PLZ-05

The PLZ-05 is a tier 9 SPG originating from China, and is sold by Zhang Feng. It can be unlocked with a tier 9 Unlock Token, and unlocks a tier 10 Unlock Token, which can be used on the Centauro 155, Type 99A2 and the Wilk XC-8.

Features

 * Self propelled guns: fire support vehicles for PvE missions.
 * High caliber: the high caliber weaponry deals an increased damage.
 * Weapon selection: vehicle has several weapon options that you can switch between during battle.
 * Magazine loader: allows you to fire several rounds without reloading.

Pros

 * Stock Gun has a 4-round salvo with high burst damage. Can bring down an MBT in close range in a single burst.
 * Alternative gun is highly accurate, fast-firing (no clip), fast aim and has high projectile velocity. Quickest aim artillery cannon in AW.
 * Good damage output

Cons

 * Huge target
 * Sluggish acceleration and bad top speed
 * No armor
 * Tedious reload and aim with L/52 Howitzer Gun. Terrible accuracy decay if fired rapidly.

Retrofit Suggestions
Anything that would improve reload speed and camo rating.

History
Class: Self-Propelled Howitzer Developed: 2000-2005 Service: 2005+ Vehicles Built: 300-400 Operators: China The PLZ-05 is a modern Chinese self-propelled howitzer, designed to match and surpass the performance of western SPGs such as the Panzerhaubitze 2000. The PLZ-05 marks the switch from the Soviet 152mm caliber to the NATO 155mm one in order to increase the vehicle’s firepower by using more advanced western technology. To that end, the PLZ-05 mounts a 155mm automatically loaded L/52 howitzer. The autoloader mechanism design was based on the Russian 2S19 Msta-S artillery. The autoloader is located at the back of the massive turret that can traverse 360 degrees. The ammunition consists of shells and charges which are also stored in the back of the turret in two layers on top of each other. The autoloader automatically selects the charge size based on the range entered by the gunner. This mechanism allows the gun to fire up to 8 rounds per minute on average, but the weapon is capable of firing in bursts – it can fire 4 rounds in 15 seconds in Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact mode where all four shells drop on the target at the same time. The vehicle carries 30 rounds of ammunition. A considerable number of these high-end but expensive vehicles were built since 2005 and around 300 to 400 are currently in service.