NORINCO PHL-03

History

The modern Chinese Army relies heavily on long-range firepower as a key strategy. They use mobile platforms like the NORINCO PHL-03 series, which was introduced in 2004. This mobile launcher was influenced by the Soviet BM-30 "Smerch" system, which is still used by Russia and other countries today. The PHL-03 is an upgraded version of the American M270 MLRS vehicle.

The PHL-03 is a heavy 8x8 vehicle weighing 43 tons. It has a launcher assembly that can hold 12 rockets. The vehicle has a crew of at least four people and features a diesel powerplant with 500 horsepower. It has oversized wheels for both on-road and off-road performance, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 37 mph and travel up to 400 miles. The vehicle is 39.3 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 10 feet tall.

The rockets used by the PHL-03 weigh 1,800 pounds and have a caliber of 300 mm. They have a maximum range of 80 miles under ideal conditions. The vehicle's twelve launch tubes give it powerful firepower to engage targets effectively. It also has a Digital Fire Control System with GPS for accurate targeting. The warhead of the rocket can be adjusted to fire different types of explosives, fragments, submunitions, clusters, fuel air explosives (FAE), chemical, and even nuclear warheads.

The PHL-03 is not only used by the Chinese Army but also by the armed forces of Ethiopia, Morocco, and Tanzania. Morocco has the largest fleet with around 36 units in service.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service: 2003

Origins: China

Status: Active

Crew: 3

Production: 100

Manufacturer: China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) China

Carrier: China

ROLES

Fire Support/Attack/Breakthrough

Support allied forces with direct/indirect fire, attacking forward positions and/or breaking through fortified areas of the battlefield.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 39.4 feet (12m)

Width: 10 feet (3.05m)

Height: 10 feet (3.05m)

Weight: 87,402 lbs (39,645 kg)

Tonnage: 43.7 tons

Power and Performance

Engine: 1 turbo diesel engine driving a conventional 8x8 wheel arrangement.

Speed: 37.3 km/h (60.0 km/h)

Area: 528.2 miles (850.0 km)

Weapon: 12 x 300mm rocket launcher.

Ammotion: 12 x 300mm battlefield missile with different warhead types; supplied by the included ammo transporter.

VARIANTS

PHL-03 - The name of the base series.