Type-83 self-propelled howitzer or PLZ-83 is a product of Harbin Company, developed in the 1980s, officially put into use in 1983.

Type-83 self-propelled howitzer is similar to the 2S3, with a modified version of the Type 66 gun and a Type 321 utility tracked chassis and is the first modern self-propelled gun in service with the People’s Liberation Army. Production ended in 1990, after only 78 examples were built.

The main gun of PLZ-83 is Type-66 152 mm similar to 2S3, which is a license-produced version of the Soviet D-20. The system was additionally fitted with a semi-automatic loader and fume extractor. This artillery system fires all types of ammunition developed for the PL-66 gun-howitzer, however it usually carries only HE-FRAG and smoke rounds. Maximum range of fire is 17.2 km with a standard HE-FRAG projectile and 22 km with indigenous rocket-assisted projectile. Maximum rate of fire is 4 rounds per minute. Ammunition is loaded through rear or side hatches.

Unlike the U.S. M109 howitzer, this self-propelled gun is made from steel and not aluminum alloy. It has six wheels on each side with the engine is in the forward hull. There is stowage for 30 shells, included a Chinese version of the Krasnopol laser ammunition. Vehicle is powered by the 12150L diesel engine, developing 520 horsepower. The maximum speed is 55 km/h and range 450 km. Armor of this self-propelled howitzer provides protection for the crew against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters.

A secondary weapon, a 12.7 mm machine gun, is also mounted on the turret, mainly intended for self-defense against air and ground targets.

PLZ-83 can be used to bombard close-range targets quite effectively. Mobility is also an advantage of this vehicle. However, compared to other modern howitzers, the PLZ-83 is far behind. It is considered a stepping stone for China to develop more modern self-propelled howitzers such as PLZ-05, or PLZ-45.

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