The SH-2 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer is a new type of weaponry independently developed by China with completely independent intellectual property rights. In the development process of the gun, many key technologies such as overall optimization design, vehicle-gun integration and lightweight, high-efficiency protection, shooting stability, four-wheel steering of the chassis, comprehensive integration of fire control and information systems, etc. were highlighted, representing a light-duty The development direction of vehicle-mounted guns.
| Country of origin | China |
| Entered service | 2020 |
| Crew | 4 – 5 men |
| Dimensions and weight | |
| Weight | ＜11.5 t |
| Length (gun forward) | 2.95m |
| Hull length | ? |
| Width | ? |
| Height | ? |
| Armament | |
| Main gun | 122 mm howitzer |
| Barrel length | 38 calibers |
| Machine guns | ? |
| Projectile weight | ? |
| Maximum firing range | 22 – 27 km |
| Maximum rate of fire | 6 – 8 rpm |
| Elevation range | 0 to + 70 degrees |
| Traverse range | 30 degrees |
| Ammunition load | |
| Main gun | 24 rounds |
| Machine guns | ? |
| Mobility | |
| Engine | diesel |
| Engine power | 215 hp |
| Maximum road speed | 90 km/h |
| Range | 600 km |
| Maneuverability | |
| Gradient | 60% |
| Side slope | 30% |
| Vertical step | ~ 0.45 m |
| Trench | ~ 0.7 m |
| Fording | ~ 1 m |
Key Features:
- Caliber: 122 mm
- Gun Type: L/32 or L/39 barrel (depending on variant), derived from the D-30 howitzer lineage
- Chassis: 6×6 wheeled armored vehicle with NBC protection and central tire inflation system
- Crew: 4–5 (driver, commander, gunner, loader, and optional assistant)
- Fire Control System: Fully digital, with GPS/INS navigation, automatic gun laying, ballistic computer, and remote operation capability
- Rate of Fire: 6–8 rounds per minute (maximum), 2–3 rpm sustained
- Ammunition Capacity: 40 rounds (20 ready-use + 20 stowed)
- Elevation/Traverse: Elevation: -4° to +70°; Traverse: ±30° (manual or power-assisted)
- Autoloader: Optional (on upgraded variants)
- Maximum Range:
- Standard HE-FRAG: 15–18 km
- Base-bleed or Rocket-Assisted Projectiles (RAP): Up to 27 km
- Survivability: Ballistic protection (STANAG 4569 Level 1–2), smoke grenade launchers, and fast deployment/relocation capability
Technical Specifications (Table)
| Parameter | SH-2 122mm SPH |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 122 mm |
| Barrel Length | L/32 or L/39 |
| Chassis Type | 6×6 Wheeled Armored Vehicle |
| Engine Power | ~320–350 hp diesel |
| Max Road Speed | 85–90 km/h |
| Operational Range | 600–800 km |
| Crew | 4–5 |
| Rate of Fire | 6–8 rpm (max), 2–3 rpm (sustained) |
| Ammunition Stowage | 40 rounds (20 ready-use) |
| Elevation | -4° to +70° |
| Traverse | ±30° |
| Fire Control System | Digital, GPS/INS, Auto-aiming |
| Reload Mechanism | Manual or semi-automatic |
| Maximum Range (Standard) | 15–18 km (HE-FRAG) |
| Maximum Range (RAP/BB) | Up to 27 km |
| Accuracy (CEP) | < 1% of range (with GPS correction) |
| NBC Protection | Yes |
| Smoke Dischargers | Yes (typically 4×2 launchers) |
Competitive Advantages vs. Key Rivals
The SH-2 competes in the global market with systems like the Russian 2S1 Gvozdika (tracked) and the BMP-3-based 2S34 Chosta, as well as Western wheeled howitzers such as the CAESAR 6×6 (France) and ATMOS 2000 (Israel). Below is a comparative analysis:
| Feature/Parameter | SH-2 (NORINCO) | 2S1 Gvozdika | CAESAR 6×6 | ATMOS 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 122 mm | 122 mm | 155 mm | 155 mm |
| Chassis | 6×6 Wheeled (armored) | Tracked | 6×6 Wheeled (light armor) | 6×6 Wheeled (truck-based) |
| Mobility (Road Speed) | 90 km/h | 60 km/h | 100 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Strategic Mobility | High (air-transportable) | Medium (heavier) | High | High |
| Rate of Fire | 6–8 rpm | 5–6 rpm | 6 rpm | 8 rpm |
| Max Range (RAP/BB) | 27 km | 21.9 km (RAP) | 40+ km (V-LAP) | 41 km (EXTRA) |
| Fire Control System | Advanced digital | Analog/Basic digital | Advanced (networked) | Fully digital, autonomous |
| Crew Protection | Armored cabin (STANAG 1–2) | Light armor | Minimal | Minimal |
| Cost & Export Status | Low cost, no restrictions | Restricted | High cost, export-limited | Moderate cost, exportable |
| Ammunition Compatibility | Standard 122mm NATO-compatible rounds | Soviet-standard only | 155mm NATO | 155mm NATO |
Note: CAESAR and ATMOS use 155mm ammunition, giving them superior range and payload, but at higher cost and logistical requirements.
Strategic Advantages of the SH-2:
- Cost-Effectiveness: The SH-2 is significantly cheaper than 155mm Western SPHs like CAESAR or ATMOS, making it ideal for budget-conscious militaries.
- Enhanced Crew Protection: Unlike most wheeled SPHs (e.g., CAESAR), the SH-2 features an armored cabin, offering better protection against small arms and shell splinters—critical in asymmetric warfare.
- Proven 122mm Ammunition Ecosystem: The 122mm round is widely used across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Many countries already stockpile 122mm ammunition, reducing logistical burden.
- High Strategic Mobility: The 6×6 wheeled design allows rapid deployment via truck or transport aircraft (e.g., Y-20, Il-76), suitable for rapid reaction forces.
- Export Flexibility: NORINCO offers the SH-2 without political restrictions, unlike Western systems that are often subject to end-user monitoring and geopolitical constraints.
- Modern Fire Control: Despite its lower price, the SH-2 includes advanced digital fire control, GPS navigation, and automated gun laying—features once reserved for high-end systems.
Conclusion
The SH-2 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer is a smart blend of affordability, mobility, and modern firepower, tailored for export customers seeking a capable artillery system without the high cost or political conditions of Western alternatives. While it cannot match the range and destructive power of 155mm systems like the CAESAR or ATMOS, it excels in survivability (armored crew cabin), logistical compatibility (122mm ammo), and operational flexibility.
Its primary competitive edge lies in being a “best value” solution—offering better protection than light howitzers and greater export freedom than Western or Russian systems. For nations modernizing their artillery fleets with limited budgets, the SH-2 presents a compelling and practical choice in the global SPH market.
