Type 66 howitzer explained

Type 66 howitzer
Origin:	China
Type:	Towed howitzer
Is Artillery:	yes
Used By:	China Sri Lanka Angola Albania Cambodia
Wars:	Sino-Vietnamese War Sri Lankan Civil War Kosovo War
Cartridge:	Separate loading charge and projectile
Caliber:	152.4 mm (6 in)
Action:	Manual
Breech:	Vertical semi-automatic sliding-wedge
Recoil:	Hydraulic buffer and hydro-pneumatic recuperator
Carriage:	Split trail

The Type 66 is a 152 mm towed howitzer used by the People's Liberation Army of China. The gun system is developed from the Soviet D-20 towed artillery. In addition to conventional shells the gun is capable of firing Type MP-152 rocket-assisted projectiles. In some cases a gun-shield is fitted but this is not universal.^[1]

Versions

• Type 66-1

Improved version.^[2]

• 6x6 mobile gun

Self-propelled version.^[3]

• Type 83 SPH

Improved towed and self-propelled versions.

Operators

Albania

• 90 in service in 2002

Angola

• 4 received in 1999^[4]

Sri Lanka

• 46 in service

• People's Liberation Army Ground Force - 500^[5]

Former operators

• Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam: 9^[6]

References

Works cited

• Book: The Military Balance 2016 . February 2016 . 116 . 9781857438352 . Routlegde . . International Institute for Strategic Studies . International Institute for Strategic Studies.

External links

• Type 66 122MM TOWED GUN-HOWITZER
• http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/d-20.htm

Notes and References

1. Web site: Gun - 152 mm, Chinese Gun Howitzer Type 66 (1970-1990). Collections . Royal Armouries . 3 February 2022.
2. Janes Armour and Artillery 2003-2004
3. Web site: AirShow China 2018: Poly Technology Type 66 152mm 6x6 mobile gun howitzer | AirShow China 2018 Zhuhai News Show Daily Coverage | Defence security military exhibition 2018 daily news category.
4. Encyclopedia: 21 February 2002. Jane's Armour and Artillery 2002-2003. NORINCO 152 mm gun-howitzer Type 66 (D-20). Christopher F.. Foss.
5. Web site: Appraisal of PLA Artillery Modernisation . Centre for Land Warfare Study .
6. Book: Humanitarian Operation Factual Analysis July 2006 – May 2009 . Ministry Of Defence Democratic Socialist Republic Of Sri Lanka . 9 September 2021.