The Type 83 is a late Cold War era multiple rocket launcher of Chinese origin. It was developed to provide long range artillery for the Chinese forces. Although development started in the 1950's, the project suffered from the 1960's reforms in China. In the late 1970's the project was restarted. The Type 83 was only produced in limited numbers. The WM-80 is a product improved version developed for the export market.

The Type 83 is based on the Type 60-1 artillery tractor. The four round launcher is fitted on a turntable and fires over the frontal arc. Each box type launcher contains inner launch rails. Unlike the later WM-80 the launchers are fixed and rockets are located individually. The large 273 mm diameter unguided rockets are fin stabilized. Before firing two stabilizers are lowered. Time into action is about 1 minute. Additional rockets are carried in transloader trucks equipped with a crane.

The Type 83 carries four 273mm Type 83 rockets. A four round salvo is fired in 7.5 seconds. At the time of development the 40 km range was considered long, about twice as long as regular 122mm rocket artillery could achieve. Minimum range is 23 km. CEP is about 300 m in range and 500 m in lateral spread. The only type of warhead available is high explosive.

The Type 60-1 tractor chassis is a soft skinned vehicle. While operating the launcher and throughout the lengthy reloading procedure the crew remains in the open. There is no NBC protection, although personal systems may be carried.

The tracked chassis gives the Type 83 all terrain mobility. The maximum speed is poor at only 45 km/h. Average speed is about 30 km/h. The Type 83 is not amphibious.

The Type 83 was adopted by the Chinese PLA in limited numbers. It was slated to be replaced by the more capable PHL03 system. The Type 83 has not been exported.