Self-propelled howitzer unveiled at Zhuhai show

China North Industries Group Corp, the country's biggest developer of land armaments, has developed a new self-propelled howitzer model that features an unmanned turret and remote-control capability.

The SH16A is a 155-millimeter howitzer mounted on an eight-wheel, off-road armored chassis. It was first shown to the public at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, which concluded on Sunday in Zhuhai, Guangdong province.

The cannon is a high-end product in the artillery portfolio of China North Industries Group Corp, which is commonly known as Norinco and is the dominant contractor for the People's Liberation Army Ground Force.

When loaded with shells, the SH16A has a weight of 36 metric tons. It is operated by one driver and one or two gunners, according to Norinco.

Cheng Ziheng, a spokesman for the State-owned arms maker, said that compared with older models, the new self-propelled howitzer has an upgraded chassis with stronger carrying capacity and better mobility, and offers better protection.

"The vehicle can travel at a speed of 110 kilometers per hour and can move easily and conveniently in narrow places in cities or mountains," he said.

"It has an adjustable suspension system that allows for transport by aircraft, and also features better protection against land mines and improvised explosive devices. Its armor system is capable of withstanding armor-piercing gun rounds and even some anti-tank rockets from all directions."

The SH16A automates key firing processes such as gun aiming, projectile loading and propellant charge handling, minimizing the need for manual control, Cheng explained.

"Gunners can sit inside or stay outside the vehicle to operate the howitzer, and they don't need to engage in painstaking manual work," Cheng said, noting the 155-mm gun can fire multiple types of munitions such as satellite-guided and laser-guided projectiles.