Difference between revisions of "PGZ09"

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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}}''', nicknamed "Hunter 猎手" is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese SPAA {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', nicknamed the "猎手", or Hunter, is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese SPAA {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]].
  
−
PGZ09 was the Chinese attempt to make a counterpart to [[Gepard|Flakpanzer Gepard]] and JGSDF's [[Type 87]] to intercept incoming aerial targets such as helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles with its pair 35 mm cannons. With its high off-road speed, advanced electronic system with both search/targeting radar and even a Generation 2 thermal sight onboard, it can prove deadly to both careless aerial and ground targets at its tier and provide field air-defence to its allies wherever they are with its mobility.
+
The PGZ09 is a Chinese counterpart to the [[Gepard|Flakpanzer Gepard]] and [[Type 87]] designed to intercept incoming aerial targets such as helicopters, drones, or cruise missiles. With its high off-road speed, advanced electronic system with both search/tracking radar, and a 2nd gen thermal sight, it can prove deadly to both careless aerial and ground targets and provide field air-defence to its allies wherever they are with its mobility.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
The chassis provides sufficient protection to the crew against smaller firearms and shrapnel from explosions, but due to its nature of being a SPAAG in this case, only the front is sufficient to stop HMGs and maybe even some autocannons; while the turret itself struggles. With overpressure damage, it is unlikely that PGZ09 can take direct hits from artillery or higher calibre HEFS/HEATFS shells and survive. Its tall search radar antenna is very visible therefore likely to attract fire, and when hit by anything with explosive filler it will be broken; the shrapnel and blast will also pass down to the thin turret roof and damage/destroy components like the targeting radar and/or crews. Thus you need to be aware of whether the search radar antenna is exposed when the tank is behind cover.
+
The chassis provides sufficient protection to the crew against small calibre guns and shrapnel from explosions, but due to its nature of being a SPAA, only the front is sufficient to stop HMGs and maybe even some autocannons; while the turret itself struggles with only 8mm of armour. With overpressure damage, the PGZ09 cannot take hits from artillery or high calibre chemical shells. Its tall search radar is very visible and therefore likely to attract fire. if it is hit by anything with explosive filler it will be broken; the shrapnel and blast will also pass down the thin turret roof and damage/destroy components like the targeting radar and crew. Thus you need to be aware of whether the search radar antenna is exposed even when the tank is behind cover.
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
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{{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.'' -->
−
Thanks to its high horsepower 8V150 engine (at around 800 hp), this turbocharged diesel engine lets PGZ09 having a satisfying top speed of 65 km/h, a vast improvement over [[WZ305]] and making it one of the fastest tracked SPAAGs along with [[Gepard]]/[[AMX-30 DCA]] and [[VEAK 40]]. It can follow teammates with ease and retreat to a safe position if anything comes at you with its -15 km/h reverse (currently the second fastest among all Chinese vehicles, only falls behind his successor PGZ04A by -2 km/h).
+
Thanks to the powerful 8V150 engine of almost 800 hp, this turbocharged diesel engine lets the PGZ09 having a satisfying top speed of 65 km/h, a vast improvement over [[WZ305]] and making it one of the fastest tracked SPAAGs along with the [[Gepard]], [[AMX-30 DCA]] and [[VEAK 40]]. It can follow teammates with ease and retreat to a safe position if anything comes at you with its -15 km/h reverse (currently the second fastest among all Chinese vehicles, only falls behind his successor PGZ04A by -2 km/h).
  
 
{{tankMobility}}
 
{{tankMobility}}
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{{main|PG99-35-2 (35 mm)}}
 
{{main|PG99-35-2 (35 mm)}}
  
−
PG99-35-2 AA gun is an unlicensed but upgraded version of the renowned Swiss Oerlikon GDF-002 (due to embargo), produced as PG90 at 1990s, therefore it shares the same traits from the original [[Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)|Oerlikon KDA]] series AA guns - high ROF, velocity, and sufficient penetration to tear down most vehicles from the sides with ease. But due to the internal design of PGZ09, it has lower ammo count than Western and Japanese counterparts and has only 40 APDS round as last ditch close-quarter combat ammunition to tear down those which might come showing their sides.
+
As a variant of the Swiss Oerlikon GDF-002, it shares the same traits as the [[Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)|Oerlikon KDA]] guns found in other nations' SPAAs - high ROF, velocity, and sufficient penetration to tear down most vehicles from the sides with ease. But due to the internal design of PGZ09, it has lower ammo count than its Western and Japanese counterparts and carriers 40 APDS rounds as emergency anti-armour.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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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).'' -->
−
Like his counterparts in NATO forces and in Japan, speed is your friend and PGZ09 is among the fastest ones, it was specifically designed for field air-defense so the first priority for PGZ09 is anything that flies: fixed-wing aircrafts and helicopters. At its BR range, very few aircraft come with an RWR, so no worries on keeping the radar on and searching for targets then tearing them down. If bringing it to higher BR is necessary, do not keep your radar on for extended periods of time, it will give yourself away to aircraft with RWR, so turn it off and utilize your tracking radar in gunner sight after enemies were spotted. Keep in mind your subpar ammunition count to counterparts so trigger-happy is not an option for PGZ09.
+
Like its counterparts in NATO and Japan, speed is your friend and the PGZ09 is among the fastest ones, as an SPAA, your first priority should be aircraft and helicopters. At its BR range, few aircraft come with an RWR, so there should no worries on keeping the radar always on. If bought to a higher BR, do not keep your radar on for extended periods of time, as it will give yourself away to aircraft with RWR, so turn it off and only utilize the tracking radar after enemies have been spotted. Keep in mind your subpar ammunition count so trigger-happy firing is not an option.
  
−
PGZ09 can also be used as anti-armour to a certain extent thanks to the high penetration of 35 mm shells, these rounds are lethal to lightly armoured vehicles and sides of Cold War MBTs albeit PGZ09 has the worst depression angle among SPAAGs (at mere -2°), making it struggle in very close-quarters combat, so keep some distance from land-based enemies if the only option is to fight back. Also, due to the design of PGZ09, it has only 40 rounds of DM23 APDS at disposal so think twice before unleashing them on enemies. Do remember that those 8-10 mm of steel all-around won't help you too much on stopping some higher calibre machine guns, autocannons and anything with explosive fillers.
+
The PGZ09 can also be used in an anti-armour role to a certain extent thanks to the good penetration of 35 mm shells, these rounds are lethal to lightly armoured vehicles and the sides of Cold War MBTs, albeit the PGZ09 has the worst gun depression among SPAAs (at a mere -2°), making it struggle in even slightly uneven terrain, so keep some distance from land-based enemies if you're in a gunfight. Additionally, it has only 40 rounds of APDS at disposal so think twice before unleashing them on enemies. Do remember that those 8-10 mm of steel all-around won't help you too much on stopping some higher calibre machine guns, autocannons and anything with explosive fillers.
  
 
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
 
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
  
−
* [[SA 313B Alouette II (Germany)|SA 313B]], [[UH-1C]], etc: these early helicopters, despite looking small and fragile, can give some nasty bites with their ATGM. Experienced helicopter pilots tend to hover ~2-4 km away from the frontline firing missiles from afar. The further they stay, the harder it is for the PGZ09 to effectively destroy them. If they are more than 3 km away and are slowly sliding sideways, hold your fire as the accuracy of your shells drop drastically and will be easily evaded, revealing your position. Instead go behind a cover so the helicopter cannot hurt you and look for closer targets, if any, but do keep an eye on the helicopter. Track its range with your radar, once it gets within 3 km consider shooting it (still, remember that the closer the better). Note that with your nice gunner thermal you can clearly see the helicopter's missile, allowing you to take action to evade before it's too late.  
+
*[[SA 313B Alouette II (Germany)|SA 313B]], [[UH-1C]], etc. These early helicopters, despite being small and fragile, can give some nasty bites with their ATGMs. Experienced helicopter pilots tend to hover ~2-4 km away from the frontline firing missiles from afar, and at that distance it is somewhat difficult for the PGZ09 to effectively destroy them. If they are more than 3 km away and are slowly sliding sideways, hold your fire as the accuracy of your shells drop drastically and will be easily evaded, revealing your position. Instead, you should evade the helicopter, track its range with your radar, and once it gets within 3 km consider shooting it (still, remember that the closer the better). Note that with your gunner thermals you can clearly see the helicopter's missile, allowing you to take early action to try to avoid it. 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* First Chinese SPAA with search and fire control radars, significantly boosting anti-air capabilities
+
* Good Firepower:
−
* Autocannons are deadly against common aircraft like [[G.91 (Family)|G.91]]
+
** First Chinese SPAA with search and fire control radars, significantly boosting anti-air capabilities
−
* Fast gun targeting speed, can keep up with most targets
+
** Autocannons are deadly against common aircraft like [[G.91 (Family)|G.91]]
−
* Gunner thermal assists fighting in bad weathers
+
** Fast gun targeting speed, can keep up with most targets
−
* Comfortable mobility, can relocate quickly
+
** Gunner thermal assists fighting in bad weathers
−
* DM23 APDS allows it to fight back against MBTs such as [[XM-1 (GM)|XM-1]]
+
** DM23 APDS allows it to fight back against MBTs such as [[XM-1 (GM)|XM-1]]
−
* Adequate reverse speed of -15 km/h
+
* Good mobility:
−
* 2 salvos of smoke grenades provide useful concealment
+
** High speed, one of the fastest SPAAs in the game
 +
** Adequate reverse speed of -15 km/h
 +
* 2 salvos of smoke grenades can help conceal the vehicle for repositioning
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Search radar antenna is tall and big, can expose the location of the PGZ09
+
* Poor Survivability:
−
* Gun placement makes close-range aiming quite awkward
+
** Search radar antenna is tall, can expose the location of the PGZ09
−
* Limited DM23 capacity
+
** Armour is only proof against small calibre machine gun bullets
−
* Extremely limiting gun depression of only -2°, poor in even urban environment let alone hills
+
* Poor Weapon Handling:
−
* Like all SPAA, armour can only resist small calibre machine gun bullets
+
** Limited DM23 capacity of 40 rounds
 +
** Extremely poor gun depression of only -2°, poor in even urban environment let alone hills
 +
** Gun placement makes close-range aiming quite awkward
  
 
== 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).'' -->
  
−
During the late 1980s, with many attempts of making their own AA guns, Mainland China decided to introduce Swiss' Oerlikon 35 mm GDF-002 version of the already renowned KDA cannon. Finally in 1987 the deal was made and in 1990, Chinese got the official license to produce their domestic version of this cannon under the name PG90; while the later military equipment embargo in early 1990s stopped further introduction and transfer of this gun to Chinese, this didn't stop them from upgrading the gun into PG99, said to be on-par with the upgraded GDF-003.
+
During the late 1980s, after attempts to make their own AA guns to replace the obsolete Soviet 37mm, the PLA sought instead to purchase the renowned Swiss Oerlikon 35 mm GDF-002 cannon. In 1987, a deal was made and examples were imported along with the Skyguard system, and in 1990, China got a license for domestic production under the name PG90. When the later arms embargo in the 1990s stopped additional importation, the Chinese made domestic upgrades resulting in the PG99, which is said to be on-par with the GDF-003.
  
−
While this gun already saw extensive use on defending facilities and as a towed gun, as well as PGZ95 (and later [[PGZ04A]]) in service for mobile field air-defense, PLAGF found the need for a new SPAAG and decided to make good use of the 35 mm cannon with the latest electronics available.
+
It saw extensive use on defending facilities and as a towed gun. The PLAGF found the need for a new SPAAG to replace the PGZ95 (later the [[PGZ04A]]) for mobile field air-defense, and made good use of the 35 mm cannon with modern electronics.
  
−
In 2011, a new type of SPAAG with this very cannon was recorded in CCTV-7 channel's (dedicated for military news and agriculture) footages and was known as PGZ07 during that time, little was known about this SPAAG until the 70th Anniversary of Victory over Japan Day Parade where this SPAAG was officially revealed by PLA, the name was then corrected as PGZ09 (from the interview with the chief designer of the vehicle and leaked photos of PLAGF documents); with the latest doppler search radar and optic-electronic equipment onboard, as well as domestic AHEAD equivalent shells, with his (chronological) predecessor PGZ04A, they served as the cornerstone for PLAGF's field air-defense system as the close-range batteries.
+
In 2011, a new type of SPAAG was seen on state television, designated "PGZ07" by observers, little was known about it until the Victory Day parade in 2015 where this SPAAG was officially revealed by the PLA, officially known as the PGZ09. Equipped with the latest doppler search radar and optical-electronic equipment onboard, AHEAD and airburst shells, and the ability to equip 4 surface-to-air missiles, it, along with its predecessor the PGZ04A, serve as the cornerstone of the PLAGF's field air-defense system.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
Similar SPAAs also armed with the 35mm Oerlikon:
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
* [[Gepard|Flakpanzer Gepard]]
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[Type 87]]
 +
* [[Chieftain Marksman]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Revision as of 06:23, 28 June 2021

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
PGZ09
cn_pgz_09.png
GarageImage PGZ09.jpg
PGZ09
China flag.png China
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
8.3 8.3 8.3
Class:
Research:160 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:450 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The HuoPao GaoShe ZiXing 09, nicknamed the "猎手", or Hunter, is a rank VI Chinese SPAA with a battle rating of 8.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "Red Skies".

The PGZ09 is a Chinese counterpart to the Flakpanzer Gepard and Type 87 designed to intercept incoming aerial targets such as helicopters, drones, or cruise missiles. With its high off-road speed, advanced electronic system with both search/tracking radar, and a 2nd gen thermal sight, it can prove deadly to both careless aerial and ground targets and provide field air-defence to its allies wherever they are with its mobility.

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
Visibility500 %

The chassis provides sufficient protection to the crew against small calibre guns and shrapnel from explosions, but due to its nature of being a SPAA, only the front is sufficient to stop HMGs and maybe even some autocannons; while the turret itself struggles with only 8mm of armour. With overpressure damage, the PGZ09 cannot take hits from artillery or high calibre chemical shells. Its tall search radar is very visible and therefore likely to attract fire. if it is hit by anything with explosive filler it will be broken; the shrapnel and blast will also pass down the thin turret roof and damage/destroy components like the targeting radar and crew. Thus you need to be aware of whether the search radar antenna is exposed even when the tank is behind cover.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 10 mm Upper front (74°)
12 mm Lower front(25°) 		8 mm Top
10 mm Bottom 		10 mm 8 mm
Turret 8 mm 8 mm 8 mm 8 mm
Cupola N/A

Notes:

  • Tracks are 20 mm thick
  • Mudguard and side skirts are 5 mm of structural steel
  • Tracking radar is 15 mm of structural steel
  • Suspension is 20 mm of structural steel

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB71 / 17 km/h
RB and SB66 / 16 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
2 back
Weight38.0 t
Engine power
AB1 526 hp
RB and SB800 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB40.2 hp/t
RB and SB21.1 hp/t

Thanks to the powerful 8V150 engine of almost 800 hp, this turbocharged diesel engine lets the PGZ09 having a satisfying top speed of 65 km/h, a vast improvement over WZ305 and making it one of the fastest tracked SPAAGs along with the Gepard, AMX-30 DCA and VEAK 40. It can follow teammates with ease and retreat to a safe position if anything comes at you with its -15 km/h reverse (currently the second fastest among all Chinese vehicles, only falls behind his successor PGZ04A by -2 km/h).

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 71 17 38 _,___ 1,526 __.__ 40.16
Realistic 66 16 _,___ 800 __.__ 21.05

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 568 → 6 797 Sl icon.png
RB3 894 → 5 794 Sl icon.png
SB4 732 → 7 041 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications132 300 Rp icon.png
222 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training130 000 Sl icon.png
Experts450 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 000 Ge icon.png
Research Aces890 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 190 / 230 % Sl icon.png
214 / 214 / 214 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement cn.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
35mm_kda_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
35mm_kda_APHEI_ammo_pack
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
35mm_kda_APDS_ammo_pack
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png

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

2 x 35 mm PG99-35-2 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition480 rounds
Belt capacity220 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
1.3 → 1.0 s
Fire rate550 shots/min
Vertical guidance-2° / 85°
Main article: PG99-35-2 (35 mm)

As a variant of the Swiss Oerlikon GDF-002, it shares the same traits as the Oerlikon KDA guns found in other nations' SPAAs - high ROF, velocity, and sufficient penetration to tear down most vehicles from the sides with ease. But due to the internal design of PGZ09, it has lower ammo count than its Western and Japanese counterparts and carriers 40 APDS rounds as emergency anti-armour.

35 mm PG99-35-2 (x2) 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 440 (200) 550 -2°/+85° ±180° Two-plane 79.3 109.7 133.2 147.3 156.7 1.30 1.15 1.06 1.00
Realistic 53.5 63.0 76.5 84.6 90.0

Ammunition

  • Default: API-T · HEI-T*
  • DKG01A: HEI-T* · HEI-T* · HEI-T* · API-T
  • DKP01A: API-T · API-T · API-T · HEI-T*
  • DM23: APDS · APDS · APDS · APDS
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 68 65 52 40 30 23
DKG01A 68 65 52 40 30 23
DKP01A 68 65 52 40 30 23
DM23 127 125 119 111 104 97

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the PGZ09
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
4 2 (+2) No
  • Ammo racks disappear after 40 rounds of either belt have been fired.

Usage in battles

Like its counterparts in NATO and Japan, speed is your friend and the PGZ09 is among the fastest ones, as an SPAA, your first priority should be aircraft and helicopters. At its BR range, few aircraft come with an RWR, so there should no worries on keeping the radar always on. If bought to a higher BR, do not keep your radar on for extended periods of time, as it will give yourself away to aircraft with RWR, so turn it off and only utilize the tracking radar after enemies have been spotted. Keep in mind your subpar ammunition count so trigger-happy firing is not an option.

The PGZ09 can also be used in an anti-armour role to a certain extent thanks to the good penetration of 35 mm shells, these rounds are lethal to lightly armoured vehicles and the sides of Cold War MBTs, albeit the PGZ09 has the worst gun depression among SPAAs (at a mere -2°), making it struggle in even slightly uneven terrain, so keep some distance from land-based enemies if you're in a gunfight. Additionally, it has only 40 rounds of APDS at disposal so think twice before unleashing them on enemies. Do remember that those 8-10 mm of steel all-around won't help you too much on stopping some higher calibre machine guns, autocannons and anything with explosive fillers.

Enemies worth noting:

  • SA 313B, UH-1C, etc. These early helicopters, despite being small and fragile, can give some nasty bites with their ATGMs. Experienced helicopter pilots tend to hover ~2-4 km away from the frontline firing missiles from afar, and at that distance it is somewhat difficult for the PGZ09 to effectively destroy them. If they are more than 3 km away and are slowly sliding sideways, hold your fire as the accuracy of your shells drop drastically and will be easily evaded, revealing your position. Instead, you should evade the helicopter, track its range with your radar, and once it gets within 3 km consider shooting it (still, remember that the closer the better). Note that with your gunner thermals you can clearly see the helicopter's missile, allowing you to take early action to try to avoid it. 

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good Firepower:
    • First Chinese SPAA with search and fire control radars, significantly boosting anti-air capabilities
    • Autocannons are deadly against common aircraft like G.91
    • Fast gun targeting speed, can keep up with most targets
    • Gunner thermal assists fighting in bad weathers
    • DM23 APDS allows it to fight back against MBTs such as XM-1
  • Good mobility:
    • High speed, one of the fastest SPAAs in the game
    • Adequate reverse speed of -15 km/h
  • 2 salvos of smoke grenades can help conceal the vehicle for repositioning

Cons:

  • Poor Survivability:
    • Search radar antenna is tall, can expose the location of the PGZ09
    • Armour is only proof against small calibre machine gun bullets
  • Poor Weapon Handling:
    • Limited DM23 capacity of 40 rounds
    • Extremely poor gun depression of only -2°, poor in even urban environment let alone hills
    • Gun placement makes close-range aiming quite awkward

History

During the late 1980s, after attempts to make their own AA guns to replace the obsolete Soviet 37mm, the PLA sought instead to purchase the renowned Swiss Oerlikon 35 mm GDF-002 cannon. In 1987, a deal was made and examples were imported along with the Skyguard system, and in 1990, China got a license for domestic production under the name PG90. When the later arms embargo in the 1990s stopped additional importation, the Chinese made domestic upgrades resulting in the PG99, which is said to be on-par with the GDF-003.

It saw extensive use on defending facilities and as a towed gun. The PLAGF found the need for a new SPAAG to replace the PGZ95 (later the PGZ04A) for mobile field air-defense, and made good use of the 35 mm cannon with modern electronics.

In 2011, a new type of SPAAG was seen on state television, designated "PGZ07" by observers, little was known about it until the Victory Day parade in 2015 where this SPAAG was officially revealed by the PLA, officially known as the PGZ09. Equipped with the latest doppler search radar and optical-electronic equipment onboard, AHEAD and airburst shells, and the ability to equip 4 surface-to-air missiles, it, along with its predecessor the PGZ04A, serve as the cornerstone of the PLAGF's field air-defense system.

Media

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

See also

Similar SPAAs also armed with the 35mm Oerlikon:

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


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

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