The NORINCO Lynx CS / VP16B 6x6 family of machines. SAU and MLRS on a light chassis
The premiere demonstration of several samples of military equipment based on the newest chassis, took place a few days ago during the AirShow China 2018 exhibition. NORINCO Corporation showed a new version of the multi-axle chassis in the basic version, and also presented several experimental machines with one or another special equipment. The new line includes a number of equipment samples that have the maximum similarity to those presented earlier. In fact, it was about the transfer of equipment and weapons on a new platform. Nevertheless, a completely new combat vehicle with interesting capabilities was also shown.
Three-axle chassis
In its basic configuration, the multi-purpose transporter NORINCO Lynx CS / VP16B 6x6 is a compact car on a three-axle all-wheel drive chassis. In general, the basic principles of the previous project are preserved in the new project, but the design of the hull, chassis and transmission are changed. At the same time, the overall dimensions of the machine do not change. Recycling the chassis leads to a change in the gaps between the wheels, but does not affect the overall dimensions of the vehicle. As before, several variants of the case are used with the possibility of mounting different equipment.
In all versions of the new chassis has the same architecture, partly borrowed from the previous project. The front part of the hull is assigned to a double open cockpit. Behind it is the engine compartment. Above the bottom of the hull, under the cabin floor, are transmission units that provide four-wheel drive. Aft compartment is given for the installation of the target equipment. There you can place a cargo-passenger volume or a platform for mounting artillery systems.
According to known data, the entire Lynx family is completed with an engine of about 100 hp. The drive of three bridges is provided by a mechanical transmission. A three-axle chassis with individual wheel suspension is capable of providing sufficient throughput. However, the hull lines and small diameter of the wheels may limit such capabilities of the equipment. The body is sealed and allows the machine to float. Separate propeller is not provided, the movement of the water is provided by the rotation of the wheels.
Recycling old
In the recent past, the NORINCO corporation has repeatedly shown at various exhibitions both the Lynx 8x8 chassis and the equipment based on it. Self-propelled installations with various artillery weapons, reactive volley fire systems, etc. were demonstrated. Apparently, the developer organization considers such weapons promising and interesting for customers. Now it was transferred to a modified chassis, as a result of which a whole series of promising samples appeared in the family.
Two years ago, Chinese industry first showed a self-propelled gun based on the eight-wheeled version of the Lynx, armed with an 120-mm gun. Not so long ago, these weapons, along with additional systems and devices, were transferred to a three-axle chassis. The finished sample of such a combat vehicle was shown at a recent exhibition. While he was on display only in the exhibition pavilion. Perhaps, in the future and demonstration shooting will take place.
During the construction of such self-propelled guns on the aft platform of the CS / VP16B chassis, a machine with a rocking artillery part is installed, as well as a pair of massive openers for supporting the ground. The gun mount provides horizontal guidance within a limited sector, but can raise the barrel to significant angles. According to known data, in the composition of the ACS is used universal gun caliber 120 mm, capable of performing the functions of a gun, howitzers and mortars. It is built on the basis of a large trunk length, equipped with a developed muzzle brake and mounted on recoil devices.
Like other modern ACS Chinese development, modification Lynx equipped with advanced fire control systems. At the commander's workplace (in the cab on the right) there is a console with topo-binding equipment, a computer, and weapons control authorities. The work of the machine must be managed by a crew of three or four people.
In the past, NORINCO showed CS / VP16B self-propelled mortars. Similar weapons were also transferred to the new chassis. Recently, the public was shown two self-propelled mortars with armament caliber 82 and 120 mm. Mortar of a smaller caliber has a large barrel length and is mounted on a remote-controlled installation. The barrel is placed inside a protective casing with a characteristic futuristic look. Much of the gun control operations are carried out remotely. On the sides of the mortar installation boxes are located ammunition.
A self-propelled mortar of a larger caliber has a shorter shaft and is equipped with recoil devices of a different design. This preserves the automated control system. Larger 120-mm mines are proposed to be transported in the cells of individual boxes installed above the engine compartment and on the cargo platform.
The developers have shown an updated version of the mobile MLRS for 107 mm missiles. Unlike the previous sample of the Lynx family, it uses a reduced launcher. Now the volley consists of 12 shots. The missiles are located in tubular launch canisters connected in a package with two horizontal rows. After the volley, the package is discarded, and in its place is installed a new one transported on the roof of the engine compartment.
Previously, the family of vehicles from NORINCO included self-propelled anti-aircraft installation with an automatic gun. In the new line-up based on the CS / VP16B chassis, there is also a similar sample, but it received a seriously redesigned combat module. On the cargo platform of such a machine is mounted a U-shaped swivel base with a swinging unit, equipped with a six-barreled 23-mm gun. On board the base is a rocking launcher for guided missiles. As before, a block of optoelectronic equipment is used to search for targets and target weapons.
Such an anti-aircraft missile and cannon complex is capable of controlling airspace within a radius of several kilometers. However, in many ways, including combat, it can be inferior to other modern models of its class, carrying more advanced weapons.
Interesting novelty
Among all the new models of light artillery systems from NORINCO, a self-propelled gun with a promising 40-mm automatic gun is of particular interest. Despite its specific appearance, this sample combines several important ideas and technical solutions. The result of this is getting special opportunities that give advantages over a number of modern types of military equipment, including other classes.
The new modification of the CS / VP16B machine uses a standard three-axle chassis in the configuration for installing weapons. At the rear of the hull, it is proposed to mount a turntable that serves as a new combat module. In its central part there is a supporting device of the gun mount, and on the sides - a control post, ammunition, etc. To the left of the gun is the workplace gunner. The latter is located on its own seat and should work with a remote control mechanisms.
The CS / VP16B-based ACS is equipped with the latest 40-mm automatic cannon using the so-called. telescopic shots. Due to the special layout of such a projectile has a smaller size in comparison with the usual same characteristics, and this allows you to reduce the size of the ammunition, or increase the latter while maintaining the same storage volume. However, the Chinese company has not yet specified how many shells self-propelled guns are transporting.
The gun, designed for a new ammunition, gets a long barrel that extends beyond the front of the chassis. The barrel has a variable diameter and has valleys on the outer surface. To reduce the negative impact on the base machine, a developed muzzle brake and recoil devices are used.
From the point of view of the principles of building fire control systems 40-mm self-propelled gun is not very different from other samples of the new family. At the same time, the location of the main elements of this complex has been changed. At the disposal of the operator-gunner, located on the platform of the instrument, there are a set of optical-electronic devices and an automated workplace with all the necessary functions. With the help of switches and joysticks, the gunner can determine the location of the self-propelled gun, calculate the data for firing and fire. In addition, the ability to control weapons from the remote control is provided.
The exact technical characteristics of the new gun and the self-propelled unit built with its use have not yet been announced. Apparently, in its fighting qualities, it surpasses the existing systems caliber 30 and 35 mm. Certain advantages are obvious in terms of effective fire range and ammunition energy. The Chinese 40-mm gun can be considered as another solution to solving actual problems. Most modern light armored vehicles have protection from 30-mm projectiles, and new weapons will have to fight them.
Ambiguous family
In the recent past, the Chinese industry in the face of the corporation NORINCO already represented a whole family of combat vehicles for various purposes, built on the basis of a unified light wheeled chassis. This year, for the first time, it showed a revised version of the chassis and updated cars based on it. In addition, there are completely new designs with special features and capabilities. Thus, a total of about a dozen unified wheeled combat vehicles with different tasks and functions were brought to the market.
A new version of the Lynx chassis called CS / VP16B combines different qualities. The advantages are high maneuverability and maneuverability, thanks to which it can be effectively used in a variety of conditions and in different landscapes. In addition, it was originally adapted for use as a platform for a particular weapon or equipment. The exposition of a recent exhibition in Zhuhai clearly shows the potential of a wheeled chassis as a platform for specialized models of technology.
Small size and weight affect not only the mobility of technology. All samples based on the two “Lynx” chassis can be transported by military transport aircraft and helicopters. Parachute landing is also possible. Thus, a variety of self-propelled guns, up to 120 mm caliber systems, may be at the disposal of a landing force operating behind enemy lines.
At the same time, the CS / VP16B chassis, like its four-axle predecessor, is not without flaws. First of all, this lack of serious protection. Lightweight chassis can not even carry bulletproof armor. Moreover, only one sample from two families received a closed cabin. As a result, the safety and convenience of the crews leave much to be desired, and in addition, this has a negative effect on the combat survivability and the likelihood of accomplishing the task. The lack of a cabin can also be a problem when using certain weapons. First of all, it concerns the multiple launch rocket system. Shooting over the cab is simply eliminated, and turning the launcher to the side does not exclude the ingress of hot gases to the controls, etc.
Thus, the new line of combat vehicles Lynx, like the one presented earlier, combines an almost complete lack of protection with the ability to provide high firepower and good mobility. Equipment with such a ratio of basic characteristics and qualities can hardly be widely used and become the basis of the fleet of combat vehicles of armies. Nevertheless, it is able to close some specific niches in which there are special requirements. For example, lightweight ACS or MLRS can be useful for an assault force that does not have the ability to deploy full-sized military equipment in the air.
According to known data, the Lynx multi-purpose chassis and vehicles based on it are offered to both the Chinese army and foreign customers. Some samples of the family were already built in series and transferred to different armies, including foreign ones. However, as far as we know, this technique was not built in particularly large quantities, and in addition, it was mainly about transport modifications of the chassis.
Just a few days ago, the Chinese defense industry for the first time presented to the public an updated Lynx chassis called CS / VP16B, and with it a number of specialized modifications with different weapons. This technique attracted the attention of visitors to the AirShow China 2018, and may have interested the Chinese or foreign military. It is likely that in the near future there will be another order for the supply of “Ryysya” - this time the three-axis version.
On the materials of the sites:
http://janes.com/
http://english.sina.com/
https://xuehua.us/
http://sinodefence.com/
https://armyrecognition.com/
https://bmpd.livejournal.com/
- Ryabov Kirill
- Sina.com, Xuehua.us
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