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
Effective firing range130 km (using BRE3 rocket)[1]
Maximum firing rangedepends on armament, 280 km (174 mi) (using BRE8 rocket), or 360 km (using TL-7B anti-ship missile)[2]
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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