ZBD04
Overview
ZBD04
Right side view of two Chinese ZBD04 mechanized infantry combat vehicles at a military base.
Source: Chinese internet -
© copyright lies with original owner
WZ502 (factory designation for ZBD97)
Description
Introduction
The ZBD04 is a modern mechanized infantry combat vehicle of Chinese origin. In the 1990's China started the development of a more modern vehicle to replace the older ZBD86, which was derived from the Soviet BMP-1. The ZBD04 has its roots in the ZBD97 prototype vehicle, which in turn is a based on well armed Soviet BMP-3.
Layout
At a glance the ZBD04 looks similar to the Soviet BMP-3 since both vehicles share the same turret. However, the hull of the ZBD04 has a very different layout, making it a more capable infantry carrier. The engine is located at the front right and the drive is seated on the left. The turret is located in the middle and crew compartment is located at the rear. Roof hatches and a rear door allows the 7 infantrymen to enter and exit the vehicle.
Firepower
The ZBD04 is well armed with its 100mm cannon and coaxial 30mm autocannon and 7.62mm machine gun. The 100mm main gun can fire HE-Frag shells and may launch anti-tank guided missiles. Since it is stabilized it may fire on the move. For the 30mm autocannon a total of 500 rounds of AP-T and HEI-T are carried. Since the layout differs from the BMP-3 the ZBD04 has no hull mounted machine guns.
Protection
For a mechanized infantry combat vehicle the ZBD04 is somewhat vulnerable. The steel turret and aluminum hull provide protection from small arms fire and shell splinters. The armor may also be resistant to heavy machine gun fire over the frontal arc. Smoke grenade dischargers are fitted to the turret sides and a NBC protection system is present.
Mobility
The tracked chassis provides the ZBD04 with good mobility on roads and in the field. The diesel engine allows for a maximum road speed of 65 km/h. The ZBD04 is amphibious and is propelled by two water jets at a speed of up 20 km/h.
Users
The ZBD04 is in Chinese service and is used by the army. The marines acquired the ZBD05 which has a sea going ability. The ZBD04 is no longer produced for Chinese forces, since the army acquires the better armored but non-amphibious ZBD04A. The ZBD04 remains available for export.
Variants
ZBD04
Top view of the ZBD04 showing that the hull layout differs from the BMP-3.
Source: Chinese internet -
© copyright lies with original owner
ZBD04 mechanized infantry combat vehicle
ZBD97: Prototype and low rate production model.
ZBD04: Standard production model of the ZBD04. The shape of the hull with its rear troop compartment makes the ZBD04 easy to distinguish from the Soviet/Russian BMP-3. The better armored ZBD04A has its own entry.
ZHB04
Side view of a ZHB04 armored recovery vehicle on a fladbed railway car.
Source: www.armyrecognition.com -
© copyright lies with original owner
ZHB04 armored recovery vehicle
ZHB04: Armored recovery model based on the ZBD04 chassis. Instead of a turret this vehicle is fitted with a crane and other engineering equipment. For self-defense a 12.7mm QJC88 heavy machine gun is fitted. The designation ZHB04 is uncertain and may be different in Chinese service.
Details
Media
ZBD04
People's Liberation Army ZBD04 mechanized infantry combat vehicle in the field.
Source: China Military
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
ZBD04
Several ZBD04 on parade during the Chinese 2009 military parade.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
ZBD04
ZBD04 showing its amphibious capability. Note that the trim vane at the front is in raised position.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
ZBD04
Top view of numerous ZBD04 on parade.
Source: www.china-defense-mashup.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
ZBD04
Several ZBD04 on parade during the Chinese 2009 military parade.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
ZBD04
Left side view of ZBD04 mechanized infantry combat vehicle.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
ZBD04A
The ZBD04 was supplemented by the ZBD04A, which is a heavier and better armored mechanized infantry combat vehicle. However, the ZBD04A is no longer amphibious.
BMP-3
The design of the ZBD04 was inspired by the Soviet/Russian BMP-3. The armament is identical, but the layout of the hull is very different.