The PLL-05 is a Chinese self-propelled gun-mortar in use by Chinese mechanised infantry formations. Conceptually it is similar to the Russian 2S23 "Nona-SVK" (the turret and weapon system of the 2S9 Nona mounted on a BTR-80 chassis) three of which China purchased for evaluation; at one time it was reported that China would purchase 100 of the Russian vehicles[2] however this failed to occur, nor does it appear that there was a formal transfer of technology to China. The Chinese system features a longer barreled weapon mounted on the Type 92 variant of the WZ551 armored personnel carrier.
The gun-mortar is a lighter and more compact artillery piece than the traditional gun-howitzer at the expense of maximum range, which has improved accuracy, a higher rate of fire, and having the capability of using direct fire in comparison to standard infantry mortars.
Description
PLL-05
The main armament of the PLL-05 is a 120 mm gun-mortar in a turret capable of 360° traverse, this turret being mounted on a 6x6WZ551armored personnel carrierchassis. The mortar has an elevation range of -4° to +80° and is capable of both direct and indirect fire. It is fitted with an autoloader and can be fired in fully automatic, semi-automatic and fully manual modes, the maximum rate of fire being around 8-10 rounds per minute, with a sustained rate of fire being about 4-6 rounds per minute. Ammunition capacity is 36 rounds and include mortar shells for indirect fire and anti-tank shells for direct fire, maximum range with standard mortar rounds being about 9 km (5.6 mi). Secondary armament is a 12.7×108mmQJC-88 heavy machine gun mounted on the turret roof. The crew of four consists of the vehicle commander, gunner, loader and driver. Mobility of the PPL-05 is similar to that of that base WZ551 and the vehicle can swim by way of two rear-mounted propellers.[3]
History
The existence of the PLL-05 was first revealed in 2001[2] with the system entering service some years later. The PLL-05 was one of the systems that participated in the military parade as part of the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China celebrations.
The turret of the PLL-05 was reused on the Type 07PA, a self-propelled gun designed for export.[4]
