|
|
General information |
The Type 63 is a towed, 12-tube, 107-mm multiple rocket launcher system produced in China in the early 1960s, based on the Soviet BM-12 MRS and using similar rockets. Type 63 MRS was developed in the late 1950s as the replacement for the 102 mm (6-round) Type 427 and Type 488 multiple rocket systems which were withdrawn from front-line service with the People's Liberation Army many years ago. In service since 1963, the Type 63 towed 107mm, 12-tube multiple launch rocket was fielded by the PLA ground forces in vast numbers until the late 1990s. The weapon was used as a standard artillery weapon in infantry regiments to provide a short-range, intensive area firepower. A pack model developed for use by airborne and mountain units weighs 281 kg in the firing position and can be dismantled into manpack loads. A lighter version of the Type 63 has been given the Western designation of Type 63-I. It is 136 kg lighter than the basic model and is distinguishable from it by its smaller spoked roadwheels and its four banks of three rockets.
|
|
Variants : - Type 81: Type 63 mounted on 4x4 truck - Type 85: single man-portable tripod-mounted launcher tube for 107 mm rockets which is designed for use by commando, guerrilla or special forces units. - Haseb : Iranian version - Taka: Sudan version - RO 107: South African version - VTT-323: North Korean version
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Design |
The launcher has 12 tubes arranged in three banks of four tubes each. All the tubes are parallel to each other and mounted co-axially on a cradle. The launcher is manually operated for horizontal and elevation movements.
|
Rocket |
The Type 63 originally fires electrically initiated 19 kilogram unguided rocket 107mm calibre with a 1.3 kilogram HE- Fragmentation warhead. Ammunition for the Type 63 was improved in 1975, although the overall weight of the rocket remained the same. The Type 63-2 ammunition introduced in 1975 is a 18.8kg rocket containing a 8.3kg TNT warhead, which can produce a 12.5m radius blast when detonated. The maximum firing range is 8.5km. The Chinese Defense Industry has also developed an incendiary rocket fitted with a warhead containing White Phosphorous (WP) and Aluminium. Firing rate is 12 rockets in 10 to 12 seconds from the vehicle or 12 rockets is 6 to 9 seconds when deployed on the ground.
|
Mobility |
The Type 63 is mounted on a rubber-tire two-wheel split pole type carriage. In the firing position the wheels are removed and the launcher is supported by the two trails at the rear which are fitted with spades, which are carried on the top of the trails when travelling, and two short legs in the front of the carriage.
|
Accessories |
The Type 63 is fitted with an optical sight for day light operations.
|
|
Specifications |
|
Armament
|
12 barrels for 107 mm calibre rocket
|
Type
|
MRLS Multiple Rocket Launcher System
|
Country users
|
Afghanistan, Albania, cambodia, Iraq, Libya, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Sudan, Syria, Vietnam, Zimbabwe
|
Crew
|
5 soldiers
|
Rate of fire
|
12 rds in 7-9 sec.
|
Carriage
|
Two wheels
|
|
Weight
|
613 kg
|
Range
|
8,050 m
|
Warhead
|
HE, HE-Fragmentation warhead, HE-incendiary, Jamming rocket a
|
Elevation
|
0 - 60 °
|
Traverse
|
± 15°
|
Dimensions
|
Length: 2.6 m; Width: 1.4 m; Height: 1.2 m
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|