The gun has a 52-caliber barrel and is exactly the same as that of the PLZ-05 self-propelled howitzer.[6] It has a maximum firing range of up to 40 km (25 mi) with conventional ammunition and 72 km (45 mi) with extended range ammunition. The gun can also fire laser-guided munition which is capable of all-weather operation.[7] Each vehicle can carry 27 rounds of ammunition.[2]
The vehicle features semi-automatic ammo reload, where the operator places the shell on the loading arm and the loading arm loads the round into the breech.[5]
The PCL-181 is equipped with an automatic fire-control system.[1] Following the operator's input of a target's azimuth data, the vehicle-mounted computer can calculate the trajectory of the artillery, and automatically lay the gun.[1]
Mobility
The PCL-181 is based on Taian GM's 6×6 truck chassis.[6] The PCL-181 is fitted with hydropneumatic suspension, allowing better gun elevation and depression.[8]
Due to its comparatively lighter weight of 25 tons, the PCL-181 can also be transported in a Shaanxi Y-9.[1]
Variants
PCL-181
PLA designation
SH-15
Export designation
Deployment
According to state media reports, most of the country's five military jurisdictions, known as theater commands, have been equipped with PCL-181 155 mm vehicle-mounted howitzers.[9]
In February 2021, it was reported that at least 18 PCL-181s had been inducted into the PLAGF's Xinjiang Military Command.[10]
Pakistan
In 2019, Pakistan signed a contract for 236 SH-15s.[3] Deliveries started in January 2022, and the SH-15s participated in the Pakistan Day parade on March 23, 2022.[3] As per sources, Pakistan may have acquired TOT to further build these self-propelled howitzers locally at Heavy Industries Taxila.[11] Pakistan acquired it in response to India's acquisition of the K9 thunder self-propelled howitzer.[4]
The SH-15s are Pakistan Army's first 155 mm/52-caliber gun.[12] It is capable of firing VLAP rounds that have a range of 50km. For example, Pakistan ordered 1,332 VLAP in 2017, and acquired ToT to produce further VLAP shells domestically.[13] It can also fire laser-homing, satellite-guided, and top-attack projectiles.[12] These guided shells are cheaper than the guided rockets in Pakistan's inventory. Finally, it can also reportedly fire nuclear artillery.[4] The SH-15's chassis reportedly performs well off-road, but not in more demanding terrain.[12]
Operators
In China's PLAGF, each group army commands one artillery brigade which doctrinally includes two self-propelled or towed artillery (122 mm, 152 mm, or 155 mm) battalions, each of which comprises three batteries of four to six howitzers each.[14]
^"最强卡车炮"实射激光末制导炮弹画面曝光，行驶中的靶标被一发打爆 [The "strongest truck gun" live-fired laser terminal-guided projectiles were exposed, and the moving target was blown up in one shot]. Sohu (in Chinese). 12 August 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
