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{{Short description|Chinese infantry fighting vehicle}}
{{more footnotes|date=September 2018}}

{{Infobox weapon
{{Infobox weapon
|name=ZBD-03<br>Type 03 IFV
|name=ZBD-03<br>Type 03 IFV
Line 22: Line 21:
|primary_armament=30 mm autocannon
|primary_armament=30 mm autocannon
|secondary_armament=7.62 mm coaxial [[machine gun]]<br>1 x [[HJ-73]]C anti-tank missiles
|secondary_armament=7.62 mm coaxial [[machine gun]]<br>1 x [[HJ-73]]C anti-tank missiles
|engine=[[Diesel engine|diesel]] 210 hp
|engine=Dongfeng [[Diesel engine|diesel]] 210hp or 350 hp
|suspension=[[Hydropneumatic suspension]]
|suspension=[[Hydropneumatic suspension]]
|speed=ZBD-03: <br>{{convert|68|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} <small>(land)</small><br>{{convert|6|km/h|mph knot|abbr=on}} <small>(water)</small>
|speed=ZBD-03: <br>{{convert|68|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} <small>(land)</small><br>{{convert|6|km/h|mph knot|abbr=on}} <small>(water)</small>
|vehicle_range={{convert|500|km|mi|abbr=on}} to {{convert|600|km|mi|abbr=on}}
|vehicle_range={{convert|500|km|mi|abbr=on}} to {{convert|600|km|mi|abbr=on}}
}}The '''ZBD-03''' or '''Type 03''' (industrial designation '''WZ506''') is a [[China|Chinese]] [[Airborne forces|airborne]] [[infantry fighting vehicle]]. It features a light-weight chassis and [[hydropneumatic suspension]] for airborne operations. Early prototypes received the designation '''ZLC-2000'''.<ref name="ArmyRecognition3">{{cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/china_chinese_light_armored_armoured_vehicle_uk/zbd-03_airborne_armoured_infantry_fighting_vehicle_technical_data_sheet_specifications_information_u.html|title=ZBD-03 Airborne armoured infantry fighting combat vehicle|date=|publisher=Army Recognition}}</ref><ref name="globalsecurity3">{{cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/type-03-zbd-03.htm|title=Type 03 ZLC-2000 (ZBD-03) Airborne Combat Vehicle|date=|publisher=globalsecurity}}</ref>
}}The '''ZBD-03''' or '''Type 03''' (industrial designation '''WZ506''') is a Chinese [[Airborne forces|airborne]] [[infantry fighting vehicle]]. It features a light-weight chassis and [[hydropneumatic suspension]] for airborne operations. Early prototypes received the designation '''ZLC-2000'''.<ref name="ArmyRecognition2">{{cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/china_chinese_light_armored_armoured_vehicle_uk/zbd-03_airborne_armoured_infantry_fighting_vehicle_technical_data_sheet_specifications_information_u.html|title=ZBD-03 Airborne armoured infantry fighting combat vehicle|date=|publisher=Army Recognition}}</ref><ref name="globalsecurity3">{{cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/type-03-zbd-03.htm|title=Type 03 ZLC-2000 (ZBD-03) Airborne Combat Vehicle|date=|publisher=globalsecurity}}</ref>


==Development==
==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]]).
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]]).<ref name="globalsecurity2" />


==Design==
==Design==
[[File:AirbornePlatoon2018-45.jpg|thumb|Type 03 (left) is lighter yet larger than [[BMD-2]].]]
[[File:AirbornePlatoon2018-45.jpg|thumb|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]].<ref name="mtoday" />
⚫
===Overview===
⚫
The ZBD-03 bears some external resemblance to the [[BMD-3]], particularly with regards to its main armament. However, the chassis and internal subsystems possess a different layout. The vehicle can be airdropped from [[Xi'an Y-20|Y-20]] transport aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mil.news.sina.com.cn/china/2021-08-13/doc-ikqcfncc2678610.shtml |title=低可视涂装运-20首次曝光 高调展示重装空投步战车 |website=Sina News |date=13 August 2021}}</ref> The vehicle also retains the Russian parachute system for airdrop operations from the [[Il-76]].<ref name="mtoday" /> ZBD-03's relatively narrow width allows the vehicle to be transported by a [[Shaanxi Y-8|Y-8]] light transport aircraft.<ref name="xinhua">{{cite web|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/mil/2015-09/11/c_128215677_2.htm |title=ZBD03空降战车:空降铁骑提升敌后纵深突击能力 |website=Xinhua |date=11 September 2015}}</ref>


⚫
===Mobility===
⚫
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, minimum exhibited in the commission of landing the plane in order to reduce the force of impact on the ground.<ref name="mtoday">{{cite web|url=http://www.military-today.com/apc/zlc_2000.htm|title=ZLC 2000 |website=Military Today}}</ref>
⚫
The vehicle can be airdropped from [[Xi'an Y-20|Y-20]] transport aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mil.news.sina.com.cn/china/2021-08-13/doc-ikqcfncc2678610.shtml |title=低可视涂装运-20首次曝光 高调展示重装空投步战车 |website=Sina News |date=13 August 2021}}</ref> The vehicle also retains the Russian parachute system for airdrop operations from the [[Il-76]].<ref name="mtoday" /> ZBD-03's relatively narrow width allows the vehicle to be transported by a [[Shaanxi Y-8|Y-8]] [[tactical airlifter|tactical transport]] aircraft.<ref name="xinhua">{{cite web|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/mil/2015-09/11/c_128215677_2.htm |title=ZBD03空降战车:空降铁骑提升敌后纵深突击能力 |website=Xinhua |date=11 September 2015}}</ref>


⚫
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.<ref name="mtoday">{{cite web|url=http://www.military-today.com/apc/zlc_2000.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213234958/http://www.military-today.com/apc/zlc_2000.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=February 13, 2009|title=ZLC 2000 |website=Military Today}}</ref>
⚫
The ZBD-03 has a crew of three (a commander, a driver, and a gunner) and is able to 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.<ref name="mtoday" />

The vehicle is powered by a Dongfeng diesel engine, developing 210&nbsp;hp<ref name="ws">{{cite web|url=https://weaponsystems.net/system/1018-ZBD03 |title=ZBD-03 |website=weaponsystems}}</ref> or 350&nbsp;hp.<ref name="xinhua" /> The maximum road speed is 72&nbsp;km/h, while the maximum speed on water is 6&nbsp;km/h.<ref name="xinhua" /><ref name="sohu" />


===Armament===
===Armament===
The ZBD-03 is equipped with a single-man turret with a dual-axis stabilized 30mm autocannon capable of firing high explosive incendiary round, high explosive tracer round, and armor-piercing round.<ref name="xinhua" /> A missile rail launcher at the top of the turret is included as part of the [[HJ-73]]C anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). HJ-73 is a type of [[SACLOS]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://weaponsystems.net/system/956-HJ-73 |title=HJ-73 |website=weaponsystems}}</ref> guided missile capable of engaging armored vehicles, stationary bunkers, and helicopters. The vehicle has total of four rounds of HJ-73 available.<ref name="xinhua" /> Secondary weaponry includes a coaxial 7.62mm [[machine gun]] and three smoke grenade dischargers mounted to each side of the turret.<ref name="xinhua" /><ref name="globalsecurity2" />
The ZBD-03 is equipped with a single-man turret with a dual-axis stabilized ZPT-99A<ref name="ws" /> 30mm autocannon capable of firing high-explosive incendiary (HEI), high explosive tracer (HE-T), armor-piercing (AP), and [[armour-piercing discarding sabot]] (APDS) ammunition.<ref name="xinhua" /><ref name="sohu">{{cite web|url=https://www.sohu.com/a/162220657_731086 |title=ZBD-03式伞兵战车，解放军唯一一款可空投的步兵战斗车 |website=Sohu News |date=3 August 2017 |language=Chinese}}</ref> A missile rail launcher at the top of the turret is included as part of the [[HJ-73]]C anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system. HJ-73C is a type of [[SACLOS]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://weaponsystems.net/system/956-HJ-73 |title=HJ-73 |website=weaponsystems}}</ref> guided missile capable of engaging armored vehicles, stationary bunkers, and helicopters. The vehicle has a total of four rounds of HJ-73 available.<ref name="xinhua" /> Secondary weaponry includes a coaxial 7.62mm [[machine gun]] and three smoke grenade dischargers mounted to each side of the turret.<ref name="xinhua" /><ref name="globalsecurity2" />


===Fire control===
The ZBD-03 features computerized fire control system.<ref name="xinhua" /> The gunner has access to day/night thermal optics, [[laser rangefinder]], and digital ballistic computer. The driver and commander has their own observation instruments installed on the hatch.<ref name="ArmyRecognition2">{{cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/china_chinese_light_armored_armoured_vehicle_uk/zbd-03_airborne_armoured_infantry_fighting_vehicle_technical_data_sheet_specifications_information_u.html|title=ZBD-03 Airborne armoured infantry fighting combat vehicle|date=|publisher=Army Recognition}}</ref><ref name="globalsecurity2">{{cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/type-03-zbd-03.htm|title=Type 03 ZLC-2000 (ZBD-03) Airborne Combat Vehicle|date=|publisher=globalsecurity}}</ref> Despite the autocannon on the original ZBD-03 features is stabilized, the gunner thermal optics is not, which limits the accuracy while moving. The mid-life upgrade of ZBD-03 that unveiled in 2021 features a new fire control system with 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 image are connected to the displays for gunner and commander.<ref name="sina_upgrade" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sohu.com/a/456243892_120823584 |title=解放军03式空降战车迎来重大升级：具备行进间射击能力 |website=Sohu News |date=18 March 2021 |language=Chinese }}</ref>
The ZBD-03 features a computerized fire control system.<ref name="xinhua" /> 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.<ref name="ArmyRecognition2"/><ref name="globalsecurity2">{{cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/type-03-zbd-03.htm|title=Type 03 ZLC-2000 (ZBD-03) Airborne Combat Vehicle|date=|publisher=globalsecurity}}</ref> 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.<ref name="sina_upgrade" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sohu.com/a/456243892_120823584 |title=解放军03式空降战车迎来重大升级：具备行进间射击能力 |website=Sohu News |date=18 March 2021 |language=Chinese }}</ref>


===Protection===
===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.<ref name="mtoday" />
⚫
The ZBD-03 armor protection is limited by its weight restrictions necessary for [[Airdrop|air dropping]]. With a combat weight of 8 tonnes, the vehicle’s armor is thin and [[Sloped armour|sloped]] to maximize resistance to small caliber weapons.<ref name="mtoday" /><ref name="globalsecurity2" />

⚫
The ZBD-03 armor protection is limited by the weight restrictions necessary for [[Airdrop|air dropping]]. With a combat weight of 8 tonnes, the vehicle's armor is thin and [[Sloped armour|sloped]] to maximize resistance to small caliber weapons.<ref name="mtoday" /><ref name="globalsecurity2" /> 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.<ref name="xinhua" />


==Variants==
==Variants==
;ZLC-2000: Designation for ZBD-03 prototype.
;ZLC-2000: Designation for ZBD-03 prototype.
;ZBD-03: Standard variant.
;ZBD-03: Standard variant.
;ZBD-03 Upgrade (2018): Second generation ZBD-03, featuring a new chassis with six wheels and a turret derived from [[ZBD-04]], and is similar to the configuration of [[BMD-4]]. The weight is increased to 15 tonnes to support the new turret, and the vehicle is designed to be airdropped by [[Xian Y-20]]. Unveiled at Zhuhai Airshow 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.sina.cn/2018-11-28/detail-ihpevhcm0458711.d.html |title=军情锐评：新型国产空降战车量身搭配运-20 打造全域机动作战能力 |website=Sina News |date=28 November 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://mil.sina.cn/sd/2018-11-03/detail-ihnknmqw2064328.d.html |title=中国新型空降战车首次亮相 增加1个负重轮火力更猛 |website=Sina News |date=3 November 2018 }}</ref>
;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.<ref name="sina_upgrade">{{cite web|url=https://mil.news.sina.com.cn/zhengming/2021-03-31/doc-ikmxzfmi9852955.shtml |title=央视曝光升级版03式伞兵战车 究竟有哪些重大改进 |date=31 March 2021 |website=Sina News |language=Chinese }}</ref>
;ZBD-03 Upgrade (2021): A mid-life upgrade for the original ZBD-03 was unveiled in 2021. The upgrade kit includes a new communication system and antenna, new stabilized thermal optics, and new electro-optical sensor.<ref name="sina_upgrade">{{cite web|url=https://mil.news.sina.com.cn/zhengming/2021-03-31/doc-ikmxzfmi9852955.shtml |title=央视曝光升级版03式伞兵战车 究竟有哪些重大改进 |date=31 March 2021 |website=Sina News |language=Chinese }}</ref>
;ZBD-03 Command Post: The command and control version features a higher rear hull to accommodate staffs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.military-today.com/apc/new_chinese_airborne_command_vehicle.htm|title=New Chinese Airborne Command Vehicle|website=Military Today}}</ref>
;ZBD-03 Command Post: The command and control version features a higher rear hull to accommodate staff.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.military-today.com/apc/new_chinese_airborne_command_vehicle.htm|title=New Chinese Airborne Command Vehicle|website=Military Today}}{{dead link|date=December 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
;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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.takungpao.com.hk/news/232108/2019/1104/369423.html |title=空降迫榴炮 可破600毫米裝甲 |website=[[Ta kung pao]] |date=4 November 2019 |language=Traditional Chinese }}</ref>
;ZBD-03 ATGM Carrier: Armed with the [[HJ-8]] ATGM anti-tank guided missile.
;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.<ref name="mtoday" />
;ZBD-03 Armored Cargo Vehicle: Carrying ammunition and other battlefield supplies.<ref name="mtoday" />
Line 59: Line 65:
;{{PRC}}
;{{PRC}}
* [[People's Liberation Army Air Force]]
* [[People's Liberation Army Air Force]]
** [[People's Liberation Army Air Force Airborne Corps]]<ref name="china-mil">{{cite web |url = http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/view/2017-05/15/content_7602097.htm |title = ZBD-03 IFV fires armor-piercing shell in training|publisher = China Military|date = 2017-05-15}}</ref>
** [[People's Liberation Army Air Force Airborne Corps]] - 180+ units as of 2021. 180 units of ZBD-03; Uncounted units of other variants.<ref name="IISS2022_p261">[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]]: The Military Balance 2022, p.261</ref>


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
Line 66: Line 72:
File:AirbornePlatoon2018-61.jpg|ZBD-03 traversing over obstacle
File:AirbornePlatoon2018-61.jpg|ZBD-03 traversing over obstacle
File:AirbornePlatoon2018-39.jpg|rear side of ZBD-03
File:AirbornePlatoon2018-39.jpg|rear side of ZBD-03
File:AirbornePlatoon2018-46.jpg|Airborne Infantry checking the 30 mm autocannon
File:AirbornePlatoon2018-46.jpg|Airborne Infantry checking the 30&nbsp;mm autocannon
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 76: Line 82:
* [[ZBL-08]] - wheeled infantry fighting vehicle developed by China
* [[ZBL-08]] - wheeled infantry fighting vehicle developed by China
;Similar ground systems
;Similar ground systems
* [[BTR-D]]
* {{lwc|BTR-D}}
* [[BMD-4]]
* {{lwc|BMD-4}}


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 20:27, 22 December 2024

ZBD-03
Type 03 IFV
ZBD-03 at Airborne Platoon 2018, part of the International Army Games
TypeInfantry fighting vehicle
Place of originChina
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
ArmorWelded 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
SuspensionHydropneumatic 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]

Development

[edit]

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

[edit]
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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]
ZLC-2000
Designation for ZBD-03 prototype.
ZBD-03
Standard variant.
ZBD-03 Upgrade (2018)
Second generation ZBD-03, featuring a new chassis with six wheels and a turret derived from ZBD-04, and is similar to the configuration of BMD-4. The weight is increased to 15 tonnes to support the new turret, and the vehicle is designed to be airdropped by Xian Y-20. Unveiled at Zhuhai Airshow 2018.[13][14]
ZBD-03 Upgrade (2021)
A mid-life upgrade for the original ZBD-03 was 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 staff.[15]
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.[16]
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

[edit]
 People's Republic of China
[edit]
  • ZBD-03 showing maneuverability at Airborne Platoon 2018
    ZBD-03 showing maneuverability at Airborne Platoon 2018
  • ZBD-03 traversing over obstacle
    ZBD-03 traversing over obstacle
  • rear side of ZBD-03
    rear side of ZBD-03
  • Airborne Infantry checking the 30 mm autocannon
    Airborne Infantry checking the 30 mm autocannon

See also

[edit]
Related development
  • ZBD-04 - tracked infantry fighting vehicle developed by China
  • ZBD-05 - amphibious fighting vehicle developed by China
  • ZBL-08 - wheeled infantry fighting vehicle developed by China
Similar ground systems

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "ZBD-03 Airborne armoured infantry fighting combat vehicle". Army Recognition.
  2. ^ a b "ZBD-03 Airborne armoured infantry fighting combat vehicle". Army Recognition.
  3. ^ "Type 03 ZLC-2000 (ZBD-03) Airborne Combat Vehicle". globalsecurity.
  4. ^ a b c d "Type 03 ZLC-2000 (ZBD-03) Airborne Combat Vehicle". globalsecurity.
  5. ^ a b c d e f "ZLC 2000". Military Today. Archived from the original on February 13, 2009.
  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. ^ a b c d e f g h "ZBD03空降战车:空降铁骑提升敌后纵深突击能力". Xinhua. 11 September 2015.
  8. ^ a b "ZBD-03". weaponsystems.
  9. ^ a b "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. ^ a b "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. ^ "军情锐评：新型国产空降战车量身搭配运-20 打造全域机动作战能力". Sina News. 28 November 2018.
  14. ^ "中国新型空降战车首次亮相 增加1个负重轮火力更猛". Sina News. 3 November 2018.
  15. ^ "New Chinese Airborne Command Vehicle". Military Today.[dead link‍]
  16. ^ "空降迫榴炮 可破600毫米裝甲". Ta kung pao (in Traditional Chinese). 4 November 2019.
  17. ^ International Institute for Strategic Studies: The Military Balance 2022, p.261

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