The CS/VP3 MRAP () also known as the CS/VP3 Bigfoot is a MRAP developed by Poly Technologies and manufactured by Changan Automobile in China.“中国军贸.” Chinadefense.sastind.gov.cn, 27 Mar. 2018, http://chinadefense.sastind.gov.cn/english/n6759577/n6759583/c6800446/content.html. Accessed 15 Jan. 2024. It was unveiled in China at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition 2012 in Zhuhai, China,“Poly Technologies CS/VP3 (Military Vehicles) - Trucksplanet.” Www.trucksplanet.com, 2012, https://www.trucksplanet.com/catalog/model.php?id=1921. Accessed 16 Jan. 2024. and overseas at the 2012 DSA defense exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.“CS/VP3 MRAP Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Armoured Personnel Carrier Vehicle Data | Chinese China Army Wheeled Armoured Vehicle UK | Chinese China Army Military Equipment Armoured UK.” Army Recognition, 17 Sept. 2022, https://armyrecognition.com/chinese_china_army_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_uk/cs/vp3_mrap_mine-resistant_ambush_protected_armoured_personnel_carrier_vehicle_technical_data_sheet.html. Accessed 15 Jan. 2024.
History China's increased operations with the United Nations peacekeeping forces increased its demand for such a vehicle. It has not previously owned a domestically produced MRAP and instead relied on IFVs and APCs to carry out operations.
China began negotiations with privately owned South African company Mobile Land Systems (MLS) in 2009 to develop the CAPRIVI-Mk1 (CS/VP3) MRAP in conjunction with Changan Automobile. At the beginning of 2010, MLS provided Changan Automobile with three CAPRIVI-Mk1s for testing, nine new vehicles in loose parts, and also provided training to Chinese engineers. The total value of the contract was 40 million rand (about $6 million), including the transfer of technology and licenses.Engelbrecht, Leon. “MLS Scores in China.” DefenceWeb, 5 Nov. 2010, https://www.defenceweb.co.za/land/land-land/mls-scores-in-china/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2024.
Design The CS/VP3 is designed to provide secure transportation for combat personnel and equipment under the threat of anti-tank mines. The vehicle is based on a V-shaped hull and a fully-suspended 4x4 all-wheeled arrangement. A V-shaped hull deflects under-vehicle blasts away from its occupants and key driving components.“CS/VP3.” Www.militaryfactory.com, https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.php?armor_id=1280#specifications. Accessed 16 Jan. 2024.
All-welded steel armour is used, and a ballistic protection level of BR-3 to BR-7 can be customised upon order. The hull can withstand blasts from 8 kg of TNT, and the wheels can withstand blasts from 16 kg of TNT.“CS/VP3 MRAP Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Armoured Personnel Carrier Vehicle Data | Chinese China Army Wheeled Armoured Vehicle UK | Chinese China Army Military Equipment Armoured UK.” Army Recognition, 17 Sept. 2022, https://armyrecognition.com/chinese_china_army_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_uk/cs/vp3_mrap_mine-resistant_ambush_protected_armoured_personnel_carrier_vehicle_technical_data_sheet.html. Accessed 15 Jan. 2024.
The engine compartment is located at the front of the vehicle. The engine is a diesel-fueled engine of unknown make, design, and model, and provides 260 horsepower, allowing the car to reach the maximum speed of 92 km/h. The crew is located in the middle, with the infantry compartment in the rear, with five seats on each side, facing inward. There are many external storage compartments to carry equipment such as ammunition.sina_mobile. “【军迷圈】国产防雷车在非洲表现出彩 叛军不战而降.” Mil.sina.cn, 14 Jan. 2022, https://mil.sina.cn/zm/2022-01-14/detail-ikyamrmz5209012.d.html. Accessed 16 Jan. 2024.
The crew cabin has two doors on both sides, and the infantry cabin has one rear door as well as an emergency door to the right.
There are four bulletproof windows on both sides of the vehicle, all with firing ports in the centre. There are two large bulletproof windows in the front of the crew compartment, with a firing port in the bottom-right corner of the right-side window. There is also a bulletproof window in the rear window on the rear door, with a firing port in the middle.
Operators -People's Liberation Army - Kenya Police-25 units delivered in 2018https://defence-blog.com/kenya-receives-25-bigfoot-mine-resistant-vehicles-from-china/Martin, Guy. “Kenya Police Service Takes Delivery of 500 Vehicles.” DefenceWeb, 20 Jan. 2017, https://www.defenceweb.co.za/land/land-land/kenya-police-service-takes-delivery-of-500-vehicles/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2024. - Nigerian Army - 40 units delivered in 2018https://web.archive.org/web/20210322231304/https://twitter.com/DefenseNigeria/status/1374137017152442376Lionel, Ekene. “More CS/VP3 Bigfoot MRAPs Arrives Nigeria.” Military Africa, 10 Nov. 2021, https://www.military.africa/2021/11/more-cs-vp3-bigfoot-mrap-arrives-nigeria/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2024.
Philippine Presidential Security Group - 3 units in service. 4 units delivered in 2022 Upon the request of the Duterte Administration . Equipped with Remote controlled weapon station and Electronic Warfare Suite.“China Delivers to Philippines CS/VP3 Bigfoot 4x4 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected MRAP Vehicles | Defense News September 2022 Global Security Army Industry | Defense Security Global News Industry Army Year 2022 | Archive News Year.” Army Recognition, 17 Sept. 2022, https://armyrecognition.com/defense_news_september_2022_global_security_army_industry/china_delivers_to_philippines_cs/vp3_bigfoot_4x4_mine-resistant_ambush_protected_mrap_vehicles.html. Accessed 15 Jan. 2024. Philippine Marine Corps- Assault Armour Battalion -1 Unit transferred from Presidential Group.https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTzT4mY6WsKs07dlU794thr9nie5tsK-0Y3qvqCn9tBXE_kBlVQk-hacZDZ&s=10 - Uganda National Police- 35 units delivered in 2016Martin, Guy. “Ugandan Police Receive 35 CS/VP3 Armoured Vehicles from China.” DefenceWeb, 11 Feb. 2016, https://www.defenceweb.co.za/land/land-land/ugandan-police-receive-35-csvp3-armoured-vehicles-from-china/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2024. - Zambian ArmyMartin, Guy. “Zambia Showcases New Military Hardware during Military Parade.” DefenceWeb, 22 June 2021, https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/zambia-showcases-new-military-hardware-during-military-parade/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2024.
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