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Artillery / Self-propelled howitzers / PLZ89

PLZ89

General Facts

  • TYPE
    Self-propelled howitzer

  • ORIGIN
    China

  • NICKNAMES
    Type 89

  • DESIGNED
    1980's

  • DESIGNER
    NORINCO

  • PRODUCTION
    Early 1990's - 2000's

  • PRODUCERS
    China - NORINCO

  • QUANTITY
    Unknown

  • UNIT COST
    Unknown

  • CHARACTERISTICS
    Amphibious
    Good rate of fire
    Limited range

Introduction

The PLZ89 is a tracked 122mm self-propelled howitzer of Chinese origin. The PLZ89 is also known as the Type 89. It was designed in the 1980's to replace the Type 70 tracked 122mm howitzer. The newer PLZ07 has been designed to supplement the PLZ89.

Layout

The PLZ89 is based on a new tracked chassis that is derived from the Type 77 armored personnel carrier. The crew of five consists of a commander, driver, gunner and two loaders. The engine is mounted at the front right and the driver is seated at the left. The turret is fitted at the rear of the vehicle.

Firepower

The 122mm howitzer is derived from the D-30 and has a similar performance. The maximum rate of fire is 6 to 8 rounds per minute. Standard ammunition is fired out to 15km and special base bleed ammunition out to 21km. A total of 40 rounds of 122mm ammunition are carried. For self defense a 12.7mm QJC88 machine gun is mounted on the turret roof.

Protection

The PLZ89 is operated under full armor protection. The aluminum hull and turret armor protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. NBC and fire suppression systems are fitted. A total of 8 smoke dischargers are fitted at the turret sides.

Mobility

The PLZ89 is based on a tracked chassis and has a reasonable cross country performance. A 450hp diesel engine provides propulsion. There is no mention of an auxiliary power unit. The PLZ89 is amphibious when assisted by flotation devices.

Users

The PLZ89 is fielded with the Chinese armed forces since the late 1990's. The PLZ89 was to become the standard 122mm self-propelled howitzer. No exports are reported.

Variants

PLZ89

PLZ89: The PLZ89 is a tracked self-propelled howitzer of Chinese. Only a single version exists. The PLZ89 has a conventional layout with the driver and engine in the front of the hull and the turret with the other four crew members at the rear of the hull. The armament consists of a 122mm D-30 howitzer and a 12.7mm QJC88 heavy machinegun for self-defense.

TypeSelf-propelled howitzer
Crew5 (commander, driver, gunner, 2 loaders)
Length?
Width3.4 m
Height2.0 m
Ground clearance?
Weight20.5 t
Ground pressure?
WheelbaseTracked chassis, 6 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear
Turn radius?
Engine12V150L12 diesel, 450 hp
Power ratio22.0 hp/t
Transmission?
Speed60 km/h
Fuel?
Range500 km
Wall?
Trench?
Gradient?
FordingAmphibious with preparation
ArmorAluminum
NBC equipmentYes
Night visionYes
Smoke2x4 smoke grenade dischargers
Remarks-
Armament122mm L/32 howitzer
12.7mm W85 heavy machine gun
Weapon1122mm L/32 howitzer
40 rounds
powered elevation
360° traverse, powered
non-stabilized
Weapon212.7mm W85 heavy machine gun on turret roof
manual traverse and elevation
non-stabilized
Weapon3-
Weapon4-
Weapon5-
Weapon6-

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