Taiwan unveils new mortar carrier based on CM-32 8x8 armored vehicle.

During the TADTE 2019, defense exhibition in Taiwan, a new wheeled mortar carrier armored vehicle based on the CM-32 Could Leopard was unveiled by the Taiwanese defense industry. The vehicle seems to be fitted with a semi-automatic 81mm mortar system.

New Taiwanese mortar carrier armored vehicle based on CM-32 8x8 wheeled APC. (Picture source Twitter)

The CM-32 is an 8x8 armored vehicle fully developed and design in Taiwan by the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense's (MND's) Materiel Production Center. The mortar variant of the CM-32 family is divided in three main compartments, the engine compartment at the front with the driver on the left side, the crew in the middle and a cargo area at the rear that includes the 81mm mortar system.

The armor of the CM-32 provides protection against firing of small arms of 7.62mm AP caliber all-around the vehicle and 12.7mm AP at the front. The CM-32 vehicle features an integrated, V-shaped, monocoque armored hull structure.

The mortar carrier variant of the CM-32 has a semi-automatic 81mm mortar system mounted inside of the vehicle that can fired through a two-part opening in the roof. The mortar unit is equipped with electro-servo control system and advance firing control modules. It features automatic fire control and fire direction functions. In addition, the low recoil mechanism reduces recoil force effectively and enhance firing stability.

For its self-protection, the mortar vehicle is fitted with a remotely controlled weapon station which is mounted on the roof hull, back of the driver position. This weapon station is armed with a 7.62mmm machine gun.

The CM-32 is motorized with Caterpillar C12 diesel engine developing 450 hp. it can run at a maximum road speed of 120 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 800 km.