Beijing Automobile Works BJ212

     Notes: These vehicles are similar to the Russian UAZ-469 and may be unlicensed copies of it.  Military and civilian versions are available. Various versions of the BJ212 are manufactured by other Chinese firms and sold under the names of Zhanqi (actually a diesel-powered variant), Jinxuanfeng, City Cruiser, Kuangchao, and Ludi. In the Chinese military, the BJ212 is used by low and mid-level officers and NCOs, as well as by low-level political cadres, with the BJ2020S being used by higher-level officers, NCOs, and higher-level political cadres.

     They have a post behind the front seats for a weapon.  The BJ212 has a convertible-type folding cover; the BJ212A has a solid cover that may be removed or mounted, but not folded back.  Both are powered by a 70-horsepower M21 (GAZ-21) gasoline engine. The BJ212E has a more powerful BJ493 TD 113-horsepower turbodiesel engine and has 4 doors instead of just two. All three may tow an 800-kilogram load.

Beijing Automobile Works BJ2020

     Notes: This is a light 4x4 jeep-like vehicle used by China in place of the UAZ-469, and is in fact an improved BJ212.  Chad, Pakistan, and some other nations also use it.  Military and civilian versions are available. The BJ2020S is the standard version with an 85-horsepower engine, and the BJ2020SA is the stretched version; the BJ2022 is an improved version of the BJ2020S, with a 108-horsepower engine.  The BJ2020SA has a rear tailgate, and all three have folding cloth roofs (hardtop versions are also available).  A variant of this vehicle is used as a carrier for the Type 75 105mm recoilless rifle; other versions have a weapon mount, though no weapon is provided.  These vehicles may tow up to 800 kilograms.

Beijing Automobile Works BY5020TSL

     Notes: This is an amphibious jeep-like vehicle similar in form and concept to the Russian GAZ-46, but based on the BJ2020.  It is a very versatile vehicle, but one of its faults is the quality of the standard steel body, which does not resist corrosion very well and is not recommended for use in salt water.  A stainless steel-coated version is available that is far better in rust resistance, but it costs $1000 more and is one step rarer.  It is otherwise a fast and agile vehicle, though its load-carrying capability is a bit lacking.  The engine is the same 85-horsepower gasoline engine as on the BJ2020S. The standard version is the BY5020TSL; the stretched version is the BY5032.

     Most of the users of this vehicle were Chinese or North Korean Naval Infantry or special operations forces.

Sungri-61

     Notes: This is a small truck, based on the Russian GAZ-63 (itself in Chinese service as the Sungri-58), used by North Korea, Iran and China, though in China it is largely out of service and sold as military surplus.  It is a 4x4 vehicle with a weapons mount behind the front seat, though weapon is provided. The primary changes are minor ones made to suit Chinese production methods and materials. The cab is all metal, but the rear cargo area has a wooden floor and can be covered by a canvas over bows. The rear cargo area has folding wooden benches for troop transport.  However, a more common use of the Sungri-61 is more commonly used as an artillery tractor. The Sungri-61 is powered by a GAZ-11 gasoline engine developing 70 horsepower. It is known to have weaker leaf springs in the suspension than the GAZ-63, and despite its 4x4 drive, it makes the Sungri-61 not well suited for off-road travel. The carburetor is also crudely copied, and this leads to increased fuel consumption. Because of the carburetor, the Sungni-61 is also hard to start.

Norinco Blade FAV

     Notes: A very new vehicle to the Chinese Army, the proper designation of their FAV is as yet unknown; the “Blade” moniker appears in internet searches often, but may not be correct.  The Norinco FAV was developed for airborne, special operations and light forces as a small, fast raiding vehicle.  It is basically a heavily modified BJ2020 jeep, turned into a vehicle similar in concept and design to the US Chenowith-made FAVs.  The Norinco FAV is a 4x4 vehicle using a lightweight 108-horsepower gasoline engine and transmission.  It is a fast, light vehicle capable of carrying a variety of weapons on two weapons mounts: one in front of the commander’s position for a medium or light weapon such as a medium or light machinegun or SAW, and one on the rollbar capable of mounting weapons as heavy as a 23mm autocannon or heavy ATGM launcher.  The small size of the vehicle allows several to be placed aboard a cargo aircraft or sling-loaded on helicopters.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Norinco FAV does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.