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ZBL08


Snow Leopard | Export: VN1


Overview


ZBL08

Two Chinese ZBL08 wheeled infantry fighting vehicles seen during a joint military exercise with Russia in 2018.
Source: www.mil.ru - © GNU Attribution Share Alike license

Origin
China
Type
Infantry fighting vehicle
Entered service
2009
Status
In service
Development
1990's
Developer
China
Production
2006 - present
Producer
China
Number produced
Over 2.000 ZBL08 reported
Over 4.300 for 8x8 chassis type
Designations
雪豹 / Snow Leopard (nickname)
08式轮式步兵战车 / Type 08 Wheeled Infantry Fighting Vehicle
ZBL09 (incorrect designation)
VN1 (export designation)
Notable users
China
Venezuela

Description


Introduction

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.

Design

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.

Firepower

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.

Protection

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.

Mobility

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.

Users

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.

Media


Details


Facts ZBL08
General
Origin
China
Type
Infantry fighting vehicle
Crew
3 + 7 (commander, driver, gunner, 7 infantry)
Dimensions
Weight
21 t combat load
Length
8 m
Width
3 m
Height
2.1 m to hull top
Over 3 m overall
Main armament
Type
30mm ZPT99 autocannon
Mount
Main gun in turret
Ammunition
400 rounds (estimate)
Elevation
Powered
Traverse
360°, powered
Stabilizer
Yes, both axis
Coaxial armament
Type
7.62mm machine gun
Mount
Coaxial with main armament
Ammunition
2.000 (estimate)
Traverse
Traverse and elevation as main armament
Stabilizer
Yes, both axis
Missile armament
Type
HJ-73C anti-tank guided missile
Mount
Launch rail on either side of turret
Ammunition
5 (estimate), 2 ready to launch
Guidance
SACLOS
Chassis
Chassis type
Wheeled chassis, 8x8
Steering
Front two axles
Amphibious propulsion
2x propeller
Automotive
Engine model
V6 water-cooled diesel
Engine type
Deutz BF6M1015C
Power output
440 hp
Transmission
Semi-automatic
Mobility
Speed
100 km/h on road
40 km/h off road
8 to 10 km/h afloat
Range
800 km on road
Power to weight ratio
21 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Wall
0.55 m
Trench
1.8 m
Gradient
30°
Fording
Amphibious
Protection
Armor type
Steel hull and turret
Aluminum-composite applique armor
Tires
Run flat tires, 100 km range at up to 30 km/h
NBC system
Yes (estimate)
Smoke system
2x6 smoke grenade dischargers
Equipment
Night vision
Thermal sight for gunner
Fire control
Targeting computer with tracking
Laser range finder
Radio
Yes

Subcomponents


30mm 2A72

The ZPT99 is a Chinese derivative of the Soviet 2A72 autocannon.

7.62mm PKT

A Chinese derivative of the Soviet PKT machine gun is mounted as coaxial armament.

HJ-73

On either side of the turret a launch rail for a HJ-73C or HJ-73D anti-tank missile is fitted.