Chinese VN50 Heavy IFV Project?

[Apophenia]

Under the Chinese tank designations thread, I've mentioned the VN50 project:

https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/chinese-tank-designations.34040/#post-399542

The thing is, I don't even known for sure that this was a real project. For the record, the VN50 was reputed to be a heavy IFV derived from the VT4 MBT (both HIFV and MBT designations suggesting a for-export-only proposal).

Online 'evidence' for existence of the VN50 project consists of three photos of models (on display at what appears to be an arms show). Those photos were posted by the same person on a number of discussion groups. Other than discussions sparked by this one poster, there seems to be no mention of the VN50.

Of course, absence of other online discussions doesn't mean that the VN50 wasn't a real project. Nor does an out-of-sequence designation mean much. But has anyone actually seen any other references to the VN50?

The original, larger photos posted on those discussion groups have no disappeared. I decided to collect the remaining thumbnail images (attached) in case those too vanish.

 

[skylancer-3441]

It was IDEX-2019 exhibition, and there were photos from other people too - one, of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, head of Dubai, visiting Chinese stand,
and two photos from k.sina.cn article

 

[skylancer-3441]

...and those hirez photos:

 

[skylancer-3441]

more

 

[skylancer-3441]

more(2)

 

[Apophenia]

Wow, great stuff skylancer-3441! And now there's no danger of these images disappearing from the web

The text comparisons between this Heavy IFV and the T-15 Armata sets the stage nicely. It also sounds like the ZTZ59 HIFV derivative - presumably meaning the VN11 - was seen as a bit of a recycling exercise. By contrast, the newer VT-4 based HIFV is regarded as a less compromised design.

Since it was a designation list which sparked my question, it is notable that there is no mention whatever of a 'VN50'. The display plaque clearly visible in your attached photos simple reads: "VT4 Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle". So, the designation puzzle remains.

Yet another designation puzzle relates to another ZTZ59 derivative. This is the QN-506 multi-weapon turret concept which has been compared with the BMPT 'Terminator'. That Chinese vehicle has also been described as a 'QN-506 HIFV' despite there being no hint of dismounts. So, in reality, this Chinese project is a heavy fire-support vehicle then. For me, the confusion doesn't end there ...

The QN-506 manufacturer is listed as the Wuhan Guide Infrared Co. Ltd. As their name suggests, 'Guide Infrared' are known for thermal imaging systems. A glance at their website reveals offers of integrating systems but nothing at all about building armoured vehicles. Most sources say that the turret itself is the ZPT99 'combat module'. But the main gun is a Chinese-built version of the Soviet 30 mm 2A72 autocannon to which that same designation ZPT99 is also ascribed. Armament also includes QN-201 (70 mm guided rockets) and QN-502C (ATGMs). All that rather suggests that QN-506 is actually the overall designation for the 'combat module' - regardless of what armoured vehicle type it is integrated with.

Anyone have any info or thoughts on the QN-506?

 

[skylancer-3441]

Model which looks like an updated version of that vehicle was presented at IDEX-2021

 

[GTX]

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[cattalonX]

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[cattalonX]

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