Taiwan thinks converting CM-32 APC to howitzers 80706171

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Defense & Security News - Taiwan
 
Taiwan is thinking about converting CM-32 armored personnel carriers to self-propelled howitzers
The Ministry of National Defense is considering producing self-propelled howitzers by converting CM-32 “Clouded Leopard” wheeled armored personnel carriers, ministry spokesman Major General Chen Chung-chi said on Thuesday. A self-propelled gun could be produced by mating the chassis of the 25-tonne, eight-wheeled CM-32 with an M114 155mm howitzer.
     
The Ministry of National Defense is considering producing self-propelled howitzers by converting CM-32 “Clouded Leopard” wheeled armored personnel carriers, ministry spokesman Major General Chen Chung-chi said on Thuesday. A self-propelled gun could be produced by mating the chassis of the 25-tonne, eight-wheeled CM-32 with an M114 155mm howitzer.
CM-32 “Clouded Leopard” wheeled armored personnel carriers
     
The new vehicle is only a concept and army units have yet to submit an operational need for it, which would be required for the ministry to move forward with setting manufacturing volume, unit cost and project goals. The army is studying how the hypothetical artillery piece should be deployed for maximum operational effectiveness. First unveiled in 2005, the domestically produced CM-32 has been plagued by design flaws and budgetary irregularities during development.

The CM-32 is a modular vehicle platform able to be fitted with various armament configurations for specific combat requirements. For the armoured vehicle personnel carrier version, the vehicle is fitted with a light one-man turret armed with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun. The CM-32 can be used also as mortar carrier armed with a 120mm mortar mounted at the rear of the hull. It can also be armed with a 105mm or 120mm to be used as anti-tank combat vehicle.

Chung-Hsin Electric and Machinery Manufacturing, the main contractor for the CM-32 program, has been accused of falsifying accounting records and buying substandard components from China. The ministry is to stringently adhere to all relevant laws and regulations in future arms purchases, Chen said, adding that it respects the oversight provided by the Legislative Yuan and the media.

The ministry said it plans to expand the CM-32 program from an armored personnel carrier to a family of vehicles with additional roles, including those of mortar carrier, a cannon-equipped infantry fighting vehicle, a mobile gun platform and self-propelled artillery. In previous reports to the legislature, the ministry said the self-propelled artillery based on the CM-32 would provide fire support for the army’s mechanized infantry brigades and would have high mobility and digital communications.