Joined the People's Liberation Army since 2009, the PLL-09 self-propelled howitzer is considered one of Beijing's most mobile artillery weapons
Accordingly, the PLL-09 122mm is currently one of the most widely used self-propelled howitzers by the PLA
It is also used by the Chinese Marines
The vehicle is derived from the ZBL-09 family, to provide indirect fire support for rapid deployment brigades
These units were developed in concept just after US Stryker brigades
They are equipped only with with lightly armored and all-wheeled, highly mobile 8x8 vehicles
There are about 550 in service
This vehicle is fast, shares many components with the ZBL-09, ensuring easier support and maintenance on the field
while its unit can keep pace with the fastest MBT-equipped Chinese PLA Tank brigades
or for fast advanced reconnaissance columns deep into enemy territory
Based on the ZBL-09 Snow Leopard 8x8 chassis, the PLL-09 is armed with a version of the 122 mm PL96, or Type 96 howitzer
which is a Chinese version of the Soviet D-30 towed howitzer
It is a proven design, used on a number of self-propelled artillery system from China and all around the world
The howitzer is fitted with a semi-automatic loader
It is compatible with Chinese and Russian 122 mm ammunition
This howitzer uses separate-loaded ammunition with projectiles and their charges
Chinese developed their own ammunition for 122 mm howitzers
It fires HE-FRAG, cargo, incendiary, smoke and illumination rounds
Maximum range of fire is 18 km with standard HE-FRAG projectile and 27 km with extended-range projectile
The PLL-09 is also capable of firing 122 mm laser-guided projectiles
These are based on Russian Kitolov projectile technology
The PLL-09 is fitted with computerized fire control system with digital ballistic computer
It is most likely to use digital battlefield management system
Vehicle has a welded steel hull ant turret
The front arc withstands 12.7 mm armor piercing rounds
All-round protection is against 7.62 mm armor-piercing rounds
except that the rear end of the vehicle and turret roof protect only against 7.62 mm ball rounds
Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems
The PLL-09 SPH is powered by a Deutz BF6M1015C turbocharged diesel engine, developing 440 hp
It is a German engine, produced in China under license.
Engine is located at the front
Vehicle is fitted with a tyre pressure regulation system for improved mobility over difficult terrain
This self-propelled howitzer is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets