NORINCO from China ready to produce new AH-4 155mm 39 caliber lightweight towed howitzer 12407162

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Defence & Security News - China
 
NORINCO from China ready to produce new AH-4 155mm 39 caliber lightweight towed howitzer
Chinese Defense Company NORINCO (China North Industries Corporation) has confirmed that its new lightweight towed howitzer AH-4 155mm 39 caliber is now ready for production. the new AH-4 seems to be a counter part of the American-made BAE Systems M777.
     
Chinese Defense Company NORINCO (China North Industries Corporation) has confirmed that its new lightweight towed howitzer AH-4 155mm 39 caliber is now ready for production. the new AH-4 seems to be a counter part of the American-made BAE Systems M777. NORINCO AH-4 155mm 39 caliber lightweight towed howitzer at China Air Show 2014 (Copyright Army Recognition)
     
According NORINCO, the AH-4 155mm towed howitzer has a combat weight of 4,500 kg using advanced material construction to achieve high tactical and strategic mobility. It employs a reliable hydro-pneumatic mechanism for quick deployment and operation.

The AH4 uses a 155 mm/39 calibre cannon which can have a maximum rate of fire of 4 to rounds per minute.
 

The 155 mm/39 calibre ordnance can be elevated to 72° and depressed to -3°. Top traverse is 22° left and right.

The carriage comprises two sub-assemblies, the body and the saddle. The body includes two forward stabilisers and two split trails fitted with self-digging spades and dampers. This new artillery system has total weight of 4,500 kg.

The AH-4 is normally operated by a crew of seven men but can be operated with a reduced detachment of five. It can be ready to fire the first rounds in less than 3 min and leave its firing position in only 2 minutes.

The AH4 can fire a wide range of ammunitions including ERFB-HB/HE, ERFB-BB/HE and ERFB-BB-RA/HE from a range of 25 to 40 km.