General Facts

TYPE
Towed anti-aircraft gun

ORIGIN
China

NICKNAMES
WA309 (industry designation)

DESIGNED
1976 - 1984

DESIGNER
Norinco

PRODUCTION
1987 - present

PRODUCERS
China - Norinco

QUANTITY
Unknown

UNIT COST
Unknown

CHARACTERISTICS
Increased effective range over ZU-23
Target tracking during reloading
Easy to operate
Low cost system
Manual traverse and elevation

Introduction

The Type 87 is a towed anti-aircraft gun of Chinese origin. It was developed as a more capable alternative to the proven Soviet ZU-23 design. The Type 87 uses the NATO standard 25x137mm round which is also used on various armored vehicles, increasing ammunition commonality.

Layout

The Type 87 has been derived from the Soviet ZU-23 design. The Type 87 differs in three areas since it uses 25mm autocannon, has a Type 86 sight unit and is fitted with three crew seats. This allows the gunner to acquire targets while dedicated loaders provide new ammunition.

Firepower

The Type 87 uses two 25x137mm versions of the ZU-23 autocannon. This results in an increased effective range of 3.2 km and reduced rate of fire of 600 to 700 rpm per barrel. Each gun is supplied with a 40 round ammunition belt. The 25mm rounds are also more effective against ground targets, having either a higher degree of armor penetration or a larger explosive radius.

Mobility

The Type 87 is normally towed by a 4x4 light truck. For increased mobility it can be mounted on a 6x6 truck. When mounted on a vehicle it is also easier to employ it against ground targets.

Users

The Type 87 is used by Chinese forces and has possibly been exported in small numbers. In Chinese service it replaced the less effictive 14.5mm Type 58 anti-aircraft gun.

Type 87

The Type 87 is a further development of the Russian ZU-23, which was produced in Chinas as the Type 85. The Type 87 uses a larger caliber armament with reduced rate of fire. The Type 87 can be distinct from the ZU-23 and Type 85 by the fluted barrels and tripple seats instead of two.

Specifications:
Type 87

Type	Towed anti-aircraft gun
Crew	3 (1 gunner, 2 loaders)
Ordnance	25x137mm Type 87 autocannon (2x)
Elevation	-10 to +90°, manual
Traverse	360°, manual

Rate of fire	600 - 700 rpm cyclic (per barrel), 1.200 - 1.400 rpm combined
Range	3.2 km effective vertical range, 5 km slant range
Carriage	2 wheel carriage with three outriggers
Weight	1.500 kg without ammunition
Length	4.68 m (travelling)