The Chinese PLZ-45 Self Propelled Gun

The Chinese PLZ-45 Self Propelled Gun

The Chinese PLZ-45 Self Propelled Gun is an exported artillery system based on technology acquired from Poland in the 1980’s. The main cannon is a 155mm muzzle calibre and Length 45 calibre (larger than the US M109 series). It uses an electrically controlled semi automatic loading system with a hydraulic ram allowing the 5 man crew to load the charge whilst at any angle. The cannon has an elevation of +72 to -3 degrees. The turret can traverse a full 360 degrees.

The Chinese PLZ-45 Self Propelled Gun Ammunition

30 rounds of munitions are carried in the turret which can be from a number of Extended Range Full Bore (ERFB) ammunition the vehicle is capable of firing:

High Explosive (ERFB/HE)
Base Bleed High Explosive (ERFB-BB/HE)
ERFB-BB/RA
ERFB/WP
ERFB/Illuminating
ERFB/Smoke and ERFB-BB/Cargo.

The vehicle has a laser-guided projectile based on the Russian Krasnopol, designed to destroy Main Battle Tanks and heavy emplacements with an operational range of 3 to 20km. The FCS includes an automatic laying system, optical sighting system, gun orientation and navigation system, giving the vehicle a top range of 39km. For close encounters the vehicle has a roof-mounted W-85 12.7mm (0.50cal) anti-aircraft MG and two sets of four-barrel smoke grenade launchers on the turret’s side.

The driver sits front left with the 520hp turbocharged diesel engine which provides for a top road speed of 50 km/h and a 450km operational range, to his right.

Other equipment includes, auxiliary powerpack for powering electrical systems, NBC protection, fire detection & suppression, muzzle velocity measurement system and gun display unit. The vehicle is rated to give protection against 7.62mm rounds and shrapnel from airburst artillery.

The Chinese PLZ-45 Support Vehicles

The vehicle is sold at Battalion strength which includes a number of support vehicles

PLZ45 – 18 (divided among 3 batteries).

PCZ45 – 6 ammunition support vehicles.

ammunition support vehicle

BRV – 3 battery reconnaissance vehicles (Type 85 APC like vehicles).

W653A – Armoured Recovery Vehicle.

704-1 – artillery locating and fire correction radar.

702-D – meteorological radar.

Fire support maintenance vehicles.

Battery command post.

The Chinese PLZ-45 Self Propelled Gun Operators

Kuwait
128 (54 was exported in 1997, further 74 in 2001).

Saudi Arabia
54 (ordered in 2007).

Bangladesh
Deliveries due to be completed in 2011, PLZ-45 “battalions” ordered meaning at least 40+ PLZ45’s.

Algeria –
Around 50 delivered between December 2013 and January 2014