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Land ForcesChina

PLL-09 (Type 09)

122mm self-propelled howitzerFielded 2009Pending verification
Land ForcesCHN
Length 8 m
Identification silhouette. Not drawn to scale between entries.
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
Type122mm self-propelled howitzer
Date of introduction2009
ProliferationOrigin country only
Crew3Med[1]
Displacement timeINA minMed[1]
Emplacement timeINA minMed[1]
Dimensions and weight
Length8 m26 ftMed[1]
Width3 m10 ftMed[1]
Height3 m10 ftMed[1]
Combat weight21 tMed[1]
Automotive performance
Chassisbased on a ZBL-09 Snow Leopard armored personnel carrier chassisMed[1]
EngineDeutz BF6M1015CMed[1]
Engine power440 hpMed[1]
Cruising range800 km497 mi · 432 nmiMed[1]
Max road speed62 km/h39 mph · 33 ktMed[1]
Cross-country speed50 km/h31 mph · 27 ktMed[1]
Swim speed6 km/h4 mph · 3 ktMed[1]
Fording depthAmphibious mMed[1]
Protection
Front Arc ArmorWelded steel hull, Front arc can withstand 12.7mm armor piercing rounds.Med[1]
All Around ArmorWelded steel hull, Protection from 7.62mm armor-piercing rounds.Med[1]
Applique ArmorAvailableMed[1]
Active Protection SystemYesMed[1]
NBC ProtectionYesMed[1]
Smoke EquipmentYes, 12 Smoke Grenades on TurretMed[1]
Armament
LoaderSemi-automatic loaderMed[1]
Rate of fire (max)6-8 rds/minMed[1]
Rate of fire (sustained)6 rds/minMed[1]
Max elevation+70 degMed[1]
Min elevation-3 degMed[1]
Main armamentType 96 HowitzerMed[1]
Secondary armamentType 54 (DShKM copy)Med[1]
Maximum firing range27 km17 mi · 15 nmiLongest-range ammunition listedMed[1]
Fire control
Computerized FCSYesMed[1]
Digital Ballistic ComputerYesMed[1]
Thermal Sight Vehicle CommanderYesMed[1]
Thermal Sight GunnerYesMed[1]
Variants
ZBL-09ZBL-09 or Type 07P is a wheeled infantry armoured fighting vehicle designed and manufactured by the Chinese Defense Company NORINCO China North Industries Corp. The ZBD-09 was presented for the first during the military [1]
Weapons and payload options · 4Confidence · Source
High Explosion (HE)122 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Range
18 km11 mi · 10 nmi
Quantity
40 Rounds total of any 122mm combination projectiles
Muzzle velocity
690 m/s
Projectile weight
14-22 kg
Armor penetration
Yes, up to 85mm of conventional steel armour
Fuze
INA
HE Hollow Base Projectile122 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Range
18 km11 mi · 10 nmi
Quantity
40 Rounds total of any 122mm combination projectiles
Muzzle velocity
725 m/s
Armor penetration
Yes, up to 85mm of conventional steel armour
Fuze
INA
HE Base Bleed (BB) Projectile122 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Range
22 km14 mi · 12 nmi
Quantity
40 Rounds total of any 122mm combination projectiles
Muzzle velocity
730 m/s
Armor penetration
Yes, up to 85mm of conventional steel armour
Fuze
INA
HE BB Rocket-Assist Projectile Type BEE2122 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Range
27 km17 mi · 15 nmi
Quantity
40 Rounds total of any 122mm combination projectiles
Muzzle velocity
INA
Armor penetration
Yes, up to 85mm of conventional steel armour
Fuze
INA
Summary

The PLL-09 is a Chinese 122 mm self-propelled howitzer. Currently, this howitzer is widely used by China's army.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
China
Sources
  1. PLL-09 (Type 09) Chinese 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH), U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import