ZJX93 Armoured Recovery Vehicle

Last updated: 1 April 2007

The ZJX93 (Type 93) is the armoured recovery vehicle (ARV) based on the ZSD89 (Type 89) armoured personnel carrier (APC). It is used to repair and recover damaged and broken-down tanks and armoured vehicles on the battlefield. The armour-protected ZJX93 can repair the damaged vehicle on the spot while under fire, or tow it out of the danger zone for more extensive repair. The vehicle is currently serving with the PLA ground forces and the PLA Navy Marine Corps.

The ZJX93 is based on the ZSD89 APC design, but with a stretched troop compartment to accommodate additional equipments. The originally sloped armour on both sides of the troop compartment are raised to vertical angle to give more space inside. To support the lengthened hull and increased combat weight, the vehicle has six pairs of road wheels instead of five. The vehicle is amphibious, propelled through water by its tracks.

No detailed information on the ZJX93 has been published. The vehicle is fitted with a roof-mounted hydraulic crane to lift the damaged vehicle’s engine or gear box. The vehicle is also believed to be equipped with generator, electric welding machine, as well as other tools for vehicle repair. The vehicle has a crew of 5~6.

The ZJX93 is armed with a roof-mounted 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun for self-defence, with a maximum range of 1,600m. The gunner‘s hatch is protected by a sphere-shaped, open top shield. The vehicle also has a four-barrel smoke-grenade launcher mounted on each side of the vehicle.

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