Due to the design improvements, GHN-45 had considerably longer ranges than other 155 mm cannon systems used by NATO and Western countries.

However, the PLZ-45 did not enter service with the People's Liberation Army Ground Force because China was still using the doctrine developed for the Soviet-standard 152 mm ammunition at the time.

The PLZ-05 was adopted by Chinese army in 2008 in order to replace the older Type 83 152 mm self-propelled howitzer.

Although PLZ-45 had an indigenous semi-automatic loader,[8] PLZ-05 is reportedly fitted with a fully-automatic loading system similar to 2S19 Msta, providing a rate of fire of 8 rounds/minute.

The hydropneumatic suspension units are fitted on the first and sixth roadwheel, giving the vehicle improved shock absorption and terrain adaptability.

An auxiliary power unit can provide onboard weapon systems with electricity when the engine is not running.

[3][18][19] Self-propelled howitzer with a 52 caliber barrel, 800 hp diesel engine & gross weight of 35 tonnes.

[1] The PLZ-05 can fire the WS-35 shell, a 40 lb (18 kg) guided munition with accuracy of 40 m (130 ft) and a max range reported to be 100 km (62 mi).

Having a gross vehicle weight of 43 tonnes, the PLZ-52 features a new powerpack, which consists of a diesel engine developing 1,000 hp at 2,300 rpm coupled to a fully automatic transmission.

It has torsion bar and hydropneumatic suspension[3] with six dual rubber tired road wheels, a drive sprocket at the front, idler at the rear and track return rollers.