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Land ForcesChina

PLZ-05 (Type 05)

155 mm self-propelled howitzerIn serviceFielded 1991Pending verification
Land ForcesCHN
PLZ-05 (Type 05)
Photo: Tyg728 · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
Type155 mm self-propelled howitzer
Date of introduction1991
ProliferationOrigin country only
ManufacturerNORINCOMed[1]
Crew4Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Width3.38 m11 ftMed[1]
Height3.55 m12 ftMed[1]
Combat weight35 tMed[1]
Automotive performance
ChassisTankMed[1]
Engine8V150Med[1]
Engine power800 hpMed[1]
SuspensionTorsion BarMed[1]
Cruising range550 km342 mi · 297 nmiMed[1]
Max road speed55 km/h34 mph · 30 ktMed[1]
Cross-country speed50 km/h31 mph · 27 ktMed[1]
Fording depth1.2 mMed[1]
Protection
Hull ArmorRolled homogeneous plate armor (RHA), Protection against small arms and shell splinters.Med[1]
Turret ArmorRolled homogeneous plate armor (RHA), Protection against small arms and shell splinters.Med[1]
Applique ArmorAvailableMed[1]
NBC ProtectionYesMed[1]
Smoke Equipmenttwo banks of four electrically fired smoke dischargers on each side.Med[1]
Grenade Launchers2 sets of 4-barrel grenade launchersMed[1]
Armament
Rate of fire (max)10 rds/min; 3 rounds in 15 secondsMed[1]
Rate of fire (sustained)9 rds/minMed[1]
Max elevation+65 degMed[1]
Min elevation-3 degMed[1]
Main armamentPLZ-05, 155 mmMed[1]
Secondary armament1 x QJG89 12.7mm Heavy Machine GunMed[1]
Fire control
Computerized FCSYesMed[1]
Thermal Sight Vehicle CommanderYesMed[1]
Thermal Sight GunnerYesMed[1]
Laser/fibre optic EnabledYesMed[1]
Variants
PLZ-05A (PLZ-52)The PLZ-52 is a 155mm / 52 caliber tracked self-propelled howitzer similar in appearance to the PLZ-45, but based on a slightly different hull.[1]
PLZ-04Self-propelled howitzer with a 54 caliber barrel and apparently offered for export.[1]
PLZ-05BSelf-propelled howitzer with lengthened hull using seven pairs of seven roadwheels.[1]
Weapons and payload options · 2Confidence · Source
WS-35155 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
30 Total of any projectile combination
Muzzle velocity
INA
Armor penetration
Yes
Projectile weight
18 kg
Guidance
Yes
Extended Range Full Bore - Base Bleed - Rocket Assisted (ERF155 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
30 Total of any projectile combination
Muzzle velocity
INA
Armor penetration
Yes
Summary

The PLZ-05 was designed and manufactured by the China North Industries Group Corporation (CNGC), better known as Norinco. According to most reports, its development started in the mid-1990s, as a further development of the PLZ-45, an export version which already saw combat.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
China
Sources
  1. PLZ-05 (Type 05) Chinese 155mm 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
  • 2026-10-04 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
  • 2026-10-05 Added photo (CC BY-SA 4.0)