The SH5 105mm howitzer is a typical light, highly maneuverable vehicle-mounted howitzer, with high tactical mobility and strategic mobility. It has a simple and low profile, and adopts a high-performance off-road vehicle chassis. The system is light in weight, long in range, high in precision, powerful, and has informatization and digital capabilities.
The total combat weight of the SH5 105mm vehicle-mounted howitzer is less than 11 tons, and it can carry 40 rounds of ammunition. It has the function of zero-degree shooting at high and low angles in the direction of travel, with a maximum rate of fire of 8 rounds per minute and a maximum range of 18.2 kilometers (bottom discharge). The gun uses a 6×6 off-road truck chassis with an engine power of 160 kilowatts and a maximum road speed of 100 kilometers per hour. The chassis adopts front and rear axle steering, the turning diameter is less than 13 meters, and is equipped with a tire central inflation and deflation system. The minimum ground clearance is greater than 400 mm, the wading depth is 1.5 meters, and the off-road ability is strong. The artillery has a high degree of informatization, and the marching/combat transition time is less than 45 seconds.
Key Specifications of the SH5 105mm SPH
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 105 mm |
| Barrel Length | 52 Calibers (L/52) |
| Rate of Fire | 6–8 rounds/min (burst), 4 rounds/min (sustained) |
| Maximum Range | 18 km (standard HE), up to 22 km (RAP ammunition) |
| Crew | 4 (Commander, Driver, Gunner, Loader) |
| Chassis | 6×6 wheeled armored vehicle |
| Engine | Diesel, ~350 hp |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | ~18 hp/ton |
| Maximum Road Speed | 80 km/h |
| Operational Range | 600 km |
| Armor Protection | Light ballistic armor (STANAG 4569 Level 1–2), optional NBC protection |
| Fire Control System | Digital FCS with GPS/INS, automatic gun laying |
| Ammunition Types | HE, HE-FRAG, Smoke, Illumination, RAP, Precision-guided (compatible) |
| Loading System | Manual with assisted ramming |
| Elevation Range | -5° to +70° |
| Traverse | 360° (manual or power-assisted) |
| Suspension | Independent suspension with hydraulic dampers |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | ~8.2 m × 2.8 m × 3.2 m |
| Weight | ~19 tons |
| Amphibious Capability | No (land-only operation) |
Design and Operational Features
- High Strategic Mobility: The 6×6 wheeled chassis enables high-speed road marches and rapid repositioning. It can be transported by C-130 class aircraft, making it ideal for airborne and rapid deployment missions.
- Shoot-and-Scoot Tactics: With a fully digital fire control system, automatic gun laying, and fast setup time (< 2 minutes), the SH5 can fire quickly and relocate before enemy counter-battery radar locks its position.
- Network-Centric Warfare Ready: Integrates with NORINCO’s artillery command systems (e.g., PCZ command vehicle) for real-time data exchange, GPS navigation, and coordinated fire missions.
- Low Logistical Footprint: Shares commonality with other wheeled platforms, reducing maintenance and training burden.
- Open Architecture: Allows integration of third-party communication, navigation, and targeting systems.
Advantages Over Competitors
The SH5 competes with systems like the French Nexter LRU (Lightweight Howitzer), the South African Denel T6, and the Russian 2S38 Zauralets-D. Here’s how it compares:
Feature |
SH5 (NORINCO) |
Nexter LRU (105mm) |
Denel T6 (105mm) |
2S38 Zauralets-D (100mm) |
Advantage of SH5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobility | 6×6 wheeled, 80 km/h | 4×4 wheeled, 100 km/h | 6×6 wheeled, 90 km/h | Tracked, 70 km/h | Balanced speed and cross-country performance |
| Strategic Transport | C-130 transportable | C-130 transportable | C-130 transportable | Mi-26 helicopter or Il-76 transport | Comparable, but lower cost |
| Rate of Fire | 6–8 rpm (burst) | 6 rpm | 8 rpm | 15 rpm (autoloader) | Competitive; better than LRU |
| Fire Control System | Full digital FCS with auto-laying | Advanced FCS | Modern FCS | Fully automated, radar-integrated | High automation at lower cost |
| Range | Up to 22 km (RAP) | 17 km (standard), 22 km (RAP) | 17 km | 15 km | Superior range with RAP ammunition |
| Protection | Light armor, optional NBC | Light armor | Light armor | Tracked APC-level armor | Less protected than 2S38, but lighter and faster |
| Export Availability | No major restrictions | EU export controls apply | South African export policy | Russian export limitations | Greater export flexibility and lower political risk |
| Cost | Low to medium | High | Medium | Very high | Most cost-effective modern 105mm SPH |
Strategic Role and Deployment
The SH5 is ideal for:
- Mountain and jungle warfare where tracked vehicles struggle.
- Rapid reaction forces requiring quick artillery support.
- Export markets seeking affordable, modern artillery with full logistical and command support.
- Hybrid warfare scenarios where mobility and survivability are key.
It can be deployed alongside heavier systems like the PLZ-45 or PLZ-52 to provide layered fire support.
Conclusion
The SH5 105mm Wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzer represents a smart blend of firepower, mobility, and affordability. While it may not match the automation of the Russian 2S38 or the speed of the Nexter LRU, it offers the best overall value proposition in its class—especially for nations seeking a modern, export-friendly, and rapidly deployable artillery system. With its long range, digital fire control, and strategic transportability, the SH5 is a compelling choice for 21st-century mobile warfare.
