More firepower from China
Christopher F Foss
China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) (Stand 4500) has revealed at IDEX that it has developed a wheeled 155mm/52 calibre self-propelled (SP) artillery system called SH1. Development of this commenced as a private venture in 2002 and so far two units have been built – one prototype and one pre-production.
According to NORINCO, development is complete and production can commence as soon as orders are placed. When travelling, the crew of five are seated in the armour-protected cab at the front of the chassis. Mounted at the rear is the 155mm/52 calibre weapon, which has powered elevation and traverse and a remote operated travelling lock. Combat ready, the SH1 weighs about 22 tonnes with a total of 20 x 155mm projectiles and associated charges being carried. Maximum range depends on the type of projectile/charge combination, but when firing a rocket assisted base bleed projectile and charge zone 10, a range of 52km is claimed by NORINCO. A flick rammer has been installed to reduce crew fatigue and increase rate of fire.
To increase accuracy, a fibre optic north-seeking positioning and navigation system has been installed, together with computerised gun laying, while the fire control system allows targets to be rapidly engaged. The SH1 can engage targets on its own or be integrated at battery or regimental level. A muzzle velocity radar is mounted above the 155mm/52 calibre barrel and this feeds information into the fire control system. To provide a more stable firing platform, a large hydraulically operated spade is lowered to the ground at the rear. As it is mounted on a 6x6 chassis, the system is claimed to have a high level of cross-country mobility and a maximum road speed of 90km/h. A central tyre pressure system is fitted as standard to allow the driver to adjust the tyre pressure to suit the terrain. The SH1 would normally be deployed in batteries of six weapons with each regiment having four batteries. Although the SH1 has been developed as a private venture by NORINCO, it could well be of interest to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which in recent years has been fielding an increasing number of wheeled armoured vehicles, which have greater strategic mobility than their tracked counterparts.
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