WZ-551 (Type 92) Chinese 6x6 Amphibious Armored Personnel Carrier (APC)
WZ-551
Amphibious Armored Personnel Carrier (APC)
Other
Basic Information
Name
WZ-551 (Type 92) Chinese 6x6 Amphibious Armored Personnel Carrier (APC)
Designation
WZ-551
Alternate Designation
WZ-551; Type 90; Type 92; ZSL-92; ZSL92
Equipment Type
Amphibious Armored Personnel Carrier (APC)
Manufacturer
NORINCO
Date of Introduction
1995
Description
The WZ-551 (Type 92) Chinese 6x6 Amphibious Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) is a Chinese wheeled armored personnel carrier. It is actually consisted of two families of vehicles with official designations in the People's Liberation Army as Type 90 and Type 92. Roughly 900 WZ-551s are in service with the PLA, where they are used by light mechanized infantry units. WZ-551s have been exported to Algeria, Bosnia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan and Senegal.
Ground Specifications
Crew
2
Mobility Type
Wheeled (6x6)
Engine
V-8 Diesel (320 hp)
Active Protection
None
NBC Protection
Yes
Amphibious
Yes
Range
600.0 km
Variants
ZSL-92
The ZSL-92 is an IFV based on the Type 92 hull. It is designed to transport an infantry section into combat and provide fire support once deployed.
ZSL-92B
The ZSL-92B is an upgraded ZSL-92 armed with a 30 mm cannon, designed to modernize the vehicle so that it remains capable for the increased demands of modern warfare. It is much the same as the ZSL-92 with the exception of the new armament.
ZSL-92 APC
In addition to the IFV variant of the ZSL-92 there is an APC. It is also based on the Type 92 hull but carries a reduced weapon payload.
WMZ551B
The WMZ551B is based on the upgraded WMZ551 hull (detailed in the Developments, prototypes, and concepts section of this entry). It is an APC designed to transport infantry sections into combat and conduct patrol duties.
WMZ551B1
The WMZ551B1 is also based on the WMZ551 hull. It differs from the WMZ551B in the weapon station, which is replaced with an enclosed turret very similar in shape to the turret on the ZSL-92B.
PTL-02
The PTL-02 is described as an assault gun, often used to equip artillery units in the PLA. It is armed with a 100 mm direct fire gun and can keep pace with wheeled units that are also equipped with ZSL-92 series vehicles.
WMA-301 Assaulter
The WMA-301 is a direct fire support vehicle primarily aimed at the export market. It is designed to perform the same role as the PTL-02, however it is armed with a larger caliber main gun. The base vehicle for the Assaulter is the WMZ551 detailed under the Developments, prototypes, and concepts heading of this entry.
PLL-05
The PLL-05 is an SPH based on the Type 92 hull. It is designed to provide indirect fire support for motorized formations and the mobility necessary to ensure operational tempo is maintained. In concept the vehicle is similar to the Russian 2S23 Nona vehicle based on the BTR-80 and it is possible that the design is similar in ability to the 2S23. Therefore the following description could be used in conjunction with the 2S23 to provide an indication of what the PLL-05 may be capable of achieving.
HJ-9
The HJ-9 is a 4 × 4 tank hunting vehicle based on a modified ZSL-92 hull. It is armed with guided missiles and used by the PLA to destroy heavily armored targets before they can engage the motorized formations that typically carry light protection.
WJ-08
The WJ-08 is an internal security vehicle (ISV) used by the Chinese internal security forces, which are regularly required to combat armed insurgents. The vehicle has taken part in the 60th anniversary parade held in 2011 to celebrate the anniversary of the PRC. It is described by Chinese sources as an anti-riot vehicle.
WZ531
The WZ531 is an armored recovery vehicle (ARV) based on the ZSL-92 hull. It is designed to provide recovery and support services for Type 92 series vehicles deployed to combat zones.
WZ551A Armored Command and Control Vehicle
There are known to be C2 variants of the WZ551/ZSL-92 vehicles, however there is little known about the vehicles themselves
WZ551S
The official PLA designation of this vehicle is unknown, however based on the 2018 understanding of PLA designations it may be ZHB-92 [armored (Z), logistics support (H), or supply vehicle (B)]
WZ523
The WZ523 is the industrial designation for the vehicle developed in tandem with what became the ZSL-92. It has irregularly arranged axles and it is believed to have been widely exported. Full details of the WZ523 are provided under the entry titled WZ523.
XJZ-92
The XJZ-92 is the armored recovery vehicle variant.
System
Alternative Designation
WZ-551; Type 90; Type 92; ZSL-92; ZSL92
Type
Armored Personnel Carrier
Configuration
6x6
Manufacturer
Norinco, at Factory 256
Crew
2 ea
Troop Comparment Capacity
11 ea
Dimensions
Length
6.73 m
Width
2.86 m
Height, Hull
2.1 m
Height, to Turret Roof
2.89 m
Wheelbase
1.9 m + 1.9 m
Weight
15,000 kg
Ground Clearance
0.41 m
Automotive
Engine Name
Deutz BF8L413FC
Engine Type
V-8, air cooled, diesel
Engine Power
320 hp at 2,500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
21.33hp/t
Fuel Capacity
400 liters
Gearbox
ZF 6HP500; Automatic; Fwd.: 5, Rev: 1
Batteries
2 × 24V, 180Ah
Electrical System
24V
Suspension
coil springs and hydraulic shock-absorbers
Range
600 km
Steering
hydraulic, first and second axles
Brakes
dual-circuit, air/hydraulic
Tires
14.00 × 20
Amphibious
Yes
Speed, Maximum Road
85 km/h
Speed, Maximum Cross
80 km/h
Speed, Maximum Swim
11 km/h
Gradient
70%
Side Slope
30%
Angle of Approach
45°
Angle of Departure
41°
Vertical Obstacle
0.5 m
Note
The ZSL-92 is amphibious and travels in the water with power provided by two propellers at the rear of the hull. The propellers face in towards the vehicle when on land, but are rotated through 180° once in the water.
Communication
Radio
RC-83
Telephone
VIC-83
Main Weapon System
Note
Turret Mounted. The turret drive is electric and there is a manual back-up.
System
Name
1 × ZPT90 Autocannon
Type
Autocannon
Caliber
25 mm
Length
INA
Weight
INA
Elevation
-8° to +55°
Traverse
360°
Gunner Select
The gunner can select single shot, burst, or automatic rates of fire that are set at 100, 300, or 500 rds/min.
Horizonal Range, API Rounds
1,500 m
Note
The ZPT90 Autocannon can fire HE and API Rounds
Ammunition
Type
Rifle
Caliber
25 mm
Cartridge
25x137mm
Basic Load
400 rounds
Coaxial Weapon System
System
Name
1 x Type 86
Type
General-Purpose Machine Gun
Caliber
7.62 mm
Manufacturer
Norinco
Length
1,192 mm
Barrel Length
658 mm
Weight
12.6 kg
Action
Gas-operated, open bolt
Rate of Fire
700–800 round/min
Muzzle Velocity
840 m/s
Effective Firing Range
100—1,500 m with sight adjustments
Feed System
Belts in 100/200/250 round boxes
Sights
Open sights. Optical/Night vision scope can be outfitted.
Ammunition
Type
Rifle
Caliber
7.62 mm
Cartage
7.62×54mmR
Basic Load
1,000 Rounds
Fire Control
FCS Name
INA
Computerized FCS
No
Main Gun Stabilization
No
Thermal Tank Commander
Yes
Thermal Gunner
Yes
Automatic Fire Suppression System
Yes
Protection
Hull Armor Type
The hull is built from welded steel that provides protection from small arms fire and shell splinters. It is claimed that the Type 92 provides all-round protection against 12.7 mm rounds.
Applique Armor
Available
Explosive Reactive Armor
No
Active Protection System
No
Mine Clearing
No
Firing Ports
There are 8 total firing ports, four on both sides. Each firing port includes a day periscope mounted in the roof of the vehicle as well as a gas extractor. On both sides the first firing port is for a 7.62 mm MG, and the remaining three are for use with assault rifles.
Self-Entrenching Blade
Obstacle-Clearing Blade Available
Automatic Fire Suppression System
Yes
NBC Protection
Yes
Smoke Protection
8x 75mm smoke grenade dischargers
Image Sources
Details
Country of Origin
China
Category
Land
Land
Filter Label
W
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
6.73 m
Width
2.86 m
Height
—
Weight
15000 kg
Operators (21)
China
Pakistan
Algeria
Angola
Argentina
Burundi
Cameroon
Chad
Djibouti
Ethiopia
Kenya
Myanmar
Nepal
Niger
Oman
Rwanda
Senegal
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Tanzania
Zambia
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