VP10 Armored personnel carrier

[Zarvan]

The VP10 was designed mainly for export and is very lightly armored



Country of origin China
Entered service ?
Crew 2 men
Personnel 12 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight 12.5 t
Weight (with add-on armor) ?
Length 6.9 m
Width 2.7 m
Height 2.1 m
Armament
Machine guns 1 x 12.7 mm
Mobility
Engine diesel
Engine power 362 hp
Maximum road speed 105 km/h
Amphibious speed on water 8 km/h
Range 800 km
Maneuverability
Gradient 60%
Side slope 40%
Vertical step 0.48 m
Trench 1.8 m
Fording Amphibious


The VP10 is a Chinese armored personnel carrier with 8x8 configuration. It was developed mainly for export. Externally it resembles a successful Finnish Patria AMVarmored personnel carrier, however it is a different design. It was first observed in 2014. Development of this armored vehicle was completed in around 2015. The VP10 is being proposed for various export customers. China's army uses a broadly similar ZBL-09armored personnel carrier, which is proposed for export as the VN1.

In its baseline form the VP10 is very lightly armored. Vehicle weights just 12.5 t. It is likely that its front arc withstands hits only from 12.7 mm rounds. All-round protection is likely to be only against 7.62 mm rounds and artillery shell splinters. Add-on armor kit can be fitted for a higher level of protection. So even though the VP10 resembles Patria AMV, which is one of the most protected APCs in the world, its protection is actually rather poor. In terms of protection the VP10 looses to most modern armored personnel carriers.

This armored personnel carrier is fitted with a remotely-controlled weapon station, armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun.

The baseline VP10 armored personnel carrier is operated by a crew of 2, and carries 12 dismounts. Troops enter and leave the vehicle via rear power-operated ramp with integral doors. Emergency exit is via roof hatches. There are some vision blocks provided for the troops.

The VP10 is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 362 hp. Engine is mated to an automatic transmission. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system. However cross-country mobility of the VP10 is rather humble due to limited suspension travel.

The VP10 armored personnel carrier is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets. Amphibious speed on water is 8 km/h.



Variants



Armored personnel carrier is fitted with a remotely-controlled weapon station, armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun.

Armored personnel carrier, fitted with a UW4A remotely-controlled weapon station, armed with a 30 mm dual-feed cannon and coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. It can effectively engage lightly armored vehicles. It can also target low-flying helicopters.

Fire support vehicle, armed with a 105 mm rifled gun. It was first publicly revealed in 2016. This combat vehicle was designed to provide direct fire against hostile armored vehicles, buildings and field fortifications. It also has a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. It looks that this armored vehicle can carry some dismounts in its troop compartment, as there were some firing ports with associated vision blocks at the rear part of the hull. Despite heavier turret it looks like this armored vehicle retains its amphibious capability.

http://www.military-today.com/apc/vp10.htm