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.

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Israel must be releasing/or confirming information on the EITAN 8x8 already out there, so by way of an update...
http://www.armyrecognition.com/israe..._10208163.html

Also something I've been keeping my eye on...
http://www.military-today.com/apc/ofek.htm

The above gives me a "warm fuzzy" on the "The Great MERKAVA troop carrying debate." I believe we settled on 6 fully equipped troops. It also confirms what we found as the high number of 10 troops at the time as well they can carry. And before someone gets a little "nuts" over this topic, we realized then that from MERKAVA Mk III on, the tanks hulls were modified from the Mk II to allow for more space by increasing length and storage efficiency of ammo etc. etc..

This was a VERY HOT topic that would cause a person to receive the "death penalty" from both forums as I recall.

22 and a wake up - life is good!!

Have a good night - ready wrap up my work week later this afternoon/night!

Regards,
Pat