PLZ89 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer

The PLZ89 122mm self-propelled howitzer was fielded by the PLA in the late 1990s as a successor to the Type 70 122mm self-propelled howitzer. The artillery system was first displayed to the public during the 1999 National Day military parade held in Beijing to mark the 50th anniversary of the PRC. The Type 89 is found in the artillery regiment organic to an armoured division or brigade. Each battalion has 18 howitzers grouped into three batteries. The Marine brigade also has a Type 89 battery in its armoured regiment.

The main armament of the Type 89 is a 122mm/32-calibre howitzer derived from the Type 86 (W-86) 122mm/32calibre towed howitzer, which itself is a Chinese copy of the Russian D-30 122mm howitzer. The Type 89 retained the D-30/Type 86’s trademark box-shape shield for the recoil-recuperator mechanism mounted above the tube and the multi-baffle muzzle brake. Fire accuracy is achieved by a digital fire-control system and a roof-mounted electro-optical sighting for day/night operations.

The howitzer can fire all types of Chinese and Russian 122mm howitzer rounds. The maximum range of fire is 18km for standard high-explosive (HE) rounds and 21km for extended range full bore, hollow base (ERFB-HB) rounds. The howitzer is fitted with a semi-automatic loader, with a maximum rate of fire of 6~8 rounds/min. The howitzer carries 40 rounds inside the turret.

Secondary weapons include a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun mounted on the roof of the turret, and two sets of four-barrel smoke grenade launchers mounted on the side of the turret.

The Type 89 is mounted on a tracked chassis derived from that of the Type 77 amphibious APC. The five crewmembers are protected by a collective anti-NBC systems and automatic fire suppression. The artillery system is powered by a 450 hp 12V150L12 diesel engine, which gives a maximum road speed of 60km/h. The combat weight is 20 tonnes. The Type 89 can swim with the assistance of certain floating devices.

Specifications

Crew: 5
Weight: 20 tonnes
Engine: 450hp 12V150L12 liquid-cooled diesel
Transmission: Mechanical, planetary
Track: Metallic
Suspension: Torsion bar
Radio: Receive/transmit, telephone
Dimension: Length: 11.00m; Height: 2.00m; Width: 3.40m
Cruising Range: 500km
Speed: Max road 60km/h
Main Gun: 122mm
Rate of Fire: 6~8 rounds/min
Auxiliary Weapon: one 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun
Fire Control: Digital with day/night sighting

Last update: 20 February 2009