PCL-171 is a new Chinese 122mm howitzer that is based on a 6x6 platform. The idea is really similar to the SH-2, which was revealed in 2007 but never made it to the production stage. In 2020, photographs of the PCL-171 went public and showed some tests from the howitzer. The weapon made its introduction later that year.
Specifications
It's really odd for a howitzer to be based on a light vehicle. The specific one is located in a 6x6 chassis of the Dongfeng CTL-181A with an armored vehicle. As a result, the weapon is really more effective to towed howitzers.
PCL-171 is equipped with a modified version of the PCL-96 122mm howitzer. The gun has a support loading system that puts the shell into the barrel. Although, the charge must be manually inserted. The fire rate reaches 8 shells per mite. The PCL-171 can take the same 122m ammunition with other weapons like the Russian D-30. The HE-FRAG shells can reach 12km, 22km with long-range ammunition, and 27 km with rocket-guided shells. With the right ammunition, the howitzer can reach 40km in range. Direct fire and laser-guided ammunition are also available for this gun.
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PCL-171 is equipped with an automatic fire control system. The crew only needs to insert the coordinates of the target, and with the push of a button, the weapon automatically targets toward it. That's a great feature if you consider that many similar howitzers require manually targeting. The data are provided from a command vehicle, and the Chinese army uses a modern information network with satellites, drones radars, and more.
The howitzer can shoot only from the left side. In total, 28 shells are carried by the vehicle is specially designed boxes. Also, there are ammunition n the other vehicles of the team.
The armor combine typically protects the crew from some light ammunition.
The vehicle moves with the help of a diesel engine that develops 296hp. PCL-171 can reach up to 12km/h and have a range of 700km. The howitzer can rapidly fire ad can travel at long distances autonomously.
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The vehicle moves with the help of a diesel engine that develops 296hp. PCL-171 can reach up to 12km/h and have a range of 700km. The howitzer can rapidly fire ad can travel at long distances autonomously.
A battery includes six PCL-171 howitzers that are supported by command vehicles and one reconnaissance vehicle based on a 4x4 platform. Also, a battery features a reloading vehicle.
The reconnaissance vehicle has a telescopic mast with a lot of sensors like an infrared radar. So it can receive data on its own or from other friendly vehicles. It works as a battery counter against hostile weapons. It provides the data to the command vehicle and calculates the exact fire information before sending them to the howitzers.
Due to its small size, PCL-171 can be air transported easily. The Chinese Y-9 transporter can carry up to two of them.
