BJ212


BJ2020


Overview

BJ2020SJ

Side view of BJ2020SJ utility vehicle.
Source: Chinese internet - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
China
Type
Utility vehicle
Entered service
Mid 1960's
Status
In service
Development
Mid 1960's (BJ212)
Mid 1980's (BJ2020)
Developer
China - Beijing Automobile Works
Production
1965 - 1983 (BJ212)
1989 - 2005 (BJ2020)
Producer
China - Beijing Automobile Works
China - Beijing Jeep Corporation
Pakistan - Adam Motor Company
Number produced
Over 200.000 BJ212 and over 300.000 BJ2020 have been produced
Designations
Zabardast (Pakistani production)
北京212
Notable users
China
Pakistan

Description

Introduction

The BJ212 is an early Cold War era utility vehicle of Chinese origin. It was developed in the mid 1960's and the design has been improved over time and three generations may be distinguished. The BJ212 is produced in many version for both military and civilian use.

Design

The design is based on the Land Rover Defender and UAZ-469. The first generation BJ212 looks rather similar to the UAZ-469. Both a standard and long wheelbase version exist. The second generation BJ2020 includes parts of the Jeep XJ Cherokee. The third generation also uses a Jeep engine. The BJ212 is a soft skin vehicle and does not feature any armor.

Cargo capacity

The standard wheelbase version seats 5 people or may carry up to 425 kg of gear. The long wheelbase versions seats 7 people and has a 600 kg load capacity. Both versions are able to tow a 800 kg trailer.

Armament options

The BJ212 is usually unarmed but can be fitted with a wide variety of infantry weapons. The most notable armed version is the weapons carrier version developed for the 105mm Type 75 recoilless rifle. In order to accommodate the large and powerful Type 75 it has a split windscreen, ammunition bins in the cargo area and a lower back side.

Mobility

The BJ212 has a good off road mobility. The 4x4 design does well in dirt road and off road scenarios. The 75 hp petrol engine allows for a maximum road speed of 100 km/h. The improved BJ2020 uses a 85 hp petrol engine. The third generation vehicles are fitted with a 105 hp Jeep petrol engine. These vehicles may reach up to 125 km/h on roads.

Users

The BJ212 has been produced in very large numbers. It has been exported to at least 20 nations. Many of the over 500.000 vehicles produced many remain in service. In Chinese service the BJ212 and BJ2020 are to be supplemented by the BJ2022 Brave Warrior light utility vehicle.

Variants

BJ212

A BJ212 modified for use with the 105mm Type 75 recoilles rifle. It has a split wind screen and shorter rear body.
Source: Chinese internet - © copyright lies with original owner

The first generation

BJ212 was developed to provide China with a light utility vehicle akin to the British Land Rover Defender, American Jeep CJ5 or Soviet UAZ-469.

BJ212

BJ212
Original production version with seating for 5 people. Looks very similar like the Soviet UAZ-469B.
BJ212A
Long wheelbase version of the BJ212. It seats up to 8 people and has an increased load capacity.
BJ212F
Fixed roof variant of the BJ212A.

BJ2020SAJ

A BJ2020SAJ fitted with HJ-8 anti-tank guided missile.
Source: Chinese internet - © copyright lies with original owner

The second generation

The second generation BJ2020 includes parts of the Jeep XJ Cherokee. The third generation also uses a Jeep engine.

BJ2020

BJ2020SJ
A BJ212 improved with various parts of the Jeep XJ Cherokee. Also includes improved Toyota engine produced under license.
BJ2020SAJ
Long wheelbase version of the BJ2020SJ, similar in layout as the BJ212A.
BJ2020VJ
BJ2020SJ with a more powerful engine derived from the Jeep XJ Cherokee. The civilian version is called VJ2020VB, with the BJ2020VE being a more luxurious version.
BJ2020VCR
A BJ2020 version produced under license in Pakistan. Specific model unknown.

Details

Facts BJ212 BJ212A BJ2020SJ BJ2020SAJ BJ2020VJ
General
Origin
China
Type
Utility vehicle
Crew
1 + 4 (driver, 4 passengers)
Dimensions
Weight
2.01 t combat load
1.58 t empty
Length
3.86 m
Width
1.77 m
Height
1.99 m
Chassis
Chassis type
Wheeled chassis, 4x4
Steering
Front axle
Tread
1.44 m
Wheelbase
2.3 m
Tire size
6.50 R16
Automotive
Engine model
BJ760 (GAZ M-21)
Engine type
2.45 liter 4-cylinder water-cooled petrol
Power output
75 hp at 3.800 rpm
Transmission
Manual, 3 forward, 1 reverse, 2 speed transfer box
Mobility
Speed
100 km/h on road
Turn radius
6 m
Power to weight ratio
37.2 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.21 m
Gradient
66 %
Fording
0.5 m
Protection
Armor type
None, softskin vehicle
NBC system
No
Smoke system
No
Cargo capacity
Cargo
425 kg onboard cargo
Towed load
800 kg trailer

Media