The NORINCO "ZTL-11" is an 8x8 wheeled / self-propelled "assault gun" with an in-built amphibious capability. It is used by Chinese Army and Marine forces and is a direct variant of the ZBL-08 / Type 08 8x8 wheeled modular Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) family. As an assault gun, the vehicle is charged with direct contact action of enemy positions and lightly armored vehicles, fitting a capable 105mm main gun in its turret. The wheeled nature of the design provides the needed cross-country support in keeping up with the main mechanized fighting force.

The main gun is a 105mm British-originated Royal Ordnance L7 rifled main gun with full armor-defeating capability at-range and can also fire various High-Explosive (HE) rounds at embedded "soft" targets. Beyond this is an optional 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun (HMG). Smoke grenade dischargers, fitted six to a turret side, provide the truck with a self-screening capability as it moves through contested territory.

The vehicle retains all of the excellent qualities inherent in the ZBL-08 family including its fully-suspended 8x8 wheeled arrangement, shallow glacis plate, and Deutz diesel-fueled engine (mated to a semi-automatic transmission system). The amphibious quality allows the truck to be launched offshore and make its way to land, continuing the fight inland. China puts a heavy priority on amphibious assault operations and vehicles such as the ZTL-11 fit the scheme.

Pictured here is a limited edition 1:72 scale replica of a Peoples Liberation Army ZTL-11 assault gun in a factory fresh paint scheme. Only two vehicles come packed in every 24-piece assortment hence the higher price. Now in stock!

Dimensions:
Length: 5-1/4-inches
Width: 2-inches

Release Date: October 2022

Historical Account: "Out of Strategic Necessity" - The 162nd Light Mechanized Infantry is one of the light mechanized infantry units whose organization is being advanced in recent years by the Chinese army. The light mechanized infantry unit is a unit mainly equipped with a wheeled vehicle, and intended for deployment on the battlefield quickly by taking advantage of its high deployment capacity. The ZBL-08 infantry fighting vehicle has been developed with this concept in mind, with the ZTL-11 created to provide heavy fire support. Organizing troops using the same group of vehicles makes it far easier for the crew and maintenance personnel to train, share components and fight as a cohesive unit.