The VN-4, nicknamed the "Rhinoceros",[1] is a multi-role light armoured personnel carrier that can be used for police forces, armored troops, peacekeeping and anti-terrorism.
VN-4 | |
---|---|
Type | Armoured Personnel Carrier |
Place of origin | China |
Service history | |
Used by | Operators |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | Chongqing Tiema Industries Corporation |
Produced | 2009-Present |
Specifications | |
Mass | 9,000 kg (combat) |
Length | 5.4 m |
Width | 2.4 m |
Height | 2.05 m |
Crew | 2 drivers + 8 soldiers |
Main armament | 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm heavy machine gun |
Secondary armament | 3 smoke grenade dischargers |
Engine | 6 cylinder in-line, water cooled, turbocharged diesel engine |
Power/weight | 24.5 |
Drive | 4 x 4 |
Operational range | 700 km |
Maximum speed | 115 km/h |
Development
The VN-4 was unveiled in 2009 and is produced in China by Chongqing Tiema Industries Corporation, a China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) company.[2]
Description
The VN-4 is a light armored vehicle that can be outfitted for certain scenarios. It is very mobile with a top speed of 115 km/h and has independent suspension for rough terrain. The armor is welded shut and primarily provides protection from small arms fire and splinters from explosives.
Features
- Air conditioning is provided to occupants from vents on the roof.
- Communication systems
- CTIS (central tyre inflation system)
- GPS
- Night vision driving capability
- Video Surveillance Systems[3][4]
Service history
Crisis in Bolivarian Venezuela
In the beginning of 2014, 191 VN-4s existed in Venezuela.[5][6] In 2014, during the 2014 Venezuelan protests, the Venezuelan government ordered 300 additional VN-4 vehicles.[7] The VN-4 was heavily relied upon by the Bolivarian National Guard during the crisis in Bolivarian Venezuela against demonstrators who opposed the government of President Nicolas Maduro.[4] As demonstrations strengthened during the 2017 Venezuelan protests, President Maduro hastily ordered an additional 165 VN-4s from Norinco, paying fully for the equipment which arrived only weeks after the order, with the move being criticized since the low amount of funds allocated toward goods for Venezuelans had resulted in shortages in Venezuela during the preceding years.[8]
Operators
- Venezuela:
- Kenya: Kenya Police - GS Unit[9]
- Nepal: Nepalese Army - 63, bought for peacekeeping missions[10]
- Sudan: Sudanese Armed Forces[11]
References
External links
- VN4 on manufacturer's website (in Chinese)