PLA ZBD-05 Amphi. IFV

Plastic model kit for building a Chinese ZBD-05 amphibious IFV

• 1:35 scale
• Dimensions LxW (built): 271.4 x 99.10 mm
• 840+ pieces
• Lower hull manufactured using the Slide Mold process
• Photo-etch, metal parts and copper wire included
• single link tracks
• not built/not painted
• Paint and glue not included

The new 05 series amphibious fighting vehicle is similar to the U.S. Expeditionary Fight Vehicle (EFV) in concept. The vehicle was designed to be launched at sea, from an amphibious assault ship 10km or more offshore, capable of high-speed (>25 km) travelling to shore

The most distinctive feature of the 05 series is the hydraulically actuated bow and transom flaps, the bow and transom flaps together with the bottom of the hull can form a planning surface, allowing the vehicle to go faster by using its speed and hull-shape to lift the front part of the hull out of the water, thus greatly reducing the hydrodynamic drag on the vehicle.

The IFV variant of the ZBD-05 amphibious fighting vehicle was also spotted in service with the PLA Marine Corps. The vehicle is based on the same hull but with the three-man 105mm gun turret replaced by a two-man turret fitted with a newly designed 30mm cannon and the rail launcher for the AFT-5 ATGM. The vehicle was estimated to have a crew of three and can carry 9 marines from ship to shore and on land.