Type 86

   The Soviet BMP-1 IFV became one of the most influential of Soviet post-war armored vehicle designs, having been either directly copied or license-produced by several countries, a typical example of the later being the Romanian MLI-84. The Chinese also decided to produce the type but their starting point was reportedly a BMP-1 supplied to China via Egypt. Once acquired, the original was dismantled and copied, with various local modifications being introduced to meet local requirements and manufacturing methods. The end result, the Type 86 IFV, also referred as the WZ 501. Visually it resembles the BMP-1 but there are numerous detail differences between the two. A small batch production commenced in 1987. The Type 86 entered service with the Chinese Army in 1992. By this time the design had become obsolete. It is estimated that the PLA forces operate about 1 000 of these IFVs. It has also been exported to Burma, Iran, Iraq and Sri Lanka.

   The base Type 86 retains the same 73-mm low velocity gun and a HJ-73 rail launcher. The HJ-73 is a locally produced copy of the Soviet AT-3 Sagger anti-tank missile. This missile has a maximum range of up to 3 000 m. Four missiles are carried in the turret. There is also a co-axial 7.62-mm machine gun.

   Armor of the Type 86 provides all-round protection against 7.62-mm rounds. Vehicle is fitted with an NBC protection system.

   As the Soviet original the Type 86 retains the same cramped internal layout. It accommodates a crew of three plus eight troops. Troops enter and leave the vehicle via rear doors or roof hatches. There are some firing ports and associated vision blocks.

   The Type 86 is powered by a 6V-150 diesel engine developing 298 hp. It has a higher road speed, than the original BMP-1. The Type 86 IFV is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by it's tracks.

   China developed a range of modified variants of the Type 86.

Variants

   WZ 503 prototype armored personnel carrier. It is fitted with a 12.7-mm externally-mounted machine gun in place of the turret. Vehicle has seats along the hull walls (in the Type WZ 501 the troops are seated centrally, back-to-back, to face outwards);

   WZ 504 prototype ATGW carrier. It is armed with four HJ-73B Red Arrow anti-tank missiles in retractable weapon station. Vehicle carried 16 reload missiles inside the hull;

   WZ 505 infantry fighting vehicle, with a more effective 25 mm cannon and a coaxial 7.62 mm MG in a turret identical to that employed on the Type 92 IFV;

   WZ 506 command vehicle;

   NBC reconnaissance vehicle;

   Ambulance, with a two-man crew,  a raised superstructure roof and internal accommodation for four stretchers;

   Type 86B, amphibious IFV, in service with the PLA Marine Corps. It has improvements, including a front wave fence and external boat motor, resulting in improved swimming performance;

   NFV-1 prototype infantry fighting vehicle. It was a Chinese and US co-operation project, which used a Type 86 chassis allied to an American-designed turret, armed with a 25 mm Bushmaster cannon. This vehicle did not pass the prototype stage;

   Type 86G, improved variant, fitted with new one-man turret of the ZLC 2000 airborne combat vehicle. It is armed with a 30-mm cannon and HJ-73 ATGM launcher. Chinese Army is currently replacing the Type 86 with the improved Type 86G.

Type 86G infantry fighting vehicle