NORINCO PLZ-07 (Type 07)

History

The modern Chinese army (People's Liberation Army = PLA) currently deploys two different forms of self-propelled artillery - a 122mm and a more standard 155mm. The 122mm caliber is a relic of the Soviet Cold War and still has (limited) use on the battlefield today.

An example of such an in-service vehicle is the PLZ-07, also known as the "Type 07". The vehicles were developed by China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO) and were first shown to the public in October 2009.

The PLZ-07 design is based on the existing ZBD-97 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) chassis described elsewhere on this website. The vehicle is very similar in form and function to the Soviet 2S1 "Gvozdika".

The PLZ-07 is intended as a direct successor to the aging vehicle family such as the Type 70, 85 and 89. As such, it retains its track-wheel form and houses its rifle crew in a fully enclosed, 360-degree swinging turret structure mounted to the rear of the tank.

The driver occupies a place in the hull. The crew was supplemented by five men.

Propulsion is provided by a 600 hp diesel generator set mounted on the right front of the fuselage. The undercarriage consists of six rubber tire wheels on one side of the track, a plunger sprocket at the front and a chain idler at the rear. Use the three tracks to deflect the rollers.

Suspension is achieved with a torsion bar setup. The maximum speed on the road is 65 km/h, and the cruising range can reach 500 km.

122mm main barrel, based on the Soviet-era D-30 rifled gun, located in the front of the turret with smoke exhaust and large muzzle brake, and an integrated recoil mechanism. Standard high-explosive (HE) rounds have a range of up to 18 kilometers, while rocket-assisted versions have a range of over 25 kilometers, giving the vehicle a considerable range.

In addition to the 122mm primary armament, the vehicle carries a heavy 12.7mm machine gun for anti-aircraft purposes. This weapon can also be used to suppress enemy elements, but the vehicle is primarily used in behind-the-line combat - using indirect or direct fire methods as needed.

For self-control, the tank is also equipped with four rows, each with three smoke grenade launchers. They are mounted along the front turret side panels.

The final design of PLZ-07 weighs 24.5 tons, is 6.6 meters long, 3.28 meters wide and 2.5 meters high. This allows the combat system to traverse China's established roads and bridges, while allowing air and rail transport.

The amphibious assault version of the PLZ-07 tank, referred to as PLZ-07B.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

for everyone else in our database)

Armor

12 x Smoke Grenade.

Changes