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Land ForcesChina

PLZ-83 (Type 83)

152mm self-propelled howitzerFielded 1983Pending verification
Land ForcesCHN
Identification silhouette. Not drawn to scale between entries.
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
Type152mm self-propelled howitzer
Date of introduction1983
ProliferationOrigin country only
ManufacturerNORINCOMed[1]
Crew5Med[1]
Displacement time1 minMed[1]
Emplacement time1 minMed[1]
Dimensions and weight
Width3.24 m11 ftMed[1]
Combat weight30 tMed[1]
Automotive performance
ChassisPLZ-83 (Type 83)Med[1]
EngineDeutz Type 12150LMed[1]
Engine power520 hpMed[1]
Cruising range450 km280 mi · 243 nmiMed[1]
Max road speed55 km/h34 mph · 30 ktMed[1]
Cross-country speed35 km/h22 mph · 19 ktMed[1]
Fording depth1.3 mMed[1]
Fording without Preparation1.3 mMed[1]
Protection
Hull ArmorArmored Steel (Protection from shell splinters and small arms)Med[1]
Turret ArmorArmored Steel (Protection from shell splinters and small arms)Med[1]
Armament
LoaderNo ammunition handling systemMed[1]
Rate of fire (max)8 rds/minMed[1]
Rate of fire (sustained)8 rds/minMed[1]
Max elevation+65 degMed[1]
Min elevation-5 degMed[1]
Main armamentType 66, Type 83 (152mm Howitzer)Med[1]
Secondary armament1 x Type 54 (DShKM)Med[1]
Maximum firing range30 km19 mi · 16 nmiMed[1]
Fire control
Computerized FCSYesMed[1]
Thermal Sight Vehicle CommanderYesMed[1]
Thermal Sight GunnerYesMed[1]
Main Gun StabilizationYesMed[1]
Variants
Type 89 Multiple Launch Rocket SystemType 89 multiple launch rocket system. It is based on the same tracked armored chassis. This artillery rocket system was revealed in 1999. It is speculated that this system entered service in the late 1990s and was not o[1]
425-mm mine-clearing systemThis is a basic vehicle with a limited-traverse launcher that has two cradles, each holding a large rocket with a range of 875-1,090 yds (800-1,000 m). When the rocket lands, it explodes -- clearing an area 140 yds (130 [1]
Type 89 Tank DestroyerThe Type 89 is a tank destroyer based on the hull of the Type 83. It features a 120-mm smoothbore anti-tank gun in a new turret.[1]
Trench DiggerA trench digger has been developed based on the hull of the Type 83 self-propelled howitzer. The vehicle, fitted with a front-mounted dozer blade, can dig between 8,830 cubic ft (250 cubic m) to 10,590 cubic ft (300 cubi[1]
Weapons and payload options · 6Confidence · Source
152mm HE Projectile152 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
30 rounds total any combination of 152mm Rounds.
Muzzle velocity
655 m/s
Armor penetration
Yes
Fuze
RGM-2, RGM-2m, D-1U, V-90
152 mm HE-FRAG Projectile152 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
30 rounds total any combination of 152mm Rounds.
Muzzle velocity
655 m/s
152mm Cargo Projectile152 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
30 rounds total any combination of 152mm Rounds.
Muzzle velocity
655 m/s
BB-HE Projectile152 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
30 rounds total any combination of 152mm Rounds.
Muzzle velocity
660 m/s
BB-RA/HE Projectile152 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
30 rounds total any combination of 152mm Rounds.
Muzzle velocity
674 m/s
Jamming152 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
30 rounds total any combination of 152mm Rounds.
Muzzle velocity
655 m/s
Summary

The PLZ-83 (Type 83) Chinese 152mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) is capable of firing all standard types of 152mm rounds. The main armament cannon is based on the Chinese 152mm towed Type 66 mounted on a vehicle hull similar to the Russian 152mm SP gun-howitzer 2S3.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
China
Sources
  1. PLZ-83 (Type 83) Chinese 152mm 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