The VN-1 armoured personnel carriers purchased by Gabon last year in China have demonstrated low technical reliability during operation.
Armored vehicles, also. https://t.co/ur5M63Z2yG
— Kyle Mizokami (@KyleMizokami) November 30, 2020
It became known that these samples of equipment serving in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic, constantly experience problems with the engines. As a result, they will have an expensive and time-consuming process of replacing power units, requiring their delivery directly from the PRC.
In total, five such four-axle APCS were purchased, which were first demonstrated during the Gabonese independence day parade in August 2019, and then sent to the CAR.
The VN-1 is an export modification of the ZBL-08, one of the main armored vehicles of the Chinese ground forces at present. They are equipped with diesel engines produced under a foreign license. Power - 440 HP
Combat weight - 21000 kg. The weapon is a 30 mm automatic cannon with a 7.62 mm machine gun. There is also the HJ-73 anti-tank guided missile system, which is essentially a development of the Soviet Malyutka ATGM. Booking is bulletproof.
The maximum speed on the highway is 100 km / h, while afloat - 8 km/h. Power reserve - 800 km. Capacity -10 military personnel.
In addition to the armies of the people's Republic of China and Gabon, the Marines of Venezuela and the Royal Thai army are in service.
Also delivered to Nigeria were St-1 wheeled self-propelled guns armed with 105 mm guns mounted on the zbl-08 chassis.
Alexey Moiseev