Wanshan Special Vehicle Factory, a subordinated company of China Sanjiang Space Group in Yinbin, Hubei Province began to reverse-engineer the Russian MAZ543 missile transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) vehicle in the mid-1980s. The project led to the introduction of the WS2400 8X8 heavy duty vehicle, which was initially used as the TEL vehicle of China’s DF-11 (CSS-7) short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) system. Initial development of the vehicle encountered some technical difficulties, but these were later solved under the assistance of Belarus in the late 1990s.
The WS2400 bears strong resemblance to the MAZ543 in appearance, but is possibly powered by a German-designed diesel engine. The vehicle is available in 6X6, 10X8, and 12X12 configurations.
Variants
WS2050 - Truck, 6X6
WS2300 - Truck, 6X6, 15 tonne
WS2400 - TEL (DF-11 SRBM and A-100 MRL), 8X8, 20 tonne
