Multiple rocket launcher system is a powerful weapon for the army to gain advantage in land battles
Among the heavy fire weapons of the People's Liberation Army, the PHL-16 is the newest
In 2019, it was first publicly revealed in China as PHL-16 or PCH-191
This is a modified version of the previous AR3, that was for export customers
It is currently one of the most powerful systems in the world of its kind
China also operates the PHL-03 system with 12 tubes for 300 mm rockets
The main role of the PHL-16 is to engage remote strategic targets
such as airfields, command centers, support facilities, air defense batteries, concentrations of troops and vehicles and so on
The launcher vehicles are operated in a firepower battery
The system also capable of autonomous operation
A typical battery includes six launcher vehicles, several reloading vehicles, command post vehicle
meteorological survey vehicle and other service support vehicles
Unlike the earlier PHL-03, which is loaded with a fixed type of ammunition, the new PHL-16 has two modularized launch cells
which can carry different types of ammunition
Each launch cell can carry either five 300 mm rockets or four 370 mm rockets
The export version of the new multiple rocket launcher, the AR-3
can even switch to the 750 mm Fire Dragon 480 tactical ballistic missile and 380 mm TL-7B anti-ship missile
This capability is possibly transferred to the PLA variants
These systems have a maximum range of 220 km. It is operated by a crew of 5
The rockets or missiles can be launched without leaving the cabin
Preparation for launch takes around 5 minutes
Rockets and missiles can be also launched remotely from the vehicle by using remote control unit
Once the rockets are launched the launcher vehicle can leave its firing position within 1 minute
Brief redeployment time allows to avoid counter battery fire
The vehicle chassis is based on the 45 ton WS2400 8x8 special wheeled vehicle chassis
which provides some degree of protection for the crew from small arms fire and artillery shell splinters
Vehicle has good cross-country mobility and can travel over all kinds of rough terrain and unimproved surfaces
It can operate in various climatic conditions
Each launcher vehicle is supported by a dedicated reloading vehicle
It is based on a similar 8x8 heavy high mobility chassis and is fitted with a crane
It takes around 20 minutes to replace empty pods