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PHL-16

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PHL-16
TypeMultiple rocket launcher
Place of originChina
Service history
In service2019–present
Used byPeople's Liberation Army Ground Force
Specifications
Mass45t
Length12m
Width3m
Height3m
Crew3
Caliber370mm
Barrels8
Maximum firing range360 km (using TL-7B anti-ship missile)[1]
Main
armament
2 modular launch cells, each can either carry:
1 × 750mm TBM or
4 × 370mm rocket or
5 × 300mm rocket
EngineDiesel, 8×8 wheeled

The PHL-16,[3] also known as PCL-191,[4] is a truck-mounted self-propelled multiple rocket launcher (MRL) system developed by the People's Republic of China.

Development

It is based on the AR-3 MRL[5] developed by Norinco.[6] The AR-3 was marketed in 2010.[7] The PHL-16 was unveiled during the Chinese National Day Parade in 2019; unlike other rocket systems in the parade, the vehicles were unlabelled.[5]

Design

The launcher vehicles are operated in a firepower battery. The system also capable of autonomous operation. A typical battery includes six launcher vehicles, several reloading vehicles, command post vehicle, meteorological survey vehicle and other service support vehicles.[8]

Rockets

See also: BRE (rocket)

Unlike the earlier PHL-03, which is loaded with a fixed type of ammunition, the new PHL-16 has two modularized launch cells, which can carry different types of ammunition. Each launch cell can carry either five 300 mm rockets or four 370 mm rockets.[6][3] The export version of the new multiple rocket launcher, the AR-3, can even switch to the 750 mm Fire Dragon 480 tactical ballistic missile and 380 mm TL-7B anti-ship missile.[9][10] This capability is possibly transferred to the PLA variants.

The configuration displayed during the 2019 National Day Parade was with 8 370 mm rockets.[5]

Chassis

The vehicle chassis is based on the 45 ton WS2400 8×8 special wheeled vehicle chassis.[11]

Operational history

In February 2023, PHL-16 was observed in deployment by 73rd Group Army of the Eastern Theatre Command, which responsible for the Taiwan Strait area.[12]

Variants

AR-3
Baseline; first marketed in 2010.[7]
PHL-16
Development for the People's Liberation Army[3]

Operators

 People's Republic of China

References

  1. ^ "China deploys PHL-16 MLRS along Taiwan Strait". 28 February 2023.
  2. ^ "China deploys PHL-16 MLRS along Taiwan Strait". 28 February 2023.
  3. ^ a b c Verma, Vivek (7 April 2020). "Appraisal of PLA Artillery Modernisation". Issue Briefs. No. 220. Centre for Land Warfare Studies (published April 2020). Retrieved 8 September 2020.
  4. ^ "China tests new rocket launcher near disputed border with India". The Times. 19 July 2022.
  5. ^ a b c Chan, Minnie (7 December 2019). "China's new PCL191 multiple launch rocket system casts shadow over Taiwan Strait". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
  6. ^ a b Foss, Christopher F. (24 February 2015). "Long-range firepower [IDX15D2]". Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 12 November 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  7. ^ a b "AR3 / PHL-16 - 300/370 mm". GlobalSecurity.org. 1 October 2019. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
  8. ^ "PHL-16". Military Today. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  9. ^ Huang, Panyue, ed. (5 November 2019). "New rocket launcher shows versatility, superiority: Report". China Military. Global Times. Retrieved 21 March 2022.[better source needed]
  10. ^ "DSA 2018: China's NORINCO Showcasing TL-7B Anti-ship Missile". Navy Recognition. 17 April 2018. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  11. ^ "China 'to offer Malaysia radar, rocket launchers based in Johor'". Today. 9 August 2017. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  12. ^ Kajal, Kapil (28 February 2023). "China deploys PHL-16 MLRS along Taiwan Strait". Janes.
  13. ^ International Institute for Strategic Studies: The Military Balance 2022, p.257

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