Country of origin |
China |
Entered service |
1970 |
Crew |
6 - 7 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight |
15.3 t |
Length |
5.6 m |
Width |
3.07
m |
Height |
2.69 m |
Armament |
Main gun |
122 mm howitzer |
Barrel length |
? |
Machine guns |
1 x 7.62 mm |
Maximum firing range |
11.8 km |
Maximum rate of fire |
5 - 6 rpm |
Elevation range |
- 2.5 to + 63 degrees |
Traverse range |
45 degrees |
Ammunition load |
Main gun |
40 rounds |
Machine guns |
1 000 rounds |
Mobility |
Engine |
6150L diesel |
Engine power |
260 hp |
Maximum road speed |
56 km/h |
Range |
450 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
60% |
Side slope |
30% |
Vertical step |
0.6 m |
Trench |
2 m |
Fording |
1 m |
Fording (with preparation) |
Amphibious |
|
The Type
70-I self-propelled howitzer has a simple design. It is one of the
first Chinese indigenously designed self-propelled artillery
systems. The Type 70-I was introduced in 1970. It was a gap-stop
measure increasing mobility of Chinese towed artillery. Some sources
suggest that less than 200 of the Type 70-I howitzers were built
before production fully stopped.
This
turretless artillery system is similar to WW2 assault guns. Such
weapons are cheaper to build comparing with conventional artillery
systems, however it has a number of drawbacks, such as poor
protection of the crew.
The Type
70-I is armed with a Type 54 122 mm towed howitzer, which is a copy
of the Soviet M-30 (M1938). It is worth mentioning that in early
1950s Soviets helped China to set up local production of the M-30
howitzers. This SPH is compatible with 122 mm projectiles of the
M-30. Maximum range of fire is 11.8 km. The Type 70-I is also
capable of direct firing. Secondary armament consists of 7.62 mm
machine gun.
Vehicle
lacks fire control system and is aimed via simple sights. A crew of
6-7 men is carried inside the troop compartment and operates
howitzer without any protection.
The Type
70-I self-propelled howitzer is based on a Type 63-I (YW531) APC
chassis, but is slightly longer. Vehicle is powered by a 6150L
diesel engine, developing 260 hp. The Type 70-I can be fitted with
floatation kit. On water it is propelled by its tracks.
Variants
Type 85
self-propelled 122 mm howitzer is a further development of the Type
70-I. It also a turretless design, based on the YW531H APC chassis.
Vehicle is armed with the Soviet D-30 howitzer. Maximum range of
fire is up to 21 km. The Type 85 was a considerably improved
comparing with its predecessor, however it still lacks gun
enclosure.
|