PLZ-05 (Type 05) Chinese 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
PLZ-05, Type 05
Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
Other



Basic Information
Name
PLZ-05 (Type 05) Chinese 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
Designation
PLZ-05, Type 05
Alternate Designation
PLZ-05, Type 05
Equipment Type
Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
Manufacturer
NORINCO
Date of Introduction
1991
Description
The PLZ-05 was designed and manufactured by the China North Industries Group Corporation (CNGC), better known as Norinco. According to most reports, its development started in the mid-1990s, as a further development of the PLZ-45, an export version which already saw combat. The first prototype was completed in 2003 and it seems to have been accepted into service in 2005, at least according to its official denomination. It was also revealed during the 2005 Beijing International Aviation Exhibition. However, this model only entered service with the PLA around 2007.
Ground Specifications
Crew
4
Engine
Diesel (800 hp)
NBC Protection
Yes
Variants
PLZ-05A (PLZ-52)
The PLZ-52 is a 155mm / 52 caliber tracked self-propelled howitzer similar in appearance to the PLZ-45, but based on a slightly different hull.
PLZ-04
Self-propelled howitzer with a 54 caliber barrel and apparently offered for export.
PLZ-05B
Self-propelled howitzer with lengthened hull using seven pairs of seven roadwheels.
System
Alternative Designation
PLZ-05, Type 05
Type
Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
Caliber
155 mm
Manufacturer
NORINCO
Family
PLZ Family
Crew
4 ea
Chassis
Tank
Displacement Time
INA
Emplacement Time
INA
Maximum Effective Range
55 km
Integrated Day Periscopes
3 ea
Passive Night Periscope
1 ea
Note:
The PLZ-05 was built to replace the Type 83 152mm Self Propelled Howitzer.
Dimensions
Length, Gun Forward
12.0 m
Length, Hull
6.0 m
Width
3.38 m
Height
3.55 m
Weight, Combat
35 tons
Ground Pressure
INA
Automotive
Engine Name
8V150
Engine Type
Cooled turbocharged diesel
Engine Power
800 hp
Power to Weight Ratio
23.25 hp/ton
Suspension
Torsion Bar
Forward Gears
6 ea
Reverse Gears
1 ea
Cruising Range
550 km
Speed, Maximum Road
55 km/h
Speed, Average Cross
50 km/h
Speed Maximum Swim
Not Amphibious
Gradient
60 %
Side Slope
30 %
Fording Depth
1.2 m
Vertical Step
0.8 m
Trench
2.8 m
Communications
TBR-142
VHF FM Transceiver
Yes, TBR-142(I)
VHF Range
1 to 50 km
Megahertz
40.000 to 59.975 MHz
Output Power
1 to 0.3 Watts
Power
12V Ni-Ca Rechargeable Battery or external 12V DC power source
Dimensions
217x135x58 mm
Weight
2.7 kg
Antennas
3 Total: a 1.3m whip antenna, a 0.3m short antenna, and a 10m wire antenna
Proliferated
Widely with Artillery/Gun/Missile/Reconnaissance/C2 Units
Control Device
TBR-142(II)
Multi-function Field Phone
TBR-142(IIID)
Anti-Aircraft Control Unit
TBR-142(IIIG)
ZXY88-200 C2 Capable
Yes
Messaging
Limited Capability
Amplifier
Available
Physical Conditions Limitations
Terrain and Weather favorable
Main Gun
System
Name
PLZ-05
Type
Self-Propelled Howitzer
Caliber
155 mm
Barrel
52 Caliber
Charge System
Bi-modular charge system (MCS)
Extractor Type
Fume Extractor
Muzzle Break
Yes, Slotted Muzzle Brake
Projectile Handling System
Automatic ammunition handing system
Max Rate of Fire
10 rds/min
Sustain Rate of Fire
9 rds/min
Time the Max Rate of Fire can be Sustained
3 rounds in 15 seconds
Four round Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) capability.
Yes
Max Elevation
+65 deg
Min Elevation
-3 deg
Traverse Range
360 deg
Range Finder Type
Laser
Muzzle Velocity Radar
Equipped
Ammunition (Option 1)
Type
WS-35
Caliber
155 mm
Muzzle Velocity
INA
Fuse Adapter
Yes
Maximum Firing Range
100 km
Armor Penetration
Yes
Projectile Weight
18 kg
Guidance System
Beidou Navigation Satellite System
Inertial Guidance
Yes
Accuracy
40 m
Basic Load
30 Total of any projectile combination
Ammunition (Option 2)
Type
Extended Range Full Bore - Base Bleed - Rocket Assisted (ERFB-BB-RA) projectile
Caliber
155 mm
Manufacturer
NORINCO
Muzzle Velocity
INA
Maximum Firing Range
58 km
Armor Penetration
Yes
Note
The PLZ-05 can also fire ERFB high-explosive, ERFB-BB high-explosive, ERFB white phosphorous, ERFB smoke, ERFB illumination, incendiary and cargo.
Basic Load
30 Total of any projectile combination
Coaxial Weapon System
System
Name
1 x QJG89 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun
Type
Heavy Machine Gun
Caliber
12.7 mm
Length, Total
2,119 mm
Length, Barrel
1,003 mm
Diameter
INA
Weight (Gun Only)
18.5 kg
Weight (Tripod Only)
17.5 kg
Time the Max Rate of Fire can be Sustained
INA
Max Rate of Fire
450-600 rds/min
Sustain Rate of Fire
500-550 rds/min
Sights
Iron/Optical
Action
Gas
Fire Selector
0-F
Stock
Fixed
Ammunition
Type
Ball
Caliber
12.7x108 mm
Muzzle Velocity
825 m/s
Effective Firing Range (vs. Air)
1,500 m
Effective Firing Range (vs. Ground)
2,000 m
Armor Penetration
INA
Magazine
Belt, fed 50 Rounds
Operation
Hybrid direct impingement and short recoil
Basic Load
INA
Fire Control
Name
INA
Computerized FCS
Yes
Thermal Sight Vehicle Commander
Yes
Thermal Sight Gunner
Yes
Main Gun Stabilization
INA
Remote Fire Capable
Yes
Direct Fire
Yes
Indirect Fire
Yes
Laser/fibre optic Enabled
Yes
Land Navigation
Yes
Protection
Hull Armor
Rolled homogeneous plate armor (RHA), Protection against small arms and shell splinters.
Turret Armor
Rolled homogeneous plate armor (RHA), Protection against small arms and shell splinters.
Applique Armor
Available
Explosive Reactive Armor
No
Active Fire Suppression System
Yes
Mine Clearing
No
Self-Entrenching Blade
No
NBC Protection
Yes
Smoke Equipment
two banks of four electrically fired smoke dischargers on each side.
Grenade Launchers
2 sets of 4-barrel grenade launchers
Note
The PLZ-05 is a rear-line artillery support vehicle that is not meant to be on the front lines of the battlefield.
Details
Country of Origin
China
Category
Self-Propelled Gun/Howitzer Artillery Systems
Land > Artillery > Self-Propelled Gun/Howitzer Artillery Systems
Filter Label
P
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
—
Width
3.38 m
Height
3.55 m
Weight
35000 kg
Operators (1)
China
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