China has demonstrated capabilities of its PLL-09 self-propelled howitzers during military drills in the Pamir mountains.
The PLL-09 122-mm self-propelled howitzer system was fired at a simulated target during the live-fire training conducted by a mechanized infantry regiment under the PLA Western Theater Command in the Pamir mountains in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Sept. 9, 2016. The training aims to test the performance of the PLL-09 in plateau environment.
The PLL-09 provides indirect fire support for motorized infantry units. This SPH is capable of keeping pace with main battle tanks.
| Specifications: | |
|---|---|
| Property | Value |
| Main weapon caliber (mm) |
122
|
| Number of drive wheels |
8
|
| Number of wheels |
8
|
The PLL-09 is based on the new ZBL-09 Snow Leopard armored personnel carrier. It is armed with a version of the 122-mm Type 96 howitzer. This howitzer is a Chinese version of the Soviet D-30 towed howitzer. The Type 96 and its predecessors have been in service with Chinese army for more than 20 years. It is a proven design, used on a number of self-propelled artillery system from China and all around the world.
