PHL-16
Chinese guided modular rocket launching system
| PHL-16 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Multiple rocket launcher |
| Place of origin | China |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2019–present |
| Used by | People's Liberation Army Ground Force |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 45t |
| Length | 12m |
| Width | 3m |
| Height | 3m |
| Crew | 3 |
| Caliber | 370mm |
| Barrels | 8 |
| Effective firing range | 130 km (using BRE3 rocket)[1] |
| Maximum firing range | depends on armament, 280 km (174 mi) (using BRE8 rocket), or 360 km (using TL-7B anti-ship missile)[2] |
Main armament | 2 modular launch cells, each can either carry: 1 × 750mm TBM or 4 × 370mm rocket or 5 × 300mm rocket |
| Engine | Diesel, 8×8 wheeled |
The PHL-16,[3] also known as PCL-191,[4] is a truck-mounted self-propelled multiple rocket launcher (MRL) system developed by the People's Republic of China.
Development
It is based on the AR-3 MRL[5] developed by Norinco.[6] The AR-3 was marketed in 2010.[7] The PHL-16 was unveiled during the Chinese National Day Parade in 2019; unlike other rocket systems in the parade, the vehicles were unlabelled.[5]
Design
The launcher vehicles are operated in a firepower battery. The system also capable of autonomous operation. A typical battery includes six launcher vehicles, several reloading vehicles, command post vehicle, meteorological survey vehicle and other service support vehicles.[8]
Rockets
Unlike the earlier PHL-03, which is loaded with a fixed type of ammunition, the new PHL-16 has two modularized launch cells, which can carry different types of ammunition. Each launch cell can carry either five 300 mm rockets or four 370 mm rockets.[6][3] The export version of the new multiple rocket launcher, the AR-3, can even switch to the 750 mm Fire Dragon 480 tactical ballistic missile and 380 mm TL-7B anti-ship missile.[9][10] This capability is possibly transferred to the PLA variants.
The configuration displayed during the 2019 National Day Parade was with 8 370 mm rockets.[5]
Chassis
The vehicle chassis is based on the 45 ton WS2400 8×8 special wheeled vehicle chassis.[11]
Operational history
In February 2023, PHL-16 was observed in deployment by 73rd Group Army of the Eastern Theatre Command, which responsible for the Taiwan Strait area.[12]
Variants
Operators
People's Republic of China
- People's Liberation Army Ground Force – 50+ units as of 2021.[13]
References
- ^ "China deploys PHL-16 MLRS along Taiwan Strait". 28 February 2023.
- ^ "China deploys PHL-16 MLRS along Taiwan Strait". 28 February 2023.
- ^ a b c Verma, Vivek (7 April 2020). "Appraisal of PLA Artillery Modernisation". Issue Briefs. No. 220. Centre for Land Warfare Studies (published April 2020). Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "China tests new rocket launcher near disputed border with India". The Times. 19 July 2022.
- ^ a b c Chan, Minnie (7 December 2019). "China's new PCL191 multiple launch rocket system casts shadow over Taiwan Strait". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ a b Foss, Christopher F. (24 February 2015). "Long-range firepower [IDX15D2]". Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 12 November 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
- ^ a b "AR3 / PHL-16 - 300/370 mm". GlobalSecurity.org. 1 October 2019. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "PHL-16". Military Today. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
- ^ Huang, Panyue, ed. (5 November 2019). "New rocket launcher shows versatility, superiority: Report". China Military. Global Times. Retrieved 21 March 2022.[better source needed]
- ^ "DSA 2018: China's NORINCO Showcasing TL-7B Anti-ship Missile". Navy Recognition. 17 April 2018. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
- ^ "China 'to offer Malaysia radar, rocket launchers based in Johor'". Today. 9 August 2017. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
- ^ Kajal, Kapil (28 February 2023). "China deploys PHL-16 MLRS along Taiwan Strait". Janes.
- ^ International Institute for Strategic Studies: The Military Balance 2022, p.257
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Note: x = retired from service or has ceased development
