China launches its VN20 most protected and armed tracked armored IFV in its category
At AirShow China 2022, the Chinese Defense Company NORINCO launches its new VN20 tracked armored IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) considered as the most protected and armed combat vehicle of its class.
The VN20 is based on a modified tracked chassis of the VT4 Main Battle Tank (MBT) with additional armor mounted at the front and the sides of the hull. According to our analysis, the driver is seated at the left side of the hull and another crew member is seated on its right which could be the vehicle commander. The engine is located at the front of the hull and the rear part of the vehicle can accommodate up to six infantrymen. The rear part of the hull is equipped with a single hydraulic ramp offering the troops to quickly enter and leave the vehicle.
The VN20 displayed at AirShow China 2022 seems to be fitted with a remotely operated weapon station armed with on 30mm automatic cannon, but according to a video published on Chinese Social Networks, the VN20 can be also equipped with a two-man turret armed with one 100mm and 30mm cannon as the Russian-made BMP-3 tracked armored IFV. The rear part of the hull can be also armed with one 7.62mm machine mounted on each side.
The VN20 is fitted with an incredible armor package mounted around the hull and the turret. The front and the upper part of the sides hull is protected by ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) while the lower part is fitted with armor plates and wire cage armor covering the suspension of the vehicle.
The turret is also fitted with an impressive thickness of armor at 360°. Citing a Chinese defense source, the VN20 offers ballistic protection Level 6 STANAG 4569 against the firing of 30mm APFSDS (Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot) or AP (Armor-Piercing) at 500 m at the front and center line.
The VN20 keeps the original suspension of the VT4 consisting of 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.