APC Development and related topics.

[MarkSheppard]

Tracking some new Chinese APC/IFV developments

Derivatives of ZBD-04 IFV (Unit 740)

Basically, China realized that once they'd fulfilled the need for the PLA Marine Corps to have a heavy amphibian IFV in the ZBD-04; the same chassis could be used for a land-based IFV; resulting in:

http://www.military-today.com/apc/zbd_08.htm

http://english.chinamil.com.cn/news-...nt_6682644.htm

ZBD-04A / ZBD-08 AIFV (Name is unclear, sources differ)

Which essentially is the ZBD-04 product improved to:

Hull:
Frontal: 30mm AP-I @ 1000m
Sides: 14.5mm AP-I @ 200m
Rear: 7.62mm AP

at the cost of greater weight (4 metric tons heavier than the 04) and only being able to swim rivers and lakes; as opposed to the 04's sea-amphibious capabilitity.

Some derivatives of this vehicle are showing up in C3I roles, etc.

Recently, ANOTHER prototype showed up on the Chinese Internet (TM).

http://china-defense.blogspot.hk/201...hting.html?m=1

It appears to be part of the developmental process for their "second generation" Airborne IFV to replace the ZBD-03; and they have abandoned the 100mm/30mm coaxial armament for 100mm/7.62mm coaxial in this prototype.