China Jing AN Import & Export Corp is now offering for export two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) that can be armed or offered in a normal troop transport role, according to Wang Zhiyuan, project manager for the company.
A scale model of the CS/VP4 8×8 ATV with a Gatling MG and Red Arrow 73 series ATGM on a launcher rail. Source: Christopher F Foss
The largest of these is the CS/VP4 8×8 that, when being used in the troop transport role, can carry five dismounts and the driver. A rollover protection system (ROPS) is fitted as standard and can include a tarpaulin cover if required. The CS/VP4 host a variety of machine guns (MGs), automatic grenade launchers (AGLs), and anti-tank guided weapons (ATGWs), depending on user requirements.
The MG and AGL could be mounted to the right of the driver to cover the frontal arc or mounted on top of the ROPS to provide suppressive fire through a full 360°.
Another alternative would be to install a China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) Red Arrow 8/9 series ATGW on a pintle mount above the ROPS, or the older Norinco Red Arrow 73 series ATGW on a launch rail on the rear load area and firing forwards.
The CS/VP4 features skid steering, enabling it to pivot turn. China AN Import & Export Corporation said its unloaded weight is 1.75 tonnes, payload is 1.10 tonnes, and it can tow a trailer or weapon weighing up to 1.5 tonnes.
According to the company, maximum road speed is 60 km/h and maximum operating range is up to 400 km. It is fully amphibious, being propelled in the water by its wheels. Standard equipment includes a front-mounted winch with a capacity of 2,500 kN – this can be used for self-recovery operations or to recover other vehicles.