PCL-171

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PCL-171
TypeSelf-propelled howitzer
Place of originChina
Service history
In service2020 - Present
Used byPeople's Liberation Army
Specifications
Length6.54 - 7 m
Width2.38 m
Height2.13 m
Shell122 mm
Breechsemi-automatic vertical wedge type breech block
Effective firing range18 - 22 km (conventional projectile)
Maximum firing range27 - 40 km (extended range projectile)
Main
armament
122 mm Howitzer gun
EngineYC6DV1 V-type six-cylinder water-cooled supercharged inter-cooled diesel engine
295 hp
Operational
range
700 km
Maximum speed 120 kmh

The PCL-171 is an assault vehicle-mounted 122 mm self-propelled howitzer used by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Ground Force.[1]

Development[]

The PCL-171 made its first public appearance during a CCTV report of an exercise in December 2020. According to the report, it entered service in the second half of 2020.[citation needed]

It was designed as an even more mobile and lightweight platform to complement the PCL-161, which is based on a larger truck chassis but also equipped with a 122 mm howitzer.

Design[]

Each battery consists of 6 PCL-171 guns, command vehicles, ammunition vehicles, reconnaissance vehicles and other equipment.[2] Some of the non-gun vehicles are based on Dongfeng Mengshi CTL181A 4×4 armoured vehicles, with at least two variants in service. The command vehicle has communications equipment mounted on the vehicle while the reconnaissance vehicle is fitted with a counter-battery radar system, including a radar antenna and an opto-electronic sight mounted on an elevating mast.[3]

Gun[]

The howitzer has a maximum firing range of 18- 22 km with conventional ammunition and up to 27 - 40 km with extended range ammunition.[4] Each vehicle can carry 28 rounds of 122mm rounds, for a total of 168 rounds of rounds for a battery of 6 guns.[2]

Vehicle[]

The PCL-171 is based on Dongfeng Mengshi 6X6 assault vehicle chassis, specifically the CTL181A variant.[5]

After the gun enters its firing position, 2 front hydraulic jacks and 2 back hoes can be automatically lowered to increase stability.[2]

Deployment[]

In April 2020, at least 6 PCL-171s were deployed in a training exercise in an unknown location.[3]

Operators[]

Current operators[]

References[]

  1. ^ Dominguez, Gabriel (14 May 2021). "PCL-171 SPH in service with PLAGF's 75th Group Army". Janes.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c "The small and powerful PCL171 ultra-light self-propelled howitzer is a big killer for our army's rapid reaction forces - MINEWS". MP頭條 - 全網資訊一觸即達. 2021-05-02. Retrieved 2021-05-02.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b "PLAGF's 72nd Group Army conducts live-fire drills with new light 122 mm 6×6 SPH". Janes.com.
  4. ^ "PCL-171 122 mm Truck Cannon (SPH)". www.globalsecurity.org.
  5. ^ Miller, Stephen W. (January 11, 2021). "China's New High Mobility Truck Artillery".

External links[]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38VYT_23430 - Documentary featuring PCL-171

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