China: Defense industry unveils new SH11 155mm 8x8 self-propelled howitzer

Chinese defense industry has developed a new 155mm 8x8 wheeled self-propelled howitzer called SH-11. The new artillery system will be unveiled during AirShow China 2018, that will take place in Zhuhai (China) from the 6 to 11 November 2018.

New SH11 8x8 self-propelled howitzer (Picture source China Defense Blog)

According to our first analysis, the SH-11 155mm 8x8 self-propelled howitzer seems to be based on the VN1 8x8 armored vehicle fitted with a turret mounted at the rear top of the hull which is armed with one 155mm cannon.

According to Chinese military website, the SH11 howitzer is fitted with a fully automatic loading system offering fast firing and maneuvering while the autonomous system integrates seamlessly into the networked and centralized command and control system.

The SH11 has a crew of three including driver, commander and gunner. The roof of the turret seems to be equipped with latest generation of optics that includes a new panoramic sight. The turret has a traverse of 360°.

The hull and the turret provide protection against firing of small arms and artillery shell splinters. It has a combat weight of 36,000 kg.