Product Description
Weaponry: The PLZ-52 self-propelled howitzer uses a 52-caliber barrel and has a maximum range of 53 kilometers when using ERFB-BB-RA ammunition. Its automatic loading system and modular propellant charge allow for a maximum rate of fire of 8 rounds per minute, a burst rate of 3 rounds per 15 seconds, and the capability for simultaneous four-round hits, giving it formidable firepower sufficient to destroy enemy targets.
A 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun is mounted on top of the turret, controlled by the commander. Four smoke grenade launchers are mounted on each side of the turret’s front.
The PLZ-52 self-propelled howitzer is equipped with an automatic loading system with a 30-round ammunition capacity. Its 155mm 52-caliber barrel features a slotted muzzle brake and smoke extractor. In travel mode, the barrel is secured by a manually released travel lock mounted on the upper glacis armor plate. The turret can rotate 360° horizontally, with an elevation range of -3° to +68°.
Design and Protection: The PLZ-52 self-propelled howitzer features a fully welded steel armor structure for its hull and turret, providing protection against small arms fire and artillery fragmentation. The PLZ-52 has a four-person crew: commander, gunner, loader, and driver. The driver is located at the front left of the hull, with the engine on his right. The driver’s hatch is a single unit that opens rearward, and three daytime periscopes are mounted above it. The turret is located at the rear of the hull, with the commander’s cupola at the upper left and the gunner’s hatch on the right. A panoramic sight is mounted in front of the commander’s hatch. There are two small doors at the rear of the turret and one large door at the rear of the hull, both opening to the right, for ammunition replenishment.
Propulsion: The PLZ-52 self-propelled howitzer is equipped with a 1000-horsepower engine and an automatic transmission, providing excellent mobility and handling. The PLZ-52 has a maximum road speed of 65 km/h and a maximum range of 450 km. Its torsion bar suspension system has six dual-tire rubber road wheels on each side, with a noticeable gap between the fifth and sixth road wheels. The drive wheels are located at the front, the idler wheels at the rear, and three track support rollers are provided. The upper part of the suspension system is protected by armor plates.
Accessories: The PLZ-52 self-propelled howitzer employs an advanced digital fire control system, characterized by rapid response and strong battlefield survivability. Its laser/fiber optic gyroscope navigation system ensures autonomous combat capability without the need for a mapping vehicle. Computerized information integration technology improves information sharing efficiency and simplifies operation. The PLZ-52 is equipped with smart munitions, such as the GS1 155mm smart ammunition and 155mm laser-guided missiles, enabling it to accurately strike various targets on the battlefield. Standard equipment for the PLZ-52 includes an auxiliary power unit, a nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection system, an explosion detection and suppression system, and a fire suppression system.