Self Propelled Gun/Rocket Launcher

Kalec said:

PLASSF is auctioning 203mm artillery firing test, firing a 85kg class projectile to a velocity of about 920m/s

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920m/s muzzle velocity does feel a bit slow for a shell only 85kg, if this is so the range would be less than rocket artillery so what benefits would such a large gun offer over traditional rocket artillery systems. It wouldn't be able to hit taiwan from over the strait, and use in the Himalayas seem limited

Nx4eu said:

920m/s muzzle velocity does feel a bit slow for a shell only 85kg, if this is so the range would be less than rocket artillery so what benefits would such a large gun offer over traditional rocket artillery systems. It wouldn't be able to hit taiwan from over the strait, and use in the Himalayas seem limited

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But.......if it is something like LRLAP???

BTW, Does anyone still remember this stuff?

The more interesting question is why the PLA *SSF* is issuing a request for a "203" artillery test.

1. Inter-service rivalry or poorly defined areas of responsibility leading to redundant/overlap of capability. (a la American style: "hey, the Marines can be anti-ship missileers, wait, don't forget the army, we can also have an anti-ship mission and also need to procure anti ship missiles."

2. The "203 artillery" would be used in a support capability, as in launching something from the so-called "C4ISR" class of equipment, such as a single use reconnaissance "shell"(drone), communications, ELINT, or even propaganda payloads. These would fall well within the PLA *SSF* area of responsibility.

3. The "203 artillery" isn't what's being tested, but is rather a part of testing or training for some other equipment.

EDIT: I just read the procurement document a bit more carefully.

"soft recovery of the projectile body after the test" suggests there's something important in the payload/warhead no?

Although the part about the target suggests its supposed to hit something specifically, and potentially quite hard/fast?

It's not clear to me if PLASSF is procuring oir selling the artillery test. Maybe some companies may be interested in testing equipment at high velocity/g? If PLASSF itself is procuring, why not just ask PLAGF, sure they've got some 203mm SPG in reserve somewhere.

The most obvious connection I can make between a 203mm gun and the SSF is that it probably is a experimental cargo delivery system using cargo rounds for hard to reach places that cannot be intercepted conventionally though I do not know if such a system is remotely useful in a modern conflict or just a gimmick nor how they are going to potentially resolve the issue of rounds going off course and potentially killing friendly troops in such a role (Satellite guided rounds or just basic laser guidance?).

I mean it can potentially used to deliver crucial supplies to spec ops units operating behind enemy lines or encircled units.

Some high-resolution images of PCL-161s at an exercise in southern Xinjiang.

Can someone explain why PLA keeps 122mm gun instead of go all in on 155mm?

pesoleati said:

Can someone explain why PLA keeps 122mm gun instead of go all in on 155mm?

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122mm is brigade level artillery, 155mm is group army level artillery.

For brigades, if they go for 155mm as well then there are some benefits, but also some drawbacks. Ultimately they chose they decided 122m at brigade level suits their needs better.

155mm has better range and explosive power but the rounds are larger and the artillery pieces are less mobile.