Under the skillful hands of these "doctors" in blue uniforms, the heavy artillery pieces, after decades of service, are gradually being revived and resuming their mission of defending the homeland.
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| A special "hospital" where doctors in blue uniforms work – that's what people often say when talking about Factory Z133 under the General Department of Engineering. As the largest comprehensive repair unit for artillery and rockets in the northern region, Z133's mission is extremely demanding. (Image source: QPVN) |
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| Here, major overhauls are carried out, repairing the most serious and complex malfunctions of various types of artillery and rockets. All of this aims to increase the lifespan and combat effectiveness of these weapons systems in combined arms operations. (Image source: QPVN) |
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| Mastering the use of each type of weapon is difficult enough, but repairing them is even more challenging. The mechanics at Z133 must be knowledgeable about many different types of artillery to perform what is likened to a major overhaul of each weapon after decades of use. (Image source: QPVN) |
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| At Z133, through their experience and observational skills, the soldiers-turned-mechanics can accurately identify the initial state of malfunctions and then plan solutions for each type of artillery weapon, from simple to complex, that may arise during their service. (Image source: QPVN) |
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| The photo shows a 122mm M30 howitzer of the artillery corps undergoing major repairs at Factory Z133. This type of howitzer has been in service with the Vietnamese army for a long time and has suffered numerous malfunctions due to various factors. Photo source: Vietnam People's Army Newspaper. |
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| But thanks to the skilled hands of the Z133 medical team, the M30 has gradually recovered and is able to resume training and combat readiness like its counterparts. Image source: QPVN. |
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| Also at the Z133 ground artillery repair workshop, there are quite a few "elderly patients," as the soldier-mechanics call them. Like the 130mm M46 howitzer in the picture. Image source: QPVN. |
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| However, after undergoing major repairs at Z133, this 74-year-old Soviet-made howitzer has met the standards for a second-class artillery piece as stipulated by the military engineering sector and ensures that it meets the technical specifications ready for handover to artillery units for training and combat readiness. (Image source: QPVN) |
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| For older artillery pieces like the M46 and M30, the repair process takes a considerable amount of time, partly because they are old and deteriorated, and partly because replacement parts are scarce and must be ordered from abroad. This leads to a prolonged repair process. Image source: QPVN. |
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| To overcome this weakness, Factory Z133 has invested in building a new high-tech zone to be more proactive in the production and manufacturing of components and sub-assemblies for artillery guns that the factory is repairing. This has initially accelerated the repair speed of certain stages. This is also part of Z133's long-term development strategy. (Image source: QPVN) |
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| This ensures a reliable and proactive supply of materials for the repair of various types of artillery, weapons, and equipment that the factory is responsible for. Image source: QPVN. |
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| In addition to repairing mechanical parts and assemblies on artillery guns, Factory Z133 also undertakes the repair and maintenance of various types of sights and optical sights equipped on artillery guns. (Image source: QPVN) |
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| After repairs are completed, the artillery and rockets are inspected one last time by Z133 for technical condition before being taken to the firing range for testing and calibration until they meet requirements. Image source: QPVN. |
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| Bringing new life to each type of artillery is the joy of the soldier-technicians at Z133. With a love for their profession, a passion for innovation, and a high sense of responsibility, these "blue-uniformed doctors" of the Z133 factory are striving every day to perform their duties well, extending the lifespan of many important types of artillery, contributing to improving the quality of training and combat readiness of artillery units throughout the army. (Image source: QPVN) |
According to Kienthuc
