PLZ-45A4 155 mm self-propelled howitzer (China)
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 26/01/2023

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The PLZ-45A4 is the latest version of the PLZ-45. It was first publicly revealed in 2022.

   The original PLZ-45 was introduced in the early 1990s and was exported to some countries, including Algeria, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. A small number of PLZ-45 howitzers is in service with Chinese Army. These are used by Beijing military district. The new PLZ-45A4 howitzer is mainly aimed at export customers.

   The PLZ-45A4 is fitted with a 155 mm/L45 howitzer. This howitzer was developed from the PLL-01 155 mm towed howitzer. China obtained the 155 mm/L45 howitzer technology from Austria in the early 1980s. China already developed version of the PLZ-45 with 52- and 54 caliber guns. Although the PLZ-45A4 uses a shorter 45-caliber gun, it has a modular charge system. This allowed to increase the firing range. The new howitzer is also fitted with a fully automatic ammunition loading system. Maximum rate if fire is estimated to be around 6-8 shells per minute.

   The PLZ-45A4 is compatible with all standard NATO ammunition. It fires HE, HE-FRAG, smoke, illumination and cargo shells. Maximum range of fire with a standard shells is 20-25 km. This howitzer can reach 39 km with extended-range shells. Newly-developed Chinese rocket-assisted shells have a maximum range of nearly 50 km.

   This howitzer is also compatible with precision guided munition, such as the GP1 laser-guided shells, based on the Russian Krasnopol technology. These have a maximum range of 20-25 km. It is also compatible with Chinese satellite-guided shells.

   This howitzer exploits all benefits of digital battlefield technologies. All aiming processes are highly automated. It takes only 1 minute to open fire once the firing coordinates are received from forward observer.

   The PLZ-45A4 is operated by a crew of around 5.

   This artillery system has an armored hull an turret. Its armor provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. This howitzer is also fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems. A 12.7 mm heavy machine gun can be installed for self-defense

   Engine is located at the front of the hull. This artillery system is powered by a diesel engine, developing 522 hp. It is unclear if it uses a new engine, or retains the previous Deutz diesel engine, as the power rating of the PLZ-45A4 is slightly different. A maximum road speed is reportedly just 50 km/h. There is an auxiliary power unit, which powers all systems when the main engine is turned off.

   There is a PCZ-45 ammunition resupply vehicle. It was developed to support the PLZ-45 howitzer. It resembles the US M992 ammunition resupply vehicle of the M109 howitzer. It delivers ammunition under armor and reloads the howitzer. The PCZ-45 carries a total of 90 shells with associated charges. Ammunition is transferred to the howitzer via a special conveyor at a rate of 8 shells per minute. The PCZ-45 is fitted with a crane, which is used for ammunition handling operations and can be also used to replace the powerpack of the howitzer or for other repair, recovery and load handling operations.

   A typical battery of the PLZ-45A4 is likely to include around 6 self-propelled howitzers, 6 ammunition resupply vehicles, command post vehicle, 3 forward observation vehicles, artillery locating and fire correction radar, meteorological radar and maintenance vehicle.