- 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.
The XCB-01 is an indigenously made IFV based on the BMP-1, incorporating many improvements and fixes to address shortcomings identified by the Vietnam People’s Army 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 ERAs.
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 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 is an attempt to create a cheaper, indigenously built IFV inspired by the BMP-1 and BMP-2, which are still in service with the VPA. Outwardly, it resembles a BMP-1 but features a taller and lengthened hull to provide more internal space and crew comfort. The diagonally welded turret allowed for easier production and future installation of ERAs. The turret mounts a 12.7mm NSVT and is equipped with eight additional smoke launchers.
The weapon systems are the same as those found on the standard BMP-1. It is armed with a locally made 73mm 2A28 Grom, alongside an improved 1PN22VN1 gun sight with laser rangefinder, camera CCD and thermal imaging (speculated to be gen 2). The cannon is reloaded using a semi-autoloader that holds 40 rounds in the magazine and delivers them to the gunner. The vehicles can use both the AT-3 or the upgraded CTVN-18, which is a license-built Serbian 9M14-2T, similar to the HJ-73E used on the ZBD86. It features a tandem warhead capable of penetrating 750-800 mm of armor and SACLOS guidance system.
The XCB-01 is planned to have two engine options: the original UTD-20 and DOOSAN DL-08. While the DOOSAN DL-08 is somewhat more powerful than the UTD-20, it is also slightly heavier. The DOOSAN ,which is a civilian engine, was selected due to spare parts being cheap and plenty, it is also for ease of maintenance and repair. Despite this, it seems the UTD-20 will be used in production variants due to the VPA’s existing supply.
The vehicle also comes with a Laser Warning Receiver and NBC Protection. While the details of the XCB-01’s armor thickness and layout are classified, it is assumed to be similar to or slightly thicker than that of the BMP-1. It also features a double bottom similar to the BMP-3 for better mines protection. Spall liners are also installed, though their exact placement is unknown. Additionally, side skirts resembling those on the BMP-2D have been installed and may be even thicker.
Electronics have also been improved, though specific details remain unknown. Currently, two prototypes have been built, with 18 more in production, expected to be completed by the end of 2024 by Z189 Shipyard.
Specification
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Length: 6.97 m
Height: 2.260 m
Width: 3.24 m
Weight: 14.78 tons
Ground Clearance: 370 mm
Crew: 3 (Gunner, Commander, Driver) + 8 troops
Engine: DOOSAN DL-08, 321 hp (240 kW) or UTD-20, 300 hp (224 kW)
Top speed: ~54.5 km/h (based on BMP-1 tested with the same engine)
Armament
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1x 73 mm 2A28 “Grom” (shells: PG-9VNT, PG-9V, PG-9VS, PG-9N, OG-9VM HE-Frag, OG-9V) (semi-autoloader with 40 rounds)
1x 7.62 mm PKT Coaxial Machine Gun
1x 12.7mm NSVT Machine Gun
1x rail launcher for the CTVN-18 (license built of Serbia 9M14-2T) (up to 4)
8x 81mm smoke launcher
In game
This would be a good 8.3-8.7 light tank due to it having a LRF, LWR and thermal (likely gen 2) and tandem 800 pen SACLOS ATGM + better HEATFS rounds but no gun stabilization (as far as i can find). It would fit great in the Soviet (foldered with the BMP-2) or China tech tree (foldered with the ZTS63 and ZBD86) but also considering Thailand newest addition into the Japanese tech tree (F-5E FCU), it would also fit within a Japanese-ASEAN subtree.
Photos
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Comparing dimensions between BMP-1 and XCB-01.
Credit: Viet+ Offensive
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
Vietnam program to put DL-08 into BMP-1
Lee Ann Quann Twitter
1PN22VN1 gunsight
CTVN-18
Ammunition type
Note: most sources are in Vietnamese.