Country of origin |
China |
Entered service |
? |
Crew |
5 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight |
22 t |
Length (gun forward) |
? |
Hull length |
? |
Width |
? |
Height |
? |
Armament |
Main gun |
155 mm howitzer |
Barrel length |
52 calibers |
Machine guns |
1 x 12.7 mm |
Projectile weight |
? |
Maximum firing range |
53 km |
Maximum rate of fire |
4 - 6 rpm |
Elevation range |
0 to + 70 degrees |
Traverse range |
? |
Ammunition load |
Main gun |
25 rounds |
Machine guns |
? |
Mobility |
Engine |
diesel |
Engine power |
330 hp |
Maximum road speed |
90 km/h |
Range |
~ 600 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
60% |
Side slope |
40% |
Vertical step |
~ 0.6 m |
Trench |
~ 1.2 m |
Fording |
1.2 m |
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The SH-1
self-propelled howitzer was developed by NORINCO for the export
market. Development of this artillery system commenced in 2002. It
was modeled after a French
CASEAR.
This Chinese artillery system
was first revealed in 2007. Details of this artillery system were
released at the same time as were details of the smaller
SH-2 122 mm
truck-mounted howitzer. Pakistan acquired a total of 90 SH-1
truck-mounted howitzers. Deliveries were completed between 2012 and
2013. This artillery system is also in service with Myanmar. The
SH-1 was aimed mainly at export as Chinese army does not use this
system.
The SH-1
self-propelled artillery system is fitted with an ordnance of an AH-2
155 mm/L52 howitzer. It is compatible with all
standard 155 mm NATO ammunition, as well as ammunition developed by NORINCO.
So this howitzer can use a wide variety of different ammunition. The
SH-1 is capable of direct and indirect firing. Claimed maximum range
of fire is 53 km which was achieved with a rocket assisted V-LAP
projectile using charge zone 10. In addition this artillery system
can use Chinese precision-guided
munitions, based on the Russian
Krasnopol laser-guided projectile technology.
China obtained this
technology and production license for the Krasnopol guided
projectiles in the late 1990s and successfully developed its own
variants. Its export designation is the GP1. These laser-guided projectiles have a maximum range
of 20 km.
Ammunition
box of the SH-1 artillery system houses 25 rounds of seven different
types and their modular charges.
Before
firing a large spade is lowered to the ground. It provides more
stable firing platform. Maximum rate of fire is up to 4-6 rounds per
minute. Conversion time form firing to travelling order is only 1
minute. So this howitzer can briefly fire a couple of shells and
leave its firing position before hostile forces open a
counter-battery fire.
The SH-1 is
fitted with a computerized fire control system, navigation,
positioning and targeting systems. Vehicle receives target
information from artillery command vehicle.
Secondary armament
consists of a 12.7 mm machine gun, mounted on top of the roof. This
weapon is used for self-defense.
Vehicle has
a crew of five. An armored cab provides protection against
small arms fire and artillery shell splinters.
The SH-1
artillery system uses a Wanshan WS5252 6x6 truck chassis. It is
powered by a 330 hp diesel engine. This artillery system is highly
mobile and can self-deploy over long distances. It can be airlifted by
most medium transport aircraft. It is light enough to be airlifted
by a Y-9
or similar military transport aircraft, making it a more flexible
option for a China's growing rapid reaction units.
A complete
SH-1 regiment includes 24 truck-mounted howitzers, 4 battery
command post vehicles, one battalion command post vehicle, one
meteorological radar, 4 wheeled reconnaissance vehicles with 6x6
configuration and
one artillery locating radar.
Variants
SH-1A is an
improved version, based on a new 6x6 vehicle.
SH-15 is a
similar howitzer, based on 6x6 truck. It was first publicly
revealed in 2018, though first images of this artillery system
appeared little earlier.
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