PHL-03
The PHL-03 is a 12-tube 300 mm long-range multiple rocket launcher of the People's Republic of China . The design is based on the Russian made BM-30 Smerch rocket artillery system. The main role for this multiple rocket launcher is to engage strategic targets such as large concentrations of troops, airfields, command centres, air defense batteries and support facilities. It is also used to engage in counter battery fire missions.
PHL-03 | |
---|---|
PHL-03 Multiple rocket launchers | |
Type | Multiple rocket launcher |
Place of origin | China |
Service history | |
In service | 2004 – present |
Used by | People's Liberation Army Ground Force |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | China Ordnance Industries Group Corporation Limited |
Specifications | |
Mass | 43 t[1] |
Length | 12 m (39 ft 4 in)[1] |
Width | 3 m (10 ft)[1] |
Height | 3 m (10 ft)[1] |
Crew | 4[1] |
Caliber | 300 mm (12 in) |
Barrels | 12 |
Maximum firing range | 70–130 km (43–81 mi)[1] |
Engine | diesel engine 500 hp (370 kW)[1] |
Suspension | 8×8 wheeled |
Operational range | 650 km (400 mi)[1] |
Maximum speed | 60 km/h (37 mph)[1] |
The PHL-03 has the same configuration as the original Russian counterpart with 12 launch tubes for 300 mm artillery rockets, along with a computerized fire control system (FCS) incorporating GPS/GLONASS/Beidou. A standard weight for each rocket is 800 kg with a 280 kg warhead. Maximum firing range is depending on warhead type with around 70 - 130 km. Standard warheads are High Explosive Fragmentation (HE-FRAG), fuel-air explosive, and cluster warheads with anti-armor and anti-personnel submunitions. Cluster warheads can also carry self-targeting anti-tank munitions. A full salvo of this system could potentially cover an area of up to 67 hectares.
Operators
- People's Liberation Army Ground Force - 175 systems[2]
See also
- BM-30 Smerch 300mm multiple rocket launcher
- M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System
References
- "PHL-03 Multiple launch rocket system". Military-Today.com.
- "Appraisal of PLA Artillery Modernisation". Centre for Land Warfare Study.