M-1984 Armored Personnel Carrier
WZ-523
The M-1984 first appeared in 1984 and is similar to the Belgian SIBMAS and South African Ratel APCs. The M-1984 may be based on a motor vehicle or tractor (6 x 6) chassis and may use automotive components. The US Army refers to the Type WZ 523 as the M1984.
The M-1984 probably has an all-welded armored hull. The vehicle is fully amphibious, being propelled through the water by two water jets at the rear of the hull. The commander and driver sit at the front of the vehicle. The commander probably sits at the right and the driver to the left.
The M-1984's engine compartment in the center, probably offset to allow for full crew movement within the vehicle. It has front wheel steering only. There is an exhaust outlet on the right side of the hull.
There are two large bullet-proof drive windows, which would be covered in combat by an armored shutter hinged at the top.
The M-1984 has a single-piece hatch cover above the commander and driver, hinged in the center, which can be locked vertically. There is a door in the right side of the hull, to the rear of the first road wheel.
The troop compartment is at the rear where troops enter and exit through a large door that is hinged on the right with a single circular firing port. There is a rectangular roof hatches above the troop compartment that opens outward. There are two observation/firing hatches in each side that open upwards. There is a single firing port in each side of the hull.
The M-1984 has one layer of armament that consists of a single 12.7-mm heavy machine gun that has a basic load of 600 rounds. The M-1984's 12.7-mm Type 54 machine gun with lateral protection is on the hull roof, slightly forward of the troop compartment.
A trim vane is erected at the front of the hull before entering the water.
The Type WZ 523 can climb a 60-percent grade, climb a 30-percent side slope, ford amphibiously.
