- Yes
- No
Howdy yall! this is my second suggestion, and I was inspired by the suggestion for the very similar VN-17(VN-17 (Pre-production prototype) - The Modular Brawler) but was also supprised no one had made this vehicle a suggestion yet, as it is essentially a bigger better version of the previous IFV. I am specifically suggesting the version with the 30mm unmanned turret, vs the ZBD-04 style turret that has crew within it.
Introduction: the VN-20 is very comparable to the VN-17, and like its smaller brother, is based on an export tank made by NORINCO, in this case the VT-4 instead of the VT-5, giving it a much larger base chassis to work with. Just like the VN-17, the VN-20 flips the layout of the vehicle around, with the engine and transmission in the front, driver sitting on the front left, and gunner and Commander sitting about in the middle, a very familiar layout to IFV’s with unmanned turrets.
Firepower: The NV-20 with the unmanned turret has a 30mm autocannon that seems to be a newer more modern version, different from Russian based autocannons found on IFV’s already in service with the PLA. The entire weapon station is unmanned, but still offers some protection for the systems within.
Mobility: the Mobility for the VN-20 should feel very similar to the the VT-4, as it uses the same power pack, with the 1300 hp engine and same transmission, but slightly lighter at around 50 tones. The transmission is located at the very front, as proven by the sprocket wheel, with the engine behind it.
Protection: its hard to be 100% certain about the placement of armor on the VN-20, however between photo evidence, and advertisement claims, we can develop a good idea of the layout. The front hull seems to have a similar layout of ERA and armor to the VT-4, with thicker FY-4 at the very front, and lighter FY-2 ERA covering the top engine deck, and possibly the sides of the turret. We can also see a layer of thicker armor underneath and below the FY-4 ERA, which possibly holds a composite array borrowed from the VT-4 MBT. the Side skirts seem to be made up of composite screens running front to back, that have a claimed protection level of Lvl 6 STANAG 4569, which should protect it from 30mm AP shells(around 130mm KE). the turret also seems to offer a mix of ERA and possible NERA plates. A Laser warning system can be seen played around the vehicle hull to provide 360 coverage and awareness.
General Stats:
Weight: 50-55 tones
Engine: 1300hp
Transmission: 44mph forward, 10.6 in reverse
Armor: Mix of FY-4 and FY-2 ERA, and NERA offering Lvl 6 STANAG 4569 protection
Weapons: 30mm autocannon, 7.62mm Coax.
Crew: 3(Space for 6 in the back)
Sources: The VN20 Is The Largest Combat Vehicle In Asia | 21st Century Asian Arms Race
https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/china_launches_its_vn20_most_protected_and_armed_tracked_armored_ifv_in_its_category.html
