PCL-181 155 mm self-propelled howitzer (China)
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 2023-01-27

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 In 2017 a new 155 mm truck-mounted howitzer was first observed in China. It was publicly revealed in 2018. By that time at least a battery of these truck-mounted howitzers was produced, that were used for testing and evaluation. This artillery system was known as the SH-15. It was based on an older SH-1 design. Chinese army showed no interest in the SH-1, but it received some export sales. The new truck-mounted howitzer was improved in many ways. It was offered for export and was also adopted by the Chinese army as the PCL-181 in 2018 or 2019. Operational howitzers were demonstrated during a military parade in 2019. This mobile artillery system is used by China's medium or heavy brigades.

   The PCL-181 is similar in concept to a French CAESAR truck-mounted howitzer. It is fitted with a 155 mm gun-howitzer. Most likely it is a modified ordnance of an AH-2 155 mm/L52 field howitzer. It is compatible with all standard 155 mm NATO ammunition, as well as indigenous ammunition developed by NORINCO. So a wide variety of different ammunition ir available for this howitzer. The PCL-181 is capable of direct and indiret firing. Maximum range of fire could be up to 53 km with a rocket-assisted V-LAP projectile. Such range was already demonstrated by the older SH-1 system. In addition this artillery system can use indigenous precision-guided munitions with laser and satellite guidance. The laser-guided shells are based on the Russian Krasnopol technology. China obtained this technology and production license in the late 1990s and successfully developed its own precision guided shells. Its export designation is GP155, GP155A or GP1, depending on the version. These guided shells have a maximum range of 20-25 km. The GP155B shells have GPS guidance. This artillery system is also compatible with GP155G guided munitions (Chinese copy of the Bonus).

   The PCL-181 has built-in ammunition boxes and carries various rounds with associated charges. Before firing two large spades are lowered to the ground at the back. These provide a more stable firing platform. Maximum rate of fire could be around 4-6 rounds per minute. Conversion time form firing to travelling order is only around 1 minute. So this howitzer can stop and fire a couple of shells and leave its firing position before hostile forces open a counter-battery fire.

   The PCL-181 is fitted with a computerized fire control system, navigation, positioning and targeting systems. Vehicle receives target information from artillery command vehicle.

   This howitzer is based on a Shaanxi military truck with an armored cabin. It accommodates a complete gun crew of 6 soldiers. Armor provides protection for the crew against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. A 12.7 mm heavy machine gun can be mounted on the roof for self-defense.

   This artillery system is highly mobile and can self-deploy over long distances. It can be airlifted by most medium transport aircraft. It is light enough to be airlifted by a Y-9 or similar military transport aircraft, making it a more flexible option for a China's growing rapid reaction units.