The VP10 armored personnel carrier is a with 8x8 configuration. It was developed mainly for export. It was first observed in 2014. Development of this armored vehicle was completed in around 2015. The VP10 armored personnel carrier is being proposed for various export customers. China's army uses a broadly similar ZBL-09 armored personnel carrier, which is proposed for export as the VN1armored personnel carrier.
In its baseline form the VP10 is very lightly armored. Vehicle weights just 12.5 t. It is likely that its front arc withstands hits only from 12.7 mm rounds. All-round protection is likely to be only against 7.62 mm rounds and artillery shell splinters. Add-on armor kit can be fitted for a higher level of protection. So even though the VP10 resembles Patria AMV, which is one of the most protected APCs in the world, its protection is actually rather poor. In terms of protection the VP10 looses to most modern armored personnel carriers.
This armored personnel carrier is fitted with a remotely-controlled weapon station, armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun.
The baseline VP10 armored personnel carrier is operated by a crew of 2, and carries 12 dismounts. Troops enter and leave the vehicle via rear power-operated ramp with integral doors. Emergency exit is via roof hatches. There are some vision blocks provided for the troops.
The VP10 is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 362 hp. Engine is mated to an automatic transmission. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system. However cross-country mobility of the VP10 is rather humble due to limited suspension travel.
The VP10 armored personnel carrier is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets. Amphibious speed on water is 8 km/h.
Specification of VP10 armored personnel carrier
Country of origin: China
Crew: 2 men
Personnel: 12 men
Weight: 12.5 t
Length: 6.9 m
Width: 2.7 m
Height: 2.1 m
Machine guns: 1 x 12.7 mm
Engine power: 362 hp
Maximum road speed: 105 km/h
Amphibious speed on water: 8 km/h
Range: 800 km
Gradient: 60%
Side slope: 40%
Vertical step: 0.48 m
Trench: 1.8 m
Fording: Amphibious
