Type 70-I

   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.