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Like many contemporary wheeled AFVs, the design of the VN22 is split into three main sections. The front situates both the driver, along with the engine that is mounted in a separate compartment to the right of the driver. The middle houses both the commander and the operator of the remote controlled weapon station mounted on top of the hull. The rear space is reserved for accommodate for up to eight mounted infantry.
Armament
The first VN22 shown at Zhuhai Airshow 2021 was armed with a remotely operated turret housing a 30 mm autocannon, along with two HJ-12anti-tank guided missiles on a retractable mount that is protected inside the turret when not in the firing position. Both the gunner and commander are equipped with independent panoramic sights with thermal imagers.
Since the VN22 was designed to be modular, the platform can be mounted with a variety of different turrets offering various weapon configurations.
Protection
The vehicle has appliqué armour plating covering the majority of the vehicle. When fully equipped, they give the vehicle the ability to protect against 14.5 mm amour-piercing rounds from all directions. The VN22 also features a V-shaped hull for enhanced protection against landmines and IEDs.
In terms of active protection, the vehicle is equipped with 10 smoke grenade dischargers on the front of the turret. The VN22 is also equipped with the GL6 hard-kill active protection system (APS), with one launcher containing two charges being mounted on top of both sides of the turret. The GL6 functions similarly to the IsraeliIron Fist active protection system.
Variants
People's Republic of China
VN22 - Original infantry fighting vehicle variant. It can be equipped with various different turrets featuring differing armament configurations.
VN22B - Assault gun variant featuring a larger, manned turret that resembles the one used on the WMA301. It is armed with a 105 mm cannon that is capable of firing all standard NATO 105 mm ammunition.
Iraq - Iraqi Ground Forces: Manufactured locally under license. Localised variant features a manned, open-top turret armed with a 12.7 mmCS/LM5 heavy machine gun.
"The VN22 Is The Ultimate Wheeled APC". 21st Century Asian Arms Race. 2021-11-18. Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved 2024-04-11.
Burkina Faso - Burkina Faso Armed Forces: Approximately 25 units received in 2024.
Iraq - Iraqi Ground Forces: Manufactured locally under license. Localised variant features a manned, open-top turret armed with a 12.7 mm CS/LM5 heavy machine gun.
Ivory Coast - Armed Forces of the Republic of Ivory Coast: 6 VN22B.
Senegal - Armed Forces of Senegal: 1 VN22 ARV, 1 VN22 Ambulance, 3 VN22B.
Chinese modern armoured fighting vehicles