| VN22 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Armoured fighting vehicle |
| Place of origin | China |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2023–present |
| Used by | See Operators |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Norinco |
| Manufacturer | Norinco |
| Produced | 2021–present |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Crew | 3 |
| Passengers | 8 |
| Armor | STANAG 4569 Level 4 |
Main |
|
Secondary | |
| Suspension | wheeled 6x6 |
The VN22 is a family of Chinese wheeled 6x6 armoured fighting vehicles intended for export. Designed and produced by Norinco, it was first unveiled at the 13th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in 2021.[1]
Like many contemporary wheeled AFVs, the design of the VN22 is split into three main sections. The front situates both the driver, along with the engine that is mounted in a separate compartment to the right of the driver. The middle houses both the commander and the operator of the remote controlled weapon station mounted on top of the hull. The rear space is reserved for accommodate for up to eight mounted infantry.[2] The vehicle features a fully adjustable suspension.[3]
The first VN22 shown at Zhuhai Airshow 2021 was armed with a remotely operated turret housing a 30mm autocannon, along with two HJ-12 anti-tank guided missiles on a retractable mount that is protected inside the turret when not in the firing position. Both the gunner and commander are equipped with independent panoramic sights with thermal imagers.[1][3]
Since the VN22 was designed to be modular, the platform can be mounted with a variety of different turrets housing various weapon systems.[4][5]
The vehicle has appliqué armour plating covering the majority of the vehicle. When fully equipped, they give the vehicle the ability to protect against 14.5mm amour-piercing rounds (NATO STANAG 4569 Level 4 equivalent) from all directions.[6]
The VN22 also features a V-shaped hull for enhanced protection against landmines and IEDs.[7]
In terms of active protection, the vehicle is equipped with 10 smoke grenade dischargers on the front of the turret. The VN22 is also equipped with the GL6 hard-kill active protection system (APS), with one launcher containing two charges being mounted on top of both sides of the turret.[8] The GL6 functions similarly to the Israeli Iron Fist active protection system.[1]
Iraq - Iraqi Ground Forces: Localised version manufactured under license by the Defence Industries Commission of Iraq. An Iraqi version features a unique manned, open-top turret armed with the Chinese 12.7mm CS/LM5 triple-barreled, rotary heavy machine gun capable of achieving a rate of fire of either 1000 or 2000 rounds per minute, depending on gear selection.[10][11]
Ivory Coast - Armed Forces of the Republic of Ivory Coast: 6 VN22B.[12]
Senegal - Armed Forces of Senegal: 1 VN22 ARV, 1 VN22 Ambulance, 3 VN22B.[13]
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| Main battle tank and Light tanks |
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| Amphibious tanks and fighting vehicles |
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| Infantry fighting vehicles |
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| Armoured personnel carriers |
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| Armored car and MRAPs |
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| Self-propelled howitzers and mortars |
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| Tank destroyer/ATMC and Assault guns |
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| SPAAGs |
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| MRLs |
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| Prototypes |
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Note: x = retired from service or has ceased development | ||||||
