| PCL-181 | |
| Type: | Self-propelled howitzer |
| Origin: | China |
| Is Ranged: | yes |
| Is Artillery: | yes |
| Is Vehicle: | yes |
| Service: | 2019–present |
| Used By: | See |
| Designer: | Nanjing University of Science and Technology |
| Manufacturer: | Norinco |
| Length: | (SH-15) |
| Width: | (SH-15) |
| Height: | < |
| Crew: | 6 |
| Caliber: | |
| Barrels: | 52 caliber |
| Rate: | 4–6 rounds/min (SH-15) |
| Range: | (conventional projectile) [1] |
| Max Range: | (rocket-assisted projectile) |
| Breech: | Semi-automatic vertical wedge type breech block |
| Elevation: | Around 20° to 70° (except for front due to cab) |
| Traverse: | 360° |
| Primary Armament: | PLL-01 155 mm howitzer gun |
| Engine: | diesel |
| Drive: | 6×6 |
| Speed: | [2] |
The PCL-181 is a Chinese truck-mounted, 155 mm self-propelled howitzer used by the People's Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF).[3] The designation "PCL" is an acronym derived from pinyin .
The PCL-181 made its first public appearance during the 70th Chinese National Day Parade on 1 October 2019.[4]
It was designed to replace the 152 mm PL-66 towed gun-howitzer and the 130 mm Type 59-1 towed field guns used by the PLAGF and will complement the PLZ-05, and improve upon its functionality in many ways.
The gun has a 52-caliber barrel and is exactly the same as that of the PLZ-05 self-propelled howitzer. It has a maximum firing range of up to with conventional ammunition and with extended range ammunition. The gun can also fire laser-guided munition which is capable of all-weather operation.[5] Each vehicle can carry 27 rounds of ammunition.[6]
The vehicle features semi-automatic ammo reload, where the operator places the shell on the loading arm and the loading arm loads the round into the breech.
The PCL-181 is equipped with an automatic fire-control system. Following the operator's input of a target's azimuth data, the vehicle-mounted computer can calculate the trajectory of the artillery, and automatically lay the gun.
The PCL-181 is based on Taian GM's 6×6 truck chassis.[7]
Due to its comparatively lighter weight of 25 tons, the PCL-181 can also be transported in a Shaanxi Y-9.
According to state media reports, most of the country's five military jurisdictions, known as theater commands, have been equipped with PCL-181 155 mm vehicle-mounted howitzers.[8]
In June 2020, it was reported that the PCL-181 had been deployed in the Tibet Autonomous Region amid tensions with India.
In February 2021, it was reported that at least 18 PCL-181s had been inducted into the PLAGF's Xinjiang Military Command.
In 2019, Pakistan signed a contract for 236 SH-15s.[2] Deliveries started in January 2022, and the SH-15s participated in the Pakistan Day parade on March 23, 2022.[2] As per sources, Pakistan may have acquired TOT to further build these self-propelled howitzers locally at Heavy Industries Taxila.[9] Pakistan acquired it in response to India's acquisition of the K9 thunder self-propelled howitzer.[1]
The SH-15s are Pakistan Army's first 155 mm/52-caliber gun.[10] It is capable of firing VLAP rounds that have a range of 50km. For example, Pakistan ordered 1,332 VLAP in 2017, and acquired ToT to produce further VLAP shells domestically.[11] It can also fire laser-homing, satellite-guided, and top-attack projectiles.[10] These guided shells are cheaper than the guided rockets in Pakistan's inventory. Finally, it can also reportedly fire nuclear artillery.[1] The SH-15's chassis reportedly performs well off-road, but not in more demanding terrain.[10]
In China's PLAGF, each group army commands one artillery brigade which doctrinally includes two self-propelled or towed artillery (122 mm, 152 mm, or 155 mm) battalions, each of which comprises three batteries of four to six howitzers each.[12]
630 units as of 2022.[14]
Satellite imagery confirms the arrival of at least 32 SH-15 self-propelled howitzers.[16]
150[17]
Pakistan
Ethiopia
Myanmar