Type 05 Amphibious Fighting Vehicle
ZBD-05 / ZTD-05
ZBD-05 Infantry Fighting Vehicle
TypeAmphibious Fighting Vehicle
Place of originChina
Service history
In service2005–present
Used bySee Operators
Production history
DesignerChen Pengfei (Norinco)
Designed2000–2005
ManufacturerNorinco
Produced2005–present
Specifications
Mass26.5 t (29.2 short tons; 26.1 long tons)
LengthHull length: 9.5 m (31 ft 2 in)[1]
Bow extended: 13.24 m (43 ft 5 in)[2]
Width3.36 m (11 ft 0 in)[1]
Height3.04 m (10 ft 0 in)[1]
Crew3 (IFV), 4 (Light Tank)
Passengers8
ArmorWelded aluminum alloy and steel construction with composite armor plates
Main
armament
ZPT-99 cannon turret
ZPL-98A 105mm rifled gun
Secondary
armament
HJ-73C anti-tank missile
QJC-88 anti-aircraft machine gun
QJT-88 coaxial machine gun
Enginediesel
550 hp (land), 1475 hp (water)
SuspensionHydropneumatic suspension, retractable suspension units
Operational
range
500 km (310 mi)
Maximum speed 65 km/h (40 mph) on land
28–30 km/h (15–16 kn) (ZBD-05) on water[3][4]

The Type 05 amphibious armored vehicle (Chinese: 05式两栖装甲车) 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.[5]

As a dedicated amphibious combat vehicle, the Type 05 is aiming to provide unique amphibious capability that emphasizes speedy landing operations. China is the only country to produce such unique high-speed amphibious fighting vehicles.[5]

Development

A ZBD-05 in Beijing, practicing for China's 60th Anniversary military parade in 2009.

Type 05 family is developed in early 2000s by Chinese state-owned defense company Norinco, led by chief designer Chen Pengfei (Chinese: 陈鹏飞). Two variants of the vehicle family was developed first, the infantry fighting variant ZBD-05, and assault gun/light tank variant ZTD-05. ZBD-05 vehicles were showcased in military parade of 2009 and 2015.[4]

The Type 05 amphibious infantry fighting vehicle uses a planing hull propelled by two water jets, which is a considerable improvement over similar type of vehicle like AAV7A1 amphibious assault vehicle (AAV). United States’s cancellation of Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) leaves China the only country to produce vehicle with such unique concept.[5]

The ZTD-05 assault vehicle variant replaces the obsolete Type 63A amphibious tank introduced in the late 1990s. Research and development effort is reflected on the capable design. The vehicle implicates China is determined to secure advanced amphibious assault capabilities.[6]

Design

Mobility

The Type 05 features a flat hull, extendable bow, with six retractable road wheels on each side and front/rear rollers. The vehicle's design results in significantly reduced drag. The angle of the bow changes adaptively according to the current displacement speedometer so that fluid resistance can always be kept at the lowest, optimal level.[4]

The ZBD-05 is fully amphibious, which propelled by two large water jets mounted to the rear side of the hull. In the water, the engine is able to generate 1475 horsepower as well as switching to land mode with only 550 horsepower. The vehicle can run at a maximum road speed of 65 km/h and 30 km/h in the water. It has a maximum cruising range of 500 km and can negotiate a gradient of 60 % and side slope of 30%. It can cross a vertical obstacle of 0.7 m and trench of 2m.[1]

Armament

ZTD-05 assaults vehicle armed with 105mm rifled gun seen at Joint Sea-2016 military exercises

The Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) variant, ZBD-05, is built to support infantry and amphibious operations. The 3-man crew consists of the driver positioned front-left of the turret, with commander and gunner occupying the turret. The vehicle features ZPT-99 30mm cannon turret with a HJ-73C ATGM rail launcher, capable of penetrating more than 800mm RHA after ERA. The vehicle can carry 7 to 8 (one squad) armed infantry in its passenger compartment at the rear.[7]

The Assault Vehicle (light tank) variant, ZTD-05, is armed with a fully stabilized ZPL-98A 105mm rifled gun.[8] The ZTD-05 assault vehicle variant has a crew of four, including a loader.[9] The type of APFSDS round fitted on ZTD-05 is the DTC02-105 armor piercing fin stabilized discarding sabot based on BTA-2 105mm APFSDS, capable of penetrating 600mm RHA at 2,000 meters.[10][11] The rifled gun is also capable of launching laser guided beam-riding missile.[6] The gun is loaded manually with a fire rate of 6 to 8 rounds per minute with 36 rounds ammo reserve.[9] ZTD-05's turret shares a similar layout to the ZTL-11 assault vehicle.[12]

Secondary weapons for both variants include a Type 86 7.62mm coaxial mounted machine gun. ZTD-15 features a QJC-88 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun mounted on the roof of the turret near the loader.[6]

Fire control

Accuracy and precision are attained by a computerized fire-control system (FCS) on both ZBD-05 and ZTD-05. The fire control system includes a fire-control ballistic computer, laser rangefinder, two-plane stabilization, and daylight/infrared gunner sight with passive night vision channel. Commander has access to day/night independent thermal sight with hunter-killer (commander override) capability.[9]

Type 05 is fitted with battle management system, command and control system, digital map interface. All the necessary information is displayed on screens to the driver, commander, and gunner.[13] ZTD-05 is equipped with laser designator for beam-riding SACLOS applications, and loader position is also fitted with an independent periscope.[9]

Protection

The vehicle has satellite navigation, fire suppression system, NBC protection system, day/night thermal vision, ensuring high degree of survivability for the crew.[1] The hull is constructed with aluminum alloy chassis with additional steel glacis plates. Aluminum alloy reduces weight and provides protection against small arms rounds and shell splatter, while the steel plates can stop 12.7mm rounds. The turret is constructed of all-welded steel armor with composite plates, which gives all-around protection against 12.7mm rounds and shell splinters. The front face of the turret is claimed to stop 25mm AP round at 1,000 metres (3,300 ft). The upper part of the suspension is protected by armor plates.[14]

Both ZBD-05 and ZTD-05 are fitted with laser warning receivers, which are connected to 2 sets of 4-barrel smoke grenade launchers. The storage area around the aft section double as slat armor.[9]

Deployment

Type 05 amphibious fighting vehicles are deployed by People's Liberation Army Ground Force amphibious assault brigades and People's Liberation Army Navy Marine Corps.[15]

Variants

Type 05 (ZTD-05 or ZLT-05) Amphibious Assault Vehicle (Chinese: ZTD-05两栖突击车)
The assault gun variant, armed with a ZPL98A 105mm low-recoil rifled gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and QJC-88 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun. An improved variant, designated ZLT-05A, with upgraded computer system and digital terminals accessible for driver, gunner, and commander.[16]
Type 05 (ZBD-05) Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle (Chinese: ZBD-05两栖步兵战车)
The infantry fighting vehicle variant, armed with a ZPT-99 30mm autocannon, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and HJ-73C anti-tank missiles.[17]
Type 05 (ZSD-05) Amphibious Armored personnel carrier (Chinese: ZSD-05两栖装甲人员输送车)
The armored personnel carrier variant, armed with plate-protected 12.7mm heavy machine gun turret.[18]
Type 05 Amphibious Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle (Chinese: 05式两栖装甲侦察车)
The Armoured reconnaissance variant, equipped with telescopic mast with electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) system, a laser-range finder, and an X-band radar. The variant has 12.7 mm heavy machine gun turret for defense.[19]
Type 05 Amphibious Armored Command Vehicle (Chinese: 05式两栖装甲指挥车)
The mobile command and control variant, equipped with field communication and battle management system.[20]
Type 05 Amphibious Armored Recovery Vehicle (Chinese: 05式两栖装甲抢救车)
The armoured recovery vehicle variant, equipped with a crane, hydraulic winch for emergency vehicle recovery. Additional handrail is installed on the top for ease of operation in the water.[2]
Type 05 (GSL132) Assault Breach Vehicle (Chinese: 05式两栖装甲破障车)
The mine clearance assaults vehicle variants. It is equipped with mine plow, mine detection device, Clear Lane Marking system, 8 tube obstacle clearing rockets, and rocket-projected mine clearing line charge (MICLIC).[21] [22]
Type 05 Amphibious Armored Ambulance (Chinese: 05式两栖装甲救护车)
Armored ambulance variant based on Type 05 command vehicle chassis, providing frontline medical support and evacuation.[23] The armored ambulance features emergency ventilator, air conditioning, monitoring, and shock-absorbing double bunk beds.[24]
VN16
Modified export variants of the ZTD-05.[25]
VN18
Modified export variants of the ZBD-05.
VS25
Modified export variants of the Type 05 Amphibious Armored Recovery Vehicle.[2]

Operators

See also

Related development
  • ZBD-03 - airborne combat vehicle developed by China
  • ZBD-04 - tracked infantry fighting vehicle developed by China
  • ZBL-08 - wheeled infantry fighting vehicle developed by China
Comparable ground systems

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "ZBD-05 VN-18". Army Recognition.
  2. 1 2 3 "第74集团军某旅两栖装甲抢救车海上浮渡，能力全面责任重大". Tencent News (in Chinese). 8 May 2021.
  3. ↑ "Amphibious assault". IHS Janes 360.
  4. 1 2 3 "20180917 军工记忆II 第三集 05式两栖装甲车族". CCTV (in Chinese).
  5. 1 2 3 "ZBD2000 Amphibious infantry fighting vehicle". military today.
  6. 1 2 3 "ZBD 2000 light tank". Military Today.
  7. ↑ "ZBD-05 Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle". army technology.
  8. ↑ "铸剑 英伦名炮书传奇：L7型105mm坦克炮的东方后代(组图)". Sohu News (in Chinese). 20 October 2015.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 "海上带刀巴士：05式两栖装甲车族". Tencent News (in Chinese). 7 August 2015. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015.
  10. ↑ W Miller, Stephen (June 2020). "Direct Assault Support of Expeditionary Interventions". MILITARY TECHNOLOGY.
  11. ↑ "新型穿甲弹专攻三代坦克！ 新列装两栖突击车"全能火力" 猛烈". Sohu News (in Chinese). 17 April 2021.
  12. ↑ "New ZTL-11 105mm 8x8 assault gun armored vehicle in service with Chinese army". armyrecognition. 17 May 2020.
  13. ↑ "中国05两栖突击车改进细节曝光 大型液晶显示屏抢眼". Sina News. 18 March 2021. Archived from the original on 21 August 2021.
  14. ↑ Andrew, Martin (22 September 2009). "ZBD05/ZLT05 Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicles". ausairpower: 1.
  15. ↑ Feng, Jhon (26 May 2021). "China Military's Taiwan Invasion Force Conducts Amphibious Beach Assault Drills". NewsWeek. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  16. ↑ "直击国际军事比赛-2018泉州开幕式，ZLT05A式两栖装甲突击车亮相". NetEase News. 1 August 2018.
  17. 1 2 "ZTD-05 VN-16". Army Recognition.
  18. ↑ "Type 001 Amphibious armored personnel carrier". Military Today.
  19. ↑ "New Type 05-based amphibious reconnaissance vehicle in PLA service". Janes. 21 September 2020.
  20. ↑ "中国05式两栖战车族很出名 可这仨车型你却未必见过". Sina News (in Chinese). 13 March 2018.
  21. ↑ "Review: China army new tracked and wheeled engineer armored vehicles". Army Recognition. 5 April 2021.
  22. ↑ "国产两栖扫雷车亮相？抢滩开路还能打巷战，号称为"街区删除者"_腾讯新闻". new.qq.com. Retrieved 2023-07-16.
  23. ↑ "72集团军某合成旅卫生连装备的两栖装甲救护车". Sina News (in Chinese). 8 August 2018.
  24. ↑ "新一代两栖装甲救护车 可穿沙场，闯海洋". xinhua (in Chinese). 22 October 2015.
  25. ↑ "Amphibious assault". IHS Janes 360.
  26. ↑ For Strategic Studies (Iiss), The International Institute (15 February 2023). "6 Asia". The Military Balance 2023. London: Routledge. doi:10.4324/9781003400226. ISBN 9781003400226. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  27. ↑ International Institute for Strategic Studies: The Military Balance 2022, p.256-57
  28. ↑ "Royal Thai Navy selects Norinco for AAV requirement". Janes. 16 September 2020.

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