Chinese Type 83 152mm Field Gun

Chinese Type 83 152mm Field Gun. . The Type 83 gun was developed as a longer-range version of the Chinese Type 66 152mm Field Howitzer, which in turn had been developed almost identically to the Soviet D-20 152mm Field Howitzer. The Type 83 here could accept a larger powder charge and project a 106 lb. round almost 19 miles, as compared to the Type 66s maximum range of 11 miles. The flatter projectile trajectory also suited this gun for direct fire use and it carried a direct fire sight in addition to its indirect fire aiming equipment. The barrel features a single baffle muzzle brake and a right-hand uniform-twist internal rifling. Each split trail leg has a hydraulically-operated wheel to assist setting or rotating the piece. When emplaced, the main wheels are also elevated above the ground and the carriage rests on a firing platform. When traveling, the barrel was rotated 180° and clamped over the closed trail legs. The trails were then raised and fastened onto a two-wheeled limber for towing. These guns were produced in moderate numbers by China North Industries Corporation of Beijing. This gun was captured in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm in 1991., Caliber - 5.98 in. - 152 mm , Weight - 21,385 lbs. - 9,700 kg , Range (Standard) - 33,213 yds. - 30,370 m , (Base-Bleed) - 41,556 yds. - 38,000 m , Shell Weight - 105.8 lbs. - 48 kg , Muzzle Velocity - 3,132 ft/sec. - 955 m/sec. , Elevation (-2.5 to 45 degrees) - (-44 to 800 mils) , Traverse - 50 degrees - 889 mils , Rate of Fire - 3-4 rpm - Crew 10-12 , CCN# 127000