D
Land ForcesChina

PLZ-45 (Type 88)

155mm self-propelled howitzerFielded 1997Pending verification
Land ForcesCHN
PLZ-45 (Type 88)
Photo: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from Washington D.C, United States · CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
Type155mm self-propelled howitzer
Date of introduction1997
ProliferationAt least 5 countries
ManufacturerNORINCOMed[1]
Crew5Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Width3.3 m11 ftMed[1]
Combat weight33 tMed[1]
Automotive performance
ChassisTurreted tracked chassis.Med[1]
EngineDeutz BF12 L413FCMed[1]
Engine power525 hpMed[1]
Cruising range450 km280 mi · 243 nmiMed[1]
Max road speed55 km/h34 mph · 30 ktMed[1]
Cross-country speed50 km/h31 mph · 27 ktMed[1]
SuspensionTorsion BarMed[1]
Fording depthINA mMed[1]
Protection
Hull ArmorAll-welded steel armor that can withstand small arms fire and shellingMed[1]
Turret ArmorAll-welded steel armor that can withstand small arms fire and shellingMed[1]
Explosive reactive armorNo, the PLZ-45 is not intended to be stationed near the front lines of the battlefieldMed[1]
Active Protection SystemYes, explosion detectionMed[1]
NBC ProtectionYesMed[1]
Grenade LaunchersYes, 2 sets of 4-barrel grenade launchersMed[1]
Armament
Loadersemi-automatic loaderMed[1]
Rate of fire (max)5 rds/minMed[1]
Rate of fire (sustained)2 rds/minMed[1]
Max elevation+72 degMed[1]
Min elevation-3 degMed[1]
Main armament1 × turret mounted 155mm howitzer, 155mmMed[1]
Secondary armament1 x W-85 Heavy Machine GunMed[1]
Maximum firing range39 km24 mi · 21 nmiLongest-range ammunition listedMed[1]
Fire control
Computerized FCSYesMed[1]
Thermal Sight Vehicle CommanderYesMed[1]
Thermal Sight GunnerYesMed[1]
Main Gun StabilizationYes, two spades can be lowered at the rear of the hull, one either side and in line with the trackMed[1]
Variants
PLZ-52The PLZ-52 looks similar to the PLZ45 but is a more capable system with a longer 52-calibre barrel and better mobility.[1]
Weapons and payload options · 6Confidence · Source
High Explosive (HE)155 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Range
24 km15 mi · 13 nmi
Quantity
30 Total of any combination projectiles
Muzzle velocity
937 m/s
Armor penetration
Yes
Extended Range Full Bore (ERFB)155 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Range
30 km19 mi · 16 nmi
Quantity
30 Total of any combination projectiles
Muzzle velocity
897 m/s
Armor penetration
Yes
Extended Range Full Bore, Hollow Base, Base Bleed (ERFB-HB-B155 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Range
39 km24 mi · 21 nmi
Quantity
30 Total of any combination projectiles
Muzzle velocity
903 m/s
Armor penetration
Yes
ERFB-WP155 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Range
25 km16 mi · 13 nmi
Quantity
30 Total of any combination projectiles
Muzzle velocity
795.5 m/s
Armor penetration
Yes
ERFB Ill155 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Range
24 km15 mi · 13 nmi
Quantity
30 Total of any combination projectiles ea
Muzzle velocity
789.2 m/s
Armor penetration
Yes
ERFB BE155 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Range
26 km16 mi · 14 nmi
Quantity
30 Total of any combination projectiles
Muzzle velocity
974.5 m/s
Armor penetration
Yes
Summary

The PLZ-45 or Type 88 is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer developed by Norinco in the 1990s for the export market. It is based on Norinco's Type 89 (PLL01) 155mm/45-calibre towed gun-howitzer.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
ChinaAlgeriaEthiopiaKuwaitSaudi Arabia
Sources
  1. PLZ-45 (Type 88) 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
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import
  • 2026-10-10 Added photo (CC BY 2.0)