PLZ83


Type 83


Overview


Type 83

Type 83 self-propelled howitzer in the field. Unlike most Type 83 this one is fitted with a QJC88 heavy machine gun.
Source: Chinese internet - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
China
Type
Self-propelled howitzer
Entered service
Mid 1980's
Status
In service
Development
1979 - 1982
Developer
China - 674 Factory
Production
1983 - 1990
Producer
China
Number produced
78, plus prototypes
Designations
Type 83 (early designation)
PLZ83 (new Chinese naming system)

Description


Introduction

The Type 83 is a self-propelled howitzer of Chinese origin. It was developed to provide the PLA's armored units with a self-propelled howitzer with a similar all terrain mobility and enough speed to keep up. The Type 83 has been retroactively called PLZ83. The Type 83 was the first self-propelled 152mm howitzer in Chinese service.

Layout

The Type 83 is based on the Type 321 chassis which is also used by several other Chinese vehicles. The driver is seated on the left with the engine and drivetrain to his right. The turret is located at the rear and houses the other four crewmembers. A semi-automatic loader assists in reloading.

Firepower

The Type 83 is armed with a 152mm howitzer derived from the Type 66 which in turn is a copy of the D-20. The howitzer uses standard 152mm ammunition and 30 rounds are carried. The maximum rate of fire is believed to be 5 rounds per minute. The maximum effective range is 17.2 km, but a longer range rocket assisted projectile has been developed and is possibly fielded. A 12.7mm Type 54 heavy machine gun is fitted on the turret roof for self-defense.

Protection

The Type 83 is operated under full armor protection, unless the roof mounted 12.7mm Type 54 heavy machine gun is used. The steel armor protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. There are no smoke grenade launchers and a NBC and and fire supression system are both not present.

Mobility

The tracked chassis provides the Type 83 with a good off road capability, albeit at low speeds. A Deutz 520 hp diesel engine provides propulsion. The maximum speed is 55 km/h on roads and around 30 km/h in the field.

Users

The Chinese Peoples Liberation Army is the sole user of the Type 83 self-propelled howitzer. It is used by several armored divisions. The Type 83 has been supplemented by the newer and more capable PLZ05 and will eventually be replaced.

Variants


Type 83

Right side view of Type 83 self-propelled howitzer.
Source: Chinese internet - © copyright lies with original owner

The Type 83 is a self-propelled howitzer based on the Type 321 chassis, which is also used by the PTZ89 tank destroyer and PHZ89 multiple rocket launcher. A variant with the 130mm howitzer derived from the Type 59-I towed gun was developed but not produced.

The Type 83 looks rather similar as the PTZ89 due to the use of the same chassis and somewhat similar turret. The Type 83 can be identified by its thicker armament with double baffle muzzle brake and higher turret without smoke grenade launchers and stowage racks.

The PLZ83A is an upgrade of the PLZ83 with improved communications system and updated fire control system.

Details


Facts PLZ83
General
Origin
China
Type
Self-propelled howitzer
Crew
5 (commander, driver, gunner, 2 loaders)
Dimensions
Weight
30.0 t combat load
Length
7.01 m (gun forward)
6.41 m (hull)
Width
3.24 m
Height
2.68 m (turret top)
3.50 m (overall)
Main armament
Type
152mm howitzer
Mount
Main gun in turret
Ammunition
30 rounds
Elevation
-5 to +63°, powered
Traverse
360°, powered
Stabilizer
No
Secondary armament
Type
12.7mm Type 54 or QJC88 heavy machine gun
Mount
Pintle mount on turret roof
Ammunition
300 rounds, 50 ready to fire
Traverse
Manual traverse and elevation
Stabilizer
No
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels
Layout
Drive sprocket front, idler rear
Track width
0.48 m
Length on ground
4.61 m
Ground pressure
0.68 kg/cm²
Tread
2.62 m
Suspension
Torsion bar
Automotive
Engine
Deutz Type 12150L diesel
Power output
520 hp
Fuel
885 L
Mobility
Speed
55 km/h on road
Range
450 km
Power to weight ratio
17.3 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.45 m
Wall
0.7 m
Trench
2.5 m
Gradient
60 %
Slope
40 %
Fording
1.3 m
Protection
Armor type
Steel
NBC system
No
Smoke system
No
Equipment
Night vision
Yes

Media


Related articles


152mm D-20

The PLZ83 is armed with the same ordnance as used on the Type 66 towed howitzer, which is derived from the Soviet D-20.

PLZ05

The PLZ05 is a modern and more capable Chinese self-propelled howitzer which was designed to replace the PLZ83 in Chinese service.