SH1 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer

Last updated: 15 April 2007

The SH-1 is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer developed by China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO) for the export market. The artillery system has been in development since 2002, the was first revealed during the 2007 Abu Dhabi International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2007) held between 18 and 22 February. The vehicle is highly mobile with a maximum road speed of 90km/h. The artillery was not intended for the domestic market, but it may be adopted by the PLA in the future if proven to be a successful design.

The main armament of the SH1 is a 155mm/52-calibre howitzer, which can fire a range of ammunitions developed by NORINCO, including: Extended-Range, Full-Bore, Rocket-Assisted, High-Explosive (ERFB-RA/HE) and Extended-Range Full-Bore, Base-Bleed, High-Explosive (ERFB-BB/HE). When using the ERFB-BB/HE round, the howitzer can reach a maximum range of 53km. The howitzer can also fire the 155mm semi-active laser-guided projectile developed by NORINCO based on the Russian Instrument Design Bureau (KBP) 152mm Krasnopol projectile. In addition, the howitzer is able to use the standard NATO 155mm ammunitions. The vehicle carries 20 rounds onboard. Secondary weapon includes a 12.7mm QJC88 anti-aircraft machine gun mounted on the roof of the driving cab.

The artillery system is mounted on a 6X6 wheeled chassis with a forward engine and an armour-protected driving cab. The vehicle can climb a 1.2m-high vertical obstacle, and has a maximum road speed of 90km/h. The vehicle is equipped with two hydraulically operated stabilisers which are lowered in preparation for the firing. The howitzer barrel is electric-operated, with an elevation of 0~70 degrees. The artillery system has a combat weight of 22 tonnes, and is operated by a crew of five.

The SH1 is equipped with a computerised fire-control system, with a muzzle velocity sensor which feed the data directly to the fire-control computer. The artillery system is equipped with navigation, positioning, targeting, and communications systems, all of which adopt the modular design for easy maintenance and upgrade. The onboard communication system enables the artillery system to be connected into the C4ISR network of an artillery company or battalion for information sharing and automated command and control.

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