WZ 523

   When the WZ 523 wheeled APC was first publicly revealed in late 1984. This vehicle was given the Western designation of M1984 APC and many American references still use this title. There were many observations regarding its design origins for it closely resembles the South African Ratel. However these similarities are misleading for there are many differences from the Ratel on the 6x6 WZ 523, one being the driving position. On the Ratel this is a one-man central position while on the WZ 523 the driver sits next to the commander.

   As far as it is known the WZ 523 did not entered operational service with the Chinese Army. Later a more capable Type 92 (WZ 551A) armored personnel carrier was selected.

   The location of the main roof-located weapon station also differs and on the WZ 523 in further back, limited (on the base model at least) to a single 12.7-mm machine gun.

   There are many other detail differences, especially in the lower hull shapes, so the WZ 523 can probably lay claim to being a home-based Chinese design with only slight influence from elsewhere.

   The WZ 523 is a Second Automobile Plant product (although it is marketed by NORINCO), carrying up to ten fully equipped troops who enter their compartment via a single door in the hull rear, roof hatches are provided.

   Vehicle is based on the chassis of the Hanyang HY427 6x6 heavy utility truck chassis. This armored personnel carrier is fully amphibious after a trim vane has been raised on the hull front. Once in the water propulsion at speeds up to 7 km/h is provided by two water jets in the hull rear.

   The basic APC could be readily converted to command vehicle or armored ambulance roles, as well as turretless mortar or anti-tank missile carriers.

Variants

   Type 91 (ZFB91) internal security vehicle. It was developed in 1991. The Type 91 has a one-man turret, armed with 35-mm automatic grenade launcher with tear gas grenades and coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun. It was also fitted with flash lights, search light and siren. The Type 91 has been deployed;

   Type 93 (ZSL93) armored personnel carrier. It is a finalized version of the WZ 523, proposed for the PLA. However it was also not accepted.