PHL-16
| PHL-16 | |
|---|---|
| File:PHL16TBM 2025 V-J Parade CNS.png PHL-16 with tactical ballistic missiles | |
| Type | Multiple rocket launcher |
| Place of origin | China |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2019–present |
| Used by | People's Liberation Army Ground Force |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 45t |
| Length | 12m |
| Width | 3m |
| Height | 3m |
| Crew | 3 |
| Caliber | Depends on munitions: 370 mm (15 in) 300 mm (12 in) 750 mm (30 in) |
| Barrels | Depends on munitions: 370 mm (15 in): 8 300 mm (12 in): 10 750 mm (30 in): 2 |
| Effective firing range | Depends on munitions: BRE3: 130 km (81 mi)[1] BRE6: 220 km (140 mi)[2][3] BRE8: 280 km (170 mi) Fire Dragon 480: 500 km (310 mi) |
Main armament | 2 modular launch cells, each can either carry: 1 × 750mm TBM or 4 × 370mm rocket or 5 × 300mm rocket |
| Engine | Diesel, 8×8 wheeled |
The PHL-16,[4] also known as PCL-191,[5][6] is a truck-mounted self-propelled multiple rocket launcher (MRL) system developed by the People's Republic of China.
Development
[edit | edit source]It is based on the AR-3 MRL[7] developed by Norinco.[2] The AR-3 was marketed in 2010.[8] The PHL-16 was unveiled during the Chinese National Day Parade in 2019; unlike other rocket systems in the parade, the vehicles were unlabelled.[7]
Design
[edit | edit source]The launcher vehicles are operated in a firepower battery. The system is also capable of autonomous operation. A typical battery includes six launcher vehicles, several reloading vehicles, command post vehicle, a meteorological survey vehicle, and other service support vehicles.[9]
Rockets
[edit | edit source]
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 (12 in) rockets or four 370 mm (15 in) rockets.[2][4] The export version of the new multiple rocket launcher, the AR-3, can switch to the 750 mm (30 in) Fire Dragon 480 tactical ballistic missile and 380 mm (15 in) TL-7B anti-ship missile.[10][11] The domestic PHL-16 for the PLA service can also equip the same set of Fire Dragon and TL-7 ammunitions.[12]
The configuration displayed during the 2019 National Day Parade was with eight 370 mm (15 in) rockets.[7]
Chassis
[edit | edit source]The vehicle chassis is based on the 45 t (44 long tons; 50 short tons) WS2400 8×8 special wheeled vehicle chassis.[13]
Operational history
[edit | edit source]In February 2023, PHL-16 was observed in deployment by the 73rd Group Army of the Eastern Theatre Command, which is responsible for the Taiwan Strait area.[14]
In 2024, China inducted the Fire Dragon 480 missiles for the PLA.[12]
Variants
[edit | edit source]Operators
[edit | edit source]
- People's Liberation Army Ground Force – 120+ units as of 2025.[15]
References
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- ^ International Institute for Strategic Studies: The Military Balance 2025, p.242
