PHZ89
Overview
PHZ89
A Chinese PHZ89 multiple rocket launcher firing one of its 122mm spin stabilized rockets.
Source: Chinese internet -
© copyright lies with original owner
PHZ89 (new naming system)
Description
Introduction
The PHZ89 is a multiple rocket launcher of Chinese origin. It was developed in the mid 1980's to fulfill the need for a multiple rocket launcher that could keep up with main battle tanks in the field. At first this system was known as the Type 89, but with the Chinese redesignation of combat vehicles it is now known as the PHZ89.
Layout
The PHZ89 is based on the tracked Type 321 chassis which is also used by several other Chinese combat vehicles. At the rear of this vehicle a turret platform with standard 40 round 122mm rocket launcher is fitted. At the side of this platform there a small box that houses the gunner and anti-aircraft machinegun. In front of the launcher a box with second ammunition load is located, which significantly increases the reload speed.
Firepower
The PZH89 fires 122mm spin stabilized rockets of the same pattern as used in the Soviet BM-21 Grad and a wide variety of warheads is available. The launcher holds 40 rockets that can be ripple fired in 20 seconds. A second load of 40 missiles can be reloaded in only a few minutes. The standard rockets have a range of 20 km and models with a range of 30 and 40 km have been developed, although it is unknown if the PHZ89 can use them or if they are restricted to newer designs. A 12.7mm QJC88 heavy machine gun is mounted for self-defense.
Protection
The PHZ89 is operated under full armor protection, unless the roof mounted 12.7mm QJC88 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 PHZ89 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 PHZ89 is only used by China and was never exported due to its high cost and complexity compared with truck mounted systems. It replaced the earlier 130mm Type 70 that was based on the YW-531 chassis. The PHZ89 was not produced in the same quantity as truck mounted Type 81 and it is only found in armored divisions.
Details
Media
PHZ89
Frontal view of the PHZ89 multiple rocket launcher clearly showing the large box with additional ammunition and unconventional armored gunner's position.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
PHZ89
A PHZ89 with turret rotated to the left being manually reloaded.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
PHZ89
Two PHZ89 firing a number of 122mm artillery rockets.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
PHZ89
Side view of the PHZ89 showing the setup of the ammunition box and turret mounted launcher.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
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The 12.7mm QJC88 heavy machine gun is fitted as secondary armament.
