PHL-03

The PHL-03 is a truck-mounted self-propelled 12-tube 300 mm long-range multiple rocket launcher of the People's Republic of China.

PHL-03
PHL-03 on display at Beijing's Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution, 2017
TypeMultiple rocket launcher
Place of originChina
Service history
In service2004–present
Used by
WarsTigray War
Production history
ManufacturerChina Ordnance Industries Group Corporation Limited
Specifications
Mass43 t[1]
Length12 m (39 ft 4 in)[1]
Width3 m (10 ft)[1]
Height3 m (10 ft)[1]
Crew4[1]
Caliber300 mm (12 in)
Barrels12
Maximum firing range70–130 km (43–81 mi)[1]
EngineDiesel engine
500 hp (370 kW)[1]
Suspension8×8 wheeled
Operational
range
650 km (400 mi)[1]
Maximum speed 60 km/h (37 mph)[1]

The system is beginning to be replaced by the more modular and newer PHL-16.

Design

The design is based on the Soviet-made BM-30 Smerch rocket artillery system. The main role for this multiple rocket launcher is to engage strategic targets such as large concentrations of troops, airfields, command centres, air defense batteries and support facilities. It is also used to engage in counter-battery fire missions.

The PHL-03 has the same configuration as the original Soviet counterpart with 12 launch tubes for 300 mm artillery rockets, along with a computerised fire-control system (FCS) incorporating GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou.

Rockets
See also: BRE (rocket)

The PHL-03 uses the 300 mm rockets of the BRE family, namely the BRC4, BRE2 and the guided Fire Dragon 140A which have a range of 130 km (81 mi).[2]

A standard weight for each rocket is 800 kg (1,800 lb) with a 280 kg (620 lb) warhead. Maximum firing range is depending on warhead type with around 70–130 km (43–81 mi). Standard warheads are high-explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG), fuel-air explosive, and cluster warheads with anti-armor and anti-personnel submunitions. Cluster warheads can also carry self-targeting anti-tank munitions. A full salvo of this system could potentially cover an area of up to 67 hectares (170 acres).

In October 2020, it was reported that a new type of rocket was being deployed on the PHL-03 with a range 30 km longer than normal, suggesting a range of 160 km (99 mi).[2]

Operators
 People's Republic of China
 Morocco
 Ethiopia

See also

References
  1. "PHL 03 Multiple Launch Rocket System". Military-Today.com. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
  2. Cranny-Evans, Samuel (20 October 2020). "PLAGF's PHL-03 MRL armed with new, longer-range guided rocket, says Chinese state media". Janes.com. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
  3. Verma, Vivek (April 2020). "Appraisal of PLA Artillery Modernisation". Issue Brief. Centre for Land Warfare Studies (220): 2. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
  4. Elkorri, Mohamed (22 February 2023). "Le Maroc envisagerait l'achat de lance-roquettes israéliens PULS". L'Opinion (in French). Retrieved 25 February 2023.
  5. "Trade Registers". armstrade.sipri.org.
  6. Mitzer, Stijn; Oliemans, Joost (15 September 2021). "Go Ballistic: Tigray's Forgotten Missile War With Ethiopia and Eritrea". Oryx. Retrieved 7 June 2023.

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