ZBD04A
Overview
ZBD04A
Forward view of the Chinese ZBD04A mechanized infantry combat vehicle during military field trails.
Source: Chinese internet -
© copyright lies with original owner
ZBD08 (incorrect but widely used designation)
Description
Introduction
The ZBD04A is a modern mechanized infantry combat vehicle of Chinese origin. The ZBD04A is the successor of the ZBD04 and trades in its amphibious capability for an increased protection level. Some sources use the name ZBD08 for this vehicle, but apparently that designation is not used by the PLA.
Layout
Although the ZBD04A looks quite different from its predecessor, it basically is the same vehicle. The engine is located at the front right and the drive is seated on the left. The turret is located in the middle and crew compartment is located at the rear. Roof hatches and a rear door allows the 7 infantrymen to enter and exit the vehicle. Compared to the ZBD04 the hull is more squared, interior space is increased since the water jets have been removed and the turret is larger. The chassis is also used for a range of specialist vehicles.
Firepower
The ZBD04A is well armed with its 100mm cannon and coaxial 30mm autocannon and 7.62mm machine gun. The 100mm main gun can fire HE-Frag shells and may launch anti-tank guided missiles. Since it is stabilized it may fire on the move. For the 30mm autocannon a total of 500 rounds of AP-T and HEI-T are carried.
Protection
The ZBD04A is the first Chinese mechanized infantry combat vehicle with a more than basic protection level. Both hull and turret are made of welded steel. Applique armor can be fitted to the hull front, sides and turret front. The claimed protection level is against 30mm autocannon rounds over the frontal arc and 14.5mm rounds all around. Smoke grenade dischargers are fitted to the turret sides and a NBC protection system is present.
Mobility
The tracked chassis provides the ZBD04A with good cross country performance. This allows the ZBD04A to keep up with modern main battle tanks such as the ZTZ99. Due to the improved armor package the ZBD04A no longer has the same amphibious capabilities of the ZBD04. However, it remains amphibious and is capable of crossing calm water propelling itself with its tracks.
Users
The ZBD04A is used by the Peoples Liberation Army and it complements the ZBD04 for use by mechanized infantry. The number of ZBD04A exceeds the older ZBD04, which is logical as ZBD04A seems to be a more capable design for the same role. Thus far the ZBD04A was not featured in export brochures.
Variants
ZBD04A
Top view of Chinese ZBD04A mechanized infantry combat vehicle.
Source: www.club.china.com -
© copyright lies with original owner
ZBD04A and its variants
The ZBD04A is a mechanized infantry combat vehicle designed to accompany main battle tanks at the front line. The square hull and larger turret make it easy to distinguish this vehicle from its predecessor.
Numerous variants based on the ZBD04A chassis have been observed. Some of these may remain at the prototype stage.:
- AFT-10 tank destroyer with NLOS missiles.
- PPZ-10 self-propelled 120mm gun-mortar.
- Command post with increased roofline.
- Observation / reconnaissance vehicle with sensor mast.
- Communications vehicle with aerials and SATCOM equipment.
- Ambulance without turret and armed with a 12.7mm QJC88 heavy machine gun.
Details
Media
ZBD04A
Two ZBD04A mechanized infantry combat vehicle on parade.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
ZBD04A
Left side view of ZBD04 in the field without skirts.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
ZBD04A
ZBD04A during military field trails.
Source: www.club.china.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Command post
Top view of three command post variants of the ZBD04A.
Source: www.military-today.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
AFT-10 tank destroyer
The AFT-10 tank destroyer with NLOS missiles is based on the chassis of the ZBD04A.
Source: www.janes.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
ZBD04
The ZBD04A was developed from the earlier ZBD04. The armament is similar, but the chassis is very different. Amphibious capabilities have been traded for a better level of protection.
PPZ10
The PPZ10 self-propelled gun-mortar is designed to accompany ZBD04A units in the field. It uses a chassis derived from the ZBD04A but lacks the applique armor.