PLZ-89 / Type 89 122mm howitzer

Self-propelled howitzer on tracked armoured vehicle China

PLZ89 Type 89 122mm tracked self propelled howitzer China Chinese army defense industry Internet 925 002

Description

The Type 89 also called PLZ-89 is a 122mm tracked self-propelled howitzer designed and manufactured by the Chinese Company NORINCO (North Industries Corporation). The Type 89 was developed in late 1980s and was showed for the first time to the public during a military parade held in Beijing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China late 1999. The PLZ-89 is in service with the Chinese army and also to Rwanda. There is no information about the number of howitzers used by the armed forces of Rwanda, but a picture of the Type 89 was released in November 10, 2017 on the Flickr account of Paul Kagame takes during the military exercise in Rwanda, "Hard Punch II".

Variants:

No variants at this time


Technical Data

Armament
The PLZ-89 / Type 89 122mm self-propelled howitzer is fitted with a large turret mounted at the rear of an armoured tracked chassis. The turret is armed with a 122mm gun barrel developed from Type 85 122 mm howitzer, a Chinese version of the Soviet-made D-30 122mm howitzer. The turret has a traverse of 360°. The Type 89 is fitted with a semi-automatic loader. It has a maximum firing range of 15km using standard HE (High-Explosive), 18 km with extended range full bore and 21 km with extended-range projectiles. It has a maximum rate of fire of 6 to 8 rounds per minute and carries 40 rounds inside the turret. In travel position, the 122 mm howitzer is held in position by a travelling lock mounted on top of the hull. The 122 mm howitzer is fitted with a multi-slotted muzzle brake and a fume extractor. The hatch of the commander on the right side of the roof turret is armed with one 12.7mm heavy machine gun. Each side of the turret is fitted with a bank of four smoke grenade dischargers.
Design and protection
The layout of the PLZ-89 / Type 89 122mm self-propelled howitzer is divided in two main parts with driver and commander at the front left of the hull, with engine at his right and the turret at the rear of the hull with three crew members. The commander seat is located just back of the driver position. There is three hatches on the top of the turret. The hull and the turret is of all-welded aluminum construction that provides protection from firing of small arms and artillery shell splinters. There is on single door at the rear of the hull.
Mobility
The PLZ-89 / Type 89 122mm self-propelled howitzer is motorized with 12V150L12 liquid-cooled diesel engine developing 450 hp. The torsion suspension consists on each side of the hull of six large single rubber-tired road wheels with the drive sprocket at the front and idler at the rear, there are no track-return rollers. It can reach a maximum road speed of 60 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 500 km.
Accessories
Standard equipment of the PLZ-89 / Type 89 122mm self-propelled howitzer includes NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection system, night vision equipment, fire detection and suppression system and an onboard, computerized fire-control system. Observation devices are provided in either side of the turret and the indirect fire sight is mounted in the roof on the left side. The PLZ 89 is fully amphibious using a flotation kit mounted on each side of the hull.
PLZ89 Type 89 122mm tracked self propelled howitzer China Chinese army defense industry Internet details 001
The PLZ-89 fitted with his flotation kit.

Specifications

Armament Armor
One 122mm howitzer and one 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun Protection against firing of small arms and artillery shell splinters.
Country users Weight
China, Rwanda 20,000 kg
Designer Country Speed
China 60 km/h
Accessories Range
NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection system, night vision equipment, fire detection and suppression system and an onboard, computerized fire-control system. 500 km
Crew Dimensions
5 Length: 11.0 m hull; Width: 3.4 m; Height: 2.0 m

Details View

 PLZ89 Type 89 122mm tracked self propelled howitzer China Chinese army defense industry line drawing blueprint 001
PLZ89 Type 89 122mm tracked self propelled howitzer China Chinese army defense industry Internet front view 450 001 PLZ89 Type 89 122mm tracked self propelled howitzer China Chinese army defense industry Internet rear view 450 001
PLZ89 Type 89 122mm tracked self propelled howitzer China Chinese army defense industry Internet left side view 450 001
PLZ89 Type 89 122mm tracked self propelled howitzer China Chinese army defense industry Internet right side view 450 001

Pictures - Video