 armies. A total of 36 self-propelled guns.
There are no data on export supplies yet.
Technical specifications
Weight - 43 thousand kg;
Length - 11600 mm;
Width - 3380 mm;
Height - mm 3550;
The caliber of the main gun - 155 mm;
Barrel length - 52 caliber;
Caliber anti-aircraft machine gun - 12,7 mm;
The angle of horizontal guidance - 360 degrees;
The angle of vertical guidance is from -3 to + 68 degrees;
Maximum speed - 65 km / h;
Maximum firing range - 53 thousand m;
Rate of fire - 8 rds / min;
Crew - 4 person.
Based on materials:
http://www.autobusiness.in.ua
http://www.army-guide.com
http://news.21cn.com
http://www.baike.com
http://www.sinodefence.com
The howitzer was developed by improving the artillery part of the PLZ-45 and PLL01 systems of the 155 caliber of millimeters, which were developed at the beginning of the 1990-s. Such self-propelled guns were in service with the People’s Liberation Army of China and were exported mainly to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait (the latter ordered the delivery of two lots of 27 systems each). However, the manufacturer, in the process of studying the market, found out that modern buyers prefer old 155-millimeter systems with 45 trunk lengths of SAU calibers with 52 lengths of caliber, as this allows an increase in firing range. In addition, for PLZ52, 155-mm projectiles designed for PLZ45, NATO-standard projectiles, as well as Russian laser-guided artillery shells can be used. The development of the self-propelled artillery PLZ-52 began in the middle of the 1990-s. The first prototype saw the set in 2003 year.
The base of the PLZ-52 is an 6-roller tracked chassis, which is very similar to the Russian 2-XNNXX (Msta-S) self-propelled artillery installation (Msta-S) of a millimeter 19 caliber. According to Chinese sources, the Type 152 is a completely Chinese development and is not a copy of the Russian artillery system.
weaponry
Chinese self-propelled artillery unit PLZ-52 equipped howitzer L52 - 155-mm barrel length of 52 caliber for maximum range of up to 53 km rocket-assisted projectile type ERFB-BB-RA, up to 39 km - conventional projectiles and to 20 km - controlled laser-guided projectiles.
The gun is equipped with an automatic loader, which ensures the loading of projectiles at different elevation angles of the barrel, as well as a modular propelling charge, which realizes the maximum firing speed of 8 shots per minute. This ensures the rate of fire - 3 shot for 15 seconds and simultaneous exploding of 4 shells, which significantly increases the intensity of fire impact on enemy targets. The PLZ-52 can automatically load 30 ammunition aboard. The barrel is supplied with an extractor of powder gases and slits of the muzzle brake. The trunk in the transport position is held in place with a lock located on the front plate. The lock is installed manually. The gun in the vertical plane is induced in the range of -3 °. + 68 °, and the tower in the horizontal plane can rotate to full 360 °. The SAU barrel is able to withstand about 2,5 thousand shots.
As an additional weapon serves as an anti-aircraft machine gun W85 caliber 12,7 mm, mounted on the turret and used to ensure the protection of the machine in battle. In addition, the machine gun can be used in the setting of barrier fire, counteracting low-flying targets. Ammunition machine gun - 500 cartridges. The machine gun is controlled by the commander of the ACS. In addition, on each side of the tower in its front part one smoke grenade launcher for four shots is installed.
Construction and protection
The design of the housing and turret of the self-propelled artillery installation PLZ-52 is very similar to the SAU PLZ-45, differing barrel length (45 caliber) with the same caliber guns. The design is all-welded from armor steel, which provides protection against fragments of shells and small arms fire weapons. The crew of the SAU is four people: the commander, driver, gunner and loader. The driver's seat is located in front of the chassis to the left of the engine. The driver's seat is equipped with three periscopes, for the entrance / exit there is a solid opening hatch back. The tower is located at the rear of the hull. This layout increases the stability of self-propelled guns, both during movement and when firing. The internal volume of the tower compared with the tower PLZ-45 increased. Commander's turret is located closer to the left side of the tower, and on the right side - a hatch for the shooter. On the front of the hatch commander mounted panoramic sight. In the stern of the tower there are a couple of small doors, and in the stern of the hull there are large doors that open to the right and are intended for loading ammunition.
Chassis
Self-propelled artillery installation PLZ-52 is equipped with a 1000-strong engine, aggregated with an automatic transmission, which provides excellent mobility mobility. On roads with a hard surface, ACS PLZ-52 can move at speeds up to 65 km / h, with a power reserve of 450 kilometers.
The torsion bar suspension on both sides has six double drive wheels with a rubber band. The sixth and fifth wheels are spaced apart over long distances to ensure optimal weight distribution. The guide wheel is located in the aft of the hull, leading - in the bow. In addition, each board has three supporting rollers. To protect the upper part of the suspension are side screens.
Equipment
The PLZ-52 self-propelled gun mount is equipped with a digital fire control system having a two-channel sight with a thermal imager and a laser range finder. Perhaps, the electronic equipment includes a radar meter for the initial velocity of the projectile. It also has a short reaction time to the first shot, which ensures the outstanding survivability of self-propelled guns on the battlefield. Laser fiber-optic gyroscopic navigation system allows autonomous operation without the support of reconnaissance vehicles. Computerized technologies simplify work and improve information sharing. The use of intelligent 155-mm projectiles, such as the GS1 and laser-homing projectiles, allow SAU PLZ-52 to hit various targets on the battlefield. The standard equipment of the self-propelled artillery installation includes: auxiliary power unit, collective protection system, fire extinguishing system with detection and suppression of explosions.
Ammunition
The main ammunition of SAU PLZ-52 are 155-millimeter separate-loading shots, which are produced by the Chinese company Norinko:
- high-explosive fragmentation projectile ERFB / HE having a leading belt and improved aerodynamics;
- high-explosive fragmentation projectile ERFB-BB / HE having a bottom gas generator, a leading belt and improved aerodynamics;
—High-explosive active-missile projectile ERFB-BB / RA;
- lighting projectile;
- cluster projectile on 72 combat elements;
- smoke shell.
NATO standard 155 mm ammunition can also be used. For high-precision shooting using guided artillery shells with laser-guided. This ammunition was copied from the Russian Krasnopol shell, which allows firing from 3 to 20 km.
It can be carried out not only by mounted fire, but also by direct fire, like an ordinary gun.
For the supply and delivery of ammunition, obviously, can be used transport-loading machine from howitzers PLZ-45.
Application
Currently being mass produced SAU PLZ-52. The People’s Liberation Army of China in the 2012 year adopted the 240 of such machines.
In the PLA they are distributed as follows:
1. Shenyang Military District (60 machines):
- 1 and 2 battalions, 7 artillery brigade, group of the 39 army. A total of 36 self-propelled guns;
- 1 Battalion, Artillery Regiment, 116 Mechanized Infantry Division, 39 Army Group. A total of 24 self-propelled guns.
2. Beijing Military District (72 machines):
- The 3 and 4 battalions, the 6 artillery brigade, the 38 armies. A total of 36 self-propelled guns.
- The 1 and 2 battalions, the artillery regiment, the 112 mechanized infantry division, the group of the 38 army. A total of 36 self-propelled guns.
3. Nanking Military District (36 machines):
- The 1 and 2 battalions, the artillery regiment, the 1 amphibious mechanized infantry division, the 1 group of armies. A total of 36 self-propelled guns.
4. Guangzhou Military District, (72 machines):
- The 2 and 5 battalions, the artillery regiment, the 123 mechanized infantry division, the 41 army group. A total of 36 self-propelled guns.
- The 1 and 2 battalions, the artillery regiment, the 124 amphibious mechanized infantry division, the 42 armies. A total of 36 self-propelled guns.
There are no data on export supplies yet.
Technical specifications
Weight - 43 thousand kg;
Length - 11600 mm;
Width - 3380 mm;
Height - mm 3550;
The caliber of the main gun - 155 mm;
Barrel length - 52 caliber;
Caliber anti-aircraft machine gun - 12,7 mm;
The angle of horizontal guidance - 360 degrees;
The angle of vertical guidance is from -3 to + 68 degrees;
Maximum speed - 65 km / h;
Maximum firing range - 53 thousand m;
Rate of fire - 8 rds / min;
Crew - 4 person.
Based on materials:
http://www.autobusiness.in.ua
http://www.army-guide.com
http://news.21cn.com
http://www.baike.com
http://www.sinodefence.com
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