Monday, December 01, 2008

China unveils new self-propelled howitzer system

China unveils new self-propelled howitzer system (NSI News Source Info) December 1, 2008: China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) has completed the development of a new 122 mm full-tracked self-propelled howitzer (SPH) called the SH3, which is now being offered on the export market. The artillery system is based on a new full-tracked chassis, with the driver seated front left, to the right of a diesel powerpack, leaving the remainder of the chassis clear for the fighting compartment. Suspension is of the torsion bar type with six dual-rubber-tyre road wheels, drive sprocket at the front, idler at the rear and track return rollers. At the rear of the chassis the fully enclosed turret is armed with a 122 mm ordnance fitted with a fume extractor and muzzle brake. The turret traverses a full 360 degrees, with weapon elevation from -3 to +70 degrees. This fires standard 122 mm D-30 separate loading (projectile and charge) ammunition. The standard 122 mm high-explosive (HE) projectile has a maximum range of 17,000 m; other natures include smoke and illuminating rounds. NORINCO is now marketing a new family of 122 mm separate loading ammunition, which also includes an HE base bleed (BB) rocket-assist projectile Type BEE2, HE hollow base (HB) and HE BB projectile. Maximum ranges are 27,000 m, 18,000 m and 22,000 m respectively. Image: The NORINCO SH3 122 mm self-propelled howitzer is based on a new full tracked chassis (NORINCO)

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