The PLZ-05 is a Chinese tracked self-propelled howitzer armoured vehicle designed and manufactured by the China North Industries Group Corporation (CNGC). The development of the PLZ05 reportedly began in the mid-1990s, it was a further development of the PLZ45 and the first prototype was completed in 2003.
PLZ45
The howitzer may have been certified in 2005~06. A model of the howitzer was first revealed by the China North Industries Group Corporation (CNGC) during the 2005 Beijing International Aviation Expo. The PLZ-05 was first revealed by the China North Industries Group Corporation (CNGC) during the 2005 Beijing International Aviation Expo. The PLZ05 155mm self-propelled howitzer entered service with the PLA around 2007, intended as a replacement for the ageing Type 83 152mm self-propelled gun-howitzer deployed at the army- and division-level to provide long-range accurate firepower.
Image @defenceforumindia.com
Armament
The main armament of the PLZ-05 is composed by a 155 mm gun, with a barrel lenght of 52 or 54 calibre. A 12.7 mm machine gun is mouted to the roof of the turret as anti-aircraft protection. Four smoke grenade launchers are mounted on the turret front on each side of the main gun.
Image @errymath.blogspot.com
The PLZ-52 SPH adopts an advanced digital fire control system, and is also characterized by quick reaction and outstanding battlefield survivability. Its laser/fiber-optic gyro navigation system can guarantee autonomous engagement capability without a survey vehicle’s support. The computerized information integration technology improves information sharing and simplifies operation. Smart projectiles, such as GS1 155mm smart projectiles and 155mm laser-homing projectiles enable the PLZ-52 to strike accurately against various targets in the battlefield. Standard equipment of PLZ52 includes an auxiliary power unit, NBC system, explosion detection and suppression system and a fire suppression system. Source army-guide.com
operatorchan.org
PLZ-05 155mm self propelled howitzers direct fire at target
IDEX 2017: PLZ52 – Chinese mobile howitzer – Jane’s
PLZ-05 / Type 05
Self-propelled howitzer with a 52 caliber barrel, 800 hp diesel engine & gross weight of 35 tonnes. It is deployed only with the People’s Liberation Army. The PLZ-05 can fire the WS-35 shell, a 40 lb (18 kg) guided munition with accuracy of 40 m (130 ft) and a max range reported to be 100 km (62 mi). It is guided using Beidou Navigation Satellite System, the Chinese version of global positioning system, and inertial guidance. Source wikipedia.org
The PLZ05 has a longer barrel, as well as longer range of fire. Turret of the PLZ05 was enlarged and resembles that of the Russian 2S19 Msta-S. It has a semi-automatic ammunition loading system. Some sources claim, that this autoloader has been copied from the 2S19. Source military-today.com
Protection
The hull and the turret of the PLZ-05 is made of high hardness armor steel, which provide a protection against small arms firing and shell splinters of the battle field.
Propulsion
The PLZ-05 is motorized with a Diesel engine powerpack mounted at the front of the vehicle. The torsion bar suspension is composed to each side with six rubber-tyred road wheels and two track support rollers on each side, drive sprocket at the front and idler at the rear.
Accessories
The PLZ-05 is equipped with an NBC protection and automatic fire suppression system.
| Armament |
| One 155 mm gun and one 12.7 mm machine gun. |
| Country user |
| China |
| Company Designer |
| Norinco. |
| Accessories |
| NBC protection system, Nigh/Day driving vision, |
| Crew |
| 5 soldiers |
| Armor |
| Protection against small arms and shell splinters. |
| Weight |
| 35,000 kg |
| Speed |
| 55 km/hr on raod |
| Range |
| 550 km |
| Dimensions |
| Lenght, ? m; Width, ? m; Height, ? m |
Main material source armyrecognition.com
Operators: Here
- People’s Liberation Army: As of 2015, at least 276 units are in service with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Although the turret integrated into the fully-tracked chassis is very similar to the Russian 152 mm 2S19 (MSTA-S), Chinese sources have insisted that the Type 05 has been fully developed in China and is not a copy of the Russian artillery system.
PLZ-52 are deployed only with the People’s Liberation Army.
As of 2012, at least 240 units are in service with the PLA, and a break-down by units are summarized as follows:
1. Shenyang Military Region, a Total of 60.
- 39th Group Army, 7th Artillery Brigade, 1st and 2nd Battalions, a total of 36.
- 39th Group Army, 116th Mechanized Infantry Division, Artillery Regiment, 1st Battalion, a total of 24.
2. Beijing Military Region, a Total of 72.
- 38th Group Army, 6th Artillery Brigade, 3rd and 4th Battalions, a total of 36.
- 38th Group Army, 112th Mechanized Infantry Division, Artillery Regiment, 1st and 2nd Battalions, a total of 36.
3. Nanjing Military Region, a Total of 36.
- 1st Group Army, 1st Amphibious Mechanized Infantry Division, Artillery Regiment, 1st and 2nd Battalions, a total of 36.
4. Guangzhou Military Region, a Total of 72.
- 41st Group Army, 123rd Mechanized Infantry Division, Artillery Regiment, 2nd and 5th Battalions, a total of 36.
- 42nd Group Army, 124th Amphibious Mechanized Infantry Division, Artillery Regiment, 1st and 2nd Battalions, a total of 36.
*Note: There is very little info on the main gun and powerpack used as some sources say it’s an 800hp while others stipulate it as 1,000hp!
Thai Military and Asian Region 