NORINCO Type 81 (MLRS)

History

The influence of the Soviet Union on Chinese ground warfare military doctrine is still evident today, as evidenced by the many rocket launcher weapon systems currently in service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The Type 81 was developed to fill this role and succeeded the Type 70 in service at the time.

Based on the successful Soviet BM-21 "Grad" wheeled rocket launcher, the original Type 81 design entered service in 1982, with increasingly complex forms emerging by the 2000s. These variants are all based on the same chassis/missile delivery concept.

The Type 81 and its ilk follow the tried-and-true design forms established by Soviet-era rocket launchers during World War II and provide inexpensive, effective battlefield support. The Chinese version is also a 6x6 wheeled truck chassis, with a front cab and engine layout, with a removable launch unit mounted at the rear (almost any 6-wheeled vehicle can function as an MLRS as long as the chassis can withstand the weight of armor and weapon unit wear). The standard 122mm missile has a 40lb warhead, and several other warhead types have been developed by Chinese industry to increase the Type 81's tactical flexibility. Power is provided by a diesel engine that can reach speeds of up to 35 mph and have a range of 280 miles.

12.7mm heavy machine guns are typically used for local air defense and defense against enemy infantry and light armored vehicles. MLRS vehicles typically operate at some distance from an active, mobile front line, primarily in a support role.

A standard operator of 5 personnel and support vehicles is typically deployed in combat with the MLRS.

The original vehicle was called "Type 81" and had a basic 40-round launcher mounted on the chassis of a Honyan OQ261 series 6x6 truck (systems exported to Pakistan differed when using the "Azar" truck series). It was followed by the "Type 83", also on a 6x6 truck chassis, but with a 24-round launcher. The "Type 89" became a 40-round launcher, which was placed on the tracked chassis of the Type 83 Self-Propelled Gun (SPG) vehicle to provide better occupant protection and improved off-road capability. A reload pack is provided in front of the launcher with 40 additional missiles for quick reloading (less than three minutes).

The "Type 90" uses a 40-round launcher and an Iron Horse SC2030 series 6x6 truck chassis, and is also equipped with a 40-round rocket loading pack for continuous fire. The "Type 90A" then became an improvement on this version and retained the 40-round launcher assembly, but on a 6x6 Tienna XC2200 series truck.

The "Type 90B" is an advanced version with a 40-round launcher mounted on a North Benz 2629 series 6x6 truck. The fire control system, communications suite and battlefield awareness quality have all been enhanced with this badge.

The most modern representation of the Type 81 appears to be the PR50 "Sandstorm" which includes a 50-round missile launcher kit and overall design improvements for a more robust, modern tactical vehicle - it debuted in 2006.

The Type 81 and its ilk have proven to be quite a successful investment for the PLA, which has led to its various forms. This type features barracks-level artillery formations, providing a strong range of fire support for Chinese ground forces.

In addition to the obvious destructive effect of the missiles included in the MLRS system, they also have a devastating psychological effect on enemy infantry unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of the salvo. Multiple MLRS vehicles targeting wide areas can provide broad saturation and soften ground targets in preparation for major offensives involving tanks, armoured fighting vehicles, and infantry units.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

for everyone else in our database)

Armor

40 x 122mm rocket plus reload provided by the included ammunition carrier.

Changes