Discover VN20 from China most protected and armed tracked armored IFV in the world
Discover the VN20, the most protected and armed tracked armored IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) in the world manufactured in China and unveiled by the Chinese Defense Company NORINCO during AirShow China 2022 which was held in Zhuhai from 8 to 13 November 2022.
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The Chinese-made VN20 tracked armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle was unveiled by the Chinese company NORINCO during AirShow China in November 2022. (Picture source Weibo)
The VN20 represents a new generation of IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) based on a tracked chassis. In fact, the VN20 is based on the VT4 MBT (Main Battle Tank) chassis offering a high level of mobility in all-terrain conditions.
The VN20 has a unique design the front of the hull is fitted with two hatches one for the driver on the left side and one for the commander on the right side. The engine is located at the front of the vehicle. The turret is fitted in the middle while the rear part of the vehicle can accommodate up to six infantrymen. The rear part of the hull is fitted with a hydraulic ramp which is used by the infantrymen to quickly enter and leave the vehicle
According to a video published by the Chinese company NORINCO, the VN20 can be fitted with a two-man turret armed with one 100 mm and one 30mm automatic cannon as the Russian-made BMP-3 IFV. The left side of the turret is also armed with an anti-tank guided missile launcher. The rear part of the hull is armed with two remotely operated weapon stations armed with one 7.62mm machine gun, located on each side of the hull.
The model of VN20 displayed by the Chinese company NORINCO at AirShow China 2022 was fitted with a remotely operated turret armed with one 30mm automatic cannon. Three smoke-grenade dischargers are integrated in the armor on each side at the front of the turret.
The VN20 is protected by an amazing armor package that includes ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) mounted all around the hull and the turret. Citing information from NORINCO engineers, the VN20 offers a ballistic and mine protection Level 6 STANAG 4569 against the firing of 30mm caliber APFSDS (Armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot) or AP (Armor-Piercing) ammunition at 500m.
The sides of the hull and the suspension of the VN20 are protected by three levels of armor including standard armor plates that also covered the upper of the suspension, wire cage armor, and ERA. To date, it is the first armored vehicle in the world that has such a level of protection.
The VN20 is based on the tracked chassis of the VT4 MBT that includes six large dual rubber-tired road wheels with the drive sprocket at the front, idler at the rear, and track return rollers. To extend the operational range of the VN20, two additional diesel fuel drums can be mounted externally at the rear.