goldenpanda
Banned Idiot
Seems T63A cannot keep up with these. Can anyone speculate how this will be used relative to T63A?
Last edited:
New amphibious "surfing" IFV
- Thread starter goldenpanda
- Start date
Seems T63A cannot keep up with these. Can anyone speculate how this will be used relative to T63A?
It's a Type 63A turret mounted on a Type 97 IFV chassis. The PLA seems to have come up with a range of turrets for this universal chassis. I wouldn't be surprised if they replace their APCs with it. However, I'm not sure if it's going to replace the Type 63A tank. I guess it will replace Type 63A, but that'll take some time.
goldenpanda
Banned Idiot
It isn't a 105mm gun though.
Pointblank
Senior Member
No, the frontal aspect may looks like the Type 97 IFV, but the rear is totally different, the running gear does not look the same, and in general, does not look like any current Chinese IFV that I know of. I say with a 90% confidence that this is a totally new IFV design.
To be fair this looks to be a very good amphibious ICV (/MICV/T-D etc) family probably as good as the USMC's new ECV which is generally similar but currently comes in fewer versions. So together with the ECV it's fair to say that this is top-tier amphibious assault vehicle in the world. Not like China to be world leaders instead of world followers but I guess times are changing.
Pointblank
Senior Member
I say similar in concept, with the bow plane, internal propulsor, and configuration to the USMC EFV.
I am thinking this vehicle will help enhance the PLA's amphibious capabilities, by increasing speed and firepower in the same vain of the USMC's "over the horizon" strategy for ocean based assaults. By launching this vehicle off the LST's a further distance off the coast, it can protect the landing ships from mines and shore defenses, while increasing firepower on the shores as they land.
Costas 240GD
Junior Member
At first glance the IFV's cannon looks like a 30mm, with externally braced barrel, like the 2A72 (RU) as fitted to the Kliver turret, or like the ukrainian equivalent.