Dongfeng Mengshi was originally a family of 4×4MRAP/off-road vehicles developed by Dongfeng Motor Group.[1] Early generations of the vehicle are built with imported Hummer H1 chassis,[2] while later generations of the vehicles are of indigenous design. Dongfeng Mengshi generally follows the trend of American military requirements. For example, CSK-141 is the Chinese equivalent of an armor-plated reinforced Humvee, while CSK-181 is the Chinese equivalent of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle.[3]
The Mengshi name was later introduced as an independent brand focusing on electric high performance and heavy duty SUVs inspired by the introduction of the GMC Hummer EV, with its first product being the Mengshi 917 also known as the M-Terrain prototype.[4] While the electric Mengshi vehicles are introduced under the new Mengshi brand, Dongfeng continues to launch internal combustion engine-powered Mengshi series vehicles under the Dongfeng brand, such as the MS600 introduced around the same time period.
The Dongfeng EQ2050 is a Chinese-made armored vehicle based on the Humvee, manufactured for government use by the Dongfeng Motor Group. It is known to be sold by the company for 700,000 Yuan ($93,000).[5] The vehicle was created after People's Liberation Army (PLA) officials saw the Humvee deployed in the Gulf War. While it is used in the PLA, it has also been exported to friendly countries for military use. The EQ2050 is largely being replaced in its role by the newer Dongfeng Mengshi class of vehicles.
CSK-131
CSK-131 Mengshi (front)
Dongfeng CSK131 is Chinese light protected vehicle developed by Dongfeng Corporation. The chassis has been completely redesigned from EQ2060 with new engine and electronics including onboard computers with digital map software and Beidou satellite communication and positioning system, one night-vision camera for driver and one for the rear door. It is one of the two principal light armored vehicle currently fielded by PLA. All CSK-131 are equipped with a manually controlled turret.[6]
Dimensions and weight
Weight (gross): 6,300 kg (13,900 lb)
Weight (curb): 3,700 kg (8,200 lb)
Payload capacity: 1,400 kg (3,100 lb)
Towing capacity: 2,000 kg (4,409.2 lb)
Length: 5,100 mm (200.8 in)
Width: 2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Height: 2,000 mm (78.7 in)
Variants
CSK-131 Command Post
Command post vehicle with communication suite on board.
CSK-131 Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle
Armaments include 12.7 mm machines guns and 35 mm automatic grenade launcher on a remote weapon station. The variant has a data-link, all-weather monitoring, and a retractable mast equipped with electro-optical sensor and radar. The vehicle is capable of conduct combat reconnaissance mission as well as providing fire support guidance for artillery.[7]
TL-4 mounted missile system
Based on CSK-131 chassis, the variant is equipped with four TL-4 fire-and-forget anti-tank missiles.[8]
CSK-141 (CS/VN11)
Dongfeng CSK141 is a Chinese light protected vehicle developed by Dongfeng Corporation. Although sharing a lot of similarities to the CSK-131, the chassis of CSK-141 has a much longer wheelbase with a longer crew cabin having space for 10 infantry. CSK141 shares similar electronics with CSK131 such as computer, satellite suite and night vision cameras. This vehicle features unusual clamshell doors on either side which the door divide into upper and lower part. It is one of the two principal light armored vehicle currently fielded by PLA. All CSK-141 are equipped with a remote-controlled turret that can be mounted with machine guns, anti-tank missile and grenade launchers. The Dongfeng EQ2101 variants features a 6x6 configuration, and the CS/VN11 is the export version. First released in 2016, CS/VN11 has conventional side doors instead of clamshell type side doors.[9][10][11][12][13]
Dimensions and weight
Weight (gross): 6,300 kg (13,900 lb)
Weight (curb): 4,000 kg (8,800 lb)
Payload capacity: 1,200 kg (2,600 lb)
Towing capacity: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb)
Length: 5,800 mm (228.3 in)
Width: 2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Height: 2,000 mm (78.7 in)
EQ2111
EQ2111 is the prototype for the next-generation MRAP light tactical vehicle.
Dimensions and weight
Weight (curb): 8,500 kg (18,700 lb)
Payload capacity: 2,200 kg (4,900 lb)
Length: 5,950 mm (234.3 in)
Width: 2,485 mm (97.8 in)
Height: 2,430 mm (95.7 in)
CSK-182
CSK-182 is the shorter version of CSK-181 with six seats including one driver and one weapon station operator. It is based on EQ2111.[14]
CSK-181
CSK-181 is the new generation of light tactical vehicle developed by Dongfeng for PLA. CSK-181 is based on CSK-141 with one driver, one weapon station operator as co-driver with eight infantry seats. The variant has improved satellite communication capability, longer range night-vision cameras and most importantly, Mine-Resistant Ambush Protection capability. All CSK-181 are equipped with a remote-controlled turret, which can be mounted with machine guns, anti-tank missile and grenade launchers. The vehicle is in service as of 2020.[15][16][17][18]
Dimensions and weight
Crew: 2 (driver and weapon station operator)
Passengers: 8
Weight (total): 8,000 kg (18,000 lb)
Weight (curb): 6,200 kg (13,700 lb)
Payload capacity: 1,800 kg (4,000 lb)
Towing capacity: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb)
Length: 5,650 mm (222.4 in)
Width: 2,380 mm (93.7 in)
Height (without turret): 2,125 mm (83.7 in)
Maximum speed: 120 km/h (75 mph)
Minimum speed: 3 km/h (1.9 mph)
Variants
CSK-181 C2
CSK-181 based command and control (C2) vehicle.[19]
CSK-181 ATGM
CSK-181 based ATGM carrier. Fitted with sensors and unknown type of ATGM.[20] HJ-11 or AFT-11, an improved derivative of HJ-8 missile, is estimated to be the missile mounted on CSK-181.[21]
CSK-181 Reconnaissance
CSK-181 based reconnaissance vehicle with telescopic sensor tower.[22]
CTL181/CTL181A
CTL181 and CTL181A are light protected trucks modified on CSK-181 chassis.[23]
122mm truck-mounted howitzer (self-propelled howitzer, SPH) capable of rapid deployment. The vehicle chassis is based on CTL-181A.[24][25] PCL-171 is fitted with hydropneumatic suspension, allowing better gun depression when direct firing.[26]
CTL-181A ATMC
Fitted with four HJ-10 anti-tank missile and electro-optical sensors.
CTL-181A Mortar Carrier
Fitted with vehicle-mounted 120 mm mortar and ammunition storage unit.[27][28]
CTL-181A Multiple Rocket Launcher
Fitted with vehicle-mounted 122 mm multiple rocket launcher and ammunition storage unit. [29]
CTL-181A Assault Bridge Builder
It is equipped with a vehicle-launched bridge at the back.[28][30]
CTL-181A UAV Swarm
Fitted with a multiple launch system capable of launching small UAV/loitering munition.[31]
CTL-181A based anti-aircraft artillery system. It's fitted with a 20 mm (0.79 in) rapid-firing autocannon, three surface-to-air missiles, two anti-tank missiles, and optical sensors for tracking.[26]
CSZ181 is the protected support vehicle variant in a box truck form.[34]
Dimensions and weight (CSZ181)
6x6 all wheel drive
Weight (total): 10,000 kg (22,000 lb)
Weight (curb): 7,500 kg (16,500 lb)
Payload capacity: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb)
Towing capacity: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb)
Length: 6,500 mm (255.9 in)
Width: 2,380 mm (93.7 in)
Height: 2,125 mm (83.7 in)
Variants
CSZ-181 MEDVAC
medical evacuation vehicle based on the CSZ181 chassis.[22]
CSZ-181 EW/ESM
multiple electronic warfares and electronic support measures systems based on CSZ181 box truck. Fitted with telescopic masts in VHF/UHF/SHF spectrum, for communication, monitoring, direction-finding, etc.[35]
M50
The Dongfeng Mengshi M50 launched in July 2021 is the civilian version of the original EQ2050. It is available in various body styles with options including a single cab or crew cab setup, low and high roof setups, sealed cargo compartment models, and chassis cab variants.[36]
M50 Shen Nung
M50 based laser weapon system. Fitted with a high-power laser, search and track radar, and optical sensors to attack small UAVs.[33][37]
The Dongfeng Mengshi MS600 is a heavy-duty pickup, SUV, and chassis cab truck. With M20 being the name used before the official launch. Different from previous Mengshi ICE-powered products, the MS600 models are available to the general public. It was introduced in February 2023.[38]
The Mengshi M-Terrain EV SUV is a prototype previewing the production Mengshi 917 full-size electric SUV. The prototype was introduced in August 2022 during the launch of the independent Mengshi brand,[4] with the production 917 unveiled in January 2023.[39]
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