VP11 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle (MRAP)

Country of Origin: China

The VP11 is a 4x4 mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle produced by China North Industries (Norinco). It was first showcased at a trade show in Zhuhai, China, in November 2014. This vehicle is an evolution of the 8M MRAP, which was initially developed by South African company EWI2 and Norinco, and unveiled in June 2012. By 2015, Norinco had modified the 8M, rebranding it as the VP11.

The VP11 has a combat weight of 10 tons. It provides all-round STANAG Level 1 protection, upgradeable to Level 2 with add-on armor. Its V-shaped hull is specifically designed to deflect blasts from mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The vehicle can accommodate a driver, gunner, and six passengers, for a total crew of eight and can mount a 12.7 mm machine gun on the roof.

It can overcome vertical obstacles of 0.4 meters and ford water up to 0.8 meters deep, demonstrating high versatility across various terrains.

Designed to operate in extreme temperatures ranging from -25°C to 50°C.

In service.

The VP11 MRAP was unveiled for the first time to the public during the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition 2014 (AirShow China) which was held in Zhuhai (China) from Nov. 11-16, 2014. At AirShow China 2014, the VP11 was fitted with a remote weapon station mounted on the roof of the crew compartment. A bank of four smoke grenade dischargers was mounted on each side at the top of the hull.

According to Xiao Ning, executive chief editor of Beijing-based Weapon Magazine, the United Araba Emirates (UAE) ordered a total of 150 VP11 during AirShow 2014, reported Army Recognition. There is no data confirming the order or receipt of the vehicles by the UAE as of this update.

On Feb. 21, 2020, Tajikistan displayed customized VP11 MRAPs during a military parade, reported Janes. The vehicles were fitted with open-top turrets mounting the Degtyaryova‐Shpagina Krupnokaliberny (DShK) 12.7 mm heavy machine gun (HMG). The VP11s displayed at the parade were assigned to the Tajik military police.

On Aug. 17, 2022, the Gabonese Republican Guard displayed 13 VP11 MRAPs for the first time during the Independence Day military parade in Libreville, reported Janes. The commentator for the television coverage of the parade said the VP11s were part of the 2nd Reconnaissance and Combat Squadron of the GR's Armored Intervention Group and were used by the Gabonese contingent that served with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The GR's vehicles were armed with a Norinco QJC-88 12.7 mm heavy machine gun in a protected weapon station and two Norinco CS/LW2 38 mm anti-riot launchers.

On April 27, 2023, the Malian armed forces held an induction ceremony for newly acquired vehicles including VP11 and Lynx CS/VP11 vehicles, fitted with 12.7 mm machinegun turrets, reported Defence Web (South Africa). According to the report, the month prior, saw a convoy of at least eight VP11 an 25 Lynx CS/VP11 vehicles in Mali. At the beginning of the year China is said to have deployed its own VP11s to Mali for peacekeeping operations.

On June 6, 2024, the Burkina Faso Armed Forces received a new batch of 4×4 armored vehicles from China, reported Army Recognition. During a ceremony attended by high-ranking officials of the African nation, images revealed approximately 50 CS/VP14 military vehicles and 40 VP11.

VP 11 - China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) (VP11 Manufacturer)

VP14 - Chang’an, -a division of the China Ordnance Equipment Group Corporation (also known as China South Industries Group Corporation)

 Burkina Faso              [90] (40 VP11, 50VP14)
 China
 Gabon                     (VP11)
 Ivory Coast               (VP11)
 Mali                      (VP11)
 Tajikistan                (VP11)
 Characteristics are speculative based on limited data.
 CREW                   8 (commander + gunner)
 WEIGHTS
   Gross                22,046 lbs (10,000 kg)
 DIMENSIONS
   Length               17 ft 3 in (5.3 m)
   With                  8 ft 2 in (2.5 m)
   Height                7 ft 8 in (2.4 m)
 PERFORMANCE
   Range                497 mi (800 km)
   Speed                74 mph (120 kph)
   Gradient             60 percent
 ARMAMENT 
   Main                 1 x roof-mounted 7.62-mm UW1 machine gun

Lynx CS/VP11

The Lynx CS/VP11 is a lightweight 4×4 all-terrain vehicle that can be carried internally by a medium lift helicopter. The open-top vehicle is powered by a diesel engine that drives all four wheels. Gross weight is estimated to be around 1.2 tonnes.

VP14

The CS/VP14 is a newly developed high-mobility 4×4 mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle from China. It is designed to provide advanced protection against grenade and mine threats, meeting NATO protection standards STANAG 4569-4a.

It can carry 9 soldiers + 2 crew members.

This vehicle can withstand the explosion of a 22 lbs (10 kg) anti-tank mine under any wheel and resist 7.62×51 mm ammunition fired from 98 feet (30 m) away.

Its V-shaped hull enhances resistance to mine explosions, while the individual helical spring suspension and fast automatic transmission ensure smooth driving.

Powered by a Cummins ISDe285 30 engine, the CS/VP14 delivers 210 KW of power, enabling it to climb slopes up to 60 degrees and reach a top speed of 74 mph (120 kph).

The vehicle measures 21 ft 6 in (6.6 m) in length, 8 ft 5 in (2.6 m) in width, and 8 ft 5 in (2.6 m) in height, with a total combat weight of 19,841 lb (9000 kg). It can accommodate a crew of 2 and 8 additional passengers.

The "CS" prefix often refers to the designation used in official Chinese military nomenclature, whereas "VP11" is the specific model name used in various contexts.

CS/VP11

CS/VP14