PLL-09

122-mm self-propelled howitzer




The PLL-09 howitzer provides fire support for motorized infantry units

Entered service 2009 (?)
Crew 4 ~ 5 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight ~ 21 t
Length ~ 8 m
Width ~ 3 m
Height ~ 3 m
Armament
Main gun 122-mm howitzer
Barrel length 32 calibers
Machine guns ?
Projectile weight 14 - 22 kg
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 Deutz BF6M1015C diesel
Engine power 440 hp
Maximum road speed 100 km/h
Amphibious speed on water 6 ~ 8 km/h
Range 800 km
Maneuverability
Gradient 60%
Side slope 40%
Vertical step 0.55 m
Trench 1.8 m
Fording Amphibious


Recently a new 122-mm self-propelled howitzer appeared in China. It is a PLL-09. Currently this howitzer is mass produced for the Chinese army.

The PLL-09 provides indirect fire support for motorized infantry units. This SPH is capable of keeping pace with main battle tanks.

The PLL-09 is based on the new ZBL-09 Snow Leopard armored personnel carrier. It is armed with a version of the 122-mm Type 96 howitzer. This howitzer is a Chinese version of the Soviet D-30 towed howitzer. The Type 96 and its predecessors have been in service with Chinese army for more than 20 years. It is a proven design, used on a number of self-propelled artillery system from China and all around the world.

The PLL-09 SPH might be fitted with a semi-automatic loader. It is compatible with Chinese and Russian 122-mm ammunition. This howitzer uses separate-loaded ammunition with projectiles and their charges. Chinese developed their own ammunition for 122-mm howitzers. It fires HE-FRAG, cargo, incendiary, smoke and illumination rounds. Maximum range of fire is 18 km with standard HE-FRAG projectile and 27 km with extended-range projectile.

The PLL-09 is fitted with computerized fire control system with digital ballistic computer. It is most likely to use digital battlefield management system.

Vehicle has a welded steel hull ant turret. The front arc withstands 12.7-mm armor piercing rounds. All-round protection is against 7.62-mm armor-piercing rounds, except that the rear end of the vehicle and turret roof protect only against 7.62-mm ball rounds. Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

The PLL-09 SPH is powered by a Deuzt BF6M1015C turbocharged diesel engine, developing 440 hp. It is a German engine, produced in China under license. Engine is located at the front. Vehicle is fitted with a tyre pressure regulation system for improved mobility over difficult terrain. This self-propelled howitzer is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets.