- Yes, as a tech tree vehicle.
- Yes, as an event vehicle.
- Yes, as a squadron vehicle.
- No
- China.
- Soviet.
- Japan (ASEAN Subtree).
- I said no.
Updated: 22/12/2024.
The XCB-01 is an indigenously made IFV based on the BMP-1, incorporating many improvements and fixes to address shortcomings identified by the VPA over years of operating the BMP-1 and BMP-2. The XCB-01 features a slightly larger hull with significant internal changes and some modifications inspired by the BMP-3. Its new turret is of a more angular design for ease of production and potentially allowing for the future installation of ERA.
History
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Xe Chiến đấu Bộ binh-01 (XCB-01) , abbreviated as Infantry Fighting Vehicle-01, was first officially introduced during the 30th ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet (AARM-30) and the 2022 Vietnam Defense Expo, though the earliest leaks dated back to early 2022. On December 23, 2023, it appeared at TB-1 Firing Range for a live-fire exercise by the 12th Corps, codenamed ĐT-23.
This project aims to develop a cost-effective, domestically-produced IFV inspired by the BMP-1 and BMP-2, both of which are currently in service with the Vietnamese People’s Army. The vehicle’s exterior is similar to the BMP-1 while incorporating a taller and lengthened hull to provide more internal space and crew comfort. The turret utilizes a hexagonal welded design, helping to ease production and facilitating the possible future integration of add on armor or ERA.
The main armament remains the 73mm P-73-01 cannon (domestically-produced 2A28 Grom). However, the fire control system has been significantly modernized. The vehicle is equipped with the improved 1PN22VN1 gun sight, which incorporates a laser rangefinder, CCD camera, and thermal imaging (likely Gen 3). It utilizes a semi automatic loader holding 40 rounds, achieving a fire rate of 6-8 rounds per minute. Additionally, the vehicle is armed with a 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun and a 12.7mm NSVT mounted on the turret roof. There is also an option for the NSVT to be mounted on an RCWS.
The XCB can use either the standard AT-3 (B-72) or the upgraded CTVN-18 . The CTVN-18 is a domestic licensed production of the Serbian 9M14-2T. Similar to the Chinese HJ-73E, it is equipped with a tandem warhead capable of penetrating 750-800mm of armor and is guided via SACLOS.
The XCB-01 is planned with two engine options: the UTD-20S1 (turbocharged UTD-20) and the DOOSAN DL-08. While the DOOSAN DL-08 has higher torque and slightly better acceleration, it has a lower top speed of 54.5 km/h. Additionally, it is slightly heavier and is only considered a backup option.
The XCB-01 was planned with two engine options: the UTD-20S1 (turbocharged UTD-20) and the DOOSAN DL-08. While the commercial DOOSAN DL-08 offers higher torque, it results in a lower top speed of 54.5 km/h and increased weight, relegating it to a backup option. The UTD-20S, turbocharged to 338 hp, will be used as the main engine in production variants. Despite its increased weight compared to the BMP-1, the XCB-01 maintains the same mobility: a road speed of 67.3 km/h, an off-road speed of 40-45 km/h, and full amphibious capabilities.
Protection has also been improved with a new a Laser Warning Receiver and NBC protection. Its base armor configuration is comparable to or slightly better than that of the BMP-1 (STANAG 4 frontal). Optional ceramic composite plates manufactured by Factory Z113 can be installed to improve protection, enabling the vehicle to withstand 12.7mm rounds all around at 50 meters. Research is currently underway to implement ERA similar to the Russian 4S24. The vehicle also features side skirts similar to those found on the BMP-2D.
Survivability features include a double bottom hull extended to the infantry compartment for better mine protection (similar to the BMP-3) and installed spall liners.
The electronics suite has been upgraded with new servos for the turret, new drives for the main gun, a new ballistic calculator, AC unit, and automatic fire extinguishers. Communications are handled by a new VRU12/S 50W radio and a VIS satellite phone. Currently, two prototypes have been built, alongside 18 more produced by Z189 Shipyard.
XCB-01 Mod.2024: This is the production version of the XCB-01 shown at the 2024 Expo with major changes, including a new thermal sight for the commander, repositioned smoke launchers to accommodate LWS sensors on the front turret, and a new mount for the NSVT to solve clearance issues with the missile reloading hatch.
Specification
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Length: 6.95 m
Height: 3.26m (2.14 m without NSVT)
Width: 3.25 m
Weight: 14.85 tons
Ground Clearance: 370 mm
Crew: 3 (Gunner, Commander, Driver) + 8 troops
Engine: DOOSAN DL-08, 321 hp (250 kW) or turbocharged UTD-20S1, 338 hp (252 kW)
Top speed: ~54.5 km/h (DL-08), 65 km/h (UTD-20S1)
Swimming speed: 7 km/h
Armament
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1x 73 mm 2A28 “Grom” (shells: ĐCT-9T (~420mm pen), PG-15VNT, PG-15V, PG-15VS, PG-15N, OG-15VM, OG-15V) (semi autoloader with 40 rounds) (6-8 rounds per minute)
1x 7.62 mm PKT Coaxial Machine Gun (2000 rounds)
1x 12.7mm NSVT Machine Gun (200 rounds)
1x rail launcher for the AT-3/CTVN-18 (license built of Serbia 9M14-2T) (up to 4)
8x 81mm smoke launcher
In game
This would be a decent 8.3-8.7 light tank. It features a LRF, LWS, and likely Gen 3 thermal imaging along side a decent tandem 800mm pen SACLOS ATGM and improved HEATFS rounds, though with no gun stabilization.
It would fit well in the Soviet tech tree (foldered with the BMP-2) or the China tech tree (foldered with the ZTS63 and ZBD86). Considering Thailand’s recent addition to the Japanese tech tree (F-5E FCU), it could also fit within a future Japanese-ASEAN subtree.
The Mod.2024 could be introduced as a modification upgrade (similar to the BMP-1P) featuring the turbocharged UTD-20 engine, add-on ceramic composite armor, and access to the ĐCT-9T round.
Photos
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Comparing dimensions between BMP-1 and XCB-01.
Credit: Viet+ Offensive
DOOSAN DL-8 in BMP-1, mounting should also be similar in the XCB-01.
Note the NSVT blocking the ATGM loading hatch, which mean the NSVT would not be useable when loading ATGM.
Sorry for the watermark and random text, it is kinda difficult to find pics without one.
Sources
Wikipedia
rg.ru
Info on the DOOSAN DL-08 engine
Lee Ann Quann Twitter
1PN22VN1 gunsight
CTVN-18
Ammunition type
ĐCT-9T
Specification
XCB-01 at Vietnam Defence Expo 2024
Short review of the XCB-01 at the 2024 Defense Expo that have some internal shot
Note: most sources are in Vietnamese.