BMP-1 vs WZ-551

See Service history^[source]

Boko Haram insurgency Somali Civil War ECOWAS military intervention in the Gambia Al-Shabaab Insurgency in Cabo Delgado Tigray War Myanmar civil war (2021–present)^[source]

Pavel Isakov (Design Bureau of the ChTZ )^[source]

Jiang Hong [WZ-551B] at NORINCO Vehicle Research Institute; institute 201 (中国北方车辆研究所 China Vehicles Research Institute) and Institute 202^[source]

1961–1965^[source]

Kurganmashzavod (Soviet Union) ZTS Detva (Czechoslovakia) See also Production history section for details.^[source]

Norinco , at Factory 256 (西南车辆制造厂Southwest Vehicles Factories)^[source]

1966–(production in the Soviet Union ended in 1982 or 1983) 2026–(production to restart in Slovakia between 2026 and 2027)^[source]

More than 20,000 of all variants (Soviet Union) More than 3,000 of all variants (PRC) 18,000 (Czechoslovakia) ≈800 (India)^[source]

BMP-1, BMP-2 , MLI-84 , Boragh ; see also BMP-1 variants .^[source]

6–33 mm (0.24–1.30 in) welded rolled steel^[source]

Welded steel^[source]

73 mm 2A28 Grom smoothbore gun (40 rounds) 9M14 Malyutka ATGM (4 rounds)^[source]

ZPT-90 25 mm (ZSL-92) QJC-88 12.7 mm (ZSL-92A) ZPT-99 30 mm (ZSL-92B) PTP-86 100 mm (PTL-02)^[source]

7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun (2,000 rounds)^[source]

Type 86 7.62mm coaxial machine gun^[source]

22.7 hp/tonne (17.0 kW/tonne)^[source]

torsion bar^[source]

Independent wheel^[source]

370 mm (15 in)^[source]

462 L (102 imp gal; 122 US gal)^[source]

ZF 5S-lllGPA mechanical transmission^[source]

Chinese wheeled infantry fighting vehicle family^[source]

The WZ-551 project began in 1979 and was the first wheeled infantry fighting vehicle developed by China. WZ-551 was developed with the experience gained from the development of the WZ-521 wheeled armored personnel carrier based on Jiefang CA-30 truck. In 1981, WZ-551 finished prototyping proof of concept designs, and the vehicle was an indigenous chassis based on the imported Mercedes-Benz 2060 truck. Production licenses for key technologies were acquired from Mercedes-Benz and Deutz AG . In 1982, multiple weapon configurations were proposed, including 35 mm autocannon, 30 mm autocannon, 25 mm autocannon, 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, or reverse-engineered 2A28 Grom from Type 86 infantry fighting vehicle . The final choice was to develop 25 mm autocannon for the IFV variant and 12.7 mm heavy machine gun for the APC variant.^[source]WZ-551 · History / Origins; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

WZ-551 project pressed on and produced several prototype vehicles with different armaments. To save development time, technologies from other Chinese vehicles were ported into the WZ-551, such as the sighting system, ventilation system, overpressure NBC system from the Type 86 IFV , 25 mm autocannon from the ZSD-89-II infantry fighting vehicle , and electrical water discharge system from the Type 63 amphibious tank . In 1984, the cooling system and transmission system finished testing. In 1986, two more prototypes were sent to northern provinces and southern Hainan island for cold and hot-weather trials. Plans were also made for an extended 4×4 and 8×8 vehicle family. In 1986, WZ-551 was confirmed by Central Military Commission as the future PLA wheeled platform, beating the internal competitor WZ-523.^[source]WZ-551 · History / Early prototypes; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

In 1988, a deal was made with French firm GIAT to incorporate a GIAT 25-mm autocannon as the primary weapon for WZ-551 and the work on the redesign of WZ-551 began in China even before the French gun was delivered. Due to the urgent need to meet the schedule, the GIAT 25-mm autocannon was airlifted to China, as opposed to delivery via cargo ships, the usual practice at the time. The French system has a night-vision system, stabilized gun, and advanced fire control system. The new vehicle was named NGV-1, with N for " Norinco ", G for " GIAT " and V for "vehicle". However, further NGV-1 development was cancelled due to the imposed EU arms embargo in 1989.^[source]WZ-551 · History / Early prototypes; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

In 1990, the WZ-551 was certified with the original 25 mm autocannon.^[source]WZ-551 · History / Early prototypes; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The finalized WZ-551 was certified with military designation ZSL-90 or Type 90 infantry fighting vehicle, which was fitted with ZPT-90 25 mm autocannon (similar to the turret of ZSD-89-II infantry fighting vehicle ). Development continued, and the vehicle was planned as universal chassis for a variety of weaponry platforms, such as command vehicle, anti-tank missile carrier, self-propelled anti-air system, and armored ambulance. Despite being used as a common chassis for many different platforms, the total number of vehicles of all types entering Chinese service is small due to its engine problem, and with the exception of the basic APC version, no other versions of ZSL-90 is known to be successfully exported due to the same reason. It is estimated that less than 100 units of WZ-551 (Type 90) were produced.^[source]WZ-551 · History / Type 90 and Type 92; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The redesigned WZ-551A was certified with military designation ZSL-92 or Type 92 in 1994. Type 92 solved the problems of its predecessors and was quickly accepted into the Chinese military service. It also saw much greater export success. Type 92 was showcased to the public in the 50th National Day parade in 1999. Like its predecessor, Type 92 was also developed as a universal chassis for various weaponry platforms. Additionally, the planned 4×4 and 8×8 versions were realized in the Type 92 program as WZ-550 (4×4 chassis) and WZ-552 (8×8 chassis).^[source]WZ-551 · History / Type 90 and Type 92; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The 4×4 armored personnel carrier was developed for the Chinese police forces . Chinese military also developed the HJ-9 missile carrier and mobile air defense missile system based on the WZ-550 chassis. Other variants, such as PTL-02 assaults vehicle, PLL-05 self-propelled gun-mortar , were developed based on the WZ-551 chassis. The ZSL-92 was also developed into the ZSL-92B, which replaced the 25 mm ZPT-90 with stabilized 30 mm ZPT-99 and new fire control systems.^[source]WZ-551 · History / Further developments; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

In 2005, another mobile land based air defense variant of the TY-90 missile was revealed to the Chinese public, named as Yi-Tian ( Chinese : 倚天 ) Air Defense System, or YT ADS. The weaponry includes eight TY-90 missiles, QJC-88 12.7 mm heavy machine gun and two sets of four smoke grenade dischargers. WZ-551 is the chassis of the Yi-Tian air defense system, giving the system amphibious capability and added protection. Additionally, a light solid state 3-D passive phased array radar is added to the fire control system, just above the original electro-optical fire control system, providing the ADS with greater surveillance range. The radar can be fold down for traveling and transportation.^[source]WZ-551 · History / Further developments; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Maximum target altitude: 4 km^[source]WZ-551 · History / Further developments; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Minimum target altitude: 15 meter^[source]WZ-551 · History / Further developments; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Maximum target range: 6 km^[source]WZ-551 · History / Further developments; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Minimum target range: 300 meter^[source]WZ-551 · History / Further developments; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Maximum target speed: > 400 meter / second^[source]WZ-551 · History / Further developments; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Maximum radar searching range: >20 km^[source]WZ-551 · History / Further developments; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Maximum radar tracking range: 10 – 12 km^[source]WZ-551 · History / Further developments; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

System reaction time: 6 – 8 seconds^[source]WZ-551 · History / Further developments; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The vehicle is constructed of fully-welded steel plates, the interior is divided into three compartments with steel plates. The driver and commander sit in the front, and the engine is in the middle, with the turret basket and the passengers compartment located in the rear. The vehicle is crewed by 3 and capable of transporting 9 passengers. The automotive platform is a modified Chinese-made Tiema XC2030 6×6 truck, which is a license-built version of the all-wheel drive Mercedes-Benz 2026 truck.^[source]WZ-551 · Design / Chassis; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The ZSL-92 (WZ-551A) infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) is equipped with a ZPT-90 25 mm cannon and a 7.62 mm Type 86 coaxial machine gun in a closed turret.^[source]WZ-551 · Design / Armament; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The turret has a full 360° traverse with an elevation of -8° ~ 55°.^[source]WZ-551 · Design / Armament; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The maximum cyclic rate of fire is 200 rounds/min.^[source]WZ-551 · Design / Armament; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The ZSL-92A (WZ-551B) armored personnel carrier (APC) is fitted only with a QJC-88 12.7 mm machine gun. The troop compartment is larger and can carry 11 passengers.^[source]WZ-551 · Design / Armament; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The ZSL-92B IFV (WZ-551B1) is an upgrade variant of the original ZSL-92. The new turret is equipped with a fully-stabilized ZPT-99 30 mm autocannon, a Type 86 coaxial machine gun and a missile launch rail for the SACLOS HJ-73 C ATGMs positioned on the right hand side of the roof of the turret. The vehicle is fitted with modernized electronics system, including gunner thermal imaging sight, laser rangefinder , angle measurement sensor, and digital ballistic computer. The turret of ZSL-92B is very similar to that of ZBD-03 and ZBD-86A .^[source]WZ-551 · Design / Armament; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The ZSL-92 is fitted with two banks of four smoke grenade launchers on each side of the turret. On ZSL-92B, The turret was equipped with two clusters of three smoke grenade launchers (one on each side of the turret). The WZ-551 chassis is made of fully-welded steel plates, providing all around protection against small arms fire and shell splinters. The frontal plate can stop 12.7 mm machine gun fire at 200 m (220 yd). The vehicle is also fitted with ventilation system, NBC protection system. The steel-reinforced radial tire allows the vehicle to travel at reduced speeds for 100 km when punctured.^[source]WZ-551 · Design / Protection; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

WZ-551 family is powered by the Deutz BF8L413F 8-cylinder, turbo-charged, air-cooled diesel engine , developing 320 hp. The vehicle is equipped with mechanical ZF 5S-lllGPA manual transmission . The maximum speed is 90 km/h with 800 km of range on highway. The vehicle has off-road capability and is fully amphibious with steerable propellers behind the rear wheels.^[source]WZ-551 · Design / Mobility; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The 105mm gun armed variant of the WZ-551 has seen limited combat use with the Myanmar Army. At least two have been captured by various rebel groups from the Arakan Army to the Ta'ang National Liberation Army .^[source]WZ-551 · Operational history / Myanmar; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Prototype with a French GIAT 25-mm autocannon equipped.^[source]WZ-551 · Variants / Domestic; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Designation ZSL-92 . Mass production version, featuring ZPT-90 25 mm autocannon capable of firing in single, 3-round burst, 5-round burst, and full auto mode.^[source]WZ-551 · Variants / Domestic; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Designation ZSL-92A . Mass production version, featuring 12.7mm armor-plated turret.^[source]WZ-551 · Variants / Domestic; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Designation ZSL-92B . This was an upgraded amphibious armored personnel carrier with ZPT-99 30 mm autocannon, maneuverability, and reliability.^[source]WZ-551 · Variants / Domestic; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Air defense upgrade with TY-90 anti-air missile launchers and QJC-88 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. Equipped with a search radar and thermal-tracking sight.^[source]WZ-551 · Variants / Domestic; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Prototype assault vehicles developed in 1980s based on modified WZ-551 chassis. Four more variants were developed and marketed by Norinco as the BK series, including BK-1970 105 mm 6x6 assault gun, BK-1990 105 mm 8x8 assault gun, modified BK-1990 with 120 mm gun, and modified BK-1990 with 122 mm howitzer. In the end, none of the developed prototypes went into production.^[source]WZ-551 · Variants / Domestic; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Based on BK-1770 100 mm 6x6 assault gun prototype. Equipped with the Type 86 100 mm high velocity smoothbore cannon. The vehicle went into limited production in 1997. Later replaced by the improved PTL-02.^[source]WZ-551 · Variants / Domestic; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Debut in 2001. PTL-02 is a self-propelled assault gun (or tank destroyer) based on the WZ-551 chassis. Equipped with the Type 86 100 mm high velocity smoothbore cannon with a muzzle brake.^[source]WZ-551 · Variants / Domestic; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Debut in 2001. PLL-05 is a self-propelled 120mm gun-mortar based on the WZ-551.^[source]WZ-551 · Variants / Domestic; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Upgraded export variant with 30mm cannon, either in a one-man turret or an UW4 30 mm remote weapons station . It has only two firing ports on each side for its passengers. The VN2C is a mine-resistant variant with applique armors and higher ground clearance to achieve STANAG 4569 Level 3 in terms of both ballistic and mine blast protection.^[source]WZ-551 · Variants / Export; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

6x6 infantry combat vehicle with a 30 mm autocannon. It is characterized by the lack of armored shutters for its bulletproof windshields (and therefore the driver's and commander's stations have no periscopes), as well as three vision blocks and firing ports on each side for its passengers.^[source]WZ-551 · Variants / Export; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Derivative of the PTL-02, featuring a redesigned turret and armed with a 105 mm NATO -compatible gun.^[source]WZ-551 · Variants / Export; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Ethiopia converted a number of WZ-551 APC to self-propelled artillery by mounting a 122mm D-30 howitzer.^[source]WZ-551 · Variants / Ethiopia; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

China^[source]Inventory Origin column; table 2, row 3, cell 3; revision 1352605490; retrieved 2026-10-02

• Reported operator · Algeria
• Reported operator · Angola
• Reported operator · Argentina
• Reported operator · Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Reported operator · Burkina Faso
• Reported operator · Burundi
• Reported operator · Cameroon
• Reported operator · Chad
• Reported operator · China
• Reported operator · Djibouti
• Reported operator · Equatorial Guinea
• Reported operator · Ethiopia
• Reported operator · Gabon
• Reported operator · Guinea
• Reported operator · Indonesia
• Reported operator · Iran
• Reported operator · Ivory Coast
• Reported operator · Kenya
• Reported operator · Laos
• Reported operator · Mali
• Reported operator · Mauritania
• Reported operator · Mozambique
• Reported operator · Myanmar
• Reported operator · Nepal
• Reported operator · Niger
• Reported operator · Oman
• Reported operator · Papua New Guinea
• Reported operator · Pakistan
• Reported operator · Senegal
• Reported operator · Sri Lanka
• Reported operator · Sudan
• Reported operator · Tanzania
• Reported operator · Venezuela
• Reported operator · Zambia
• Reported operator · Zimbabwe