Reply With QuoteI've been curious as to the degree/number of deployment of ZBD 2000s, not sure if they belong in the navy or the army forum. Does anyone have any information on that?
I am thinking they definitely belong coming off the old school LSTs.
This is a discussion on China's Amphibious Assault IFV/Light tank ZBD 2000 within the Navy forums, part of the China Defense & Military category; The ZBD2000 uses a planning hull propelled by two water jets achieving water travelling speed much greater than any current ...
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The ZBD2000 uses a planning hull propelled by two water jets achieving water travelling speed much greater than any current amphibious armoured vehicle in the PLA Marine Corps, on top of its enhanced speed it has increase ranged allowing it to launch onover over-the-horizon assaults.
The vehicle is designed with hydraulic-actuated bow with transom flaps, designed to aid hull skimming across the surface of the water. When activated the bow and transom flaps with the bottom of the hull form a planning surface, allowing the vehicle to go faster from its hydrodynamic drag reduction on the vehicle's hull.
The ZBD2000 features flat, boat-like hull, with 6 road wheels and front/rear rollers. Welded turret is mounted in the cenre of the hull, with the powerpack positioned in the front and passenger compartment in the rear. The light tank variant is operated by a crew of 4, with driver positioned left-front of the turret, and loader, gunner, and commander occupying the turret.
The IFV variant is operated by a crew of 3, driver positioned at front and the commander and gunner situated inside the 30mm cannon turret. The IFV’s passenger compartment accommodates 6~8 armed soldiers, dismounting the vehicle through the rear exit door.
[edit]Light Tank
The light tank variant is armed with a fully-stabilised 105mm rifled gun. The 105mm rounds carried consist of armour piercing fin stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS), high explosive (HE), and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, and Chinese 105mm laser beam riding guidance anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). The 105mm missile offers the capability to engage shore targets whilst still swimming at sea, where conventional ammunition would perform poorly due to the motion of sea waves.
Secondary weapons include 7.62mm coxial mounted machine gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun mounted on the roof of the turret near the loader, and 2 sets of 4-barrel smoke grenade launchers mounted on either side of the turret. The rear part of the turret have storage rack for additional equipment which also provide additional protection against HEAT rounds.
Fire accuracy is attained by a computerised fire-control system (FCS), including a fire-control computer, light spot commander sight with laser rangefinder input, and light spot gunner sight with passive night vision. For all situation amphibious assault operations, the vehicle is equipped with GPS navigation and thermal imaging system.
[edit]Infantry Fighting Vehicle
Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) variant of ZBD2000 was built to accompany the light tank variant in the battlefield in amphibious operations. The vehicle shares the same hull, but replacing the 3-man 105mm rifled gun with a 2-man 30mm cannon turret with HJ-73C ATGM rail launcher positioned on the roof of the turret, and a 7.62mm coxial mounted machine gun. The vehicle has a crew of 3 compared to the Light Tank crew of 4, and can carry 7~10 (Squad) armed soldiers in its passenger compartment in the rear. The 30mm cannon isn't present in any armoured vehicles within the PLA Marine Corps, indicating a possible brand new design 30mm cannon.
The ZBD 2000 amphibious infantry fighting vehicle was revealed in 2006. It was specially developed for the PLA Marine Corps and shows the high level of resources China is devoting towards the amphibious assault capabilities. This amphibious IFV is similar in concept to the US Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle.
The ZBD 2000 is launched at sea from amphibious assault ships and swims at high speed over a long distance to shore. These IFVs are launched 10 km from shore, thus reducing the threats faced by amphibious assault ships. Maximum speed on water is about 45 km/h. However this amphibious IFV may not reach the swimming performance of the US EFV.
The ZBD 2000 is armed with a 30-mm cannon. This cannon is a brand new design. Probably it is a copy or license-produced version of the Ukrainian cannon. This IFV is also fitted with a rail launchers for HJ-73C anti-tank guided missiles, mounted on either side of the turret. Some reload missiles are carried inside the hull There is also a coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun. Vehicle can fire all it's weapons afloat.
This IFV has a crew of three and provides accommodation for 6 ~ 10 fully equipped marines. Troops dismount through the rear door or roof hatches.
Hull of the ZBD 2000 infantry fighting vehicle provides all-round protection against 7.62-mm armor-piercing rounds. It is believed that it's frontal armor withstands 12.7-mm armor-piercing rounds.
Vehicle uses a planning hull and is propelled on water by two waterjets. It was specially designed for high-speed swimming. This amphibious IFV is fitted with hydraulically actuated bow and transom flaps. When actuated these form a planning surface together with the bottom of the hull. It reduces hydrodynamic drag allowing vehicle to swim faster. Engine is located at the hull front.
Please discuss the uses, possible deployments, and technical aspects of this vehicle.
Comparisons with the cancelled expeditionary fighting vehicle is fine as long it is not trolling.
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I've been curious as to the degree/number of deployment of ZBD 2000s, not sure if they belong in the navy or the army forum. Does anyone have any information on that?
I am thinking they definitely belong coming off the old school LSTs.
Member
As far as I've heard they've been given to the marine corp in limited numbers or no more than a 100. Supposedly its quite expensive compared to other vehicles china fields. I've seen pictures of upwards of 20 ZBD2000s in the new LPD. Could someone please post some pictures because I don't know how to
Senior Member
Dug up from the 071 LPD thread for ya...Originally Posted by tanlixiang28776
Member
Thank you as far as I can see the LPD is holding 14 ZBD2000. The Yuyi is taking 4 spots and the entire middle section is empty. By my calculations the LPD can hold at least 27 ZBD 2000 each capable of holding 8 marines and 3 marine drivers. This amounts to 297 marines that can be quickly deployed. Not too much too be honest and a little disapointing.
Senior Member
Leaving the middle empty is to facilitate troops embark/disembark the AAVs. And you can see there're marks on the deck to indicate parking space for each AAVs.
Member
The PLA is going all out with its military expansion program for its three services. Does'nt it make one wonder why the emphasis in on a AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT Tank. It's definitely not for self-defence or for "peaceful" purpose - it's for attack!
Senior Member
Don't worry, Singapore is too far away...
Member
And what about Singapore's four Endurance Class amphibious warfare ships? I thought the SAF was for self-defense and maintaining the peace? Maintaining Chinese territorial integrity is a defensive mission that will require transporting troops and armed around the western Pacific Ocean. Not to mention peacekeeping missions, raiding pirate lairs in Somalia, humanitarian relief, etc.Does'nt it make one wonder why the emphasis in on a AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT Tank. It's definitely not for self-defence or for "peaceful" purpose - it's for attack!
Member
Yes, the SAF is for self-defence, and though small, it has also contributed quite considerably to peace keeping efforts as well as aid to Tsunami victims, medical care in East Timor & Afganistan and anti-piracy patrols etc. Anyway, We are all out of point here. The topic is on China's Assault Tank (inc. other advance military equipment) - these will definitely raise the eyebrows of its close neighbours and countries in the region.
Senior Member
Face it, the last time China have to fight for South China Sea islands was won because they were lucky, such equipment is long overdue. If China wants to back its claim with something, that's about the right load-out.
And trust me, China already raise eyebrows by its overall modernization, none of the ASEAN country have the muscle to contest on their own, but can never form an effective alliance against China either.
Member
We do not doubt that China is a Super-Power and the smaller countries are no match to its military power. Surprisingly, what you have commented is not China's official stance (in the news media) i.e. stressing on its "Peaceful Rise" & not to be a Bully. Anyway, I still believe we are out of point raising political issues here.
Banned Idiot
If you believe you are 'out of point raising political issues here', talk about IFV then and not how you believe other countries think. You are not a psychic.
A country that spends 5% of its GDP on military should talk less about threat of others and look more into the mirror. Besides, I'm more interested in whether Malaysia etc think SAF is for self-defence or a threat than your claim.
Member
I am surprised at your insinuations. FYI, Malaysia & Singapore are part of the 5-Nation Defence Arrangements. Both countries have good relations and Singapore is a top investor in Malaysia. BTW, I will no longer reply to off-tangent comments, and am signing off for this thread. Good wishes & good luck!
Member
The name is "Amphibious Assault IFV/Light tank ZBD 2000" and one can't help but wonder what a revelation you found.
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