The PGZ-95 features a fully enclosed turret mounted on a tracked chassis, with the ability to rotate 360 degrees. The turret houses a 25mm caliber cannon and a radar-guided fire control system, enabling it to engage and track multiple targets simultaneously. The system also incorporates advanced electronics and sensors to enhance its effectiveness.
The Type 95 PGZ-95 has been in service with the PLA since the 1990s and has undergone various upgrades and improvements over time. It has been deployed for air defense purposes in different operational environments and is typically used in conjunction with other air defense systems to provide layered protection.
It’s worth noting that military technology and capabilities can evolve rapidly, and there may have been updates or advancements in China’s air defense systems since my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the Type 95 PGZ-95 or any other military equipment, I recommend referring to official sources, defense publications, or reputable news outlets that cover Chinese military affairs.
China’s military science and technology is developing at breakneck speed. Their companies and corporations continuously launch modern and cheap defense products and equipment, that are suitable for the pocket of all customers. One of the pillars of air defense that is trusted by the Chinese army today is the Type 95 self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery system, also known as PGZ95.
The PGZ95 was born with the aim of enhancing the army’s air defense capabilities, and as a counterweight to similar systems of “unfriendly” opponents such as India’s Tunguska, Japan’s Type 87, or South Korea’s K30 Biho. It was first displayed publicly at the Beijing Military Parade in 1999. It is essentially an air defense system equipped with four 25 mm caliber cannons and optionally four fire-and-forget QW-2 infrared homing missiles.
The vehicle uses a tracked armored chassis with six road wheels, a drive sprocket, an idler and three return rollers on each side. The crew of three: driver, commander, and gunner. The engine is located at the front of the vehicle, with the driver sitting on the left side. The driver is provided with a hatch and three vision blocks for visibility when buttoned up. Behind the driver sits the commander, who is provided with a raised hatch, also fitted with three vision blocks. Towards the rear of the hull is the large powered one-man turret. A door to the ᴡᴇᴀᴘᴏɴ control station is located in the rear of the hull.
Mounted on the front of the turret in an armored box is the electro-optical tracking equipment which consists of a TV tracking camera, and infra-red tracking camera and a laser rangefinder. The tracking cameras have a day range of approximately 6,000 meters and a night range of 5,000 meters. The laser rangefinder has a range of between 500 and 5,500 meters with an accuracy of 5 meters.
Mounted on either side of the turret are two 25 millimeter Type 87 25x183mmB gas-operated cannons. The cannons have a rate of fire of 600 to 800 rpm each, eject spent shell casings to either side of the vehicle. About 1,000 rounds are carried. The cannons are used to engage targets out to a range of 2,500 meters and at altitudes of up to 2,000 meters.
Additionally two QW-2 infra-red homing missiles can be mounted above the cannons on each side. The QW-2 missiles are based on a shoulder-launched missile and can engage targets flying between 10 and 3,500 meters in altitude at a slant range of between 500 and 6,000 meters, but has to be manually reloaded which is known to take about 2.45 minutes.
To the rear of the turret is the CLC-1 S-band pulse-doppler search radar which has a reported range of 11 kilometers, and is optimized to detect low-flying targets. Finally, an array of four electrically fired smoke grenades are mounted on either side of the turret, aimed to fire forward and to either side of the vehicle. The system can automatically optically track targets and provide the gunner with an alert when the target is within range.
The gunner can also manually aim the guns, using either the optical system or an external backup ring sight provided on the outside of the turret. The system has a reaction time of around 10 seconds when in radar search mode, and six seconds in optical mode. The vehicle also provides a simulator function for training.
A battery control vehicle using the same chassis is also built. It has a crew of five people. It uses a S-band CLC-2 surveillance radar with a maximum range of 45 kilometers and a maximum altitude of 4,500 meters. The communication system in the vehicle allows it to communicate digitally to a range of up to 5 kilometers and via a normal radio link up to 15 kilometers. Additionally it can use signal wire to communicate up to 500 meters. An Auxiliary Power Unit provides power for the electronics. A single 12.7 mm heavy machine gun is provided for self-defense.
