The PLZ-07 is built on the existing chassis of the ZBD-97 Infantry Fighting Vehicle.
The Chinese PLZ-07 self-propelled howitzer is operated by a crew of 5. It weighs 24.5 tons, length is 6.6 meters, width is 3.28 meters and height is 2.5 meters. PLZ-07 armor provides protection from small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. NBC protection and automatic suppression systems are fitted as standard.
To accommodate a new chassis, PLZ-07 is equipped with a turbocharged domestic diesel engine, producing 590 horsepower. The running gear includes six rubber-tired roadwheels to a track side with the dive sprocket at front and the track idler at rear. Three track return rollers are used. Suspension is by way of a torsion bar arrangement.
Compared to its predecessors, the PLZ-07 is more maneuverable. It can reach a top speed of 65 km/h. The maximum range of this vehicle can be up to 500 km. The artillery system is not capable of amphibious, however, it appears that it might be fitted with floatation kit in order to ford inland rivers and lakes. Chinese marine corps uses a similar PLZ-07B self-propelled howitzer which is fully amphibious.
The PLZ-07’s main weapon is a 122mm gun, compatible with standard Chinese and Russian 122mm ammunition. NORINCO has developed a family of 122 mm ammunition. Maximum range is 18 km with high explosive standard projectile (HE), 22 km with extended-range projectile and 27 km with rocket assisted projectile. The artillery system is also capable of firing laser-guided projectiles. The rate of fire of PLZ-07 can be up to 6-8 rounds per minute. The gun has an elevation from 0° to +70°.
To defend against infantry and low altitude aircraft, the PLZ-07 is equipped with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun mounted on the turret roof. There are also two triple banks of 76 mm smoke grenade dischargers on either side of the turret.
