BSCh-8

The BSCh-8 is a type of tracked infantry fighting vehicle developed in Menghe during the 2000s. It is the successor to the BSCh-5, with improved armor protection but no amphibious capability.

Development

Interest in a new Menghean IFV began in the wake of the Polvokian Civil War. During Menghe's intervention in that conflict, units equipped with BSCh-5 IFVs suffered high losses. A subsequent review of Menghean losses in Polvokia concluded that most BSCh-5 losses resulted from RPG fire, 12.7mm HMG fire from the sides, and roadside bombs. Designed for use in conventional battles on open terrain, the BSCh-5 was especially vulnerable in ambushes and close-range combat due to its thin side armor.

In response, the Menghean Ministry of National Defense ordered the development of a new IFV. This time, the design requirements called for a greater focus on protection, particularly protection off the frontal arc. The new vehicle would have to withstand direct 12.7mm fire from the sides and rear at a range of 200 meters, while also withstanding 23mm armor-piercing ammunition from 200 meters over the 120-degree frontal arc. Protection from the PG-7 high-explosive anti-tank warhead was also desired, along with good protection against roadside bombs and land mines. Given the increased mass of this armor, the MoND did not require the vehicle to be amphibious, though it would need a power-to-mass ratio of at least 22 hp/tonne in order to maintain good offroad performance.

Samsan Defense, which was also working on a prototype 150mm howitzer which would become the P150G2P, also entered the new IFV program. The Chikai Heavy Machine Building Plant entered a competing prototype based on the JCh-5 main battle tank. Though the Chikai prototype had better protection, Samsan's entry offered more crew space, a lighter weight, and reduced fuel consumption, while still meeting protection requirements. Working prototype vehicles from both design teams underwent evaluation in 2004, when Samsan's entry was selected as the basis for the new IFV.

The subsequent breakdown of relations with Maverica and Innominada in 2005 forced the Ministry of National Defense to order new changes to the design. Frontal protection against 23mm APDS was no longer sufficient: the new IFV would need to be able to withstand 30mm APFSDS ammunition fired by Maverican BMP-2 IFVs. Likewise, the side armor would have to withstand 14.5×114mm ammunition from the KPV heavy machine gun, common on Maverican APCs and light vehicles. Mass-production of the vehicle was delayed as Samsan increased the hull armor accordingly and upgraded the engine to compensate for the added weight.

The final version of the Samsan prototype was finally accepted for mass production in 2009. Samsan opened a new production facility in Daegok to manufacture it, and the Ministry of National Defense retooled the Taehwa Armored Vehicle Plant to supplement production.

Operators

• Menghe

See also

• K21 (Hanhae)
• Mitsubishi Type 89 IFV (Dayashina)