Two Chinese ZBL08 wheeled infantry fighting vehicles seen during a joint military exercise with Russia in 2018.
Source: www.mil.ru -
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The ZBL08 is a modern infantry fighting vehicle of Chinese origin. It is also known under the nickname "Snow Leopard". This infantry fighting vehicle is the first and main variant of a family of vehicles. The chassis is used for well over 20 types of vehicles for domestic use and export sales.
The ZBL08 is a large 8x8 wheeled vehicle. The driver is seated front left with the engine to his right side. The turret is located in the middle and the troops are seated at the rear.
The main armament consists of a 30mm ZPT99 autocannon, which is derived from the Soviet 2A72. This is a dual feed autocannon that is stabilized in both axis and fitted to a fire control computer. A 7.62mm coaxial machine gun is fitted. On either side of the turret there is a launch rail for a HJ73C wire guided missile. This is a cost effective SACLOS guided missile capable of taking out most armored vehicles except modern tanks over the frontal arc.
The hull and turret are made of welded steel. Applique armor is fitted to the hull and turret front. There is protection all around against small arms fire and shell splinters. Reportedly the sides resist heavy machine gun fire from 100 or 500 m range. Over the frontal arc there is protection against 25mm autocannon fire from 1 km distance.
The ZBL08 has a good mobility on roads and reasonable all terrain performance. A 440 hp diesel engine couple to semi-automatic transmission provides propulsion. There is a central tire pressure regulation system and the tires have run flat inserts. The ZBL08 is amphibious and propelled in the water by two propellers.
China is the main user with over 2.000 ZBL08 infantry fighting vehicles acquired. Well over 4.000 vehicles based on this 8x8 wheeled chassis are reportedly delivered. The VN1 has been exported to Venezuela and some other nations.
The ZPT99 is a Chinese derivative of the Soviet 2A72 autocannon.
A Chinese derivative of the Soviet PKT machine gun is mounted as coaxial armament.
On either side of the turret a launch rail for a HJ-73C or HJ-73D anti-tank missile is fitted.
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