China's new Monitor Lizard all-terrain vehicle enters military trials.

According to Janes on May 21, 2024, the Monitor Lizard all-terrain vehicle (ATV), developed by the Chinese company Sichuan Jinjia Special Equipment Technology (SJSET), is undergoing trials with the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The development of the Monitor Lizard, unveiled by Zhejiang Xuanjia Defense Technology at the DSA 2024 exhibition, was aimed at meeting the PLA's requirement for a lightweight ATV suitable for deployment in high-altitude and cold mountainous regions.
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The Monitor Lizard all-terrain vehicle is the first domestically produced 17-ton class fully protected dual-body tracked all-terrain vehicle with independent intellectual property rights in China. (Picture source: Zhejiang Xuanjia Defense Technology)

The Monitor Lizard is the first domestically produced 17-ton class fully protected dual-body tracked all-terrain vehicle with independent intellectual property rights in China. The vehicle, also referred to as the 'Giant Lizard,' appears to be an advanced version of the Jonyang JY813, which was previously used by the PLA for logistics support missions in plateau regions above 5,000 meters. The Monitor Lizard's modular framework is designed to meet various operational needs across different environments in China, including deserts, snowy regions, marshes, mudflats, and inland waters.

Comparable to other international all-terrain vehicles such as the Swedish Bv 206, the Singaporean Bronco, and the Russian DT-30 Vityaz, the Monitor Lizard's design includes various rear-mounted functional modules that allow it to undertake roles such as rocket artillery deployment. This adaptability is intended to make the Monitor Lizard suitable for a range of operations including counter-terrorism, stability maintenance, emergency rescue missions, and polar scientific research. It can also support military tasks such as transportation, communication, medical support, and fire suppression.

The Monitor Lizard incorporates several patented technologies to meet both domestic and international defense standards. These technologies include dual-body vehicle attitude adjustment technology, specialized independent four-wheel drive mechanical transmission technology, energy-efficient control technology with thermal management systems, and independent vibration reduction technology for tracked multi-wheel systems. These innovations are intended to ensure the vehicle's performance and compliance with globally recognized standards.

The Monitor Lizard tracked all-terrain amphibious carrier measures 9.1 meters in length, 2.45 meters in width, and 2.6 meters in height. It has a combat weight of 17,000 kg and a maximum payload capacity of 5,400 kg, distributed between the first cabin (400 kg) and the second cabin (5,000 kg). The vehicle can achieve a maximum road speed of 65 km/h and an amphibious speed of 5 km/h. It provides protection against Chinese Type 56 7.62mm standard ammunition and accommodates a crew of fourteen, with four in the front cabin and ten in the rear.

Additional technical capabilities include a minimum turning radius of 7.8 meters, a maximum gradeability of 35°, a side slope angle of 25°, and the ability to cross obstacles up to 1 meter in height and trenches up to 1.6 meters wide. The Monitor Lizard is designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -43°C to +50°C and includes a self-recovery winch capable of pulling up to 8,000 kg, ensuring its functionality in various conditions.

The Monitor Lizard incorporates several patented technologies, including dual-body vehicle attitude adjustment technology, specialized independent four-wheel drive mechanical transmission technology, energy-efficient control technology with thermal management systems, and independent vibration reduction technology for tracked multi-wheel systems. (Picture source: Zhejiang Xuanjia Defense Technology)