Dongfeng Mengshi Explained

Dongfeng Mengshi was originally a family of 4×4 MRAP/off-road vehicles developed by Dongfeng Motor Group.[1] Early generations of the vehicle are built with imported Hummer H1 chassis,[2] while later generations of the vehicles are of indigenous design. Dongfeng Mengshi generally follows the trend of American military requirements. For example, CSK-141 is the Chinese equivalent of an armor-plated reinforced Humvee, while CSK-181 is the Chinese equivalent of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle.[3]

The Mengshi name was later introduced as an independent brand focusing on electric high performance and heavy duty SUVs inspired by the introduction of the GMC Hummer EV, with its first product being the Mengshi 917 also known as the M-Terrain prototype. While the electric Mengshi vehicles are introduced under the new Mengshi brand, Dongfeng continues to launch internal combustion engine-powered Mengshi series vehicles under the Dongfeng brand, such as the MS600 introduced around the same time period.

EQ2050

See main article: Dongfeng EQ2050.

The Dongfeng EQ2050 is a Chinese-made armored vehicle based on the Humvee, manufactured for government use by the Dongfeng Motor Group. It is known to be sold by the company for 700,000 Yuan ($93,000).[4] The vehicle was created after People's Liberation Army (PLA) officials saw the Humvee deployed in the Gulf War. While it is used in the PLA, it has also been exported to friendly countries for military use. The EQ2050 is largely being replaced in its role by the newer Dongfeng Mengshi class of vehicles.

CSK-131

Dongfeng CSK131 is Chinese light protected vehicle developed by Dongfeng Corporation. The chassis has been completely redesigned from EQ2060 with new engine and electronics including onboard computers with digital map software and Beidou satellite communication and positioning system, one night-vision camera for driver and one for the rear door. It is one of the two principal light armored vehicle currently fielded by PLA. All CSK-131 are equipped with a manually controlled turret.[5]

Dimensions and weight:

Variants

CSK-131 Command Post: Command post vehicle with communication suite on board.
  • CSK-131 Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle: Armaments include 12.7 mm machines guns and 35 mm automatic grenade launcher on a remote weapon station. The variant has a data-link, all-weather monitoring, and a retractable mast equipped with electro-optical sensor and radar. The vehicle is capable of conduct combat reconnaissance mission as well as providing fire support guidance for artillery.[6]
  • TL-4 mounted missile system: Based on CSK-131 chassis, the variant is equipped with four TL-4 fire-and-forget anti-tank missiles.[7]

    • CSK-141 (CS/VN11)

    Dongfeng CSK141 is a Chinese light protected vehicle developed by Dongfeng Corporation. Although sharing a lot of similarities to the CSK-131, the chassis of CSK-141 has a much longer wheelbase with a longer crew cabin having space for 10 infantry. CSK141 shares similar electronics with CSK131 such as computer, satellite suite and night vision cameras. This vehicle features unusual clamshell doors on either side which the door divide into upper and lower part. It is one of the two principal light armored vehicle currently fielded by PLA. All CSK-141 are equipped with a remote-controlled turret that can be mounted with machine guns, anti-tank missile and grenade launchers. The Dongfeng EQ2101 variants features a 6x6 configuration, and the CS/VN11 is the export version. First released in 2016, CS/VN11 has conventional side doors instead of clamshell type side doors.[8] [9] [10] [11] [12]

    Dimensions and weight:

    EQ2111

    EQ2111 is the prototype for next generation MRAP light tactical vehicle.

    Dimensions and weight:

    CSK-182

    CSK-182 is the shorter version of CSK-181 with six seats including one driver and one weapon station operator. It is based on EQ2111.[13]

    CSK-181

    CSK-181 is the new generation of light tactical vehicle developed by Dongfeng for PLA. CSK-181 is based on CSK-141 with one driver, one weapon station operator as co-driver with eight infantry seats. The variant has improved satellite communication capability, longer range night-vision cameras and most importantly, Mine-Resistant Ambush Protection capability. All CSK-181 are equipped with a remote-controlled turret, which can be mounted with machine guns, anti-tank missile and grenade launchers. The vehicle is in service as of 2020.[14] [15] [16] [17]

    Dimensions and weight:

    Variants

    CSK-181 C2: CSK-181 based command and control (C2) vehicle.[18]
  • CSK-181 ATGM: CSK-181 based ATGM carrier. Fitted with sensors and unknown type of ATGM.[19] HJ-11 or AFT-11, an improved derivative of HJ-8 missile, is estimated to be the missile mounted on CSK-181.[20]

    • CTL181/CTL181A

    CTL181 and CTL181A are light protected trucks modified on CSK-181 chassis.[21]

    Dimensions and weight (CTL181):

    Variants

    PCL-171: 122mm truck-mounted howitzer (self-propelled howitzer, SPH) capable of rapid deployment. The vehicle chassis is based on CTL-181A.[22] [23]
  • CTL-181A ATMC: Fitted with four HJ-10 anti-tank missile and electro-optical sensors.
  • CTL-181A Mortar Carrier: Fitted with vehicle-mounted 120 mm mortar and ammunition storage unit.[24] [25]
  • CTL-181A Multiple Rocket Launcher: Fitted with vehicle-mounted 122 mm multiple rocket launcher and ammunition storage unit. [26]
  • CTL-181A Assault Bridge Builder: It is equipped with a vehicle-launched bridge at the back.[27]
  • CTL-181A UAV Swarm: Fitted with a multiple launch system capable of launching small UAV/loitering munition.[28]

    • CSZ181

    CSZ181 is the protected support vehicle variant in a box truck form.[29]

    Dimensions and weight (CSZ181):

    Variants

    CSZ-181 MEDVAC: medical evacuation vehicle based on the CSZ181 chassis.[30]
  • CSZ-181 EW/ESM: multiple electronic warfares and electronic support measures systems based on CSZ181 box truck. Fitted with telescopic masts in VHF/UHF/SHF spectrum, for communication, monitoring, direction-finding, etc.[31]

    • M50

    The Dongfeng Mengshi M50 launched in July 2021 is the civilian version of the original EQ2050. It is available in various body styles with options including a single cab or crew cab setup, low and high roof setups, sealed cargo compartment models, and chassis cab variants.[32]

    MS600 (M20)

    The Dongfeng Mengshi MS600 is a heavy duty pickup, SUV, and chassis cab truck. With M20 being the name used before the official launch. Different from previous Mengshi ICE-powered products, the MS600 models are available to the general public. It was introduced in February 2023.[33]

    Mengshi 917 (M-Terrain)

    See main article: Mengshi 917. The Mengshi M-Terrain EV SUV is a prototype previewing the production Mengshi 917 full-size electric SUV. The prototype was introduced in August 2022 during the launch of the independent Mengshi brand,[34] with the production 917 unveiled in January 2023.[35]

    See also

    Vehicles of comparable roles

    Notes and References

    1. News: 肩负强国兴军使命 东风军车珠海航展显身手 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161106032806/http://news.xinhuanet.com/auto/2016-11/02/c_1119832090.htm. dead. November 6, 2016. 2 November 2016. 29 July 2017. XinhuaNet. zh.
    2. https://web.archive.org/web/20120928174355/http://chinaautoweb.com/2010/11/hummer-inspired-chinese-trucks-1-dongfeng-hanma-eq2050-2058/ Hummer-Inspired Chinese Trucks (1): Dongfeng “Hanma” (EQ-2050, 2058) - ChinaAutoWeb
    3. Web site: CHINESE TACTICS . Federation Of American Scientists . Army Techniques Publication . Headquarters, Department of the Army . 9 August 2021 .
    4. Web site: Chinese. Gasgoo.
    5. Web site: Dongfeng CSK131. Military Today.
    6. Web site: https://www.sohu.com/a/401568782_120675741 . zh:千里眼，顺风耳！解放军新一代侦察车大盘点 . Sohu News . zh . 12 June 2020.
    7. Web site: New CSK-131-based TL-4 missile launcher unveiled at Air Show China 2018 . Army Recognition . 9 November 2018 .
    8. Web site: Dongfeng CSK141. Military Today.
    9. Web site: Dongfeng CSK141 Light Protected Vehicle . Military-Today.com . 2022-08-20.
    10. Web site: Zhuhai 2016: Dongfeng finally shows initiative - Shephard Media.
    11. Web site: Chinese Company Dongfeng unveils two new versions of light armoured tactical vehicles at AAD 1709145. Army Recognition.
    12. Web site: New NORINCO CS/VN11 4x4 armoured vehicle personnel carrier at Zhuhai AirShow China 2016. Army Recognition.
    13. Web site: 解放军即将喜提新车？全新猛士车家族首次曝光！ . 8 May 2019. Sina News.
    14. Web site: CSK181 Mengshi. Dongfeng Group. 2020-05-14. 2021-10-05. https://web.archive.org/web/20211005141724/http://www.dfyyc.net/html/2017/mengshifanghuxing_0503/14.html. dead.
    15. Web site: Currently equipped Dongfeng brand vehicle in PLA. iGeek. zh-hans.
    16. Web site: CSK-181. Weibo. zh-hans.
    17. Web site: PLAGF's Tibet Military District receives additional CSK181 armoured vehicles. Jane's . 4 November 2020.
    18. Web site: Modernisation of PLAGF's Xinjiang Military Command continues apace . Janes . 17 May 2021 . Samuel . Cranny-Evans . Gabriel . Dominguez.
    19. Web site: Update: CCTV shows footage of possible new ATGM for Chinese army . Janes . Gabriel . Dominguez . 12 March 2021.
    20. Web site: PREMIUM: PLA adopts a new anti-tank guided missile . Shephard Media . 31 March 2021 . Gordon . Arthur .
    21. Web site: CTL181 . Dongfeng Group . 2020-05-18 . 2021-10-05 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211005141608/http://www.dfyyc.net/html/2017/mengshifanghuxing_0503/16.html . dead .
    22. Web site: PCL-171 122mm Truck Cannon (SPH). Global Security.
    23. Web site: Chinese PLA Introduces New Assault-Vehicle Mounted Howitzer. Defense World.net. 10 December 2020.
    24. Web site: Chinese army operating mortar-carrying variant of CTL181A vehicle . Janes . 1 July 2021 . Gabriel . Dominguez.
    25. Web site: New details emerge about mortar-carrying variant of PLAGF's CTL181A vehicle . Janes . 9 September 2021 . Gabriel . Dominguez.
    26. Web site: 东部战区某旅列装猛士三122MM火箭炮，山地丘陵地区打击能力进一步强化. . 7 September 2022. zh.
    27. Web site: PCL-171 122mm Truck Cannon (SPH) . globalsecurity.
    28. Web site: China likely to deploy new multiple UAV launcher in near future . Janes . 21 October 2020 . Andrew . Tate .
    29. Web site: CSZ181 . Dongfeng Group . 2020-05-18 . 2021-10-05 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211005153601/http://www.dfyyc.net/html/2017/mengshifanghuxing_0503/15.html . dead .
    30. Web site: China adds new Mengshi-based recon vehicle and armored ambulance to its arsenal . armyrecognition . 16 October 2023 .
    31. Web site: PLAGF units training with new vehicle-mounted EW systems . Janes . 15 May 2020 .
    32. Web site: 售66.88万元 民用版东风猛士M50上市. autohome.com.cn. 23 July 2023 .
    33. Web site: MS600 . jfqcgs.com. 23 July 2023 .
    34. Web site: Dongfeng Mengshi (Warrior) Brand Unveiled With Two 1000-HP Beasts. carnewschina.com. 23 July 2023 .
    35. Web site: Mengshi M-Hero 917 Exposed With Over 1000 HP And 505 KM Of Range. carnewschina.com. 23 July 2023 .

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