ZBD-03

Last updated
ZBD-03
Type 03 IFV
AirbornePlatoon2018-50.jpg
ZBD-03 at Airborne Platoon 2018, part of the International Army Games
Type Infantry fighting vehicle
Place of origin China
Service history
In service2002–present
Production history
Designed1998
Produced2000–present
VariantsZBD-03
ZBD-03 Command Post
ZBD-03 ATGMS
Specifications
Mass8  t (8.8 short tons; 7.9 long tons) [1]
Length5.6  m (18  ft 4  in)
Width2.6 m (8 ft 6 in)
Height2.2 m (7 ft 3 in)
Crew3
Passengers5

Armor Welded steel protects against small arms and shell splinters. Aluminium alloy body.
Main
armament
30 mm autocannon
Secondary
armament
7.62 mm coaxial machine gun
1 x HJ-73C anti-tank missiles
EngineDongfeng diesel 210hp or 350 hp
Suspension Hydropneumatic suspension
Operational
range
500 km (310 mi) to 600 km (370 mi)
Maximum speed ZBD-03:
68 km/h (42 mph) (land)
6 km/h (3.7 mph; 3.2 kn) (water)

The ZBD-03 or Type 03 (industrial designation WZ506) is a Chinese airborne infantry fighting vehicle. It features a light-weight chassis and hydropneumatic suspension for airborne operations. Early prototypes received the designation ZLC-2000. [2] [3]

Contents

Development

The ZBD-03 was designed to replace the BMD-3 and was in service as part of the People's Liberation Army Air Force. The vehicle was designed to be air-dropped from medium-sized aircraft such as the Xi'an Y-20 if necessary. Available variants include the infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), armored recovery vehicle (ARV), and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). [4]

Design

Type 03 (left) is lighter yet larger than BMD-2. AirbornePlatoon2018-45.jpg
Type 03 (left) is lighter yet larger than BMD-2.

The ZBD-03 features indigenously designed chassis and internal subsystems, which possess a distinctive layout different from Russian designs. However, some part of the vehicle might contain Russian technologies used on BMD-3. [5]

Mobility

The vehicle can be airdropped from Y-20 transport aircraft. [6] The vehicle also retains the Russian parachute system for airdrop operations from the Il-76. [5] ZBD-03's relatively narrow width allows the vehicle to be transported by a Y-8 tactical transport aircraft. [7]

The suspension system of ZBD-03 consists of five lightweight road wheels and three return rollers with a front-mounted drive sprocket. The integrated hydropneumatic suspension has variable ground clearance. Tracks are retracted before airdropping, thus minimizing the force of impact during the landing operation. The ZBD-03 is fully amphibious. The vehicle is propelled by its tracks in the water. [5]

The vehicle is powered by a Dongfeng diesel engine, developing 210 hp [8] or 350 hp. [7] The maximum road speed is 72 km/h, while the maximum speed on water is 6 km/h. [7] [9]

Armament

The ZBD-03 is equipped with a single-man turret with a dual-axis stabilized ZPT-99A [8] 30mm autocannon capable of firing high-explosive incendiary (HEI), high explosive tracer (HE-T), armor-piercing (AP), and armour-piercing discarding sabot (APDS) ammunition. [7] [9] A missile rail launcher at the top of the turret is included as part of the HJ-73C anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system. HJ-73C is a type of SACLOS [10] guided missile capable of engaging armored vehicles, stationary bunkers, and helicopters. The vehicle has a total of four rounds of HJ-73 available. [7] Secondary weaponry includes a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and three smoke grenade dischargers mounted to each side of the turret. [7] [4]

Fire control

The ZBD-03 features a computerized fire control system. [7] The gunner has access to day/night thermal optics, laser rangefinder, and digital ballistic computer. The driver and commander have their own observation instruments installed on the hatch. [2] [4] Although the autocannon on the ZBD-03 is stabilized, the gunner thermal sight lacks stabilization, thus limiting the accuracy while moving. The mid-life upgrade of ZBD-03 that was unveiled in 2021 features a new fire control system with the capability of firing on the move. The new stabilized thermal optics and electro-optical sensors are mounted at the base of the autocannon. The thermal images are connected to the internal displays attended by the gunner and commander. [11] [12]

Protection

The ZBD-03 has a crew of three (a commander, a driver, and a gunner) and can carry five infantry passengers in a troop compartment. The gunner is seated in the single-man turret located in the middle of the chassis. The driver and commander are located in tandem to the left of the power compartment in the front right of the chassis. The troop compartment is located in the rear with two overhead hatches and a rear exit. [5]

The ZBD-03 armor protection is limited by the weight restrictions necessary for air dropping. With a combat weight of 8 tonnes, the vehicle's armor is thin and sloped to maximize resistance to small caliber weapons. [5] [4] The vehicle hull is made of welded aluminum alloy, with a thin layer of applique armor mounted on the side of the vehicle body. The armor is rated to defend against 12.7mm machine gun rounds in the front and 7.62mm rifle rounds from the side. The turret construction is welded steel, which could provide better protection. [7]

Variants

ZLC-2000
Designation for ZBD-03 prototype.
ZBD-03
Standard variant.
ZBD-03 Upgrade (2021)
A mid-life upgrade unveiled in 2021. The upgrade kit includes a new communication system and antenna, new stabilized thermal optics, and new electro-optical sensor. [11]
ZBD-03 Command Post
The command and control version features a higher rear hull to accommodate staffs. [13]
ZBD-03 Self-Propelled Gun-Mortar
Self-Propelled Gun-Mortar variant based on ZBD-03 chassis. Armed with 120mm gun-mortar similar to the ones mounted on PLL-05. [14]
ZBD-03 ATGM Carrier
Armed with the HJ-8 ATGM anti-tank guided missile.
ZBD-03 Armored Cargo Vehicle
Carrying ammunition and other battlefield supplies. [5]

Operators

Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  People's Republic of China

See also

Related development
Similar ground systems

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMP-3</span> Infantry fighting vehicle

The BMP-3 is a Soviet and Russian infantry fighting vehicle, successor to the BMP-1 and BMP-2. The abbreviation BMP stands for Boevaya Mashina Pekhoty.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMP-1</span> Soviet infantry fighting vehicle

The BMP-1 is a Soviet amphibious tracked infantry fighting vehicle that has been in service from 1966 to the present. BMP stands for Boyevaya Mashina Pyekhoty 1, meaning "infantry fighting vehicle, 1st serial model". The BMP-1 was the first mass-produced infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) of the Soviet Union. It was called the M-1967, BMP and BMP-76PB by NATO before its correct designation was known.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMD-1</span> Soviet airborne infantry fighting vehicle

The BMD-1 is a Soviet airborne amphibious tracked infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), which was introduced in 1969 and first seen by the West in 1970. BMD stands for Boyevaya Mashina Desanta. It can be dropped by parachute and although it resembles the BMP-1 it is in fact much smaller. The BMD-1 was used as an IFV by the Soviet Airborne Forces (VDV). An improved variant of the BMD-1 was developed, the BMD-2. The BMD-1 also provided a basis for the BTR-D airborne multi-purpose tracked APC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMD-2</span> Airborne infantry fighting vehicle

The BMD-2 is a Soviet airborne infantry fighting vehicle, introduced in 1985. It is a variant of BMD-1 with a new turret and changes to the hull. BMD stands for Boyevaya Mashina Desanta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMD-3</span> Russian light infantry fighting vehicle

The BMD-3 is a light infantry fighting vehicle originating in the Soviet Union that is fully amphibious and air-droppable with crew inside. It is intended to be used by airborne and air assault units. It is not an upgraded BMD-1 but a completely redesigned vehicle with a hydropneumatic suspension, new hull, a more powerful 2V-06-2 diesel engine and fitted with the complete turret of the BMP-2.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMPT Terminator</span> Russian armored fighting vehicle

The BMPT "Terminator" is an armored fighting vehicle (AFV), designed and manufactured by the Russian company Uralvagonzavod. This vehicle was designed for supporting tanks and other AFVs in urban areas. The BMPT is unofficially named the "Terminator" by the manufacturers. It is heavily armed and armored to survive in urban combat. The AFV is armed with four 9M120 Ataka missile launchers, two 30 mm 2A42 autocannons, two AG-17D grenade launchers, and one coaxial 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BTR-T</span> Russian heavy armored personnel carrier

The BTR-T was a Russian heavy APC, designed by the Design Bureau of Transport Machine-Building (Omsktransmash) state-run production association.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WZ-551</span> Armoured fighting vehicle

The WZ-551 is a Chinese wheeled infantry fighting vehicle family. The name WZ-551 actually covers two families of vehicles with the official designations in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) – Type 90 and Type 92. Over 3,000 WZ-551s are in service with the PLA, where they are used by medium mechanized infantry units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shipunov 2A42</span> 1980 Soviet 30 mm autocannon

The Shipunov 2A42 is a Soviet/Russian 30 mm autocannon. It is built by the Tulamashzavod Joint Stock Company and named after A. G. Shipunov.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ZBD-04</span> Chinese infantry fighting vehicle

The ZBD-04 or Type 04 is a Chinese infantry fighting vehicle. It bears some external resemblance to the BMP-3, particularly with regards to its turret and main armament; However, the chassis and internal subsystem possesses a different layout. The earliest prototypes received the designation ZBD-97. An improved version, ZBD-04A, is the vehicle currently in service and being produced.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Type 89 AFV</span> Armoured personnel carrier

The Norinco Type 89 tracked armoured fighting vehicle is a Chinese armoured personnel carrier. It was developed from the earlier export market Type 85 AFV vehicle. It entered service in the late 1990s and was first shown publicly in 1999. There are approximately 1,000 in service. It has the industrial index of WZ534 and although it was mainly developed for the PLA, there is also an export version YW534.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Type 05 amphibious fighting vehicle</span> Chinese amphibious fighting vehicle

The Type 05 amphibious armored vehicle is a family of amphibious tracked armored fighting vehicles developed by Norinco for the People's Liberation Army Navy Marine Corps, consisting of two main combat variants — the ZBD-05 infantry fighting vehicle and the ZTD-05 assault vehicle, as well as several support variants based on the ZBD-05. The Type 05s could be launched at sea from an amphibious assault ship over the horizon, and features a hydroplane, a design concept that has been compared to the cancelled United States Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) program.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2S25 Sprut-SD</span> Russian self-propelled tank destroyer

The 2S25 Sprut-SD is a self-propelled anti-tank gun developed and to be manufactured by the Volgograd Tractor Plant to meet the requirements of the VDV. In mid-2001, the Volgograd tractor plant revealed that the development of the 2S25 had lasted several years. In the development of the tank destroyer was used the design of the Bulgarian project Oktopod developed in 1989.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMP development</span> Infantry fighting vehicle series

The BMP series were among the first production line infantry fighting vehicles. Included in the series are the mainline BMPs, the airborne variant BMDs, and licensed modified and reverse engineered versions. BMP stands for Boyevaya Mashina Pekhoty, meaning "infantry fighting vehicle". They were initially developed in the 1960s in the Soviet Union.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Type 08</span> Chinese wheeled armoured fighting vehicle family

The Type 08 is a family of eight-wheeled amphibious, modular armored vehicle developed by Norinco for infantry fire support, battlefield logistics, and quick reaction operations. Developed in the early 2000s, the modern Chinese vehicle family were produced for more than 6000 hulls and widely deployed by the People's Liberation Army Ground Force and People's Liberation Army Marine Corps.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMD-4</span> Russian infantry fighting vehicle

The BMD-4 is an amphibious infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) originating from post-Cold War Russia. Originally designated as the BMD-3M, the chassis of the BMD-4 is the same as that of the BMD-3 because it was developed on the same basis. This armored fighting vehicle is one of the lightest in its class, possessing a substantial amount of firepower. The vehicle was designed to transport Russian Airborne Troops (VDV), increasing its mobility, armament, and protection on the battlefield.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">T-15 Armata</span> Russian heavy infantry fighting vehicle

The T-15 Armata, with industrial designation "Object 149", is a Russian heavy infantry fighting vehicle first seen in public in 2015 during rehearsals for the Moscow Victory Day Parade. The T-15 concept of a heavy IFV is derived from design of the BTR-T vehicle that never entered military service. As of May 2023, the T-15 Armata has not entered service and the program status is unknown.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Type 86 (infantry fighting vehicle)</span> Infantry fighting vehicle

The Type 86, also known as WZ501, is a Chinese copy of the Soviet BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Borsuk (infantry fighting vehicle)</span> Polish infantry fighting vehicle

Borsuk is an amphibious infantry fighting vehicle produced by Huta Stalowa Wola, a part of PGZ. It is designed to replace the BWP-1 IFV that has been in service with the Polish Armed Forces since 1973 but is now obsolete.

The Type 19 Infantry Fighting Vehicle is a family of eight-wheeled amphibious, modular armored vehicle of the People's Republic of China. It improves upon and replaces the Type 08 wheeled armored vehicle family.

References

  1. "ZBD-03 Airborne armoured infantry fighting combat vehicle". Army Recognition.
  2. 1 2 "ZBD-03 Airborne armoured infantry fighting combat vehicle". Army Recognition.
  3. "Type 03 ZLC-2000 (ZBD-03) Airborne Combat Vehicle". globalsecurity.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Type 03 ZLC-2000 (ZBD-03) Airborne Combat Vehicle". globalsecurity.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "ZLC 2000". Military Today.
  6. "低可视涂装运-20首次曝光 高调展示重装空投步战车". Sina News. 13 August 2021.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "ZBD03空降战车:空降铁骑提升敌后纵深突击能力". Xinhua. 11 September 2015.
  8. 1 2 "ZBD-03". weaponsystems.
  9. 1 2 "ZBD-03式伞兵战车,解放军唯一一款可空投的步兵战斗车". Sohu News (in Chinese). 3 August 2017.
  10. "HJ-73". weaponsystems.
  11. 1 2 "央视曝光升级版03式伞兵战车 究竟有哪些重大改进". Sina News (in Chinese). 31 March 2021.
  12. "解放军03式空降战车迎来重大升级:具备行进间射击能力". Sohu News (in Chinese). 18 March 2021.
  13. "New Chinese Airborne Command Vehicle". Military Today.
  14. "空降迫榴炮 可破600毫米裝甲". Ta kung pao (in Traditional Chinese). 4 November 2019.
  15. International Institute for Strategic Studies: The Military Balance 2022, p.261