NORINCO Type 70 MRL (WZ303)

History

In the late 1960s, the Chinese Army (PLA) introduced a new indigenous tracked vehicle for the Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) called the "Type 63" (also known as "YW531"). About 8,000 of these ended up being produced under the NORINCO brand, and many saw combat (foreign hands) in later wars such as Vietnam, Iran-Iraq, and the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq.

From this base design a number of other forms arose, working with the same underlying mechanics, including the "Type 70" MRL ("Multiple Rocket Launch") rocket launcher, also known as the "Type WZ303". Self-propelled guns (SPA) also exist in the 70 SPH/WZ302 style.

The Type 70 MRL retains the propulsion system of the original car - four wheels on one side of the hull, drive sprocket in front, engine in front right, track idler in rear. The driver sits in the front left, and the rear of the hull is reserved for the turret missile launch system.

The launch unit consists of 19 130mm tubes and provides integrated aileron and elevator control, allowing the vehicle to face in any direction and still engage enemy positions. Each one-meter-long, 72-pound rocket contains a 32.5-pound high-explosive warhead (HE-FRAG) and has a range of up to 11,060 yards.

Except for the introduction of the launcher, the APC body of the YW531 remains basically unchanged. Propulsion is provided by an air-cooled, turbocharged, diesel-driven 8-cylinder KHD BF8L 413F series engine producing 320 hp.

This gives the vehicle a top road speed of 65 km/h and a range of up to 500 km. The hull is suspended from a torsion bar assembly, which has some off-road capability.

Modified, the Type 70 MRL vehicle provides the Chinese military with a powerful and relatively inexpensive fire support system capable of firing large numbers of missiles at enemy positions within range. This firepower covers a wide area and can be used both as a psychological tool against enemy infantry and as a blunt weapon on the battlefield.

It is understood that the Type 70 MRL was replaced by the 89 series sometime in the early 1990s - although it is entirely possible that the PLA still has many Type 70 MRL vehicles available through storage or reserves.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

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Armor

19 x 130mm rockets (standard), reloading provided by the included magazine.

Changes