In China, a new wheeled tank is being tested, which is a further development of the already well-known ZTL-11 fire support combat vehicle.
A new Chinese wheeled tank based on the ZTL-11. pic.twitter.com/oDfifsxJ8D
— Ivan O'Gilvi (@o_gilvi) February 9, 2021
As reported by mil.news.sina.com.cn, the old model was armed with a 105 mm rifled gun-a sufficient threat to such tanks as the T-72M1 and M60A3TTS.
At the same time, the fire control system installed on it reflected the level of technology development of twenty years ago. For example, the commander of the vehicle had limited capabilities to detect targets and fire on them.
The ZTL-11 is built on the platform of the ZBL-08 armored personnel carrier and as a base vehicle can withstand the frontal impact of 25-mm shells of American automatic guns.
It is claimed that the onboard protection is able to withstand the ammunition of a 14.5 mm CPV machine gun.
In the new version, the designers tried to improve all the characteristics. The tower in its design began to resemble the one installed on the new Type 15 light tank. The caliber of the gun remained the same, but, allegedly, it became possible to use more powerful armor-piercing sub-caliber shells and guided missiles. The automatic loading system made it possible to reduce the number of crew.
The sighting system has been significantly improved, and the commander's panoramic sight has appeared. It is possible to install remote-controlled modules with a 12.7-mm machine gun and a 35-mm automatic grenade launcher.
Also enhanced armor protection. Thanks to the installation of a new diesel engine, the tank became more mobile.
As expected, such armored vehicles will enter service with the so-called "medium brigades" equipped with wheeled vehicles. It is possible that a modification will appear, intended for export deliveries.
Alexey Brusilov
