Yes, by @by78
Self Propelled Gun/Rocket Launcher
- Thread starter FORBIN
- Start date
I wonder if we're going to see a successor for the tracked PLZ-05, since it's an early 2000s design and some have said that Chinese engines/transmissions have improved a lot from that time
But then again it seems like the PLA prefers the wheeled PCL-181 more
But then again it seems like the PLA prefers the wheeled PCL-181 more
Thanks i didnt know about that. Seems like its less commonly seen compared to PCL181
So far it appears to be still in the testing stage and hasn't been inducted in large numbers into PLAGF like PCL181
Didn't the PLZ-05A variant already significantly improve its mobility? Not sure how the firepower department has improved from the base to the A variant if there was any. From what I read, the PLZ-05B pictured above is mentioned to have an upgraded turret and elongated chassis though the exact details are unclear.
Personally, I am not sure how much more can the PLZ-05 can be upgraded. Maybe unmanned turret, faster autoloader and longer barrel? (Though weight concerns for the PLA might prevent further elongation of the gun considering China's terrain)
Further improvements might lie in ammunition used instead.
News regarding the PLZ-05B. It seems the project is near its completion.
This tweet author is implying the PLZ-05B is already in service (makes sense) but how would an optimized thin shell ammunition design and mfg process be directly tied to the PLZ-05B when the ammunition is likely able to be retroactively used with the earlier PLZ-05 variants unless there is a drastic change in chamber pressure of the gun of the PLZ-05B?
The author didn't claim the PLZ-05B was in service. He said LRIP had most likely commenced. LRIP always precedes operationality. And I don't think he refers to arty ammo. The term body shell is most likely about the vehicle. It refers to the hull of the vehicle.