Difference between revisions of "PLZ83"

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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}}''' (PLZ83式152毫米自行加榴炮) is the very first SPH of PLAGF from 1980s as the key equipment of army mechanization. Due to the lag on development of general purpose tracked platform and the demand of replacement SPHs to the fleet of WWII Soviet tank destroyers, PLAGF has already attempted to modify ZSD63 into the Type 70-I SPH with an obsolete 122 mm WWII era howitzer, at almost non-existent protection and reliability. Soon after the approval of economic reform and military modernization in 1978, PLAGF issued the mission to vehicle factories for a domestic 152 mm SPH; thanks to the joint efforts of the three factories involved, the prototype was soon built in 1980 and two more were produced in 1981 with the new WZ321 tracked platform specifically for heavy guns. The vehicle, now named Type 83 (PLZ83 after 1987) was certified on November 1983 and was publicly shown in the 35th National Day parade. With new guided 152 mm shells and integration to PLAGF's data link in 21st century, both PLZ83 and PLZ83A are still one of the cornerstone of PLAGF artillery corps until more advanced 155 mm PLC181 and PLZ05 series replace the remaining 152 mm caliber artillery, both the towed guns and SPH.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (PLZ83式152毫米自行加榴炮) was the very first self-propelled howitzer of PLAGF from 1980s as the key equipment of army mechanization. Due to the lag in development of general-purpose tracked platforms and the demand for replacement SPHs for the fleet of WWII Soviet tank destroyers, the PLAGF had already attempted to modify the [[ZSD63|ZSD63 chassis]] into the Type 70-I SPH with an obsolete 122 mm WWII era howitzer, with almost non-existent protection and reliability. Soon after the approval of economic reform and military modernization in 1978, the PLAGF issued the mission to vehicle factories for a domestic 152 mm SPH; thanks to the joint efforts of the three factories involved, the prototype was soon built in 1980 and two more were produced in 1981, using the new WZ321 tracked platform specifically for heavy guns. The vehicle, now named Type 83 (PLZ83 after 1987) was certified in November 1983 and was publicly shown in the 35th National Day parade. With new guided 152 mm shells and integration into the PLAGF's datalink network, both PLZ83 and PLZ83A are still one of the cornerstones of the PLAGF artillery corps until the more advanced 155 mm PLC181 and PLZ05 series replace the remaining 152 mm calibre towed guns and SPH.
  
−
Introduced in [[Update "Kings of Battle"]] as the first domestic SPH of the Chinese ground tech tree, players will see similarities on PLZ83 with 2S3M as both of them were based on the very same D-20 (PL66) 152 mm howitzer; although having devastating caliber, due to the lack of more powerful 152 mm shells for last-ditch direct fire, players will have to exercise extra caution on utilize the howitzer - always aim for the most unprotected part of enemy vehicles to achieve one-hit kills as it might not have the chance to reload again and finish off the target.  
+
Introduced in [[Update "Kings of Battle"]] as the first domestic SPH of the Chinese ground tech tree, players will see similarities with the [[2S3M]], as both of them were based on the same D-20 (PL66) 152 mm howitzer; although having devastating calibre, due to the lack of more powerful 152 mm shells for last-ditch direct fire, players will have to exercise extra caution when utilising the howitzer - always aim for the most unprotected part of enemy vehicles to achieve one-hit kills as it might not have the chance to reload again and finish off the target.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 14: Line 14:
 
{{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.'' -->
−
If players have already acquired the PTZ89 further down the line at Tier VI,  they will soon spot the similarities between PLZ83 and PTZ89 - they are both based on the WZ321 tracked platform developed in the 1980s. Although it is not as protected as its Soviet counterpart, 2S3M, PLZ83 still has sufficient protection to stop .50 caliber up front at point-blank range (aside from the LFP); for a SPH this is certainly a good news as enemies have to utilize their autocannons or larger caliber cannons to destroy the vehicle, although it is wise to avoid the frontline at all as this will vastly increase its risk of being destroyed. As a SPH, PLZ83 has a relatively high profile to house its 152 mm howitzer, meaning that it will gives itself away quickly without camouflage bushes or indestructible covers; so be sure to hide the vehicle from the sight of enemy vehicles. Being hit on the chassis or the turret can brings completely different outcome - while the chassis could sometimes survive oncoming shots thanks to the engine block or the driver, it is a nightmare having 26 rounds in the turret behind the 3 turret crews, any penetrated shots from APCBC with explosive filler can set the turret into Shenzhou spacecrafts and flies tens of meters away from where it once was.
+
Some similarities can be found between the PLZ83 and later [[PTZ89]] - they are both based on the WZ321 tracked platform developed in the 1980s. Although it is not as protected as its Soviet counterpart, the [[2S3M]], the PLZ83 still has sufficient protection to stop .50 calibre rounds up front at point-blank range (aside from the LFP); for an SPH, this is certainly good news as enemies have to utilize their autocannons or larger calibre cannons to destroy the vehicle, although it is wise to avoid the frontline at all as this will vastly increase its risk of being destroyed. As an SPH, the PLZ83 has a relatively tall profile to house its 152 mm howitzer, meaning that it will give itself away quickly without foliage or indestructible cover; so be sure to hide the vehicle from the sight of enemy vehicles. Being hit in the hull or the turret can bring completely different outcomes - while the hull can sometimes survive oncoming shots thanks to the engine block or the driver, 26 rounds are stowed in the turret behind the 3 turret crew, so any penetrated shots from APCBC with explosive filler can send the turret flying.
  
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
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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.'' -->
−
For maximum compatibility (and also due to the limit of technology) to Chinese tracked vehicles, all vehicles based on the WZ321 tracked chassis used identical 12V150L engine from Type 59 and a revised planetary transmission for its workload, PLZ83 is no exception; thus the mobility of the vehicle feels like lighter Type 59 and shares identical speeds at different gear, so be sure not to over-extent as it doesn't have sufficient reverse to retreat to cover.
+
For maximum compatibility (and also due to the limit of technology) to Chinese tracked vehicles, all vehicles based on the WZ321 tracked chassis used the same 12V150L engine from the [[Type 59]] and a revised planetary transmission for its workload, and PLZ83 is no exception; thus the mobility of the vehicle feels like a lighter Type 59 and shares identical speeds at different gears. Be sure not to over-extend, as it doesn't have sufficient reverse to retreat to cover.
  
−
{{tankMobility}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=739|rbMinHp=460}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 52: Line 52:
 
{{main|PL66 Gai (152 mm)}}
 
{{main|PL66 Gai (152 mm)}}
  
−
The PL66 152 mm howitzer has already proved its devastating firepower against enemies; but to accommodate such a huge 152 mm howitzer onto the WZ321 chassis, Chinese engineers revised the hydraulic recoil absorbers design and placed them under the barrel, as well as an assisted mechanical loader (the proposed autoloader was flawed and eventually ditched); tied with 2S3M in terms of gun traverse speed and slower than M109 series in different tech trees, so plan ahead and turn the turret accordingly for any situations.
+
To accommodate such a huge 152 mm howitzer onto the WZ321 chassis, Chinese engineers revised the hydraulic recoil absorbers design and placed them under the barrel, as well as an assisted mechanical loader (the proposed autoloader was flawed and eventually ditched). The PLZ83 is tied with the 2S3M in terms of gun traverse speed and slower than the M109 series in various tech trees, so plan ahead and turn the turret accordingly for any situations.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 30 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+65° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 30 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+65° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 8.8 || 12.2 || 14.8 || 16.4 || 17.4 || rowspan="2" | 17.29 || rowspan="2" | 15.30 || rowspan="2" | 14.10 || rowspan="2" | 13.30
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 5.9 || 7.0 || 8.5 || 9.4 || 10.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{{:PL66 Gai (152 mm)/Ammunition|DDB1/PL66, DDB1/PL66 (VT)}}Although the gun was certified in 1966, due to the lack of plans for more powerful shells until late 1980s, all the two shells, DDB1 and its VT variant is the equivalent of the already obsolete OF-540 shell in Soviet service, thus it needs more careful aiming for maximum efficiency as enemies could sometimes survive a direct hit and fire back upon PLZ83.
+
{{:PL66 Gai (152 mm)/Ammunition|DDB1/PL66, DDB1/PL66 (VT)}}
  
−
'''DDB1/PL66, Stock''' - as mentioned before, the DDB1 shell is identical to the OF-540 used in Soviet Army since 1940s on the ISU-152 and 2S3M; although the caliber sound fearsome and it does extensive damage to enemy targets once hit, due to the insufficient explosive filler on DDB1 (the 3OF25 has almost twice TNTe), players have to always aim weak spots i.e. optics, top of vehicle etc. to achieve one-hit kill. If the gun on enemy vehicle survived the hit and being operational, chances are this is the death sentence to PLZ83.  
+
Although the gun was certified in 1966, due to the lack of plans for more powerful shells until the late 1980s, both shells, DDB1 and its VT variant, are equivalent of the already obsolete OF-540 shell in Soviet service, thus it needs more careful aiming for maximum efficiency as enemies can sometimes survive a direct hit and fire back upon PLZ83.
  
−
'''DDB1/PL66 (VT), Tier III''' - the researchable DDB1/PL66 (VT) is totally identical to its stock counterpart plus the MD81 radio fuse; while this enables the gun as a huge anti-aircraft cannon, the shell should only be considered if enemy aircraft is coming straight at PLZ83 without any maneuvers considering for the 3 m trigger radius of the MD81 fuse and its relatively high trajectory. Do remember to switch back to the stock DDB1/PL66 before hitting ground targets as the trigger radius will very unlikely to do any damage on armored targets.
+
'''DDB1/PL66, Stock''' - the DDB1 shell is identical to the OF-540 used in Soviet Army since the 1940s on the ISU-152 and 2S3M. Although the calibre sounds fearsome and it does extensive damage to enemy targets once hit, due to the insufficient explosive filler in DDB1 (the 3OF25 has almost twice the TNT equivalent), players should always aim for weak spots i.e. optics, top of vehicle etc. to achieve a one-hit knock-out. If the gun on the enemy vehicle survives the hit and remains operational, chances are this will be a death sentence to the PLZ83.
 +
 
 +
'''DDB1/PL66 (VT), Tier III''' - the researchable DDB1/PL66 (VT) is identical to its stock counterpart with the addition of an MD81 radio fuse; while this enables the gun to be used as a huge anti-aircraft cannon, the shell should only be considered if enemy aircraft are coming straight at PLZ83 without any manoeuvres, considering the 3 m trigger radius of the MD81 fuse and its relatively high trajectory. Remember to switch back to the stock DDB1/PL66 before hitting ground targets as the trigger radius is very unlikely to do any damage to armoured targets.
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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{{main|QJC88A (12.7 mm)}}
 
{{main|QJC88A (12.7 mm)}}
  
−
PLZ83 is armed with later QJC88A 12.7x108 mm machine gun on the commander side (right from the vehicle's PoV) of the turret, it has larger ammo pool than Soviet DShK/Chinese Type 54 HMG at 100 rounds per ammo box. QJC88A still has sufficient firepower to gun down light vehicles or oncoming aircrafts if it is set ablaze or have its pilot knocked out.
+
The PLZ83 is armed with the later QJC88A 12.7x108 mm machine gun on the commander side (right from the vehicle's PoV) of the turret, it has a larger ammo pool than the Soviet DShK/Chinese Type 54 HMG at 100 rounds per ammo box. The QJC88A still has sufficient firepower to gun down light vehicles or oncoming aircraft if they are set ablaze or have their pilot knocked out.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Pintle || 600 (150) || 600 || -6°/+85° || -161°/+156°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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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).'' -->
−
As the very first enclosed SPH of PLAGF, PLZ83 does have some flaws since its introduction, but with careful planning and only fire when players are certain for a knock-out or fatal blow to enemy vehicles, PLZ83 can still play like its counterparts at its tier with extra caution.
+
As the very first enclosed SPH of PLAGF, PLZ83 does have some flaws since its introduction, but with careful planning and only firing when players are certain of a knock-out or fatal blow to enemy vehicles, the PLZ83 can still play like its counterparts at its tier with extra caution.
  
−
A key to use SPH is never taking it as a frontline vehicle - SPH is designed to strike enemies from the rear, direct fire is only for last-ditch options against oncoming enemy vehicles. This rule also applies to PLZ83, to make situation worse, there were no 152 mm HEAT shell for extreme penetration; the HE shell is also an early WWII make, making it less efficient to its Soviet counterpart or NATO M109 series. Players will need to be extra careful on where should they hit enemies and when to fire the shot, due to the relatively light explosive content, kills that can be achieved by 3OF25 would not be the case for DDB1/PL66; it has to aim for weak spots with likelihood of overpressure i.e. optics, hatches, tops or bottom of vehicles, although players can knock out the barrel of enemy vehicles with its sheer caliber, it is always better to take out enemies with one shot to eliminate any chance of a fight back - a luxury for any manually-loaded SPH as they take at least 15 seconds to reload; chances are the shell did nothing devastating on enemy vehicles. Enemy vehicles will have no problem penetrating the vehicle from all distance with their main cannon, if their shots land on the turret front, the last thing players can hear is the huge explosion caused by the detonation of at most 26 shells in the turret; bringing less shells can migrate slightly, but unless players are well used to the ballistics and where to hit, it is always better to bring more spares for follow-up shots but no more than 18 shots for maximum safety (bringing only 16 shells clear out the right side of turret and hull).
+
A key to using SPHs is to never taking them as a frontline vehicle - SPHs are designed to strike enemies from the rear, direct fire is only for last-ditch options against oncoming enemy vehicles. This rule also applies to PLZ83, but to make the situation worse, there is no 152 mm HEAT shell for extreme penetration; the HE shell is also an early WWII make, making it less effective than its Soviet counterpart or NATO M109 series. Players will need to be extra careful about where they hit enemies and when to fire the shot, due to the relatively light explosive content. Aim for weak spots with likelihood of overpressure i.e. optics, hatches, tops or bottom of vehicles; although players can knock out the barrel of enemy vehicles with its sheer calibre, it is always better to take out enemies with one shot to eliminate any chance of them fighting back - a necessity for any manually-loaded SPH as they take at least 15 seconds to reload.
  
−
To utilize the maximum efficiency of PLZ83, it will be a good idea to be the second-line fire support vehicle for the team as over extending the vehicle can end its career soon; as HE shells won't be affect by the range, any well-calculated shots on the weak spots can certainly finish off enemies with relative ease albeit it would be long shot (literary) at longer ranges. Due to the lack of HEAT shells, taking it as a turreted ISU-152 is not really a good idea; sneaking up at corners in urban maps can sometimes achieve great results as long as players are ready for any oncoming vehicles and turn the turret beforehand, at close distance without any ballistic drop, who shot and damages the enemy first wins the game. In case of any flying objects on the skies or light vehicles behind terrain/cover, PLZ83 still has VT shell for this mission; just be sure to bring a mix of both conventional HE and HE-VT shells for flexibility.
+
Enemy vehicles will have no problem penetrating the vehicle from all distance with their main cannon, if their shots land on the turret front, the last thing players can hear is the huge explosion caused by the detonation of at most 26 shells in the turret; bringing less shells can mitigate this slightly, but unless players are well-used to the ballistics and where to hit, it is always better to bring more spares for follow-up shots but no more than 18 shots for maximum safety.
  
−
Overall, although there are major flaws in terms of firepower without more powerful HE shells, PLZ83 gives the chance to blast enemy players with its huge shell while maintaining sufficient efficiency; wait for chance to delivery fatal blow.
+
To utilize the maximum efficiency of the PLZ83, it is a good idea to be the second-line fire support vehicle for the team, as over-extending the vehicle can quickly end its career. As HE shells are not affected by range, any well-calculated shots on the weak spots can certainly finish off enemies with relative ease. Due to the lack of HEAT shells, taking it as a turreted ISU-152 is not really a good idea; sneaking up at corners in urban maps can sometimes achieve great results as long as players are ready for any oncoming vehicles and turn the turret beforehand; at close distance without any ballistic drop, whoever shoots and damages the enemy first wins. In case of any flying objects on the skies or light vehicles behind terrain/cover, the PLZ83 also has a VT shell for this mission; just be sure to bring a mix of both conventional HE and HE-VT shells for flexibility.
 +
 
 +
Overall, although there are major flaws in terms of firepower without more powerful HE shells, the PLZ83 gives the chance to blast enemy players with its huge shell while maintaining sufficient efficiency; just wait for the chance to deliver the fatal blow.
  
 
=== 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".'' -->'''Pros:'''
+
<!-- ''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:'''
  
−
* Slightly more generous ammo pool for the gun (albeit vastly less than 2S3M)
+
* Slightly more generous ammo pool for the gun (albeit vastly less than [[2S3M]])
 
* Sufficient power/weight ratio thanks to T-54/Type 59 equivalent powerplant
 
* Sufficient power/weight ratio thanks to T-54/Type 59 equivalent powerplant
 
* Devastating 152 mm shell with options for VT fuse
 
* Devastating 152 mm shell with options for VT fuse
−
* Turret without fire-arc limits  
+
* Turret without fire-arc limits
 
* Relatively fast gun vertical traverse (tied with higher tier [[Bkan 1C]])
 
* Relatively fast gun vertical traverse (tied with higher tier [[Bkan 1C]])
−
* Somewhat good depression than its counterparts (-3° for M109 series and -4° for 2S3M)
+
* Somewhat better gun depression than its counterparts (-3° for M109 series and -4° for 2S3M)
−
 
 
−
*
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Inferior explosive mass for both shells and lacks HEAT/APHEBC shell  
+
* Inferior explosive mass for both shells and lacks HEAT/APHEBC shell
 
* HMG rated protection, anything larger can cause extensive damage to the vehicle
 
* HMG rated protection, anything larger can cause extensive damage to the vehicle
 
* Rather slow reverse speed
 
* Rather slow reverse speed
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* Huge turret with likelihood of detonation once penetrated
 
* Huge turret with likelihood of detonation once penetrated
 
* Slow gun horizontal traverse (almost a degree slower than M109 series)
 
* Slow gun horizontal traverse (almost a degree slower than M109 series)
−
 
−
*
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_plz_83 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 171: Line 175:
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Norinco}}
 
{{China tank destroyers}}
 
{{China tank destroyers}}

Revision as of 12:08, 28 April 2024

RANK 6 BRITAIN
Rooikat 105 PACK
PLZ83
cn_plz_83.png
GarageImage PLZ83.jpg
PLZ83
China flag.png China
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.3 6.3 6.3
Class:
Research:71 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:210 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The HuoPao LiuDan ZiXing 83 (PLZ83式152毫米自行加榴炮) was the very first self-propelled howitzer of PLAGF from 1980s as the key equipment of army mechanization. Due to the lag in development of general-purpose tracked platforms and the demand for replacement SPHs for the fleet of WWII Soviet tank destroyers, the PLAGF had already attempted to modify the ZSD63 chassis into the Type 70-I SPH with an obsolete 122 mm WWII era howitzer, with almost non-existent protection and reliability. Soon after the approval of economic reform and military modernization in 1978, the PLAGF issued the mission to vehicle factories for a domestic 152 mm SPH; thanks to the joint efforts of the three factories involved, the prototype was soon built in 1980 and two more were produced in 1981, using the new WZ321 tracked platform specifically for heavy guns. The vehicle, now named Type 83 (PLZ83 after 1987) was certified in November 1983 and was publicly shown in the 35th National Day parade. With new guided 152 mm shells and integration into the PLAGF's datalink network, both PLZ83 and PLZ83A are still one of the cornerstones of the PLAGF artillery corps until the more advanced 155 mm PLC181 and PLZ05 series replace the remaining 152 mm calibre towed guns and SPH.

Introduced in Update "Kings of Battle" as the first domestic SPH of the Chinese ground tech tree, players will see similarities with the 2S3M, as both of them were based on the same D-20 (PL66) 152 mm howitzer; although having devastating calibre, due to the lack of more powerful 152 mm shells for last-ditch direct fire, players will have to exercise extra caution when utilising the howitzer - always aim for the most unprotected part of enemy vehicles to achieve one-hit kills as it might not have the chance to reload again and finish off the target.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull15 / 15 / 15
Turret30 / 15 / 10
Crew5 people
Visibility94 %

Some similarities can be found between the PLZ83 and later PTZ89 - they are both based on the WZ321 tracked platform developed in the 1980s. Although it is not as protected as its Soviet counterpart, the 2S3M, the PLZ83 still has sufficient protection to stop .50 calibre rounds up front at point-blank range (aside from the LFP); for an SPH, this is certainly good news as enemies have to utilize their autocannons or larger calibre cannons to destroy the vehicle, although it is wise to avoid the frontline at all as this will vastly increase its risk of being destroyed. As an SPH, the PLZ83 has a relatively tall profile to house its 152 mm howitzer, meaning that it will give itself away quickly without foliage or indestructible cover; so be sure to hide the vehicle from the sight of enemy vehicles. Being hit in the hull or the turret can bring completely different outcomes - while the hull can sometimes survive oncoming shots thanks to the engine block or the driver, 26 rounds are stowed in the turret behind the 3 turret crew, so any penetrated shots from APCBC with explosive filler can send the turret flying.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull ___ mm ___ mm Top
___ mm Bottom 		___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Turret ___ - ___ mm Turret front
___ mm Gun mantlet 		___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Cupola ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB61 / 10 km/h
RB and SB57 / 9 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight29.5 t
Engine power
AB992 hp
RB and SB520 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB33.6 hp/t
RB and SB17.6 hp/t

For maximum compatibility (and also due to the limit of technology) to Chinese tracked vehicles, all vehicles based on the WZ321 tracked chassis used the same 12V150L engine from the Type 59 and a revised planetary transmission for its workload, and PLZ83 is no exception; thus the mobility of the vehicle feels like a lighter Type 59 and shares identical speeds at different gears. Be sure not to over-extend, as it doesn't have sufficient reverse to retreat to cover.

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 10 29.5 739 992 25.05 33.63
Realistic 57 9 460 520 15.59 17.63

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 895 → 4 818 Sl icon.png
RB4 375 → 5 411 Sl icon.png
SB5 938 → 7 345 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications61 500 Rp icon.png
102 800 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training61 000 Sl icon.png
Experts210 000 Sl icon.png
Aces890 Ge icon.png
Research Aces570 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
130 / 200 / 250 % Sl icon.png
178 / 178 / 178 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 800 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
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152mm_china_HE_VT_ammo_pack
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Armaments

Main armament

152mm PL66 Gai cannon
Ammunition30 rounds
First-order15 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
17.3 → 13.3 s
Vertical guidance-5° / 65°
Main article: PL66 Gai (152 mm)

To accommodate such a huge 152 mm howitzer onto the WZ321 chassis, Chinese engineers revised the hydraulic recoil absorbers design and placed them under the barrel, as well as an assisted mechanical loader (the proposed autoloader was flawed and eventually ditched). The PLZ83 is tied with the 2S3M in terms of gun traverse speed and slower than the M109 series in various tech trees, so plan ahead and turn the turret accordingly for any situations.

152 mm PL66 Gai Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 30 -5°/+65° ±180° - 8.8 12.2 14.8 16.4 17.4 17.29 15.30 14.10 13.30
Realistic 5.9 7.0 8.5 9.4 10.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
DDB1/PL66 HE 49 49 49 49 49 49
DDB1/PL66 (VT) HE-VT 49 49 49 49 49 49
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
DDB1/PL66 HE 655 43.56 0.3 0.1 5.86 79° 80° 81°
Proximity-fused shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Arming
distance (m) 		Trigger
radius (m) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
DDB1/PL66 (VT) HE-VT 655 43.56 0.3 0.1 300 3 5.86 79° 80° 81°

Although the gun was certified in 1966, due to the lack of plans for more powerful shells until the late 1980s, both shells, DDB1 and its VT variant, are equivalent of the already obsolete OF-540 shell in Soviet service, thus it needs more careful aiming for maximum efficiency as enemies can sometimes survive a direct hit and fire back upon PLZ83.

DDB1/PL66, Stock - the DDB1 shell is identical to the OF-540 used in Soviet Army since the 1940s on the ISU-152 and 2S3M. Although the calibre sounds fearsome and it does extensive damage to enemy targets once hit, due to the insufficient explosive filler in DDB1 (the 3OF25 has almost twice the TNT equivalent), players should always aim for weak spots i.e. optics, top of vehicle etc. to achieve a one-hit knock-out. If the gun on the enemy vehicle survives the hit and remains operational, chances are this will be a death sentence to the PLZ83.

DDB1/PL66 (VT), Tier III - the researchable DDB1/PL66 (VT) is identical to its stock counterpart with the addition of an MD81 radio fuse; while this enables the gun to be used as a huge anti-aircraft cannon, the shell should only be considered if enemy aircraft are coming straight at PLZ83 without any manoeuvres, considering the 3 m trigger radius of the MD81 fuse and its relatively high trajectory. Remember to switch back to the stock DDB1/PL66 before hitting ground targets as the trigger radius is very unlikely to do any damage to armoured targets.

Ammo racks

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

Machine guns

12.7 mm QJC88A machine gun
Ammunition600 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Vertical guidance-6° / 85°
Horizontal guidance-161° / 156°
Main article: QJC88A (12.7 mm)

The PLZ83 is armed with the later QJC88A 12.7x108 mm machine gun on the commander side (right from the vehicle's PoV) of the turret, it has a larger ammo pool than the Soviet DShK/Chinese Type 54 HMG at 100 rounds per ammo box. The QJC88A still has sufficient firepower to gun down light vehicles or oncoming aircraft if they are set ablaze or have their pilot knocked out.

12.7 mm QJC88A
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 600 (150) 600 -6°/+85° -161°/+156°

Usage in battles

As the very first enclosed SPH of PLAGF, PLZ83 does have some flaws since its introduction, but with careful planning and only firing when players are certain of a knock-out or fatal blow to enemy vehicles, the PLZ83 can still play like its counterparts at its tier with extra caution.

A key to using SPHs is to never taking them as a frontline vehicle - SPHs are designed to strike enemies from the rear, direct fire is only for last-ditch options against oncoming enemy vehicles. This rule also applies to PLZ83, but to make the situation worse, there is no 152 mm HEAT shell for extreme penetration; the HE shell is also an early WWII make, making it less effective than its Soviet counterpart or NATO M109 series. Players will need to be extra careful about where they hit enemies and when to fire the shot, due to the relatively light explosive content. Aim for weak spots with likelihood of overpressure i.e. optics, hatches, tops or bottom of vehicles; although players can knock out the barrel of enemy vehicles with its sheer calibre, it is always better to take out enemies with one shot to eliminate any chance of them fighting back - a necessity for any manually-loaded SPH as they take at least 15 seconds to reload.

Enemy vehicles will have no problem penetrating the vehicle from all distance with their main cannon, if their shots land on the turret front, the last thing players can hear is the huge explosion caused by the detonation of at most 26 shells in the turret; bringing less shells can mitigate this slightly, but unless players are well-used to the ballistics and where to hit, it is always better to bring more spares for follow-up shots but no more than 18 shots for maximum safety.

To utilize the maximum efficiency of the PLZ83, it is a good idea to be the second-line fire support vehicle for the team, as over-extending the vehicle can quickly end its career. As HE shells are not affected by range, any well-calculated shots on the weak spots can certainly finish off enemies with relative ease. Due to the lack of HEAT shells, taking it as a turreted ISU-152 is not really a good idea; sneaking up at corners in urban maps can sometimes achieve great results as long as players are ready for any oncoming vehicles and turn the turret beforehand; at close distance without any ballistic drop, whoever shoots and damages the enemy first wins. In case of any flying objects on the skies or light vehicles behind terrain/cover, the PLZ83 also has a VT shell for this mission; just be sure to bring a mix of both conventional HE and HE-VT shells for flexibility.

Overall, although there are major flaws in terms of firepower without more powerful HE shells, the PLZ83 gives the chance to blast enemy players with its huge shell while maintaining sufficient efficiency; just wait for the chance to deliver the fatal blow.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Slightly more generous ammo pool for the gun (albeit vastly less than 2S3M)
  • Sufficient power/weight ratio thanks to T-54/Type 59 equivalent powerplant
  • Devastating 152 mm shell with options for VT fuse
  • Turret without fire-arc limits
  • Relatively fast gun vertical traverse (tied with higher tier Bkan 1C)
  • Somewhat better gun depression than its counterparts (-3° for M109 series and -4° for 2S3M)

Cons:

  • Inferior explosive mass for both shells and lacks HEAT/APHEBC shell
  • HMG rated protection, anything larger can cause extensive damage to the vehicle
  • Rather slow reverse speed
  • Long reload time even with mechanized assist loader
  • Huge turret with likelihood of detonation once penetrated
  • Slow gun horizontal traverse (almost a degree slower than M109 series)

History

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Media

Skins

See also

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

External links

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China North Industries Corporation - NORINCO 中国兵器工业集团有限公司
Light Tanks/IFV 
WZ501  ZBD86
WZ131  ▂Type 62 · Type 62
WZ211  Type 63 · ZTS63
WZ502  ZBD04A
Main Battle Tanks 
WZ120  Type 59 · ZTZ59A · ZTZ59D1
WZ121  Type 69 · Type 69-IIa** · T-69 II G**
WZ122  ZTZ88B · ZTZ88A · ZTZ96 · ZTZ96A · ZTZ96A (P)
WZ123  ZTZ99-II · ZTZ99-III
WZ1001  WZ1001(E) LCT · ZTZ99A
Export MBT  MBT-2000** · VT4A1**
Tank Destroyers  AFT09 · PTL02 · WMA301** · PTZ89 · ZLT11
SPH  PLZ83
SPAA  ZSD63/PG87* · WZ305** · PGZ09 · PGZ04A
  *Field modifications
  **Export vehicles

China tank destroyers
PLA 
Gun vehicles  PLZ83 · PTZ89
Missile vehicles  AFT09
ROC 
Missile vehicles  CM25
USA 
Gun vehicles  ␗M8 HMC · LVT(A)(4) (ZiS-2) · ␗M10 GMC · ␗M36 GMC
Missile vehicles  ␗M113A1 (TOW)
USSR 
Gun vehicles  ␗SU-76M · ␗ISU-152 · ␗ISU-122 · ␗SU-100

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