CM-21 Taiwanese Tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)
CM-21
Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)
Other
Basic Information
Name
CM-21 Taiwanese Tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)
Designation
CM-21
Alternate Designation
CM-21
Equipment Type
Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)
Manufacturer
Armored Vehicle Development Center
Date of Introduction
1982
Description
The CM-21 Taiwanese Tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)is an armored vehicle designed and manufactured by the Republic of China Armored Vehicle Development Center, based on the United States' model M113 APC. The first prototype was manufactured in 1979, and the CM-21 officially entered service in 1982. The CM-21 is still in use today, with over 1,000 units manufactured and a number of different variants.
Ground Specifications
Crew
2
Engine
Diesel (210 hp)
NBC Protection
Yes
Max Speed
66.0 km/h
Variants
CM-21
Standard Variant
CM-21A1
The CM-21 models currently in service are CM-21A1. The CM-21 is still a basic Armored Personnel Carrier, and it cannot be upgraded to the CM-21A2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle. Also, with the introduction of CM-32 wheeled Armored Vehicle, it is more unlikely that the CM-21A1 will receive an upgrade.
CM-21A2
CM-21A2 is a modified version of CM-21A1, inspired by the American M1132A2. The engine's intake has been modified to take air from the inside of the vehicle, rather than using exhausted gas, which reduces the crew's performance in combat. The side armor is also replaced with net armor to protect the vehicle from anti-tank weapons with shaped charges.
CM-22 Mortar Carrier
CM-22 is a variant of CM-21 with a 107/ 120 mm mortar, very similar to the American M106 mortar carrier. CM-22 was developed in 1987 and was still in production in 1999, but the ammo rack is different with an M106 in the late version of CM-22, along with parts from CM-21 such as headlights.
CM-23 Mortar Carrier
CM-23 is a variant of the CM-22 with an 81 mm mortar, identical to the American M125.
CM-25 TOW Launcher
CM-25 is a variant of the CM-21 which has the capability of firing TOW missiles, in order to engage armored targets. The CM-25 has a modified passenger compartment to store TOW missiles, and has replaced the quad-mounted smoke grenade launcher with triple mounted ones.
CM-26 Command Track
CM-26 is a command track derived from the CM-22, and it is similar to the American M577.
System
Alternative Designation
CM-21
Type
Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)
Manufacturer
Armored Vehicle Development Center
Configuration
Tracked
Crew
2 ea
Dimensions
Length
4.86 m
Width
2.68 m
Height
2.51 m
Weight
12.7 tons
Automotive
Engine Name
1 x Perkins TV8-640
Engine Type
Diesel
Engine Power
210 hp
Power-to-Weight Ratio
22.36 hp/t
Transmission
Allison TX100-1 automatic gearbox three forward gears, one reverse gear
Suspension
Torsion bar suspension, five road wheels
Operational Range
550 km
Maximum Speed
66 km/h
Main Weapon System
Note
The basic firepower of the CM-21 is a 12.7mm Browning M2 heavy machine gun or a 40mm Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher , and a quadruple smoke grenade launcher on each side. However, double guns have also been used. The CM-21 is equipped with Browning M2 heavy machine gun and 40mm Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher at the same time.
Protection
Armor
The hull is of all-welded aluminum armor construction with an additional layer of laminate steel armor bolted to the hull front, sides and rear. Closed cell polyurethane foam is used to fill the space between the two layers of armor and this gives increased buoyancy for amphibious operations.
Applique Armor
Available
NBC Protection
Yes
Smoke Equipment
8 x smoke grenade launcher
Image Sources
Details
Country of Origin
Taiwan
Category
Land
Land
Filter Label
C
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
4.86 m
Width
2.68 m
Height
2.51 m
Weight
12700 kg
Operators (1)
Taiwan
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