76mm H/PJ26

Overview

76mm H/PJ26

76mm H/PJ26 naval gun on a Type-054A (NATO: Jiangkai II) class frigate being fired during an exercise in 2016.
Source: US Navy (SCPO Eric Harrison) - © Public domain

Origin

China

Type

Naval gun

Entered service

Mid 2000's

Status

In service

Development

2000 - 2003

Developer

China - 713th Institute

Production

Mid 2000's - present

Producer

China - China First Heavy Machinery Group Corporation

Number produced

Over 100

Designations

H/PJ26

Notable users

China - PLA Navy

Description

Introduction

The 76mm H/PJ26 is a modern naval gun of Chinese origin. It is a locally produced and updated version of the Soviet/Russian AK-176 naval gun.

Design

The H/PJ26 design is derived from the Soviet AK-176 naval gun. The two main differences are the redesign of the turret housing and the ammunition stowage. The gun, ammunition and loading system are equivalent to the Soviet design. The turret housing has a new shape in order to reduce its radar cross section. The use of a composite material reduces the turret weight significantly. The capacity of the below deck feed system has been doubled from 75 to 150 rounds.

Fire control

The H/PJ26 is normally controlled by a fire control system using radar input. The Type 347G, Type 360 and possibly other radar systems can be used in conjunction with the H/PJ26. The fire control system allows the H/PJ26 to be used against surface vessels, land based area targets, aircraft and inbound sea skimming missiles, such as the Harpoon. An electro-optical system can be found on the top right corner of the turret. This allows for remote manual control of the H/PJ26.

Firepower

The firepower of the H/PJ26 is believed to be identical to the Soviet AK-176. Two types of 76mm ammunition are carried: fragmentation for use against ships and airburst for use against aircraft and missiles. Lethal radius of the anti-aircraft shell is reported to be 8 meters. The maximum effective range is 15.7 km against surface targets. The ceiling is 11 km. Rate of fire is 30, 60 or 120 rpm. A total of 150 rounds are carried in the feed system below deck.

Users

The H/PJ26 was developed to arm the new range of Chinese frigates and corvettes. These include the Type-054A class frigate and Type-056 class corvette. The Type-071 class landing platform docks also features a single H/PJ26. Various types of ships built for export have also been fitted with the H/PJ26.