The VN4, nicknamed the "Rhinoceros", is a multi-role light armoured personnel carrier that can be used for police forces, armored troops, peacekeeping and anti-terrorism.
Development The VN4 was unveiled in 2009 and is produced in China by Chongqing Tiema Industries Corporation, a China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) company.
Description The VN4 is a light armored vehicle that can be outfitted for certain scenarios. It is very mobile with a top speed of 115 km/h and has independent suspension for rough terrain. The armor is welded shut and primarily provides protection from small arms fire and splinters from explosives.
Features Air conditioning is provided to occupants from vents on the roof. Communication systems CTIS (central tyre inflation system) GPS Night vision driving capability Video Surveillance Systems
Service history Crisis in Bolivarian Venezuela
In the beginning of 2014, 191 VN4s existed in Venezuela.National Guard of Venezuela will receive more Chinese-made Norinco VN4 vehicles - Armyrecognition.com, March 12, 2013Venezuela; National Guard incepts new batch of Chinese armored 4 × 4 - Dmilt.com, April 14, 2013 In 2014, during the 2014 Venezuelan protests, the Venezuelan government ordered 300 additional VN4 vehicles. The VN4 was heavily relied upon by the Bolivarian National Guard during the crisis in Bolivarian Venezuela against demonstrators who opposed the government of President Nicolas Maduro. As demonstrations strengthened during the 2017 Venezuelan protests, President Maduro hastily ordered an additional 165 VN4s from Norinco, paying fully for the equipment which arrived only weeks after the order, with the move being criticized since the low amount of funds allocated toward goods for Venezuelans had resulted in shortages in Venezuela during the preceding years.
Operators
Bolivarian National Guard Bolivarian National Police : Kenya Police - GS Unit : Nepalese Army - 63, bought for peacekeeping missions : Sudanese Armed Forces
References
External links
VN4 on manufacturer's website