VN20

VN20
VN20 in Zhuhai airshow 2024
VN20 in Zhuhai airshow 2024
TypeHeavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle
Place of originChina
Production history
DesignerNORINCO
ManufacturerNORINCO
Specifications
Mass50 tonnes
Crew3
Passengers6
ArmorLevel 6 STANAG 4569
Main
armament
  • 30mm autocannon RCWS and ATGM launcher (exhibit) or
  • 100mm cannon, coaxial 30mm autocannon, and twin HJ-12 launchers (catalogue)
Secondary
armament
One of: 2 remote-controlled 7.62 mm machine guns (rear hull, optional)
Enginediesel
Suspensiontorsion bar
References[1][2]

The VN20 is a Chinese "Heavy-Duty Infantry fighting vehicle" [3] developed by Norinco, revealed on the Zhuhai Airshow 2020.

Norinco uses the "VNxx" designation for exported Infantry fighting vehicles.[3]

Design

The VN20 was developed from the VT-4 main battle tank chassis and uses the same suspension, the motor is placed at the front to keep space for troops in the back. The driver seat is placed on the left side next to another seat on the right side.[4]

ERA protects its front and sides.[3][1][2]

Armament

The VN20 vehicle was advertised with 2 different turrets:

  1. The exhibit was fitted with 30mm autocannon RCWS, which also houses a coaxial machine gun and a missile launcher.[3]
  2. The catalogue video shows a 2-man turret which consists of a 100mm cannon and a 30mm autocannon similar to a BMP-3/ZBD-04. The turret also fits HJ-12 launchers and a smaller RCWS mounted on top.[1][2] An early version was shown as a tabletop model in the UAE.[3]

2 remote controlled 7.62mm machine guns can be mounted to the rear.[1][2]

See also

Heavy infantry fighting vehicles

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Discover VN20 from China most protected and armed tracked armored IFV in the world". Army Recognition. 13 Nov 2022. Archived from the original on 13 Nov 2022. Retrieved 2023-02-13.
  2. ^ a b c d "China launches its VN20 most protected and armed tracked armored IFV in its category". Military Recognition. 9 Nov 2022. Archived from the original on 13 Feb 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d e "The VN20 Is The Largest Combat Vehicle In Asia". 21st Century Asian Arms Race. 3 Dec 2022. Archived from the original on 11 Feb 2023. Retrieved 2023-02-18.
  4. ^ "БМП VN20: tiberius66 — LiveJournal". 2023-09-17. Archived from the original on 2023-09-17. Retrieved 2023-09-17.