PLZ-45

The PLZ-45, also designated Type 88, is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer developed by Norinco. Its ordnance derives from the Type 89 (PLL-01) 155 mm/45-calibre towed gun-howitzer, itself a Chinese production version of the Austrian GHN-45. Noricum, the arms division of Voestalpine, had acquired the design rights to Gerald Bull's GC-45 howitzer after Space Research Corporation relocated to Brussels, reworking it for series production as the GHN-45. Bull was contacted by China following his release from prison, and the resulting Chinese ordnance entered service as the PLL-01 in 1987. Norinco mounted the same gun on a locally designed tracked chassis to produce the PLZ-45, accompanied by an ammunition carrier on a common chassis. The People's Liberation Army did not adopt the PLZ-45 for widespread service, as its artillery park was standardised on Soviet-pattern 152 mm ammunition; the system was instead developed principally for export.

The vehicle is crewed by five: commander, gunner, two loaders and a driver. The 155 mm 45-calibre gun uses a semi-automatic loader with an electrically controlled, hydraulically operated rammer permitting projectile loading at any elevation, with charges loaded manually. The turret traverses through 360 degrees and elevates from –3 to +72 degrees. Ammunition is stowed in the turret bustle, the majority within the loader and the remainder below it. Secondary armament consists of a roof-mounted W-85 heavy machine gun and two four-barrel smoke grenade launchers on the turret sides. The fire-control system comprises an automatic laying system, optical sighting, a gun orientation and navigation system, and a GPS receiver.

The gun fires Extended Range Full Bore ammunition, including ERFB/HE, base-bleed ERFB-BB/HE, ERFB-BB/RA, white phosphorus, illuminating, smoke and cargo projectiles. Following acquisition of Russian Krasnopol technology in the 1990s, China developed a 155 mm laser-guided projectile with inertial mid-course guidance and semi-active laser homing, intended against armoured vehicles and weapon emplacements and capable of first-round engagement without registration.

Protection is limited to small arms fire and artillery splinters. NBC protection and automatic fire suppression are fitted. Propulsion is by a Deutz turbocharged air-cooled diesel.

A PLZ-45 battalion is organised into three batteries, each with six howitzers and six PCZ-45 ammunition support vehicles. Each battery fields a command post and three battery reconnaissance vehicles, both based on the Type 85 APC. Battalion support includes W653A armoured recovery vehicles, 704-1 artillery locating and fire correction radar, 702-D meteorological radar and fire support maintenance vehicles.

Kuwait ordered an initial batch in 1998, delivered in 2000–2001, followed by a second battalion ordered in 2001 and delivered in 2002–2003. Saudi Arabia contracted for two battalions in August 2008, delivered in 2008–2009. Ethiopia received a batch in 1999, and Algerian systems first appeared publicly in 2014. In April 2015 the Saudi Arabian Army employed the PLZ-45 against Houthi forces along the Saudi–Yemeni border, the type's first combat use; Kuwait deployed an artillery battalion to Saudi Arabia later that year.