VN12 Infantry fighting vehicle

[Zarvan]

Country of origin China
Entered service ?
Crew 3 men
Personnel 7 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight 23 t
Length 7.5 m
Width 3.3 m
Height 2.95 m
Armament
Main gun 30 mm cannon
ATGW HJ-73D
Machine guns 1 x 7.62 mm
Ammunition load
Main gun ~ 500 rounds
ATGW ?
Machine guns ~ 2 000 x 7.62 mm rounds
Mobility
Engine diesel
Engine power 600 hp
Maximum road speed 70 km/h
Amphibious speed on water ?
Range km
Maneuverability
Gradient 60%
Side slope 40%
Vertical step ~ 0.7 m
Trench ~ 1.8 m
Fording ?



The VN12 is a Chinese tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). It was first publicly revealed in 2014. This armored vehicle was developed mainly for export and is being proposed for various customers. Externally it resembles a ZBD-08 IFV, that is widely used by the China's army. However it is a different design. The VN12 is relatively simple in design and technology.

The VN12 has a welded steel armor hull and turret. Most likely that the base armor provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Modular add-on armor kit can be fitted for a higher level of protection. Once the add-on armor is fitted, front arc of the VN12 withstands hits from 25 mm armor-piercing rounds.

The VN12 is armed with a 30 mm cannon. It can engage armored targets at a range of 1 500 m, ground targets at a range of 4 000 m and helicopters at a range of up to 2 500 m. There is a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. Also there is an external launch rail for HJ-73D anti-tank guided missiles. These missiles have a range of 3 000 m. One missile is ready to fire and around 4 reload missiles are carried inside the hull.

The VN12 is operated by a crew of 3, including commander, gunner and driver. It accommodates 7 dismounts. Troops enter and leave the vehicle via rear doors. Also there are roof hatches. These are some vision blocks provided for the troops, however this vehicle has got no firing ports in order not to compromise armor protection.

This IFV is fitted with a battlefield management system.

This armored vehicle is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 600 hp. By its looks the VN12 has got no amphibious capability. This armored vehicle lacks trim vane or waterjets.

Proposed variants of the VN12 include an armored personnel carrier, command post vehicle, and even a 105 mm fire support vehicle.

VN12
Infantry Fighting Vehicle

VN12
Infantry Fighting Vehicle

VN12
Infantry Fighting Vehicle

VN12
Infantry Fighting Vehicle

http://www.military-today.com/apc/vn12_images.htm