PHL-03 (AR2) Chinese 300mm Multiple Rocket Launcher (MRL)
PHL-03
Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)
Other
Basic Information
Name
PHL-03 (AR2) Chinese 300mm Multiple Rocket Launcher (MRL)
Designation
PHL-03
Alternate Designation
PHL-03; AR2
Equipment Type
Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)
Manufacturer
—
Date of Introduction
2004
Description
The PHL-03 (AR2) Chinese 300mm Multiple Rocket Launcher (MRL) is the variant that retains the original BM-30 (9A52) Smerch configuration with 12 launch tubes for 300 mm artillery rockets. The Chinese rockets are, however, not compatible with the Russian Smerch systems. In appearance the PHL-03 is also similar to the A100 (10-round) 300 mm MLRS marketed by China Precision Machinery Import-Export Corporation (CPMIEC).
Ground Specifications
Crew
4
Mobility Type
Wheeled (8x8)
Main Weapon
300 mm artillery rockets
Engine
Diesel (500 hp)
NBC Protection
Yes
Max Speed
60.0 km/h
Range
650.0 km
Variants
AR1
The AR1 is lightest among all the MLRS described here and is claimed to have greater strategic mobility and increased mission flexibility. The AR1 is based on a Mercedes-Benz (8×8) chassis fitted with a two-door forward control cab and the turntable-mounted launcher at the rear.
It is considered possible that other 8×8 truck chassis could also be offered with this MLRS. The eight-round launcher consists of two pods of four rockets each instead of the 12-round multibarrel configuration in AR2. Replenishment of the rockets is done by replacement of pods instead of individual rockets.
AR1A
Based on the same mobility platform as the AR2, the AR1A has a different armament configuration where it uses two pods of five rounds each, instead of the 12-round multibarrel configuration in AR2. The AR1A has two pods of five rockets each. Once the rockets are launched, each pod is removed and replaced by a new pod of rockets.
System
Alternative Designation
PHL-03; AR2
Type
Multiple Rocket Launcher (MRL)
Caliber
300 mm
Chassis/Carriage
Wanshan WS2400, 8 x 8
Crew
4 ea
Displacement Time
1 min
Emplacement Time
3 min
Resupply Vehicle
The PHL-03 is supported by a dedicated resupply vehicle on a similar 8×8 cross-country chassis, which is provided with two hydraulically operated stabilisers.
For reloading, the resupply vehicle backs up to the launcher and replacement rockets are reloaded one at a time using a hydraulic crane and rammer.
Dimensions
Height
3.0 m
Length
12.0 m
Width
3.0 m
Weight
43 tons
Automotive
Engine Name
INA
Engine Type
Diesel
Engine Power
500 hp
Fording Depth
1.0 m
Maximum Range
650 km
Maximum Speed
60 km/h
Maximum Grade / Slope
60 %
Side Grade / Slope
30 %
Vertical Step
0.6 m
Maximum Trench Width
2.0 m
Main Weapon System
Armament
The 12-round launcher has powered elevation and traverse. Arranged in a multibarrel configuration and not as a pod, each rocket tube must be re-loaded individually.
According to Norinco, reaction time of the system at battalion level is being quoted as about 20 seconds and at battery level about 15 seconds. It can be deployed up to a maximum altitude of 3,000 m above sea level. The system takes less than five minutes to come into action and launch the first rocket, Norinco states. A complete salvo of 12 rockets can be launched in less than 60 seconds and time out of action is being quoted as one minute. Once the launcher has conducted a fire mission, it would normally rapidly move away to avoid counter-battery fire.
Unguided Rockets
The PHL-03 fires at least three types of 300 mm unguided solid-propellant surface-to-surface rockets. These are designated BRC3, BRE2, and BRC4. The BRC3 rocket is fitted with a cargo-type warhead that carries 623 dual-purpose anti-personnel/anti-tank bomblets and has a maximum range of 70 km. The BRE2 rocket is fitted with a 190 kg HE warhead and has a maximum range of 130 km. The BRC4 rocket carries 414 dual-purpose anti-personnel/anti-tank bomblets and has a maximum range of 130 km.
Guided Rockets
The PHL-03 can also fire the Fire Dragon 140A 300 mm guided rocket out to a maximum range of 130 km. Fire Dragon 140A is claimed to have a circular error of probability (CEP) of no more than 50 m and is fitted with a high-explosive pre-fragmented warhead. This is claimed to have a lethal radius of 100 m with the pre-fabricated fragments capable of penetrating 12 mm of armour at 60 m from the point of impact.
A new rocket (designation unknown), with a maximum range of 160 km, has been inducted by the PLAGF . Additional details of the rocket are not available.
Fire Control System
Note
The fire-control system (FCS) can receive inputs from meteorological survey system, firing data unmanned aerial vehicle, and other target acquisition systems. Details of the FCS are not known.
Protection
Armor
The protection levels of the armoured cab are not known. However, it is assessed that the covered cab could provide the crew with protection from shell splinters and possibly small-arms fire.
NBC Protection
Yes
Smoke Equipment
No
Video Link
Details
Country of Origin
China
Category
Rocket Artillery Systems
Land > Artillery > Rocket Artillery Systems
Filter Label
P
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
12 m
Width
3 m
Height
3 m
Weight
43000 kg
Operators (5)
China
Cambodia
Ethiopia
Morocco
Tanzania
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