[Would you like to see this in-game?]
TL;DR: A large APC/MRAP hybrid fitted with a 14.5mm HMG capable of firing APDS.
History:
With the collapse of the USSR in the early 1990s, China’s focus could finally switch from heavily guarding its northern border to other matters. One of these matters was the development of lighter, faster, and easier to maintain military vehicles. This need would lead to NORINCO developing a new multi-role wheeled platform, which would be designated as WZ551. In its basic form, this new vehicle would be a an APC, however, as it was designed to be multi-role, ways to expand its capabilities were being developed alongside the vehicle itself. A large number of the resulting designs found significant success within the PLA. From mortar carrier to tank destroyer, the WZ551 was up to the task. This adaptability combined with the successful widespread PLA adoption made the platform very appealing to the export market. Some time in the early 2000s, NORINCO debuted the VN2, the official export model of the WZ551, which soon became the basis of many modifications as well. One of the more radial of these modifications was the VN2C, although calling it a “modification” would be putting it lightly. The VN2C, unveiled in 2016, overhauled the entire structure of the VN2 to the point of becoming so visually distinct one could not be confused for the other. The reason for this overhaul was to turn the VN2 platform into an incredibly robust MRAP APC. The entire underside of the vehicle would be greatly reinforced, becoming capable of withstanding TNT blasts of up to 8kg. Armor would also be improved from the base VN2. These upgrades, alongside many internal improvements, would increase the platform’s weight by 7kg, however, despite this, the VN2C retained amphibious capabilities and its 402hp engine still allowed it to reach a top speed of 100kph. Like the standard VN2, the VN2C was capable of accepting a multitude of different weapon modules, one of these being the a YA9004, which could be fitted with a either a 14.5mm or 12.7mm HMG. The VN2C has been seen with both options, however, the version fitted with a 14.5mm CS/LM2 and 7.62mm MG has seemingly been photographed more.
Side note: Interestingly, this turret is commonly misidentified as always being fitted with a 12.7mm HMG in most sources due to it being the most common armament for the turret. The YA9004 is currently mounted on a few UN WZ551, which do feature 12.7mm HMGs, adding to the misunderstanding.
While this armament may initially seem quite weak for its time, the CS/LM2 actually has access to the incredibly powerful DGJ02 APDS round meant for punching holes in lightly armored vehicles, with an estimated point-blank penetration of up to 76mm. Combined with the CS/LM2’s 600RPM rate of fire, this weapon system is perfectly adequate for low to medium intensity combat environments. Some time in the 2020s, the VN2C would receive an order from Malian Armed Forces. The exact number order is not known, however, in 2025, they would receive six VN2C fitted with the GCTWM turret, which equipped a 30mm autocannon and has provisions for an ATGM launch rail, although the latter would not be seen in the few glimpses available of Malian VN2Cs.
Place In War Thunder:
Medium to high caliber autocannon speedsters have been steadily carving their own place in the War Thunder meta for the past few years, with the low caliber variety not too far behind. With the VN2C (CS/LM2), we lower caliber even further while still retaining effectiveness. In fact, we actually, quite paradoxically, increase in penetration with the reduction in caliber since, yes, 14.5mm DGJ02 has a higher penetration (76mm) than 20mm DM63 (66mm). This high penetration paired with a 600RPM ROF would make for a deadly combination in War Thunder’s landscape. Although the VN2C is quite a bit larger than the XM800T, mobility is actually on par and even better in certain cases, potentially helping to mitigate any issues caused by its immense size. Playstyle wouldn’t be anything players of ratty vehicles aren’t already familiar with. Yes, you are quite large, however, you are very fast and hit quite hard. Appearing in places unexpected for a vehicle of your size would not be difficult. Your size could also work to your advantage as it means your crew is decently spaced and there’s a lot of empty area for shells to slip though. As the VN2C (CS/LM2) is an export vehicle with a relatively strange armament, it would only make sense to see it added as either a premium or event vehicle. At the end of the day, it leans more toward being a gimmick vehicle and there is an objectively superior variant of the VN2C platform in the form of the VN2C (GCTWM), which could be added in a more readily obtainable fashion.
Specifications:
Armament: 14.5mm CS/LM2 HMG and 1x 7.62mm MG
Dimensions: 7.00m, 2.90m, 3.20m (L,W,H)
Weight: 19000~kg
Armor: STANAG 4569 Level 3a/3b
Crew: 3-4
Ammunition: API-T, HE-I, and APDS
Speed: 100~kph
Horsepower: 402hp
Picture:
On Display (Fitted With 14.5mm):
On Display (Fitted With Caged 30mm):
Side View (Possibly Fitted With 12.7mm):
Diagram:
Malian VN2C (Fitted With Uncaged 30mm):
Sources:
https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/491653998
https://www.icswb.com/h/163/20161103/445324.html
https://min.news/en/military/5a7196f95727488bb5d7df0eccbce301.html
https://defence-blog.com/malian-army-receives-newest-chinese-mine-resistant-vehicles
Malian military receives new vehicles
Army of Mali has received tactical and armored vehicles to equip 16 co
