PHL-16

The PHL-16[1] (or Type PCL191) is a truck-mounted self-propelled multiple rocket launcher (MRL) system developed by the People's Republic of China.

PHL-16
TypeMultiple rocket launcher
Place of originChina
Service history
In service2019–present
Used by
Specifications
Crew3
Caliber300 mm (12 in)
370 mm (15 in)
750 mm (30 in)
380 mm (15 in)
Barrels10
Suspension8×8 wheeled

Development

It is based on the AR-3 MRL[2] developed by Norinco.[3] The AR-3 was marketed in 2010.[4] The PHL-16 was unveiled during the Chinese National Day Parade in 2019; unlike other rocket systems in the parade, the vehicles were unlabelled.[2]

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.[5]

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.[3][1] 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.[6][7] This capability is possibly transferred to the PLA variants.

The configuration displayed during the 2019 National Day Parade was with 8 370 mm rockets.[2]

Vehicle

The vehicle chassis is based on the 45 ton WS2400 8×8 special wheeled vehicle chassis.[8]

Variants
AR-3
Baseline; first marketed in 2010.[4]
PHL-16
Development for the People's Liberation Army[1]

Operators
 People's Republic of China

References
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. "AR3 / PHL-16 - 300/370 mm". GlobalSecurity.org. 1 October 2019. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
  5. "PHL-16". Military Today. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  6. Huang, Panyue, ed. (5 November 2019). "New rocket launcher shows versatility, superiority: Report". China Military. Global Times. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  7. "DSA 2018: China's NORINCO Showcasing TL-7B Anti-ship Missile". Navy Recognition. 17 April 2018. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  8. "China 'to offer Malaysia radar, rocket launchers based in Johor'". Today. 9 August 2017. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  9. International Institute for Strategic Studies (2021). The Military Balance 2021. Routledge. p. 251. ISBN 978-1-03-201227-8.

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