SH3

122-mm self-propelled howitzer



The SH3 122-mm self-propelled howitzer is already in service with the Chinese Army

Entered service late 2000s
Crew 5 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight 24.5 t
Length 6.6 m
Width 3.28 m
Height 2.5 m
Armament
Main gun 122-mm howitzer
Barrel length 32 calibers
Machine guns 1 x 12.7-mm
Projectile weight ?
Maximum firing range 18 - 27 km
Maximum rate of fire 6 - 8 rpm
Elevation range - 3 to + 70 degrees
Traverse range 360 degrees
Ammunition load
Main gun 40 rounds
Machine guns ?
Mobility
Engine BF8M1015CP diesel
Engine power 590 hp
Maximum road speed 60 - 65 km/h
Range 500 km
Maneuverability
Gradient 60%
Side slope 30%
Vertical step ~ 0.8 m
Trench ~2.5 m
Fording ~ 1 m


The SH3 artillery system is a successor to the Type 89122-mm self-propelled howitzer. It is a recent Chinese development, which is also referred as the WMZ322. The SH3 is already in service with the Chinese army It is also being offered for export customers. It seems that Chinese army operates a large number of these new artillery systems. The SH3 greater mobility, improved fire control system and delivers greater firepower than it's predecessor.

The SH3 is armed with a variant of the Type 96 122-mm / L32 howitzer, which in turn is a copy of the Soviet D-30 towed howitzer. It is a proven design, used on a number of indigenous SPHs. The SH3 is fitted with a semi-automatic loader. Vehicle is compatible with Chinese and Russian 122-mm ammunition. It fires standard 122-mm D-30 separate loading ammunition. NORINCO also developed a new family of 122-mm ammunition. Maximum range of fire is 18 km with standard HE projectile, 22 km with extended-range and 27 km with rocket assisted projectile.

Secondary armament consists of a roof mounted 12.7-mm machine gun. The SH3 is fitted with improved fire control system.

Armor of the SH3 provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. NBC protection and automatic suppression systems are fitted as standard.

The SH3 uses modified chassis of the Type 97 infantry fighting vehicle. This new chassis offers greater mobility. Vehicle is powered by the BF8M1015CP turbocharged diesel engine, developing 590 hp. This artillery system is not amphibious, however it seems that it might be fitted with floatation kit in order to ford inland rivers and lakes.