GSL135 Tracked Comprehensive Mine-Clearing Vehicle (TCMCV)
Figure 1. GLS135 firing a GPB127 Rocket pulling the GPB150 MICLIC Line Charge
.
The GSL135 Tracked Comprehensive Mine-Clearing Vehicle (TCMCV) is a Chinese minefield breaching platform. It is often misidentified as the GSL133 in U.S.-based sources; however, Chinese defense publications clearly refer to it as the GSL135. In 2024, Christopher F. Foss—a well-known armored vehicle analyst—published an article in Shephard Media featuring imagery that identified the vehicle as the GSL135E. For consistency and accuracy, this article uses the Chinese designation, GSL135, rather than the U.S. convention of GSL133.
Role and Mission for the PLA
The GSL135 TCMCV is a minefield breaching vehicle developed for the Heavy Combined Arms Brigades of the PLA. Its primary role is to clear pathways through minefields, creating safe lanes for troops and vehicles. This enables assault units to advance rapidly through obstacle belts before enemy defenses are established. The vehicle is operated by engineer companies within the Combat Support Battalion of the Heavy Combined Arms Brigades.
System Specifications
Date of Introduction: Development in 2018
- Country of Origin: People’s Republic of China
- Type: Tracked Comprehensive Mine-Clearing Vehicle (TCMCV)
- Manufacturer: Norinco
- Chassis: ZTZ96 Tank
- Crew: 2-3
- Mobility: Road speed 65 km/h Off road 45 KPH; Max gradient 60°
Obstacle-Clearing Capabilities
1. Microwave Mine Detector.
The GSL135 features a microwave mine detector boom similar to that on the GPZ111A. Unlike the pole-mounted version on the GPZ111A, the GSL135’s system is enclosed in a flat-angled box mounted at the front of the superstructure. The detector antenna, likely in a dipole configuration, extends forward from this housing and can fold backwards when not in use or when deploying the MICLIC. It is assumed to be employed for detecting minefield boundaries prior to breaching operations. The effective speed while using this system is unknown but likely comparable to mine plow operations.
Figure 2 Image of the GSL135 moving with the microwave mine detector unfolding.
Image Source:
, PLA News and Communication article
Figure 3 Image of the GSL135 with the microwave mine detector in use
Image Source:
, PLA News and Communication article
.
The GSL135 is equipped with a hydraulically operated, full-width track mine plow controlled remotely by the crew. Skid shoes regulate plow depth by gliding along the ground, preventing excessive digging. Although specific performance figures are unknown, they are assumed to match those of the GSL130 and GPZ111A (3–5 km/h, up to 20 cm depth). Unlike earlier vehicles with a center gap, the GSL135 plow spans the vehicle’s full width. It features folding extensions that deploy for operations and retract for transit.
3. Mine-Clearing Linear Charge (MICLIC).
The GSL135 uses the same GBP150 MICLIC system as the GSL130, GSL131, GSL132, and GPZ111A. Previous articles have detailed the GBP127 rocket and GBP150 line charge system. The GSL135 distinguishes itself by carrying three MICLICs instead of the standard two. The additional launcher suggests PLA doctrine anticipates breaching deeper or multiple obstacle belts—potentially up to 300 meters of minefields. Alternatively, the vehicle may be tasked with creating multiple lanes. The MICLICs are housed in the upper rear superstructure, with a dual-hatch roof. The front hatch protects the folded microwave detector, while the rear hatch opens to reveal launch rails. An integrated blast deflector protects the engine from rocket exhaust. The launch platform elevates for deployment (see the image below).
Figure 4 Image of the GSL135 GBL150 MICLIC compartment opened for firing.
Image Source: video capture from ‘
The Daily CPEC’ twitter account.
The GSL135 does not appear to have a lane-marking system. A box mounted at the rear of the hull likely serves as a storage compartment. Its construction, simple lid, and absence of control cabling suggest it does not house a lane-marking device.
Figure 1-1 Image of the GSL135 rear showing the box at the rear of the hull.
Image Source: Official China Military webpage.
- Source: (article written by Steve Foss on new vehicle displayed by China to include the GSL135E with a model mock-up)
- (Article that discusses the use of simulations for training of GSL135 operators for counter mine operations)
- (Article that mentions the GSL135 developed on the Type 96 tank chassis and after the GSL130 and GPZ111A)
- (Article that discusses the GSL135 and Mine warfare and the readiness of the PLA for such operations)
- (US TRADOC G2 article on the GSL135 misidentified as GSL-133)
- (simulations used to train operators)
- (Article that discusses the use of simulations for training of GSL135 operators for counter mine operations)
- (Article that mentions the GSL135 developed on the Type 96 tank chassis and after the GSL130 and GPZ111A)
- (Article that discusses the GSL135 and Mine warfare and the readiness of the PLA for such operations)
- (Video of GSL135 using MICLIC and Mine Plow)
