PGZ04A - Revision history

U79942984: Rewrote intro, added to armaments and usage in battles.

2023-11-28T20:50:43Z

Rewrote intro, added to armaments and usage in battles.

U38088265: /* Description */

2023-05-14T21:47:07Z

‎Description

U4656018: Revision for the description

2023-04-25T20:17:33Z

Revision for the description

U44629479: /* Ammunition */ Converted to transclusion

2023-02-10T22:26:09Z

‎Ammunition: Converted to transclusion

U44629479: /* Ammunition */ Converted to transclusion

2023-02-10T22:14:27Z

‎Ammunition: Converted to transclusion

U44629479: /* Ammo racks */ Edits

2022-10-23T11:09:36Z

‎Ammo racks: Edits

U44629479: /* Media */ Added skins

2022-07-09T14:15:13Z

‎Media: Added skins

U4656018: /* Pros and cons */since the radar is now retractable, now deleting the description of it being unretractable

2022-06-17T05:27:31Z

‎Pros and cons: since the radar is now retractable, now deleting the description of it being unretractable

U28580205 at 20:43, 21 May 2022

2022-05-21T20:43:18Z

U4656018: /* Ammo racks */ misplaced the ammo count for 1st rack empty

2022-05-21T18:01:17Z

‎Ammo racks: misplaced the ammo count for 1st rack empty

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 The PGZ04A (Chinese: PGZ04(A)式25毫米弹炮结合防空武器系统; lit. 25 mm missile-gun AA system) is an upgraded version of the existing PGZ95 fleet in the PLAGF. This new version features new MANPADS, replacing the earlier QW-2 MAPNPADS, and currently serves as the close-range interception layer of the PLA's anti-air defense system.
-The development of the PGZ95 can be traced back to the 1980s when the PLAGF was in desperate need of a new SPAA system. Earlier plans involved reverse-engineering Egyptian ZSU-23-4s, which had already been obtained by Mainland China through bi-directional arms trade. However, when an observer team arrived in Italy and discovered the SIDAM 25, the PLAGF quickly abandoned the ZSU-23-4 plans and instead planned for a better SPAA system with all-weather combat capabilities. The new SPAA system was extensively tested in the 1990s and made its first appearance at the 50th National Day Parade (1999).
+The development of the PGZ95 can be traced back to the 1980s when the PLAGF was in desperate need of a new SPAA system. Earlier plans involved reverse-engineering Egyptian [[ZSU-23-4]]s, which had already been obtained by Mainland China through bi-directional arms trade. However, when an observer team arrived in Italy and discovered the [[SIDAM 25]], the PLAGF quickly abandoned the ZSU-23-4 plans and instead planned for a better SPAA system with all-weather combat capabilities. The new SPAA system was extensively tested in the 1990s and made its first appearance at the 50th National Day Parade (1999).
-Introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]] along with the PGZ09, the PGZ04A can safely track enemy targets without triggering their warning systems thanks to its opto-electronic tracker and advanced TVD sight. The weaponries onboard can cause significant damage to enemy jets or helicopters that come too close. It is important to conceal yourself from the enemy as well, as a sudden strike can greatly enhance the odds of taking them out. Additionally, consider conserving precious missiles for targets at lower speeds or helicopters against whom they will be most effective.
+Introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]] along with the PGZ09, the PGZ04A is a unique SPAA vehicle with a gun-missile armament. The layout of its turret quite resembles the Italian SIDAM 25, but unlike the radarless SIDAM it has a search radar mounted on the top that makes it much easier to acquire targets, as well as thermal optics for easier spotting. The quadruple 25 mm cannons previously seen on the [[ZSD63]] are bored-out derivatives of the Soviet Shilka's guns with a slower rate of fire, higher muzzle velocity, and greater armour penetration. Although the PGZ04A's electronics, mobility, and ground attack capability are inferior to the newer PGZ09, its main selling point comes from a quartet of HN-6 MANPADS launchers mounted right above the guns. The HN-6 is slightly better in performance than the common Stingers used by contemporary SPAA and forces enemy aircraft to stay on their toes even outside of cannon range.
 == General info ==
@@ Line 57: / Line 57: @@
 The PGZ04A is equipped with 4 x 25 mm PG87 25x183B AA guns mounted on the side of the turret, which is the same gun as the [[ZSD63]] at Rank II.
-With its above average velocity and high rate of fire, these 4 cannons combined can cause total annihilation of low-flying aircraft within its 2.5 km firing range and its ammunition has sufficient penetration to cause some trouble to lightly armoured vehicles. However, all this comes at a cost: you have only 1,032 rounds in total at your disposal. For players who are trigger-happy, this might a good chance to learn how to conserve their ammo and wait for the chance to deliver the fatal blow to enemy targets.
+With its above average velocity and high rate of fire, these 4 cannons combined can cause total annihilation of low-flying aircraft within its 2.5 km firing range and its ammunition has sufficient penetration to cause some trouble to lightly armoured vehicles. However, all this comes at a cost: you have only 1,032 rounds in total at your disposal, which is about half of the Shilka's ammunition supply. For players who are trigger-happy, this might a good chance to learn how to conserve their ammo and wait for the chance to deliver the fatal blow to enemy targets.
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
@@ Line 102: / Line 104: @@
 {{main|HN-6}}
-The HN-6 is a MANPADS that comes with a 6 km all-aspect locking range, which will prove useful for handling low-flying helicopters and sometimes earn a surprise kill on careless jets; but do note that smaller helicopters or those with heat-suppression would have to be within 2.5 km before the probe can lock onto their heat signature, so only fire upon those who gets into 2.5km radius.
+The HN-6 is a MANPADS that comes with a 6 km all-aspect locking range, which will prove useful for handling low-flying helicopters and sometimes earn a surprise kill on careless jets; but do note that smaller helicopters or those with heat-suppression would have to be within 2.5 km before the seeker can lock onto their heat signature, so only fire upon those who gets into 2.5km radius.
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
@@ Line 124: / Line 129: @@
 The PGZ04A's anti-ground ability is limited, due to its smaller calibre 25 mm cannons. They have no dedicated APDS rounds that were found in its predecessor, the PGZ09 (which also has larger cannons of 35 mm). The 25 mm struggles to penetrate the sides of top-rank MBTs, with some of them completely immune (for example, Israeli MBTs which has better side protection), although exterior modules can be quickly destroyed, especially tracks. If aimed well (and some luck), you can take out gun barrels of the enemy tank, but it is better to avoid engaging with MBTs to begin with. The 25 mm rounds also have poor post-pen effects, even against thinly armoured targets, but is counteracted by the high firerate and fire density of the 4 barrels.
-It is suggested to play the PGZ04A as a dedicated anti-air platform. However, due to its shorter range than its counterparts, you need to leave the spawn to be effective. While doing that, always have friendly tanks to screen you, as the moment you're caught alone by enemy ground targets you will have exceptionally low chance of survival.
+It is suggested to play the PGZ04A as a dedicated anti-air platform. However, due to its shorter range than its counterparts, you need to leave the spawn to be effective. The limited HN-6 capacity also necessitates moving to capture points to reload. While doing that, always have friendly tanks to screen you, as the moment you're caught alone by enemy ground targets you will have exceptionally low chance of survival.
 === Pros and cons ===

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-The PGZ04A (Chinese: PGZ04(A)式25毫米弹炮结合防空武器系统; lit. 25 mm missile-gun AA system), is the 21st Century upgrade of the existing PGZ95 fleet in PLAGF with new MANPADS replacing the earlier QW-2 MAPNPADS and currently served as the close-range interception layer of PLA's anti-air defense system. The development of PGZ95 could trace back to 1980s when PLAGF was in dire for a new SPAA which was yet to be introduced to the Army; earlier plans were reverse-engineering Egyptian's (purchased) ZSU-23-4 which has already been exchanged to Mainland China via bi-directional arms trade. When the observer team arrived in Italy and knew the existence of SIDAM 25, PLAGF soon ditched the ZSU-23-4 plans and planned for a better SPAA system with all-weather combat capabilities; the new SPAA was tested extensively in the 1990s and made its first appearance at the 50th National Day Parade.
+The PGZ04A (Chinese: PGZ04(A)式25毫米弹炮结合防空武器系统; lit. 25 mm missile-gun AA system) is an upgraded version of the existing PGZ95 fleet in the PLAGF. This new version features new MANPADS, replacing the earlier QW-2 MAPNPADS, and currently serves as the close-range interception layer of the PLA's anti-air defense system.
-Introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]] alongside with PGZ09, thanks to its opto-electronic tracker and advanced TVD sight, PGZ04A can safely track enemy targets without triggering their warning systems and the weaponries onboard will certainly cause havoc to enemy jets or helicopter that come too close; do remember to conceal yourself from them as well since a sudden strike on enemies will greatly enhance the odds to take them out straight away, and leave the MANPADS for targets at lower speed or helicopters- conserving precious missiles can earn great rewards for yourself and the team.
+The development of the PGZ95 can be traced back to the 1980s when the PLAGF was in desperate need of a new SPAA system. Earlier plans involved reverse-engineering Egyptian ZSU-23-4s, which had already been obtained by Mainland China through bi-directional arms trade. However, when an observer team arrived in Italy and discovered the SIDAM 25, the PLAGF quickly abandoned the ZSU-23-4 plans and instead planned for a better SPAA system with all-weather combat capabilities. The new SPAA system was extensively tested in the 1990s and made its first appearance at the 50th National Day Parade (1999).
 == General info ==
@@ Line 139: / Line 141: @@
 '''Cons:'''
 * IR missiles are often unreliable due to its short lock-on range and worse maneuverability
 * 25 mm shells are not as potent as 35 mm or 57 mm shells at longer ranges
 * Insufficient penetration to damage Israeli or Soviet MBTs

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese SPAA {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]]. PGZ is the Chinese PLA designation for its SPAA platforms. With PGZ being the Pinyin abbreviation for "''炮，高射，自走" (Pao, Gaoshe, Zizou)'', or Lit. ''"Artillery, Anti-Air, Self-Propelled".''
+The PGZ04A (Chinese: PGZ04(A)式25毫米弹炮结合防空武器系统; lit. 25 mm missile-gun AA system), is the 21st Century upgrade of the existing PGZ95 fleet in PLAGF with new MANPADS replacing the earlier QW-2 MAPNPADS and currently served as the close-range interception layer of PLA's anti-air defense system. The development of PGZ95 could trace back to 1980s when PLAGF was in dire for a new SPAA which was yet to be introduced to the Army; earlier plans were reverse-engineering Egyptian's (purchased) ZSU-23-4 which has already been exchanged to Mainland China via bi-directional arms trade. When the observer team arrived in Italy and knew the existence of SIDAM 25, PLAGF soon ditched the ZSU-23-4 plans and planned for a better SPAA system with all-weather combat capabilities; the new SPAA was tested extensively in the 1990s and made its first appearance at the 50th National Day Parade.
-An upgrade to the previous PGZ95 in PLAGF service, PGZ04A provided reliable firepower against aerial targets that get too close to its 25 mm autocannons or its MANPADS, with sufficient mobility and ammo pool at disposal.
+Introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]] alongside with PGZ09, thanks to its opto-electronic tracker and advanced TVD sight, PGZ04A can safely track enemy targets without triggering their warning systems and the weaponries onboard will certainly cause havoc to enemy jets or helicopter that come too close; do remember to conceal yourself from them as well since a sudden strike on enemies will greatly enhance the odds to take them out straight away, and leave the MANPADS for targets at lower speed or helicopters- conserving precious missiles can earn great rewards for yourself and the team.
 == General info ==
@@ Line 160: / Line 160: @@
 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_pgz_04a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

@@ Line 113: / Line 113: @@
 ==== Ammunition ====
-{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+{{:HN-6/Ammunition|HN-6}}
 == Usage in battles ==

@@ Line 79: / Line 79: @@
 * '''Type 87 AP:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}
-{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+{{:PG87 (25 mm)/Ammunition|FI-T*, AP-T}}
 ==== [[Ammo racks]] ====

@@ Line 124: / Line 124: @@
 ! Visual<br>discrepancy
 |-
-| '''8''' || ''380(+652)'' || ''0(+1032)'' || No
+| '''1,032''' || 380&nbsp;''(+652)'' || 0&nbsp;''(+1,032)'' || No
 |-
 |}

@@ Line 208: / Line 208: @@
 == Media ==
 <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
-''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
 == See also ==

@@ Line 193: / Line 193: @@
 * Insufficient penetration to damage Israeli or Soviet MBTs
 * Completely exposed autocannons and missiles mean they are easily damaged
-* Search radar antenna is tall and big, also unretractable; can expose the location of PGZ04A
+* Search radar antenna is tall and big; can expose the location of PGZ04A
 * Like all SPAA, armour can only resist small calibre machine gun bullets

@@ Line 53: / Line 53: @@
 <!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 {{main|PG87 (25 mm)}}
-The PGZ04A is equipped with 4 x 25 mm PG87 25x183B AA guns mounted on the side of the turret, which is the same gun as the [[ZSD63]] at tier II.
+The PGZ04A is equipped with 4 x 25 mm PG87 25x183B AA guns mounted on the side of the turret, which is the same gun as the [[ZSD63]] at Rank II.
 With its above average velocity and high rate of fire, these 4 cannons combined can cause total annihilation of low-flying aircraft within its 2.5 km firing range and its ammunition has sufficient penetration to cause some trouble to lightly armoured vehicles. However, all this comes at a cost: you have only 1,032 rounds in total at your disposal. For players who are trigger-happy, this might a good chance to learn how to conserve their ammo and wait for the chance to deliver the fatal blow to enemy targets.
@@ Line 170: / Line 170: @@
 With its rapid-firing 25 mm guns and IR missiles, the PGZ04A does serve its purpose in close to mid-range air defense. Consider it to have two layers of defence: missiles for up to 6 km (depends on the target; it can lock onto jets at around 5 km; while helicopters is another story depending on its size and their heat signature), and the 25 mm cannons for anything within 3 km. The IR missiles have questionable tracking ability and often give up track on a target entirely if it manoeuvres to evade. However, it will help to distract incoming aircraft and bleed their speed, making them easier to be finished with the 25 mm cannons. The PGZ04A will have a tough time dealing with helicopters hovering at their maximum range launching ATGMs, as neither of the PGZ04 armaments can reach anything that's beyond 6 km.
-The PGZ04A's anti-ground ability is limited, due to its smaller calibre 25 mm cannons. They have no dedicated APDS rounds that were found in its predecessor, the PGZ09 (which also has larger cannons of 35 mm). The 25 mm struggles to penetrate the sides of top-tier MBTs, with some of them completely immune (for example, Israeli MBTs which has better side protection), although exterior modules can be quickly destroyed, especially tracks. If aimed well (and some luck), you can take out gun barrels of the enemy tank, but it is better to avoid engaging with MBTs to begin with. The 25 mm rounds also have poor post-pen effects, even against thinly armoured targets, but is counteracted by the high firerate and fire density of the 4 barrels.
+The PGZ04A's anti-ground ability is limited, due to its smaller calibre 25 mm cannons. They have no dedicated APDS rounds that were found in its predecessor, the PGZ09 (which also has larger cannons of 35 mm). The 25 mm struggles to penetrate the sides of top-rank MBTs, with some of them completely immune (for example, Israeli MBTs which has better side protection), although exterior modules can be quickly destroyed, especially tracks. If aimed well (and some luck), you can take out gun barrels of the enemy tank, but it is better to avoid engaging with MBTs to begin with. The 25 mm rounds also have poor post-pen effects, even against thinly armoured targets, but is counteracted by the high firerate and fire density of the 4 barrels.
 It is suggested to play the PGZ04A as a dedicated anti-air platform. However, due to its shorter range than its counterparts, you need to leave the spawn to be effective. While doing that, always have friendly tanks to screen you, as the moment you're caught alone by enemy ground targets you will have exceptionally low chance of survival.