122-mm self-propelled howitzer

122-mm self-propelled howitzer



The Chinese SH2 truck-mounted self-propelled howitzer is aimed at the export market

Entered service -
Crew 4 - 5 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight 11.5 t
Length (gun forward) ?
Hull length ?
Width ?
Height ?
Armament
Main gun 122-mm howitzer
Barrel length 38 calibers
Machine guns ?
Projectile weight ?
Maximum firing range 22 - 27 km
Maximum rate of fire 6 - 8 rpm
Elevation range 0 to + 70 degrees
Traverse range 30 degrees
Ammunition load
Main gun 24 rounds
Machine guns ?
Mobility
Engine diesel
Engine power 215 hp
Maximum road speed 90 km/h
Range 600 km
Maneuverability
Gradient 60%
Side slope 30%
Vertical step ~ 0.5 m
Trench ~ 1 m
Fording ~ 1 m





The SH2 artillery system is the second Chinese 6x6 truck-mounted howitzer. The SH2 was recently developed by NORINCO. Vehicle was revealed in 2007. Details of this artillery system were released at the same time as were details of the larger SH1 155-mm truck-mounted howitzer. The SH2 is aimed at the export market, however if design proves to be successful it may enter service with the Chinese airborne force or marines. Quantity production of the SH2 had not yet commenced.

The SH2 is armed with a 122-mm howitzer. It was developed from the PL96 towed howitzer (Chinese copy of the Soviet D-30). The PL96 howitzer is also used in a number of Chinese tracked artillery systems, including the Type 89 and Type 85 122-mm SPHs. The SH2 is compatible with the D-30 ammunition. Maximum range of fire depends on projectile and charge combination. It is 22 km with extended-range projectile and 27 km with rocket-assisted projectile. The SH2 is capable of firing indigenous copy of the Russian Kitolov 122-mm precision guided projectile. In 2001 Russian official confirmed that the Kitolov laser-guided projectiles are produced in China.

The SH2 can launch it's first round in less than one minute. Two hydraulically operated stabilizers are lowered before firing. A typical shoot-and-scoot mission of stopping, firing six rounds and transforming back to traveling mode can be completed within 3 minutes.

Vehicle has a crew of 4 - 5 men. An armored cab protects the crew from small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. The SH2 is also fitted with NBC protection system.

The SH2 is based on a new 6 x 6 light utility truck chassis. It is a new design, however it was obviously developed from the HMMWV utility vehicle. Both the front and rear axles are steering. Vehicle is powered by a diesel engine, developing 215 hp. It is fitted with a central tyre inflation system. The SH2 can be airlifted by most medium transport aircraft.