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TL;DR: A 6x6 armored car fitted with a low-pressure 73mm gun.
History:
In China, it is very rare for a vehicle developed by a non-state-owned company to be accepted into service and when it does happen, it goes largely unnoticed. The ZFB05 is one such case. Developed and manufactured by Shaanxi BaoJi Special Vehicle Manufacturing, the ZFB05, also known as Xinxing, or New Star, was built off the retired Nanjing NJ2046. It is a wheeled APC designed for non-intensive duties that still require some level of protection. Despite being developed primarily for export, it somehow found itself in service with the PLP, public security forces, and even Chinese UN peacekeeping forces. Around 100 ZFB05s were in Chinese service by 2008, with even more being in service with various African countries. Of course, despite the vehicle’s success, there was still room for improvement. Most notably, the ZFB05’s internal volume could be viewed as lacking in certain circumstances and its 4x4 configuration limited its ability to carry heavier weapons. Shaanxi BaoJi’s response to these shortcomings would be unveiled in at Defendory Weapons Expo 2008 in the form of the 6x6 ZFB08. This new vehicle would essentially be a stretched ZFB05 and thus use a large number of parts from it to reduce development costs and allow for greater commonality and/or easier maintenance for any customers that had previously purchased ZFB05s. Thanks to the new 6x6 undercarriage and lengthened body, the ZFB08 had improved internal volume and carrying weight compared to the ZFB05, which both aided in expanding weapon system options. One of these new options, displayed at Defendory 2008, was a simple one-man turret fitted with a newly developed low-pressure 73mm gun, presumably developed from the PLA’s own Type 86 gun found on the ZBD86. Unfortunately, likely to reduce costs, the turret would not feature an ATGM rail, autoloader for the main gun, or even a coaxial MG. Even more unfortunate, the ZFB08 would not retain this turret for long as, sometime after Defendory, the turret would be dismounted and replaced by an open-topped turret equipped with a single PG87 25mm autocannon, another weapon option made possible by the ZFB08’s improvements. As of 2025, despite Shaanxi BaoJi’s efforts, the ZFB08 has failed to capture the same attention of its predecessor, with seemingly no adoptions being made, domestic or otherwise, although it would be briefly seen sporting a PLA insignia during a demonstration video.
Place In War Thunder:
Small and quick vehicles have always had their spot in War Thunder’s meta. China has countless vehicles that fit this mold, with the ZFB08 (73) being one of them. Its small size makes it very difficult to spot with the naked eye and its speed would allow it to reposition effectively after every shot. That being said, the vehicle’s poorly armored nature and limited ammo capacity would most certainly make its playstyle very reserved and cautious. If you were to be spotted by any plane, you’d be dead in the next instant and artillery would consistently be able to destroy you. On top of this, 73mm guns are not known for being the easiest to aim over distance or the most consistent when it comes to post-pen damage. The BMP-1s and ZBD86 can mitigate the latter downside by making use of their autoloaders, however, this isn’t an option for the ZFB08 (73) due to being manually loaded. Of course, the reload difference shouldn’t be too bad since its just a 73mm round, however, you are still essentially trading reload speed for better mobility and a smaller profile. This vehicle could be added in a number of ways. The most preferable would be as a tech tree vehicle due to its unique nature. It would make for a perfect bridge between the Type 63/62 and ZTS/ZBD folders at 7.0. That being said, the vehicle’s one-off nature could easily land it in the premium section.
Specifications:
Armament: 73mm Low-Pressure Cannon
Dimensions: 5.00m, 2.06m, 2.00m (L,W,H) (Approximations based on the ZFB05. Exact dimensions of the ZFB08 don’t appear to be listed anywhere.)
Weight: 8900~kg
Armor: Protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters
Crew: 3-4
Ammunition: Same as ZBD86 (presumably)
Speed: 110kph
Horsepower: 116hp
Picture:
Rear View (Notice the lack of autoloader):
Side View:
In The Background:
After being rearmed with a PG87:
Video:
Sources:
Army Guide
中国民企研制的最新款装甲车亮相欧洲防务展(图)_资讯_凤凰网
中國最新出口型裝甲車亮相歐洲防務展
08式装輪装甲車（ZFB-08） - 日本周辺国の軍事兵器
ZFB05 APC
ZFB08