Bangladesh Army to purchase self-propelled artillery

[Jamil Hassan]

Bangladesh Army to purchase self-propelled artillery
01 August 2005
Staff Correspondent, Dhaka

http://www.bdmilitary.com/main/repor...ws_2005_08.htm

Some reports recently confirmed that the Bangladesh Army could purchase Chinese PL-45 self propelled howitzers and other towed howitzers. This is being kept as an open option. Defence delegations from both countries will exchange visits in this regard.

This news comes as the Prime minister announced the Army's expansion and modernisation plans, which will involve the establishment of one medium regiment artillery and three more artillery units. One medium regiment consists of 22 artillery guns, while there are 30 pieces for the field artillery and 60 pieces for a full fledged mixed brigade in the Bangladesh Army. They all come complete with full package of support, command and control, forward observer, and radar vehicles.

The PLZ-45 (also known as Type 88) 155 mm, 45 calibre self-propelled howitzer (categoried as gun-howitzer by the PLA) was developed by NORINCO in the early 1990s for the international market. The system was jointly developed by the 123 Factory, 127 Factory, 674 Factory and Beijing Univeristy of Science and Technology based on the Type 89 (PLL-01) towed 155 mm/45 calibre gun-howitzer.

Design features

The PLZ-45 may well be one of the most potent weapons of Chinese designs. The PLZ-45 combines a new chassis with the powerful 45-calibre Type 89 (WA-021) 155 mm howitzer. The rate of fire is 4~5 rounds/min. The artillery can carry 30 rounds. Ammunitions include NATO HE, RAP, illumination, smoke, chemical, guided, DPICM, FASCAM, and ERFB-BB, and the maximum fire range is 24 km (HE) to 39 km (ERFB-BB). Secondary armament consists of a 12.7 mm W-85 anti-aircraft machine gun mounted on the roof, and two sets of four-barrel smoke grenade launcher on the turret's side.

The PLZ-45's chassis was derived from the Type 80 main battle tank. The combat weight is 32 tons. The power pack is a 525 hp liquid cooled diesel engine, giving a maximum road speed of 65 km/h and a cruising range of 450 km. The artillery is operated by five crewmembers. The compartment is equipped with an anti-NBC protection, explosion detection, fire suppression, and GPS navigation system. In addition, howitzers sold to Kuwaitis Army are also fitted with air conditioners for operating in the desert environment.

Each PLZ-45 battalion consists of 1~2 command and control vehicles, 3 observation and reconnaissance vehicles, 1 target correction radar, 1 weather radar, 1 repairing workshop vehicle, 1 potable cabin for repairing and testing, as well as three howitzer companies. Each company has one observation and reconnaissance vehicle, 6~8 howitzers, and 6~8 ammunition transport/reloading vehicles. Each howitzer is supported by an ammunition vehicle, which can carry 90 rounds and reload the howitzer at a speed of 6~8 rounds/min.

Outcome

The expansion of the artillery forces would enhance not only the strength and ability of the army in terms of firepower, but also increase employment, promotion and scope for work in UN peace missions.

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