Type 08 Explained

Type 08 Vehicle Family
Origin:People's Republic of China
Type:Armoured fighting vehicle
Is Vehicle:yes
Service:2008-present
Used By:See Operators
Wars:Boko Haram insurgency
Designer:Norinco
Manufacturer:Norinco
Production Date:2006-present
Number:6,150+[1]
Weight:Varies by configuration
15 to 25 tonne
21 tonne (ZBL-08)
23 tonne (ZTL-11)
25 tonne (PLL-09)
Length:8m (26feet)
Width:3m (10feet)
Height:2.1m (06.9feet) (without turret)
Crew:3
Passengers:11 (APC)
7 (IFV)
Primary Armament:ZPL-98A 105 mm gun (ZTL-11)
QJC-88 12.7 mm gun (ZSL-10)
ZPT-99 30 mm cannon (ZBL-08)
KDG 35 mm revolver autocannon (PGL-12)[2]
PL-96 122 mm howitzer (PLL-09)
PL-01 155 mm howitzer (PLL-09)
Secondary Armament:HJ-73C Anti-Tank Guided Missile
Type 86 7.62 mm machine gun
QJT 5.8 mm machine gun
Engine:Deutz BF6M1015C diesel 11.9 litre
Transmission:semi-automatic
Suspension:8×8 wheeled
Vehicle Range:800 km
Speed:100 km/h

The Type 08 [3] is a Chinese family of modern eight-wheeled, amphibious, modular armored vehicles developed by Norinco for infantry fire support, battlefield logistics, and quick reaction operations. Developed in the early 2000s, the vehicle family were produced for more than 6000 hulls and widely deployed by the People's Liberation Army Ground Force and People's Liberation Army Marine Corps.[4]

ZBL-08 is the designation for the infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) variant in the Type 08 vehicle family. The modular design offers a plethora of different configurations, including an armored personnel carrier (APC) variant, an assault gun variant, combat engineering variants, mine clearance variants, CBRN defense variants, 122 mm/155 mm self propelled howitzer (SPH) variants, air defense variants, self-propelled mortar variants, reconnaissance vehicle variants, command vehicle variants, and much more.

Development

The development of the Type 08 vehicle family starts in the 1990s as the successor to other aging Chinese wheeled vehicles. Type 08 was first seen in 2006, undergoing road tests.[5]

Design

Overview

The Type 08 has modular design that allows customization of the vehicle based on mission. The vehicle consists of six modules: engine module, transmission module, control module, suspension module, hull module, and weapon station module. The vehicle is fitted with a digital battlefield management system, satellite navigation system, NBC protection, and automatic fire suppression system. It is able to datalink and communicate with other vehicles as well as the command posts.

Protection

The vehicle chassis and turret is made of all-welded steel with mounted alumina ceramic composite plates, providing protection against shell splinters, 12.7 mm armor-piercing incendiary rounds at 100m (300feet) and 25 mm projectiles over the frontal arc at 1000m (3,000feet). The vehicle is fitted with smoke dischargers and laser warning receivers to improve survivability.[6] [7] The vehicle is capable of all weather operation. The driver is equipped with a helmet-mounted night vision system fed from the CCD-based sensors fitted on the vehicle chassis.[8]

Armaments

ZBL-08 infantry fighting vehicle, the standard variant of the Type 08 family, is equipped with ZPT-99 30 mm autocannon and Type 86 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun. Two HJ-73C ATGM rail launchers are mounted on both sides of the turret. The gunner is equipped with a computerized fire control system, gun stabilization with automatic tracking, laser rangefinder, and thermal imagining devices.[9]

ZSL-10 armored personnel carrier is equipped with an open-top armor-protected QJC-88 heavy machine gun and smoke discargers.

ZTL-11 assault vehicle is fitted with ZPL-98A[10] 105 mm rifled gun with capability of launching armor piercing fin stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS), high explosive (HE), and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) ammunitions, as well as the indigenous GP105 105 mm gun-fired laser beam riding guided anti-tank missile (ATGM).[11] Secondary weapons include QJT-88 5.8 mm coaxial machine gun and QJC-88 12.7 mm roof-mounted heavy machine gun. The turret of ZTL-11 is derived from the Type 05 amphibious tank, but with more smoke dischargers.[12] The assault vehicle is also fitted with ST-16 millimeter wave radar suite,[13] similar to the one mounted on Type 99A tank. The radar is designed for target identification (IFF), acquisition, and tracking.

Mobility

Type 08 family is powered by the Deutz BF6M1015C water-cooled V-type 6-cylinder diesel engine, developing 440 hp. The vehicle is equipped with automated manual transmission. The front four wheels are capable of power steering. The maximum speed is 100 km/h with 800 km of range on the highway. The vehicle is fully amphibious, with hydraulically controlled water jets mounted to the rear. The vehicle is fitted with computer-controlled central tire inflation system and steel-reinforced radial tires to improve mobility under off-road and emergency situation.[14]

Variants

ZBL-08 (Type 08) Infantry Fighting Vehicle: Original IFV variant with a ZPT-99 30 mm turret based on Shipunov 2A72. It features a crew cabin in the back for infantry transportation. HJ-73C missiles can be optionally mounted on each side of the turret.
  • ZSL-10 (Type 10) Armoured personnel carrier: Based on IFV variant but the modified crew cabin has a higher ceiling. The Armored Personnel Carrier can be armed either with a manually controlled, armour-plate-protected 12.7 machine gun or a remote-controlled weapon station.[15] The APC is equipped with ten specialized shock-absorbing seats for additional comfort and protection against land mines and improvised explosive device (IED).[16]
  • Type 08 Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle: Armed with a 30 mm turret, the vehicle has a chassis that is similar to the IFV variant. The Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle will advance before IFVs and assault guns for intelligence gathering. On-board high definition electro-optical cameras, thermal imaging systems, and laser designator can transmit battlefield and target information for other data-linked vehicles for target identification and designation. The Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle can provide better situational awareness for the infantry. The main radar and electro-optical sight is mounted on a retractable mast and is capable of data-link and image-sharing with other vehicles.[17] Aerial reconnaissance capabilities are provided with various unmanned aerial vehicles. All reconnaissance vehicles are equipped with a launch rail behind the turret, capable of launching ASN-15 with 10km (10miles) range and one hour endurance. BZK UAV can also be stored and assembled on the spot if longer-range aerial reconnaissance is needed. In addition, individual scouts are equipped with hand-launched remote-controlled SUAV similar to RQ-11 Raven.[18]
  • Type 08 Artillery Reconnaissance Vehicle: The vehicle chassis is based on the APC variant and armed with 12.7 mm machine gun and HJ-73C anti-tank missile. The artillery reconnaissance vehicles does not perform combat reconnaissance missions, instead focusing on target acquisition for artillery battalions, and collection of terrain and meteorological data through various observation instruments.[19]
  • Type 08 Electro-Optical Reconnaissance Vehicle: The vehicle chassis is based on the APC variant but with no turret and self-defense weapons. The prominent addition, comparing to other reconnaissance variants, is a rapid-spinning electro-optical surveillance camera that creates 360 degree panoramic video stream. The onboard sensor may include daylight camera, infrared-thermal camera, and night vision camera.[20]
  • PLL-09 (Type 09) Modular Self-propelled Howitzer system: Based on IFV variant. Can be armed with either a 122 mm or 155 mm howitzer, to provide indirect fire support for infantry.[21]
  • ZTL-11 (Type 11) Assault Gun: Armed with a 105 mm rifled gun, coaxial machine gun and 12.7 mm anti-air machine gun, the Assault gun is based on the IFV chassis and can provide direct fire support for infantry battalions and engage enemy light vehicles and stationary targets such as bunkers.[22] [23] ZTL-11 shares a turret very similar to ZTD-05 amphibious assaults vehicle.[24] The vehicle is alternately designated ZLT-11.[7] [25]
  • PGL-12 (Type 12) Anti-Air Gun-Missile System: Armed with a single-barrel 35 mm revolver autocannon, derived from the 35 mm anti-aircraft gun system on PGZ-09.[26] Additional air coverage is provided by anti-air missiles mounted on the top-right side of the turret.[27] The electronics include thermal-tracking sight, targeting and surveillance radars. The data collected by the radars can be data-linked back to the command and armored reconnaissance vehicles. Although the system shares the armaments with PGZ-09, the loading mechanism is completely different. Since PGL-12 only has one barrel (whereas PGZ-09 has two), the new gun system requires a higher fire rate for sufficient firepower density. The redesigned unmanned turret with proprietary revolving loading system can provide 1000 rounds/minute rate of fire, increased from the 550 rounds/minute per barrel on the PGZ-09.[28]
  • PGL-XX (Code name 625) Air Defense Gun-Missile System: Unnamed prototype vehicle featuring a 6-barrel 25 mm gatling gun and four FN-6B (FN-16)[29] for short-range air defense. code-named "625", PGL-XX was revealed under testing in 2021. It uses 25x287 mm ammunition technology with upgraded radar, computer system, and data-link. The 625 anti-air system will be paired with HQ-17A wheeled short-range air-defense system. The Gatling gun system was deemed by PLA to be better at counter rocket, artillery, and mortar missions.[30] The vehicle is spotted in a military training mission at Tibet Military District.[31]
  • Type 08 Command Vehicle: With a modified chassis that has a much higher ceiling than the APC variant, the crew cabin provides a more spacious environment for commanders and staff. Equipped with satellite communication suite and battle management system, the command vehicle can move with the mechanized infantry for better battlefield management.[32]
  • Type 08 Communication Vehicle: Based on the Command Vehicle variant. It has additional communication equipment on board for the infantry battalion.
  • Type 08 Armored Ambulance: Based on the Command Vehicle variant. Featuring a modified crew cabin with medical equipment, the Armored Ambulance variant has two Red Cross markers on each side of the vehicle body.[33] [34]
  • Type 14 Hazardous Environment Reconnaissance Vehicle:[35] Based on the Command Vehicle variant. Equipped with sensors and equipment for hazardous detection involving nuclear, biological and chemical environment.
  • Type 08 Electronic Warfare Vehicle: Based on the Command Vehicle variant but the satellite communication suite on top of the vehicle roof is replaced by a rectangular shaped radar with several small radar panels for Electronic Support Measures.
  • GPZ-111A (Type 111A) Assault Breach Vehicle: Based on the IFV variant.[36] It is equipped with mine plow, mine detection device, and rocket-projected mine clearing line charge (MICLIC).[37]
  • GQC-003 (Type 003) Mobile Bridge Builder: Based on the IFV variant.[38] It is equipped with a vehicle-launched bridge on top of the hull.[39]
  • Type 08 Armored Recovery Vehicle: Based on the IFV variant, the turret is replaced by a crane for emergency vehicle service.
  • Type 08 Armored Cargo Vehicle: Based on the APC variant, the Armored Cargo Vehicle has more bullet-proof windows on the vehicle body.
  • Type 08 Engineering Vehicle: The vehicle has a unique chassis. It is equipped with tools for road paving and obstacle neutralization. A bulldozer blade is fitted on the front of the vehicle and an excavator bucket is mounted on the front end of the roof. Waterline marks can also be found on the side of the vehicle hull.:
  • Yitian 2: Air defense missile system, continuation of Yitian.[40]

    • Export variant

    VS27: Armored rescue vehicle[41]
  • VE36: Reconnaissance vehicle
  • VE32A: Reconnaissance vehicle
  • CS/SA5: Specialized air defense variant with a 6-barrel 30 mm Gatling gun and FN-6 short-range missiles. The early version of this export-oriented vehicle was based on a modified Type 08 IFV chassis.[42] In Zhuhai Airshow 2021, a new version based on a modified 8x8 chassis was unveiled.[43] The turret included an air surveillance radar on the rear of the turret roof with a 2-axis adaptive-follow tracking radar situated on the starboard side of the surveillance radar while the thermal-tracking sight situated on the port side can provide visual information of the target through fire control computers.[44]
  • Type 625E: Specialized air defense variant with a 6-barrel 25 mm Gatling gun and FB-10 short-range missiles. It uses the same chassis as the new CS/SA5 chassis shown in Zhuhai Airshow 2021.[45] The vehicle is the export variant based on the PGL-XX/625.
  • CS/AA5: Specialized IFV variants with a remote-controlled 40mm turret. The chassis of CS/AA5 is based on Type 08 IFV.[46]
  • VN-1: Export variant based on Type 08 IFV. The VN-1C is armed with a 30 mm remote weapons station and a HJ-73 anti-tank missile.[47]
  • SWS-2: Export SHORAD gun/missile system variant of the VN-1. It is armed with a 35 mm cannon and four surface-to-air missiles.[48] This vehicle is the export version of the PGL-12 anti-air artillery system.[49]
  • ST-1: Export variant based on Type 11 assault gun, armed with a L7 105mm rifled gun. The turret is also used on the WMA301 and ST-2.
  • ST-3: Hybrid artillery tank destroyer, armed with a high elevation 105mm gun, similar to the Al-Fahd AF-40-8-2 or XM1202 MCS.[50]
  • SH-11: Export-oriented 155 mm self-propelled howitzer armed with a 39-caliber gun, which can be replaced with a 52-caliber gun without changing the chassis. It features a fully automatic loading system and the latest generation of optics.[51] [52]
  • AFT-10 ATGM carrier: First shown at the 2018 Zhuhai Airshow.
  • JRVG-1A anti-air gun system: First shown at the 2018 Zhuhai Airshow. The JRVG-1A uses a stretched 10x10 Type 08 chassis. The picture shown in the catalog differs from the presented vehicle. The lower rear section of the hull is wider, where the waterjets are mounted on the 8x8 versions, which the presented vehicle misses. A variant called JRVG-1B with a chassis similar to was PGZ-09/PLZ-05 listed in the catalog too. The vehicle is armed with a naval 76mm turret, which includes a detection and fire control radar like the Italian Otomatic SPAAG. A water cooling system allows a fire rate of up to 300rpm.[53] [54]

    • Operators

    Potential operators

    Argentina
  • The Argentine Army shows interest in buying the Type 08.[61]

    Failed bids

    Brazil
  • The Chinese government offered the ST-1 to the Brazilian Army in April 2021, under the Army's "VBC Cav" program to obtain 221 units of an 8 x 8 assault gun, for the replacement of the EE-9 Cascavel in operation since 1974.[62] The Italian Centauro II was selected instead.

    See also

    Related development
    Comparable ground systems

    Notes and References

    1. Book: The Military Balance 2024 . International Institute for Strategic Studies . 978-1032780047 . 255-259.
    2. Web site: China to unveil a new 8x8 self-propelled anti-aircraf armoured vehicle with single 35mm cannon . Armyrecognition.com . 10 March 2014.
    3. Web site: Many variants of the Chinese wheeled combat vehicle family . Tencent News. 2018-03-03. zh-hans.
    4. Web site: ZBL-09 Armored personnel carrier . Military-Today.com . 2013-12-05.
    5. Web site: ZBL-09 . Military Today.
    6. Web site: ZBL-08 "Snow Leopard" - Survivability . globalsecurity.
    7. Web site: 也说现役ZLT11式轮式装甲突击车的改进方向 . yidianzixun . 31 May 2019 . Chinese .
    8. Web site: ZBL-08 "Snow Leopard" - Crew Systems . globalsecurity.
    9. Web site: ZBL-08 "Snow Leopard" - Lethality . globalsecurity.
    10. Web site: 铸剑 英伦名炮书传奇：L7型105mm坦克炮的东方后代(组图). Sohu News . 20 October 2015 . Chinese.
    11. W Miller . Stephen . June 2020 . Direct Assault Support of Expeditionary Interventions . Military Technology.
    12. Web site: 11式突击车高原演练运动射击！配超远射程弹药，5公里精确杀敌 . Sohu News . 21 June 2020 . Chinese.
    13. Web site: 中国99A型坦克安装一部毫米波雷达 却非防御系统组件 . Sina News . 20 July 2020 . Chinese .
    14. Web site: ZBL-08 "Snow Leopard" - Mobility . globalsecurity .
    15. Web site: ZBD-09 Snow Leopard . tanks-encyclopedia.
    16. Web site: 我军10式装甲车内部画面首次展示，独特"悬空"座椅不怕IED . NetEase News . 16 May 2018 .
    17. Web site: Transforming the 8x8 Armored Vehicles in comparison with Stryker. Daily Headline China. zh . 2016-05-20.
    18. Web site: 72 Group Army showcases Type 08 Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle and Drones. Chinese. Tencent News. 18 February 2021.
    19. Web site: PLA Artillery Reconnaissance Vehicle reveled. Chinese . Sohu News. 11 December 2015.
    20. Web site: Information on the new generation reconnaissance of PLA. Chinese . Sohu News. 11 December 2015.
    21. Web site: PLL-09 self-propelled howitzer system fires at targets. Ministry of Defense of China. en. 7 July 2018.
    22. Web site: NORINCO ZTL-11 (Type 11).
    23. Web site: ZTL-11 8x8 105mm Mobile Gun System.
    24. Web site: New ZTL-11 105mm 8x8 assault gun armored vehicle in service with Chinese army . armyrecognition . 17 May 2020 .
    25. Web site: 直击国际军事比赛-2018泉州开幕式，ZLT05A式两栖装甲突击车亮相 . 1 August 2018. NetEase News.
    26. Web site: Oerlikon GDF and Chinese 35 mm autocannon family. Chinese . 28 February 2021. NetEase 163 News.
    27. Web site: 官媒公布解放军弹炮合一防空系统，高科技自动装弹机凸显中国军工实力 . Chinese . Tencent News . 1 June 2021.
    28. Web site: Single barrel 35 mm anti-air vehicle revealed. New revolving cannon doubles the fire rate. Chinese . Sina Military. 28 May 2019.
    29. Web site: 火力制胜/陆军625高炮 织弹雨拦截网 . Ta Kung Pao . 19 December 2022 .
    30. Web site: 625 Strikes Back, why PLA choose 625 8x8 anti-air system for Medium Combined Arms Brigade. Chinese . NetEase 163 News. 4 February 2021.
    31. Web site: Tibet military region receives 625 anti-air vehicle. Chinese . 4 February 2021.
    32. Web site: Modern PLA Armoured Vehicles. 19 September 2009. 1. Andrew. Martin.
    33. Web site: 中國 Vn-1 八輪 裝甲戰鬥車.
    34. Web site: PLA Chinese army commissions new amphibious armored ambulance to plateau troops . Army Recognition . 29 March 2021.
    35. Web site: Rusing into the nuclear blast, Type 14 NBCR vehicle. Chinese . Sohu News. 27 September 2017.
    36. Web site: 轮式综合扫雷车：让地雷无所遁形的破障利器 . China Military .
    37. Web site: Sappers launch mine-clearing line charge . Chinese Military. 14 May 2020.
    38. Web site: 共軍展示布掃雷車與破障裝備 . Taiwan National Defense Research .
    39. Web site: Review: China army new tracked and wheeled engineer armored vehicles . Army Recognition . 5 April 2021.
    40. Web site: 2024-07-13 . 北方工业 中国兵器 倚天II型防空导弹武器系统_哔哩哔哩_bilibili . 2024-07-13 . web.archive.org.
    41. Web site: 中国外贸版8X8轮式战车族集体亮相 有10几款变形车|变形车|轮式|战车_新浪军事_新浪网.
    42. Web site: CS/SA5型：30mm弹炮合一系统，能有效对付无人机 . Tencent News . 6 October 2021 .
    43. Web site: 低空卫士：从航展看陆基近程防空反导系统的发展 . Sina . 4 October 2021 .
    44. Web site: China has unveiled new short-range air defence systems that target drones . South China Morning Post . 26 November 2022 . Liu . Zhen .
    45. Web site: This Is China's Beastly New Air Defense Vehicle . The Drive . 18 November 2022 . Emma . Helfrich .
    46. Web site: The new exoskeletons, tanks and ATVs that China will bring to a future battle: The Ground Gear of the Zhuhai Airshow. Popular Science. en . November 11, 2016.
    47. Web site: 信息提示.
    48. Web site: Foss . Christopher F. . China develops SWS2 mobile air-defence system . janes.com . 6 July 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160706155505/http://www.janes.com/article/62014/china-develops-sws2-mobile-air-defence-system . 6 July 2016 . 11 November 2018.
    49. Web site: PGL12 35mm AA, maneuvering force of Chinese military. Chinese. Daily Headline China. 31 March 2021.
    50. Web site: 2022-09-17 . Norinco Is Exporting A Hybrid Wheeled Tank 21st Century Asian Arms Race . 2022-09-17 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220917143745/https://21stcenturyasianarmsrace.com/2021/11/13/norinco-is-exporting-a-hybrid-wheeled-tank/ . 17 September 2022 .
    51. Web site: China: Defense industry unveils new SH11 155mm 8x8 self-propelled howitzer.
    52. https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/inl4ovhl_Me6_fBnQDR2kg
    53. Web site: 2022-06-22 . PJ26 76mm 10x10 SPAAG . 2022-07-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220622025159/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/pj26.htm . 22 June 2022 .
    54. Web site: JRVG-1 76mm SPAAG (PRC) . 3 May 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220611041805/https://defencehub.live/threads/jrvg-1-76mm-spaag-prc.6918/ . 11 June 2022 .
    55. News: Gabon parades VN1 armoured vehicles. IHS Jane's. Erwan de Cherisey. 21 August 2019. 22 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190821161413/https://www.janes.com/article/90579/gabon-parades-vn1-armoured-vehicles. 21 August 2019. live.
    56. Web site: Chinese-made VN1 8x8 armored vehicle in service with Gabonese army . armyrecognition . 22 August 2019.
    57. Web site: Nigerian military receives tanks, artillery from China . defenceweb . 9 April 2020.
    58. Web site: Thailand Army receives first batch of China-made VN-1 wheeled armored vehicles . Chinese Ministry of Defence . 5 December 2019.
    59. Web site: Royal Thai Army inducts NORINCO VN-1 IFV with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment . armyrecognition . 15 March 2021.
    60. News: Venezuela signs up for VN1, hints at Chinese amphibious vehicles buy. IHS Jane's. Richard D Fisher Jr. James Hardy. 23 November 2014. 1 February 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20150928191653/http://www.janes.com/article/46091/venezuela-signs-up-for-vn1-hints-at-chinese-amphibious-vehicles-buy . 28 September 2015. dead.
    61. https://www.monch.com/mpg/news/land/7424-argentina-rekindles-interest-in-norinco-vn-1-vehicle.html
    62. News: Brasil avanza en la compra de 221 blindados 8x8 para el Ejército. 8 March 2021. Infodefensa.com. es.

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