Difference between revisions of "PGZ04A"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese SPAA {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]]. PGZ is the Chinese designation for self-propelled anti-air guns. PGZ is the pinyin abbreviation for ''炮,高射,自走 (Pao, Gaoshe, Zizou)'', literally "''Gun, Anti-air, Self-propelled''".
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese SPAA {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]]. PGZ is the Chinese PLA designation for its SPAA platforms. With PGZ being the Pinyin abbreviation for "''炮,高射,自走" (Pao, Gaoshe, Zizou)'', or Lit. ''"Artillery, Anti-Air, Self-Propelled".''
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
An usual characteristic of a SPAAG is their light armour, and the PGZ04A is no exception. At only 22.7 tons, its does not have any high protection and is very unlikely to survive any high-explosive and overpressure damages.
  
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
+
The chassis of the PGZ04A is still enough to stop 12.7 mm rounds from going through it up front while that would not be the case for the sides and the rear of the chassis so at best keep your enemies in front of you. The turret, with only 8 mm of steel on every side, barely stops shrapnel and smaller-calibre firearms, anything above 12.7 mm can penetrate the turret with ease.
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
+
 
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
+
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Hull || 10 mm (69°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 12 mm (36°) ''Lower plate'' || 8 mm (11°) ''Top'' <br> 10 mm ''Bottom'' || 10 mm (7°) || 8 mm
|-
 
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
+
| Turret || 8 mm ''Turret front''  || 8 mm || 8 mm || 8 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
+
'''Notes:'''
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
+
 
 +
* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 15 mm thick, and torsion bars are 22 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''
 
 
 
{{tankMobility}}
 
{{tankMobility}}
 +
Thanks to its light weight and a 383 hp F12L412 diesel engine, the PGZ04A can drive at a surprising top speed of 53 km/h. It was also the very first Chinese vehicle that comes with a hydropneumatic suspension (only lifting/lowering), making it a fast and nimble enough vehicle to move around the battlefield and take cover if anything is coming to cause you some trouble. Another rare advantage is the great reverse speed of -18 km/h. Being significantly faster than the majority of Chinese vehicles, this speed not only allows the PGZ04A to retreat back to safety in time but also gives it more tactical agility for repositioning and flanking.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
{{main|PG87 (25 mm)}}
 
{{main|PG87 (25 mm)}}
''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
+
The PGZ04A is equipped with 4 x 25 mm PG87 25x183B AA guns mounted on the side of the turret, which is the same gun as the [[ZSD63]] at tier II.
 +
 
 +
With its above average velocity and high rate of fire, these 4 cannons combined can cause total annihilation of low-flying aircraft within its 2.5 km firing range and its ammunition has sufficient penetration to cause some trouble to lightly armoured vehicles. However, all this comes at a cost: you have only 1,032 rounds in total at your disposal. For players who are trigger-happy, this might a good chance to learn how to conserve their ammo and wait for the chance to deliver the fatal blow to enemy targets.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 1,032 (258) || rowspan="2" | 600 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 1,032 (258) || rowspan="2" | 600 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 70.4 || 97.5 || 118.4 || 130.9 || 139.3 || rowspan="2" | 5.20 || rowspan="2" | 4.60 || rowspan="2" | 4.24 || rowspan="2" | 4.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 47.6 || 56.0 || 68.0 || 75.2 || 80.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
|-
 
|-
| Default || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
+
| Default || 63 || 60 || 47 || 35 || 26 || 19
 
|-
 
|-
| Type 87 HE || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
+
| Type 87 HE || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2
 
|-
 
|-
| Type 87 AP || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
+
| Type 87 AP || 63 || 60 || 47 || 35 || 26 || 19
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
|-
 
|-
| Type 87 HE || FI-T* || ___ || _.__ || __ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
+
| Type 87 HE || FI-T* || 1,050 || 0.25 || 0 || 0.1 || 19 || 47° || 56° || 65°
 
|-
 
|-
| Type 87 AP || AP-T || ___ || _.__ || __ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
+
| Type 87 AP || AP-T || 1,050 || 0.25 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
| '''4''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''8''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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<!-- ''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|HN-6}}
 
{{main|HN-6}}
''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
 
 +
The HN-6 is a MANPADS that comes with a 7 km rear-aspect locking range and a 4.5 km all-aspect locking range, which will prove very useful for handling low-flying helicopters and sometimes earn a surprise kill on careless jets.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="11" | Ammuntion details
+
! colspan="11" | Ammunition details
 
|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
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! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
|-
 
|-
| HN-6 || SAM || ___ || _,___ || _.__ || __ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
+
| HN-6 || SAM || 600 || 7,000&nbsp;(rear&nbsp;aspect) <br> 4,500&nbsp;(all&nbsp;aspect) || 10.7 || 1 || 10 || 770 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
 
 +
With its rapid-firing 25 mm guns and IR missiles, the PGZ04A dominates in close to mid-range air defense. Consider it to have two layers of defence: missiles for up to 7 km (often limited to a moderate 4.5 km due to lock-on aspect), and the 25 mm cannons for anything within 3 km. The IR missiles have questionable tracking ability and often give up track on a target entirely if it manoeuvres to evade. However, it will help to distract incoming aircraft and bleed their speed, making them easier to be finished with the 25 mm cannons. The PGZ04A will have a tough time dealing with helicopters hovering at their maximum range launching ATGMs, as neither of the PGZ04 armaments can reach anything that's beyond 7 km.
 +
 
 +
The PGZ04A's anti-ground ability is limited, due to its smaller calibre 25 mm cannons. They have no dedicated APDS rounds that were found in its predecessor, the PGZ09 (which also has larger cannons of 35 mm). The 25 mm struggles to penetrate the sides of top-tier MBTs, with some of them completely immune (for example, the Merkava Mk.3D), although exterior modules can be quickly destroyed, especially tracks. If aimed well (and some luck), you can take out gun barrels of the enemy tank, but it is better to avoid engaging with MBTs to begin with. The 25 mm rounds also have poor post-pen effects, even against thinly armoured targets, but is counteracted by the high firerate and fire density of the 4 barrels.
 +
 
 +
It is suggested to play the PGZ04A as a dedicated anti-air platform. However, due to its shorter range than its counterparts, you need to leave the spawn to be effective. While doing that, always have friendly tanks to screen you, as the moment you're caught alone by enemy ground targets you will have exceptionally low chance of survival.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
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* Good rate of fire (600 rpm) plus 4 x autocannons mean high fire density
 
* Good rate of fire (600 rpm) plus 4 x autocannons mean high fire density
 
* 4 x IR missiles further improve its anti-air strengths especially against helicopters like [[AH-1 (Family)|AH-1]]
 
* 4 x IR missiles further improve its anti-air strengths especially against helicopters like [[AH-1 (Family)|AH-1]]
* Has search and fire control radars that provides a lead indicator
+
* The tracking device is optoelectrical tracker that can hide yourself from RWR equipped aircrafts
 
* Gunner thermal assists fighting in poor conditions
 
* Gunner thermal assists fighting in poor conditions
 
* Great mobility with adequate reverse speed
 
* Great mobility with adequate reverse speed
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* IR missiles are quite short-ranged and slow, can be evaded/outran easily by fast jets like [[F-104 (Family)|F-104]], [[Su-7B|Su-7]]
 
* IR missiles are quite short-ranged and slow, can be evaded/outran easily by fast jets like [[F-104 (Family)|F-104]], [[Su-7B|Su-7]]
 
* 25 mm shells are not as potent as 35 mm or 57 mm shells at longer ranges
 
* 25 mm shells are not as potent as 35 mm or 57 mm shells at longer ranges
* Low penetration of 25 mm guns means it is helpless against MBTs like [[M1A1 Abrams|M1]]
+
* Low penetration of 25 mm guns, struggles to penetrate MBT sides
 
* Completely exposed autocannons and missiles mean they are easily damaged
 
* Completely exposed autocannons and missiles mean they are easily damaged
 
* Search radar antenna is tall and big, can expose the location of PGZ04A
 
* Search radar antenna is tall and big, can expose the location of PGZ04A
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== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
The story of PGZ04A goes back to his predecessor, PGZ95.
 +
 
 +
During the 1980s when Mainland China was seeking for modernization of PLA, one major inventory they were lacking of was a SPAAG with onboard radar. It was during that time Egypt handed in some [[ZSU-23-4]] to the Chinese, which at first decided that they would go for a reverse-engineered version of the infamous Shilka. But later, they found another major problem: Shilka's optical system wasn't designed for all-weather operations and capabilities at night would be very limited. Meanwhile, another group of PLAGF's officials often went to Europe for equipment development exchanges and weapon tests, one time during the 1980s, they saw the [[SIDAM 25]] that came with all-weather operation capabilities .
 +
 
 +
The NORINCO Northwest Institute of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering (西北机电工程研究所 at Xianyang City, Xi'an, Shaanxi) started its development and eventually, the older brother of PGZ04A- PGZ95 was accepted into PLAGF commission and it was first shown on the parade on 1st October, 1999 (the 50th National Day of PRC). Completed with a S-band CLC-1 search radar and opto-electronic tracking system, as well as 2 pairs of QW-2 MANPADS mounted on its turret. Due to the new electronic system, estimations showed that a PGZ-95 was even more expensive than a brand new [[ZTZ99]].
 +
 
 +
Later in the 2000s, the PGZ95 received an overhaul upgrade on its systems and upgraded its MANPADS to 2 pairs of HN-6 (exported by CATIC as FN-6), eventually this upgraded version was named a PGZ04A. Along the [[PGZ09]], it became the cornerstone of PLAGF's field air defense.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 228: Line 241:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wt:en/news/7170-development-pgz04a-a-much-anticipated-chinese-spaa-en|[Devblog] PGZ04A: A much anticipated Chinese SPAA]]
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{China anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 
{{China anti-aircraft vehicles}}

Revision as of 12:22, 20 September 2021

VTOL | Rank 5 USA
AV-8A Harrier Pack
PGZ04A
cn_pgz_04a.png
GarageImage PGZ04A.jpg
PGZ04A
AB RB SB
9.3 9.3 9.3
Class:
Research:260 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:710 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The HuoPao GaoShe ZiXing 04A is a rank VII Chinese SPAA with a battle rating of 9.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "Red Skies". PGZ is the Chinese PLA designation for its SPAA platforms. With PGZ being the Pinyin abbreviation for "炮,高射,自走" (Pao, Gaoshe, Zizou), or Lit. "Artillery, Anti-Air, Self-Propelled".

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull12 / 10 / 10
Turret8 / 8 / 8
Crew3 people
Visibility341 %

An usual characteristic of a SPAAG is their light armour, and the PGZ04A is no exception. At only 22.7 tons, its does not have any high protection and is very unlikely to survive any high-explosive and overpressure damages.

The chassis of the PGZ04A is still enough to stop 12.7 mm rounds from going through it up front while that would not be the case for the sides and the rear of the chassis so at best keep your enemies in front of you. The turret, with only 8 mm of steel on every side, barely stops shrapnel and smaller-calibre firearms, anything above 12.7 mm can penetrate the turret with ease.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 10 mm (69°) Upper glacis
12 mm (36°) Lower plate
8 mm (11°) Top
10 mm Bottom
10 mm (7°) 8 mm
Turret 8 mm Turret front 8 mm 8 mm 8 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 15 mm thick, and torsion bars are 22 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB61 / 19 km/h
RB and SB56 / 18 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
2 back
Weight22.7 t
Engine power
AB731 hp
RB and SB383 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB32.2 hp/t
RB and SB16.9 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 61 19 22.7 _,___ 731 __.__ 32.2
Realistic 56 18 _,___ 383 __.__ 16.87

Thanks to its light weight and a 383 hp F12L412 diesel engine, the PGZ04A can drive at a surprising top speed of 53 km/h. It was also the very first Chinese vehicle that comes with a hydropneumatic suspension (only lifting/lowering), making it a fast and nimble enough vehicle to move around the battlefield and take cover if anything is coming to cause you some trouble. Another rare advantage is the great reverse speed of -18 km/h. Being significantly faster than the majority of Chinese vehicles, this speed not only allows the PGZ04A to retreat back to safety in time but also gives it more tactical agility for repositioning and flanking.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 728 → 7 035 Sl icon.png
RB4 411 → 6 563 Sl icon.png
SB4 631 → 6 890 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications210 300 Rp icon.png
351 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 000 Sl icon.png
Experts710 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 080 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
160 / 210 / 250 % Sl icon.png
232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement cn.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
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Horizontal Drive
Research:
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Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
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25mm_cn_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
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Cost:
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330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
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Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
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25mm_cn_AP_ammo_pack
Research:
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Cost:
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300 Ge icon.png
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Elevation Mechanism
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
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NVD
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
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Artillery Support
Research:
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Cost:
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450 Ge icon.png
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Laser rangefinder
Research:
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Cost:
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Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

4 x 25 mm PG87 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition1 032 rounds
Belt capacity258 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
32.5 → 25.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Vertical guidance-5° / 85°
Main article: PG87 (25 mm)

The PGZ04A is equipped with 4 x 25 mm PG87 25x183B AA guns mounted on the side of the turret, which is the same gun as the ZSD63 at tier II.

With its above average velocity and high rate of fire, these 4 cannons combined can cause total annihilation of low-flying aircraft within its 2.5 km firing range and its ammunition has sufficient penetration to cause some trouble to lightly armoured vehicles. However, all this comes at a cost: you have only 1,032 rounds in total at your disposal. For players who are trigger-happy, this might a good chance to learn how to conserve their ammo and wait for the chance to deliver the fatal blow to enemy targets.

25 mm PG87 (x4) Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 1,032 (258) 600 -5°/+85° ±180° Two-plane 70.4 97.5 118.4 130.9 139.3 5.20 4.60 4.24 4.00
Realistic 47.6 56.0 68.0 75.2 80.0

Ammunition

  • Default: AP-T · FI-T*
  • Type 87 HE: FI-T*
  • Type 87 AP: AP-T
Penetration statistics
Belt Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
Default 63 60 47 35 26 19
Type 87 HE 2 2 2 2 2 2
Type 87 AP 63 60 47 35 26 19
Belt details
Belt Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
Mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Type 87 HE FI-T* 1,050 0.25 0 0.1 19 47° 56° 65°
Type 87 AP AP-T 1,050 0.25 N/A N/A N/A 47° 60° 65°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
6th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
8 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Additional armament

HN-6 SAM
Ammunition4 rounds
Belt capacity4 rounds
Fire rate60 shots/min
Main article: HN-6

The HN-6 is a MANPADS that comes with a 7 km rear-aspect locking range and a 4.5 km all-aspect locking range, which will prove very useful for handling low-flying helicopters and sometimes earn a surprise kill on careless jets.

HN-6 missile
Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer
4 N/A N/A N/A

Ammunition

Ammunition details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Range
(m)
Projectile
Mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HN-6 SAM 600 7,000 (rear aspect)
4,500 (all aspect)
10.7 1 10 770 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
6th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
4 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Usage in battles

With its rapid-firing 25 mm guns and IR missiles, the PGZ04A dominates in close to mid-range air defense. Consider it to have two layers of defence: missiles for up to 7 km (often limited to a moderate 4.5 km due to lock-on aspect), and the 25 mm cannons for anything within 3 km. The IR missiles have questionable tracking ability and often give up track on a target entirely if it manoeuvres to evade. However, it will help to distract incoming aircraft and bleed their speed, making them easier to be finished with the 25 mm cannons. The PGZ04A will have a tough time dealing with helicopters hovering at their maximum range launching ATGMs, as neither of the PGZ04 armaments can reach anything that's beyond 7 km.

The PGZ04A's anti-ground ability is limited, due to its smaller calibre 25 mm cannons. They have no dedicated APDS rounds that were found in its predecessor, the PGZ09 (which also has larger cannons of 35 mm). The 25 mm struggles to penetrate the sides of top-tier MBTs, with some of them completely immune (for example, the Merkava Mk.3D), although exterior modules can be quickly destroyed, especially tracks. If aimed well (and some luck), you can take out gun barrels of the enemy tank, but it is better to avoid engaging with MBTs to begin with. The 25 mm rounds also have poor post-pen effects, even against thinly armoured targets, but is counteracted by the high firerate and fire density of the 4 barrels.

It is suggested to play the PGZ04A as a dedicated anti-air platform. However, due to its shorter range than its counterparts, you need to leave the spawn to be effective. While doing that, always have friendly tanks to screen you, as the moment you're caught alone by enemy ground targets you will have exceptionally low chance of survival.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good rate of fire (600 rpm) plus 4 x autocannons mean high fire density
  • 4 x IR missiles further improve its anti-air strengths especially against helicopters like AH-1
  • The tracking device is optoelectrical tracker that can hide yourself from RWR equipped aircrafts
  • Gunner thermal assists fighting in poor conditions
  • Great mobility with adequate reverse speed
  • 2 salvos of smoke grenades provide critical concealment
  • Profile is quite low

Cons:

  • IR missiles are quite short-ranged and slow, can be evaded/outran easily by fast jets like F-104, Su-7
  • 25 mm shells are not as potent as 35 mm or 57 mm shells at longer ranges
  • Low penetration of 25 mm guns, struggles to penetrate MBT sides
  • Completely exposed autocannons and missiles mean they are easily damaged
  • Search radar antenna is tall and big, can expose the location of PGZ04A
  • Like all SPAA, armour can only resist small calibre machine gun bullets

History

The story of PGZ04A goes back to his predecessor, PGZ95.

During the 1980s when Mainland China was seeking for modernization of PLA, one major inventory they were lacking of was a SPAAG with onboard radar. It was during that time Egypt handed in some ZSU-23-4 to the Chinese, which at first decided that they would go for a reverse-engineered version of the infamous Shilka. But later, they found another major problem: Shilka's optical system wasn't designed for all-weather operations and capabilities at night would be very limited. Meanwhile, another group of PLAGF's officials often went to Europe for equipment development exchanges and weapon tests, one time during the 1980s, they saw the SIDAM 25 that came with all-weather operation capabilities .

The NORINCO Northwest Institute of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering (西北机电工程研究所 at Xianyang City, Xi'an, Shaanxi) started its development and eventually, the older brother of PGZ04A- PGZ95 was accepted into PLAGF commission and it was first shown on the parade on 1st October, 1999 (the 50th National Day of PRC). Completed with a S-band CLC-1 search radar and opto-electronic tracking system, as well as 2 pairs of QW-2 MANPADS mounted on its turret. Due to the new electronic system, estimations showed that a PGZ-95 was even more expensive than a brand new ZTZ99.

Later in the 2000s, the PGZ95 received an overhaul upgrade on its systems and upgraded its MANPADS to 2 pairs of HN-6 (exported by CATIC as FN-6), eventually this upgraded version was named a PGZ04A. Along the PGZ09, it became the cornerstone of PLAGF's field air defense.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


China anti-aircraft vehicles
Radar SPAAG  PGZ09
Gun and Missile SPAAG  PGZ04A
Other  ZSD63/PG87 · WZ305
Germany  ␗Sd.Kfz.222
North Vietnam  Phòng không T-34
USA  CCKW 353 (M45) · ␗M42
USSR  Tor-M1