Type 07

   The new Chinese Type 07 infantry fighting vehicle was developed by NORINCO. It is a new 8x8 armored vehicle family. It is also referred as the ZBL09 Snow Leopard. This vehicle was first seen in 2006 undergoing road tests. It became a successor to the Type 92 APC and Type 92 IFV. It is also proposed for the export customers as the VN-1.

   A 6x6 variant was revealed in 2006 and was aimed at the export market. It received no production orders, however it is worth mentioning that this vehicle has advanced modular design. It consists of 6 modules, including engine module, transmission, control, suspension, hull and weapon station module. This new 6x6 APC used some widely available components.

   The new Type 07 8x8 IFV has some common features with the 6x6 APC and possibly uses the same technologies.

   Armor of this new Type 07 provides all-round protection against 7.62-mm armor-piercing rounds. Front arc protects against 12.7-mm armor-piercing rounds. Protection can be enhanced with add-on modular composite ceramic armor. Chinese sources claim, that this add-on kit provides all-round protection against 12.7-mm AP rounds and 25-mm AP projectiles at the front arc. It is speculated that vehicle utilizes design elements and technologies protecting occupants from landmines and IEDs. Vehicle is also likely to have NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

   The new Chinese IFV is armed with a turret-mounted 30-mm cannon and coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun. Vehicle is probably fitted with electronic battlefield management system.

   This Type 07 has a crew of three and capacity to carry 7 to 10 troops. Occupants enter and leave the vehicle through the rear ramp or roof hatches. There are some firing ports provided for the troops.

   Vehicle is powered by a Deutz BF6M1015C diesel engine, developing 440 hp. Engine compartment is located in the middle of the hull, behind the driving compartment. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system for improved cross-country mobility. The new Chinese IFV is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets.

Variants

   Armored personnel carrier

   Infantry fighting vehicle;

   Command vehicle;

   Recovery vehicle;

   Reconnaissance vehicle;

   105-mm fire support vehicle;

   122-mm self-propelled howitzer;

   155-mm self-propelled howitzer;

   120-mm twin-barrel mortar system.