NORINCO Type 85 (YW323)

NORINCO Type 85 (YW323) History

NORINCO's (China North Industries Corporation) YW 531 H armored personnel carrier was developed at the same time as the APC YW 534 and is considered an older successor to the YW 534 The Type 531 has since been in production and has served in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) for many years. The YW 531 H is almost identical to the YW 534, but is lighter, shorter, and narrower, without the four electric smoke grenade launchers on either side of the front of the fuselage.

Although the car was called the YW 531 Type H, it is now commonly referred to as the Type 85. Some sources suggest that the Type 85 may not be in service with the People's Liberation Army.

Total production of the APC 85 for the domestic and export markets is estimated at around 2,000 units. NORINCO no longer sells the vehicle and the focus is now on the Type 90.

The latter looks very similar to the Type 85, but is slightly longer and wider, powered by a locally produced 320-horsepower Deutz air-cooled diesel engine with an upgraded transmission.

According to the United Nations, from 1992 to 2005, China did not export infantry fighting vehicles.

Specification

Base

Year of Operation

1985

Origins

China

Crew

6

Production

100

Manufacturer

China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) China

Carrier

China

ROLLING

Fire Support/Attack/Breakthrough

Support allied forces with direct/indirect fire, attacking forward positions and/or breaking through fortified areas of the battlefield.

Dimensions and Weight

Length

21. 9 feet

6.66m

width

9.8 feet

3m

Height

9. 4 feet

2.85m

Weight

36,376 lbs

16,500 kg

Tonnage

18. 2 tons

Power and Performance

Engine:

1 x 320 hp Deutz BF8L413F air-cooled diesel engine.

Speed

37.3 km/h

(60.0 km/h)

Area

310. 7 miles

(500.0 km)

Weapons

1 x 122mm howitzer 1 x 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun

AMMOTION

40 x 122mm ammo 650 x 12.7mm ammo

VARIANTS

Type 85 SPH - basic series designation YW323 - alternative designation