PHL-03

The PHL-03 is a truck-mounted self-propelled 12-tube 300 mm long-range multiple rocket launcher of the People's Republic of China .

PHL-03
PHL-03 Multiple rocket launchers
TypeMultiple rocket launcher
Place of originChina
Service history
In service2004 – present
Used by
Production history
ManufacturerChina Ordnance Industries Group Corporation Limited
Specifications
Mass43 t[1]
Length12 m (39 ft 4 in)[1]
Width3 m (10 ft)[1]
Height3 m (10 ft)[1]
Crew4[1]
Caliber300 mm (12 in)
Barrels12
Enginediesel engine
500 hp (370 kW)[1]
Suspension8×8 wheeled
Operational
range
650 km (400 mi)[1]
Maximum speed 60 km/h (37 mph)[1]

The system is beginning to be replaced by the more modular and newer PHL-16.

Design

The design is based on the Russian made BM-30 Smerch rocket artillery system. The main role for this multiple rocket launcher is to engage strategic targets such as large concentrations of troops, airfields, command centres, air defense batteries and support facilities. It is also used to engage in counter battery fire missions.

The PHL-03 has the same configuration as the original Russian counterpart with 12 launch tubes for 300 mm artillery rockets, along with a computerized fire control system (FCS) incorporating GPS/GLONASS/Beidou.

Rockets
See also: BRE (rocket)

The PHL-03 uses the 300 mm rockets of the BRE family, namely the BRC4, BRE2 and the guided Fire Dragon 140A which have a range of 130 km.[2]

A standard weight for each rocket is 800 kg with a 280 kg warhead. Maximum firing range is depending on warhead type with around 70 - 130 km. Standard warheads are High Explosive Fragmentation (HE-FRAG), fuel-air explosive, and cluster warheads with anti-armor and anti-personnel submunitions. Cluster warheads can also carry self-targeting anti-tank munitions. A full salvo of this system could potentially cover an area of up to 67 hectares.

In October 2020, it was reported that a new type of rocket was being deployed on the PHL-03 with a range 30 km longer than normal, suggesting a range of 160 km.[3]

Operators
 People's Republic of China
 Ethiopia
 Morocco
  • Royal Moroccan Armed Forces - 36 systems
 Tanzania
  • Tanzania People's Defence Force - 13

See also

References
  1. "PHL-03 Multiple launch rocket system". Military-Today.com.
  2. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/plagfs-phl-03-mrl-armed-with-new-longer-range-guided-rocket-says-chinese-state-media
  3. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/plagfs-phl-03-mrl-armed-with-new-longer-range-guided-rocket-says-chinese-state-media
  4. "Appraisal of PLA Artillery Modernisation". Centre for Land Warfare Study.
  5. "Trade Registers". armstrade.sipri.org.

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