PHL-16
Chinese guided modular rocket launching system
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The PHL-16,[6] also known as PCL-191,[7][8] is a truck-mounted self-propelled multiple rocket launcher (MRL) system developed by the People's Republic of China.
| PHL-16 | |
|---|---|
PHL-16 with tactical ballistic missiles | |
| Type | Multiple rocket launcher |
| Place of origin | China |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2019–present |
| Used by | People's Liberation Army Ground Force |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 45t |
| Length | 12m |
| Width | 3m |
| Height | 3m |
| Crew | 3 |
| Caliber | Depends on munitions: 370 mm (15 in) 300 mm (12 in) 750 mm (30 in) |
| Barrels | Depends on munitions: 370 mm (15 in): 8 300 mm (12 in): 10 750 mm (30 in): 2 |
| Effective firing range | Depends on munitions: BRE3: 130 km (81 mi)[1] BRE6: 220 km (140 mi)[2][3] BRE8: 280 km (170 mi)[4] FD480: 500 km (310 mi)[5] |
Main armament | 2 modular launch cells, each can either carry: 1 × 750mm TBM or 4 × 370mm rocket or 5 × 300mm rocket |
| Engine | Diesel, 8×8 wheeled |
Development
Design
The launcher vehicles are operated in a firepower battery. The system is also capable of autonomous operation. A typical battery includes six launcher vehicles, several reloading vehicles, command post vehicle, a meteorological survey vehicle, and other service support vehicles.[11]
Rockets
Unlike the earlier PHL-03, which is loaded with a fixed type of ammunition, the new PHL-16 has two modularized launch cells, which can carry different types of ammunition. Each launch cell can carry either five 300 mm (12 in) rockets or four 370 mm (15 in) rockets.[2][6] The export version of the new multiple rocket launcher, the AR-3, can switch to the 750 mm (30 in) Fire Dragon 480 tactical ballistic missile and 380 mm (15 in) TL-7B anti-ship missile.[12][13] The domestic PHL-16 for the PLA service can also equip the same set of Fire Dragon and TL-7 ammunitions.[14]
The configuration displayed during the 2019 National Day Parade was with eight 370 mm (15 in) rockets.[9]
Chassis
The vehicle chassis is based on the 45 t (44 long tons; 50 short tons) WS2400 8×8 special wheeled vehicle chassis.[15]
Operational history
In February 2023, PHL-16 was observed to be deployed in the 73rd Group Army of the Eastern Theatre Command, which is responsible for the Taiwan Strait area.[16] The Naval War College noted that the PHL-16 (PCL-191) is capable of providing precision strikes from 500 km (310 mi) away, allowing the PLA Ground Force to target ground forces, air defense, and coastal defense systems on the island of Taiwan with tactical missiles. The PHL-16 improved PLAGF's organic fire support capability.[17]
In 2024, China inducted the Fire Dragon 480 missiles for the PLA.[14]
Variants
Operators
- People's Liberation Army Ground Force – 120+ units as of 2025.[18]