Based on towed artillery systems manufactured abroad, Vietnam has successfully modified them, transforming them into powerful self-propelled artillery.
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| Reportedly, the ZU-23-2 self-propelled artillery system is a product of engineers from the Institute of Military Engineering Automation ( thuộc the Institute of Military Science and Technology). This product has been successfully tested and highly praised by the Ministry of Defense for its advantages over the original version. |
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| Firstly, the artillery has been fully automated with an advanced electromechanical and fire control system. The new fire control system integrates with a laser rangefinder and infrared image processing, allowing the gunner to observe and determine the target range, calculate the firing elements, and automatically control the gun and sights according to the determined firing elements. |
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| Next is mobility. This is a crucial factor in air defense and maritime operations. When mounted on the Zil-131 (6x6) 3-axle all-terrain transport vehicle chassis, these anti-aircraft gun batteries are capable of rapid mobility, traversing various terrains, changing battle positions in a short time, helping to transform the battlefield, ambush, and create surprise. |
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| Another advantage is the reduction of the combat crew from 4-5 people to just one person while still ensuring the operation of all the artillery's functions. In addition, the fully automatic elephant-leg (hydraulic) support mechanism allows for quick deployment, good stability, and saves effort for the artillery crew. |
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| The Zu-23-2 23mm anti-aircraft gun was designed in 1950 and entered service in 1960. The system has a crew of 4 to 5 people, a firing rate of 400 rounds per minute, a muzzle velocity of 970 m/s, and an effective range of 2-2.5 km. (Pictured: M101 105mm self-propelled howitzer.) |
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| In addition to the Zu-23-2 self-propelled howitzer, Vietnam has also successfully modified the American M101A1 105 mm howitzer into a self-propelled howitzer. |
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| The M101 105mm howitzer, designed and manufactured by the US during World War II, weighs approximately 2.26 tons, is 5.94m long, and is equipped with a 105mm barrel giving it a firing range of 11.2km. |
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| Artillery can fire in direct or indirect mode, with high accuracy, making it suitable for supporting infantry. |
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| It is currently unclear whether Vietnam's new self-propelled artillery is equipped with an automatic loading mechanism or a fire control system that provides greater accuracy. |
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| However, transforming the powerful American-made howitzer into a self-propelled gun made the M101 much more mobile and powerful than its original version. |
According to Baodatviet
