Type 89

   The Type 89 multiple launch rocket system, also referred as PZH89, was developed from the successful Type 81. It was revealed in 1999. It is speculated that this system entered service in the late 1990s and was not offered for export. The Type 89 replaced the ageing Type 70 130-mm multiple launch rocket systems.

   This system was designed for armored troops. It's tracked chassis enables it to keep up with main battle tanks. It also has lightly armored hull.

   The Type 89 has 40 launching tubes for 122-mm rockets. The standard high-explosive rocket is 2.87 m long and weights 66 kg. It has a maximum range of 20. An extended-range rocket is 2.76 m long and weights 61 kg. It's maximum range is 30 km. A number of 122-mm specialized warheads were developed, including pre-fragmented high-explosive, incendiary and cluster warheads with anti-personnel or anti-tank submunitions.

   Vehicle is fitted with a digital fire control system. It calculates ballistic and makes adjustments in gradient or elevation depending on the vehicle gradient and slope. Target data is received from command vehicle or by manual input.

   Secondary armament consists of 12.7-mm machine gun, mounted on top of the cupola.

   The Type 89 is based on the armored tracked chassis of the Type 83 152-mm howitzer. It provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. It is also fitted with NBC protection system. Vehicle is powered by the 12150L diesel engine, developing 520 horsepower.

   The Type 89 is reloaded by a special reloading rack, located at the front of the hull. This system carries a full set of reload rockets. Launcher is set to the reloading position and all 40 rockets are hydraulically fed into the launcher. Reloading takes only two minutes. The Type 89 also can be reloaded manually.