ZSL92B



Overview

ZSL92B

Left side view of Chinese military ZSL92B in digital camouflage pattern.
Source: Unknown author - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
China
Type
Infantry fighting vehicle
Entered service
2009 or earlier for export users
2012 in China
Status
In service
Development
2000's
Developer
China
Production
Late 2000's - present? (estimate)
Producer
China
Number produced
Several hundred or more
Designations
Type 92B
WZ551B
Notable users
China
Sri Lanka

Description

Introduction

The ZSL92B is an infantry fighting vehicle of Chinese origin. The ZSL92B is a further development of the ZSL92 which was introduced in Chinese service in 1995. The ZSL92B was introduced in 2012 or earlier.

Description

The ZSL92B is a further development of the ZSL92. Whereas the ZSL92 uses an overhead weapon system with 25mm autocannon, the ZSL92B uses a turret with 30mm autocannon and HJ-73 anti-tank missile. Alongside the increase in firepower it also adds a stabilizer for the armament, allowing for firing on the move.

Firepower

The turret of the ZSL92B is armed with a 30mm ZPT99 autocannon and 7.62mm Type 86 coaxial machine gun. Both weapons are stabilized. A single rail launcher for the HJ-73 anti-tank missile is located on the roof. The SACLOS version of the HJ-73 is used. This missile is not powerful enough to engage modern main battle tanks over the frontal arc, but is a capable weapon against various light armored vehicles.

Protection

The steel armor protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. AP rounds fired from a heavy machine gun are able to penetrate the hull. Two banks of smoke grenade launchers are fitted to the turret. The tires are of the run flat type and allow travel at reduced speeds for 100 km when punctured.

Mobility

The ZSL92B has a good mobility on roads and a reasonable performance off road. A Deutz 320 hp diesel engine provides propulsion. The maximum speed on roads is 90 km/h and the range is up to 800 km. The ZSL92B is fully amphibious and is powered in the water by two steerable propellers behind the rear wheels.

Users

ZSL92B is used by Chinese forces. ZSL92B has also been exported to several nations. Possibly some older ZSL92 in Chinese service are upgraded with the ZSL92B turret, a similar process took place with the ZBD86 and resulted in the ZBD86A.

Media

Details

Facts ZSL92B
General
Origin
China
Type
Infantry fighting vehicle
Crew
2 + 11 (driver, gunner, 11 infantry)
Dimensions
Weight
Over 15 t combat load
Length
6.73 m
Width
2.86 m
Height
2.10 m to hull top
About 3 m overall
Main armament
Type
30mm ZPT99A autocannon
Mount
Main gun in turret
Ammunition
350 rounds
Traverse
360°, powered
Stabilizer
Yes, both axis
Secondary armament
Type
7.62mm Type 86 machine gun
Mount
Coaxial in overhead weapon system
Ammunition
1.000 rounds
Traverse
Traverse and elevation as main armament
Stabilizer
Yes
Anti-tank missile
Type
HJ-73C
Mount
Single rail launcher on turret roof
Ammunition
1 missile ready to launch, more carried inside
Traverse
360°, powered
Chassis
Chassis type
Wheeled chassis, 6x6
Tread
2.44 m
Wheelbase
1.9 + 1.9 m
Automotive
Engine model
Deutz BF8L413FC
Engine type
V8 diesel
Power output
320 hp at 2.500 rpm
Transmission
ZF 6HP500 automatic, 5 forward, 1 reverse
Fuel
400 L
Mobility
Speed
90 km/h on road
8.5 km/h afloat
Range
600 km on road
Turn radius
9 m
Power to weight ratio
About 20 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.41 m
Wall
0.5 m
Trench
1.2 m
Gradient
70 %
Slope
30 %
Fording
Amphibious
Protection
Armor type
Steel
NBC system
Yes
Smoke system
2x4 75mm smoke grenade dischargers
Equipment
Night vision
Yes

Related articles

ZSL92

The ZSL92B is a further development of the ZSL92. Whereas the ZSL92 uses an overhead weapon system with 25mm autocannon, the ZSL-92B uses a turret with 30mm autocannon and HJ-73 anti-tank missile.

Read more about ZSL92

ZBD03

The ZSL92B uses the turret that was developed for the ZBD03 airborne infantry fighting vehicle.

Read more about ZBD03