In 2015, China first showed a promising light multi-purpose chassis called Lynx ("Lynx"). The new eight-wheeled vehicle from the NORINCO corporation was proposed for use as a vehicle for solving various tasks, and in addition, it was proposed to mount a variety of artillery and missile weapons on it. Some modifications and versions of the "Lynx" were soon accepted into service, and were also supplied abroad. This year, the development organization presented a new version of the multipurpose chassis and equipment based on it.
The premiere demonstration of several samples of military equipment based on the latest chassis took place a few days ago during the AirShow China 2018 exhibition. NORINCO Corporation showed a new version of the multi-axle chassis in the basic version, and also presented several prototypes with one or another special equipment. The new line includes a number of equipment samples that have the maximum similarity with those presented earlier. In fact, it was about transferring equipment and weapons to a new platform. However, a completely new combat vehicle with interesting features was also shown.
120-mm gun on the CS / VP16B chassis
Three-axle chassis
In its basic configuration, the NORINCO Lynx CS / VP16B 6x6 multipurpose transporter is a compact vehicle on a three-axle all-wheel drive chassis. In general, the new project retains the basic provisions of the previous one, but changes the design of the body, chassis and transmission. In this case, the overall dimensions of the machine do not change. Redesigning the chassis leads to a change in the spacing between the wheels, but does not affect the overall dimensions of the vehicle. As before, several variants of the case are used with the possibility of mounting different equipment.
In all modifications, the new chassis has the same architecture, partially borrowed from the previous project. The front part of the hull is retracted under a two-seater open cockpit. Behind it is the engine compartment. Above the bottom of the hull, under the floor of the cab, there are transmission units that provide four-wheel drive. The aft compartment is given for the installation of target equipment. There you can place a cargo-passenger volume or a platform for mounting artillery systems.
According to known data, the entire Lynx family is equipped with an engine with a capacity of about 100 hp. The three axles are driven by a mechanical transmission. The three-axle chassis with individual wheel suspension is able to provide sufficient flotation. However, the hull contours and the small diameter of the wheels can limit such capabilities of the technique. The body is sealed and allows the car to float. A separate propeller is not provided, movement on the water is provided by the rotation of the wheels.
Recycling old
In the recent past, the NORINCO corporation has repeatedly shown at various exhibitions both the Lynx 8x8 chassis itself and the equipment based on it. Self-propelled guns with various artillery weapons, multiple launch rocket systems, etc. were demonstrated. Apparently, the development organization considers such weapons to be promising and interesting for customers. Now it has been transferred to a modified chassis, as a result of which a number of promising samples have appeared in the family.
Self-propelled mortar, caliber 82 mm
Two years ago, the Chinese industry first showed a self-propelled gun based on the eight-wheeled version of the Lynx, armed with a 120-mm gun. Not so long ago, this weapon, along with additional systems and devices, was transferred to a three-axle chassis. A finished sample of such a combat vehicle was shown at a recent exhibition. So far, it has been shown only in the exhibition pavilion. Perhaps, in the future, demonstration shooting will take place.
During the construction of such a self-propelled gun, a machine with a swinging artillery piece is installed on the aft platform of the CS / VP16B chassis, as well as a pair of massive openers for ground support. The gun mount provides horizontal guidance within a limited sector, but can raise the barrel at significant angles. According to known data, the ACS uses a universal 120 mm caliber gun capable of performing the functions of a cannon, howitzer and mortar. It is built on the basis of a long barrel, equipped with a developed muzzle brake and mounted on recoil devices.
Like other modern Chinese-developed self-propelled guns, the Lynx modification is equipped with advanced fire control systems. At the commander's workplace (in the cockpit on the right) there is a console with topographic location equipment, a computer and weapons controls. The machine should be operated by a crew of three or four people.
In the past, NORINCO has shown CS / VP16B self-propelled mortars. Similar weapons were also transferred to a new chassis. Recently, the public was shown two self-propelled mortars with armament of 82 and 120 mm caliber. The smaller caliber mortar has a long barrel and is mounted on a remotely controlled installation. The barrel is placed inside a protective casing, which has a characteristic futuristic look. Much of the weapon control operations are carried out remotely. Ammunition boxes are located on the sides of the mortar installation.
120mm mortar
A larger-caliber self-propelled mortar has a shorter barrel and is equipped with recoil devices of a different design. At the same time, the automated control system is preserved. Larger 120-mm mines are proposed to be transported in cells of separate boxes installed above the engine compartment and on the cargo platform.
The developers showed an updated version of the mobile MLRS for 107 mm missiles. Unlike the previous sample of the Lynx family, it uses a smaller launcher. Now the salvo consists of 12 shots. The missiles are housed in tubular launch pods that are combined into a package with two horizontal rows. After the salvo, the package is dropped, and a new one is installed in its place, transported on the roof of the engine compartment.
Previously, the family of equipment from NORINCO included an anti-aircraft self-propelled gun with an automatic cannon. A similar sample is also present in the new line based on the CS / VP16B chassis, but it received a seriously redesigned combat module. On the cargo platform of such a machine, a U-shaped swivel base with a swinging block is mounted, equipped with a six-barreled 23-mm cannon. On board the base is a swinging missile launcher. As before, a block of optoelectronic equipment is used to search for targets and aim weapons.
Such an anti-aircraft missile-gun system is capable of controlling airspace within a radius of several kilometers. However, in many characteristics, including combat, it can be inferior to other modern models of its class, carrying more advanced weapons.
Multiple launch rocket system
Interesting novelty
Among all the new models of light artillery systems from NORINCO, a self-propelled gun with a promising 40-mm automatic gun is of particular interest. In this sample, despite its specific appearance, several important ideas and technical solutions are combined. The result of this is the receipt of special opportunities that give advantages over a number of modern models of military equipment, including other classes.
The new modification of the CS / VP16B vehicle uses a standard three-axle chassis in a configuration for the installation of weapons. It is proposed to mount a turntable at the rear of the hull, which serves as a new combat module. In its central part there is a support device for the gun mount, and on the sides there is a control post, ammunition, etc. To the left of the cannon is the gunner's workplace. The latter is located on its own seat and must work with a remote control of the mechanisms.
ACS based on CS / VP16B is equipped with the latest 40-mm automatic cannon, using the so-called. telescopic shots. Due to the special layout, such a projectile is smaller in comparison with the usual of the same characteristics, and this allows you to reduce the dimensions of the ammunition load, or increase the latter while maintaining the same storage volumes. However, the Chinese company has not yet specified how many shells the self-propelled gun is carrying.
The gun, designed for the new ammunition, receives a long barrel extending beyond the frontal part of the chassis body. The barrel has a variable diameter and has valleys on the outer surface. To reduce the negative impact on the base machine, a developed muzzle brake and recoil devices are used.
Anti-aircraft variant "Lynx"
From the point of view of the principles of building fire control systems, the 40-mm self-propelled gun differs little from other models of the new family. At the same time, the location of the main elements of this complex has been changed. At the disposal of the gunner, located on the platform of the gun, there is a set of optoelectronic devices and an automated workstation with all the necessary functions. Using switches and joysticks, the gunner can determine the location of the self-propelled gun, calculate the data for firing and fire. In addition, the ability to control weapons from a remote control is provided.
The exact technical characteristics of the new gun and the self-propelled unit built with it have not yet been announced. Apparently, in terms of its combat qualities, it surpasses the existing 30 and 35 mm caliber systems. Certain advantages in terms of effective fire range and ammunition energy are obvious. The Chinese 40-mm gun can be considered the next option for solving urgent problems. Most modern light armored vehicles have protection against 30-mm shells, and new weapons will have to deal with them.
Ambiguous family
In the recent past, the Chinese industry, represented by the NORINCO corporation, has already represented a whole family of combat vehicles for various purposes, built on the basis of a unified lightweight wheeled chassis. This year, for the first time, she showed a redesigned chassis and updated cars based on it. In addition, completely new samples with special characteristics and capabilities have appeared. Thus, a total of about a dozen unified wheeled combat vehicles with different tasks and functions have been brought to the market.
The new CS / VP16B chassis variant of the Lynx family combines different qualities. Its advantages are its high cross-country ability and maneuverability, thanks to which it can be effectively used in a variety of conditions and on different landscapes. In addition, it was originally adapted for use as a platform for one or another weapon or equipment. The exposition of the recent exhibition in Zhuhai clearly demonstrates the potential of the wheeled chassis as a platform for specialized equipment.
Self-propelled gun with a 40-mm automatic gun
Small dimensions and weight affect not only the mobility of equipment. All samples based on two Lynx chassis can be transported by military transport aircraft and helicopters. Parachute landing is also possible. Thus, the assault force operating behind enemy lines may at any time have a variety of self-propelled guns, up to 120 mm caliber systems.
At the same time, the CS / VP16B chassis, like its four-axle predecessor, is not without its drawbacks. First of all, this is the lack of serious protection. The lightweight chassis cannot even carry bulletproof armor. Moreover, only one sample of the two families received a closed cockpit. As a result, the safety and convenience of the crews leave much to be desired, and in addition, this negatively affects the combat survivability and the likelihood of completing the assigned task. The lack of a cockpit can also be a problem with some weapons. First of all, this applies to the multiple launch rocket system. Shooting over the cockpit is simply excluded, and turning the launcher to the side does not exclude the ingress of hot gases onto the controls, etc.
Thus, the new line of Lynx combat vehicles, like the one presented earlier, combines an almost complete lack of protection with the ability to provide high firepower and good mobility. Equipment with such a ratio of basic characteristics and qualities can hardly become widespread and become the basis of a fleet of armies' combat vehicles. However, it is able to cover some specific niches in which there are special requirements. For example, light self-propelled guns or MLRS can be useful to the landing force, which does not have the ability to airlift full-size samples of military equipment.
According to known data, the Lynx multipurpose chassis and vehicles based on it are offered to both the Chinese army and foreign customers. Some samples of the family were already mass-produced and transferred to various armies, including foreign ones. However, as far as is known, such equipment was not built in particularly large quantities, and in addition, it was mainly about transport chassis modifications.
Just a few days ago, the Chinese defense industry first presented to the public an updated Lynx chassis called CS / VP16B, and with it a number of specialized modifications with different weapons. This technique caught the attention of visitors to AirShow China 2018, and may have interested the Chinese or foreign military. It is likely that in the near future there will be another order for the supply of "Rysya" - this time a three-axle version.
