PCL-161 is a new Chinese 122mm howitzer with a 4x4 truck as a transport platform. The system is really similar to the 122mm truck-mounted howitzer SH-4. PCL-161 is operational and serves for the country's army till 2020 or 2021.
PCL-161 was designed to provide indirect fire support. The weapon is more capable than other towed howitzers, as it can change firing positions very fast. The transition between fire and transport mode takes almost 1 minute.
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Non-stop! China just developed another self-propelled howitzer!
The gun of the howitzer is a modified version of the PL-96 122mm howitzer. It takes all the 122mm ammunition of the PL-96. The maximum range reaches 18km with the HE-FRAG shells, the 22 with long-range shells and 27km with rocket-guided shells. PCL-161 can launch laser-guided ammunition too.
The weapon has a reloading system that reloads fast to the weapon. The reloading time is severely reduced compared to the PCL-96 howitzer.
Two spades in the rear of the truck provide stability while firing.
The cabin has double armor and enough space for 4-5 soldiers.
PCL-161 has very good mobility and can perform autonomously in long-range distances. It's really light and can be airlifted from most transport aircraft.
A batter of the system contains 6-9 howitzers and a command vehicle.
