100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 vs PCL-181: Specs Compared

FORCETALLY

Loading the evidence…

Preparing your view.

AArtillery

100 mm anti-tank gun T-12

Anti-tank gun

Credit

George Shuklin · CC BY-SA 1.0 · Resized · CC BY-SA 1.0 · Source ↗ · Modified

AI-generated illustration · Not a photograph — Representative exterior of PCL-181

BArtillery

PCL-181

Self-propelled howitzer

AI-generated illustration · Not a photograph

Credit

ForceTally · AI-generated illustration · Not a photograph · AI-generated · OpenAI output terms · Source ↗ · Modified

First system

Second system

At a glance

Side by side

Length comparisonOne shared metre scale

100 mm anti-tank gun T-12Length

9.16 m

Length source ↗

PCL-181SH-15

6.5 m

Length source ↗

Lengths retain their source configuration and measurement scope.

100 mm anti-tank gun T-12larger figure on 0 of 2

None

PCL-181larger figure on 2 of 2

Mass+809%
Calibre+55%

Counts only measures both sources give with the same scope. A larger figure is not a better system.

Measured figures

Head to head

16 of 65 rows sourced on both sides

9.16m

6.5mSH-15

Length

All recorded figures & sources

9.16 m

Length

Single source

9.16 m (30 ft 1 in)^[source]

6.5 m

SH-15

Single source

Configuration

Details

100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 and PCL-181 configuration
Specification	100 mm anti-tank gun T-12	PCL-181
Type	Anti-tank gun^[source]	Self-propelled howitzer^[source]
Place of origin	Soviet Union^[source]	China^[source]
In service	1961–present^[source]	2019–present^[source]
Used by	See Operators^[source]

Wars	See Combat history^[source]	2025 India–Pakistan conflict^[source]

Shell	Fixed QF 100 × 910 mmR (R/147mm)^[source]	—

Recoil	Hydro-pneumatic^[source]	—

Carriage	Transport: Ural-375D (6×6) On road: 60 km/h (37 mph) Off road: 15 km/h (9 mph)^[source]	—

Elevation	−10° to +20°^[source]	Around 20° to 70° (except for front due to cab)^[source]

Traverse	27° left or right^[source]	360°^[source]

Muzzle velocity	See Ammunition^[source]	—

Former operator · Armenia	Armenia^[source]	—

Former operator · Bosnia and Herzegovina	Bosnia and Herzegovina^[source]	—

Former operator · Cuba	Cuba^[source]	—

Former operator · East Germany	East Germany^[source]	—

Former operator · Egypt	Egypt^[source]	—

Former operator · Ethiopia	Ethiopia^[source]	—

Former operator · Hungary	Hungary^[source]	—

Former operator · Iraq	Iraq^[source]	—

Former operator · People's Republic of Kampuchea	People's Republic of Kampuchea^[source]	—

Former operator · Mongolia	Mongolia^[source]	—

Former operator · Somalia	Somalia^[source]	—

Former operator · South Yemen	South Yemen^[source]	—

Former operator · Soviet Union	Soviet Union^[source]	—

Former operator · Yugoslavia	Yugoslavia^[source]	—

Role	Soviet -designed 100-mm anti-tank gun^[source]	—

Source measurement	2A19 or T-12 is a Soviet -designed 100-mm anti-tank gun . It was the first anti-tank gun to adopt a smoothbore barrel, and to introduce modern armor piercing shot, like the APFSDS . It uses long projectiles that are more powerful than its caliber suggests. The T-12 served as the primary towed anti-tank artillery in the Soviet and Bulgarian armies from the early 1960s to the late 1980s.^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Lead; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The T-12 was designed by the construction bureau of the Yurga Machine-Building Plant as a replacement for the BS-3 100 mm gun . The first serial examples were produced in 1955, but the T-12 entered service only in 1961. Its special feature was the use of a smoothbore gun. The T-12 was typically deployed in the anti-tank units of armored and motor rifle regiments to protect flanks against counter-attacks during rapid advances.^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · History; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage By the mid-1990s, modern western tanks' frontal armor protection could no longer be penetrated by a 100 mm gun. The 100 mm caliber ammunition had reached the limits of what could be achieved with it. For a static anti-tank that cannot move to attack the sides of an opponent this is particularly problematic. Today, the T-12 is used mostly in the role of ordinary artillery, using FRAG-HE shells. The T-12 was planned to be superseded by the 2A45 Sprut-B 125 mm smooth bore anti-tank gun.^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · History; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Another reason to use a smoothbore barrel for armor piercing shot, is that smoothbore guns allow for higher pressures, and thus higher projectile speeds. The result is that the T-12 fired a conspicuously long APFSDS projectile. This BM2 shot (see picture) had a diameter of 38 mm (1.5 in) and used 8.75 kg (19.3 lb) of propellant instead of less than 6 kg (13 lb) for the existing Soviet tank gun. It was fired at a muzzle velocity of 1,540 m/s (5,100 ft/s) as opposed to only 900 m/s (3,000 ft/s) for the usual armor piercing shot. At 1,000 m (3,300 ft) this improved armor penetration from 185 mm (7.3 in) to 230 mm (9.1 in), enough to penetrate most NATO tanks of the period.^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Description / A revolutionary smoothbore gun; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage In 1958 Nikita Khrushchev saw the T-12 and was so enthusiastic about the gun, that he wanted it placed in the T55 . However, the long ammunition would not fit in the existing Soviet medium-tank turrets. Therefore, the 115 mm U-5TS gun of the T-62 was developed with a larger caliber, so it could use more propellant while not requiring the very long T-12 cartridges.^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Description / A revolutionary smoothbore gun; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The T-12 used the carriage of the 85 mm anti-tank gun D-48 . In fact the only difference between the T-12 and the D-48 was the barrel. Both can be told apart by the muzzle brake , which becomes wider towards the end of the D-48's barrel, but has the same width throughout for the T-12 and MT-12. The wheels of both D-48 and T-12 are secured by six bolts. The carriage of the T-12 did not allow it to be towed cross-country by fast tracked vehicles. It was therefore usually towed by trucks. This limited the T-12's cross country movement to only 15 km/h (9.3 mph).^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Description / Other charactertistics; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The standard equipment of the T-12 includes multiple sights . The indirect aiming mechanism consists of the S71-40 mechanism with panoramic PG-1M sight. The OP4M-40U sight is used for direct fire. The APN-5-40 or APN-6-40 are used for direct fire by night.^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Description / Other charactertistics; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Note: penetration numbers for RHA at 90 degrees.^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Round weight: 19.34 kg (42.6 lb)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / APFSDS; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Projectile weight: 5.65 kg (12.5 lb)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / APFSDS; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Muzzle velocity: 1,575 m/s (5,170 ft/s)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / APFSDS; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Maximum range: 3,000 m (3,300 yd)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / APFSDS; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Penetration: 230 mm at 500 m (9 in at 550 yd) 180 mm at 2,000 m (7 in at 2,200 yd) 140 mm at 3,000 m (5.5 in at 3,300 yd)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / APFSDS; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Round weight: 19.9 kg (44 lb)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / APFSDS; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Projectile weight: 4.55 kg (10.0 lb)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / APFSDS; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Muzzle velocity: 1,548 m/s (5,080 ft/s)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / APFSDS; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Penetration: 225 mm at 1000 m (8.8 in at 1100 yd)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / APFSDS; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Round weight: 23.1 kg (51 lb)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / HEAT; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Projectile weight: 9.5 kg (21 lb)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / HEAT; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Muzzle velocity: 975 m/s (3,200 ft/s)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / HEAT; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Maximum range: 1,000 m (1,100 yd)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / HEAT; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Penetration: 400 mm (16 in)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / HEAT; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Round weight: 28.9 kg (64 lb)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / HE-FRAG; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Projectile weight: 16.7 kg (37 lb)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / HE-FRAG; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Muzzle velocity: 700 m/s (2,300 ft/s)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / HE-FRAG; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Maximum range (indirect): 8,200 m (9,000 yd)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / HE-FRAG; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Round weight: 24.5 kg (54 lb)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / Guided projectile; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Projectile weight: 17.6 kg (39 lb)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / Guided projectile; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Average speed: 300 m/s (980 ft/s)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / Guided projectile; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Range: 100–5,000 m (110–5,470 yd)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / Guided projectile; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Penetration: 550–600 mm (22–24 in)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / Guided projectile; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage A407 - This artillery system was designed by Arsenal-Resita and is very similar to the MT-12. It can fire the same range of ammunition as the T-54/55 tank and has a maximum range of 2,200 m (7,200 ft) (HEAT) or 4,000 m (13,000 ft) (APC-T). Subversions are the A407M1 and the A407M2 . In Romanian Army service, the A407 is known as the 100 mm anti-tank gun M1977 ( Romanian : Tun antitanc calibrul 100-mm Model 1977 ) and is normally towed by the DAC 887R truck. It can also be towed with the DAC 665T truck. The Model 2002 is an improved version, fitted with the automatic fire control system TAT-100.^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Variants / Romania; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Type 86 - This is a 100mm smoothbore anti-tank gun that has some similarities with the 85mm Type 56 (D-44) . It fires ammunition of the fixed type, including the Type 73 HE, Type 73 HEAT, Type 73 APFSDS and Type 86 APFSDS to a maximum range of 1,800 m (5,900 ft).^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Variants / People's Republic of China; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage	—

Source measurement

2A19 or T-12 is a Soviet -designed 100-mm anti-tank gun . It was the first anti-tank gun to adopt a smoothbore barrel, and to introduce modern armor piercing shot, like the APFSDS . It uses long projectiles that are more powerful than its caliber suggests. The T-12 served as the primary towed anti-tank artillery in the Soviet and Bulgarian armies from the early 1960s to the late 1980s.^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Lead; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The T-12 was designed by the construction bureau of the Yurga Machine-Building Plant as a replacement for the BS-3 100 mm gun . The first serial examples were produced in 1955, but the T-12 entered service only in 1961. Its special feature was the use of a smoothbore gun. The T-12 was typically deployed in the anti-tank units of armored and motor rifle regiments to protect flanks against counter-attacks during rapid advances.^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · History; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

By the mid-1990s, modern western tanks' frontal armor protection could no longer be penetrated by a 100 mm gun. The 100 mm caliber ammunition had reached the limits of what could be achieved with it. For a static anti-tank that cannot move to attack the sides of an opponent this is particularly problematic. Today, the T-12 is used mostly in the role of ordinary artillery, using FRAG-HE shells. The T-12 was planned to be superseded by the 2A45 Sprut-B 125 mm smooth bore anti-tank gun.^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · History; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Another reason to use a smoothbore barrel for armor piercing shot, is that smoothbore guns allow for higher pressures, and thus higher projectile speeds. The result is that the T-12 fired a conspicuously long APFSDS projectile. This BM2 shot (see picture) had a diameter of 38 mm (1.5 in) and used 8.75 kg (19.3 lb) of propellant instead of less than 6 kg (13 lb) for the existing Soviet tank gun. It was fired at a muzzle velocity of 1,540 m/s (5,100 ft/s) as opposed to only 900 m/s (3,000 ft/s) for the usual armor piercing shot. At 1,000 m (3,300 ft) this improved armor penetration from 185 mm (7.3 in) to 230 mm (9.1 in), enough to penetrate most NATO tanks of the period.^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Description / A revolutionary smoothbore gun; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

In 1958 Nikita Khrushchev saw the T-12 and was so enthusiastic about the gun, that he wanted it placed in the T55 . However, the long ammunition would not fit in the existing Soviet medium-tank turrets. Therefore, the 115 mm U-5TS gun of the T-62 was developed with a larger caliber, so it could use more propellant while not requiring the very long T-12 cartridges.^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Description / A revolutionary smoothbore gun; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The T-12 used the carriage of the 85 mm anti-tank gun D-48 . In fact the only difference between the T-12 and the D-48 was the barrel. Both can be told apart by the muzzle brake , which becomes wider towards the end of the D-48's barrel, but has the same width throughout for the T-12 and MT-12. The wheels of both D-48 and T-12 are secured by six bolts. The carriage of the T-12 did not allow it to be towed cross-country by fast tracked vehicles. It was therefore usually towed by trucks. This limited the T-12's cross country movement to only 15 km/h (9.3 mph).^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Description / Other charactertistics; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The standard equipment of the T-12 includes multiple sights . The indirect aiming mechanism consists of the S71-40 mechanism with panoramic PG-1M sight. The OP4M-40U sight is used for direct fire. The APN-5-40 or APN-6-40 are used for direct fire by night.^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Description / Other charactertistics; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Note: penetration numbers for RHA at 90 degrees.^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Round weight: 19.34 kg (42.6 lb)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / APFSDS; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Projectile weight: 5.65 kg (12.5 lb)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / APFSDS; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Muzzle velocity: 1,575 m/s (5,170 ft/s)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / APFSDS; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Maximum range: 3,000 m (3,300 yd)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / APFSDS; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Penetration: 230 mm at 500 m (9 in at 550 yd) 180 mm at 2,000 m (7 in at 2,200 yd) 140 mm at 3,000 m (5.5 in at 3,300 yd)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / APFSDS; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Round weight: 19.9 kg (44 lb)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / APFSDS; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Projectile weight: 4.55 kg (10.0 lb)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / APFSDS; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Muzzle velocity: 1,548 m/s (5,080 ft/s)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / APFSDS; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Penetration: 225 mm at 1000 m (8.8 in at 1100 yd)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / APFSDS; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Round weight: 23.1 kg (51 lb)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / HEAT; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Projectile weight: 9.5 kg (21 lb)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / HEAT; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Muzzle velocity: 975 m/s (3,200 ft/s)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / HEAT; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Maximum range: 1,000 m (1,100 yd)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / HEAT; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Penetration: 400 mm (16 in)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / HEAT; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Round weight: 28.9 kg (64 lb)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / HE-FRAG; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Projectile weight: 16.7 kg (37 lb)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / HE-FRAG; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Muzzle velocity: 700 m/s (2,300 ft/s)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / HE-FRAG; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Maximum range (indirect): 8,200 m (9,000 yd)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / HE-FRAG; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Round weight: 24.5 kg (54 lb)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / Guided projectile; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Projectile weight: 17.6 kg (39 lb)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / Guided projectile; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Average speed: 300 m/s (980 ft/s)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / Guided projectile; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Range: 100–5,000 m (110–5,470 yd)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / Guided projectile; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Penetration: 550–600 mm (22–24 in)^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Ammunition / Guided projectile; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

A407 - This artillery system was designed by Arsenal-Resita and is very similar to the MT-12. It can fire the same range of ammunition as the T-54/55 tank and has a maximum range of 2,200 m (7,200 ft) (HEAT) or 4,000 m (13,000 ft) (APC-T). Subversions are the A407M1 and the A407M2 . In Romanian Army service, the A407 is known as the 100 mm anti-tank gun M1977 ( Romanian : Tun antitanc calibrul 100-mm Model 1977 ) and is normally towed by the DAC 887R truck. It can also be towed with the DAC 665T truck. The Model 2002 is an improved version, fitted with the automatic fire control system TAT-100.^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Variants / Romania; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Type 86 - This is a 100mm smoothbore anti-tank gun that has some similarities with the 85mm Type 56 (D-44) . It fires ammunition of the fixed type, including the Type 73 HE, Type 73 HEAT, Type 73 APFSDS and Type 86 APFSDS to a maximum range of 1,800 m (5,900 ft).^[source]100 mm anti-tank gun T-12 · Variants / People's Republic of China; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

—

Country of origin	Soviet Union^[source]Inventory Origin column; table 2, row 23, cell 2; revision 1345547771; retrieved 2026-10-01 Soviet Union^[source]Inventory Origin column; table 5, row 5, cell 3; revision 1377349402; retrieved 2026-10-02 Soviet Union^[source]Inventory Origin column; table 26, row 4, cell 6; revision 1377394124; retrieved 2026-10-01	—

Country of origin

Soviet Union^[source]Inventory Origin column; table 2, row 23, cell 2; revision 1345547771; retrieved 2026-10-01

Soviet Union^[source]Inventory Origin column; table 5, row 5, cell 3; revision 1377349402; retrieved 2026-10-02

Soviet Union^[source]Inventory Origin column; table 26, row 4, cell 6; revision 1377394124; retrieved 2026-10-01

—

Designer	—	Nanjing University of Science and Technology^[source]

Manufacturer	—	Norinco^[source]

Barrels	—	52 caliber^[source]

Breech	—	Semi-automatic vertical wedge type breech block^[source]

Main armament	—	PLL-01 155 mm howitzer gun^[source]

Engine	—	diesel^[source]

Drive	—	6×6^[source]

Suspension	—	hydropneumatic suspension^[source]

Reported operators	Reported operator · Algeria Reported operator · Bulgaria Reported operator · Cambodia Reported operator · Georgia Reported operator · Kazakhstan Reported operator · Kyrgyzstan Reported operator · Mali Reported operator · Moldova Reported operator · Russia Reported operator · Syria Reported operator · Transnistria Reported operator · Turkmenistan Reported operator · Ukraine Reported operator · Uzbekistan Reported operator · Vietnam	Reported operator · People's Republic of China Reported operator · Pakistan Reported operator · Ethiopia Reported operator · Myanmar