Changzhi Jianbing

The Changzhi Jianbing (: 尖兵; Jiānbīng; lit. 'Vanguard') is a family of light, four-wheel drive, military trucks and utility vehicles, based on the GEOPE, manufactured by Changzhi Automotive Industry Corporation in Kodeshia. It entered service in the late 1980s and over 1,000 have been produced. Primarily used by the Imperial Armed Forces of Kodeshia, but it is also potentially used by other countries.

History
By the mid-1960s, the Kodeshi military felt a need to re-evaluate their aging light vehicle fleet and replace them with a more modern and efficient models. Due to a lack of resources, they tried to modernize, existing models. But this proved to be a difficult task. After considering several options, they decided to produce a new design and this task was aided by the development of Sanqing between HCCK, Kodeshia, and Qingcheng in 1975. In 1979, the military now drafted final specifications for the new model. In 1982, the Imperial Military Command (IMC) initiated a program to develop a new light utility vehicle. A study of the vehicles available from the global market was carried out and the GEOPE then under development in Mursland was studied very carefully. Zlana Motors of Mursland made an unsolicited offer to the Imperial Military Command committee with full transfer of design and local production in partnership with Kodeshi industry. After assessing this proposal against the local and domestic options in 1985 it was decided to purchase the Zlana Motors-Changzhi Automotive Industry Corporation GEOPE proposal now called the Jianbing meaning Vanguard. This design was a heavily modified GEOPE chassis called the Jianbing to be built locally by Kodeshi firm Changzhi Automotive Industry Corporation. The Jianbing was first introduced at Sanqing Defence 1986 to the general public by the Changzhi Automotive Industry Corporation. By 1986, a prototype of the vehicle had been developed and it passed its initial trials and tests. Further improvements were made before mass production commenced in 1988. In early 1987, the IMC ordered their fielded vehicles to undergo a series of trials and testing in battle conditions. These trials gave rise to three notable issues which led to further improvements over the lifetime of the vehicle. The vehicles were subjected to over 1,000,000 kilometres in trials which included off-road courses, jungle and forest tracks, desert terrains, and urban environment. It also tested at altitudes ranging from 0 to 600 metres above sea level. The end of the trials saw the vehicle proved highly effective as it was capable of performing several specialities of mechanized combat and serving multiple roles within the military.

Design
The Changzhi Jianbing is a light tactical all-wheel drive vehicle that in standard configuration is capable of carrying up to six personnel and weapons system options including up to 12.7mm guns or 40mm grenade systems in various mounts with a remote operated option. The vehicle was designed to transport troops and various equipment quickly on road and off-road. This light four-wheeled armoured vehicle is used for reconnaissance, patrols, search-and-rescues, and surveillance. It features a ladder frame chassis to offer greater strength to the body, which uses a modular concept where different arrangements are possible to suit various purposes and tasks. The engine is a variant of a diesel engine with a turbocharger and intercooler for fuel economy and long range capabilities while a manual or automatic gearbox is offered to select depending on driving conditions. Suspension is independent for the front axle, leaf springs for the rear.

Variants
The Changzhi Jianbing has been produced in multiple variants.

Military Variants

 * Changzhi Jianbing (QDC.8624)
 * QDC = 輕型多用途車; Qīngxíng duō yòngtú chē ("Light utility vehicle"), 86 = ("1986 model"), 2 = ("2 tonne"), 4 = ("4x4 variant"),
 * Initial production version was made for military purposes such as personnel and military equipment transportation, rescue, and protection. It can accommodate up to six people and weapons system options including up to 12.7mm guns or 40mm grenade systems in various mounts with a remote operated option. Introduced in 1986.


 * Changzhi Jianbing (QDC.8624P)
 * QDC = 輕型多用途車; Qīngxíng duō yòngtú chē ("Light utility vehicle"), 86 = ("1986 model"), 2 = ("2 tonne"), 4 = ("4x4 variant"), P = 皮卡; Píkǎ ("Light-duty truck")
 * light-duty utility truck variant is unarmed two door and can accommodate up to two to six personnel. It features rear cargo bed area allowing it to carry up to 2,000 kg (4,400lb) of cargo load. Introduced in 1986.


 * Changzhi Jianbing (QDC.8624DZ)
 * QDC = 輕型多用途車; Qīngxíng duō yòngtú chē ("Light utility vehicle"), 86 = ("1986 model"), 2 = ("2 tonne"), 4 = ("4x4 variant"), DZ = 導彈載體; Dǎodàn zàitǐ ("Missile carrier")
 * Missile launcher variant is two door and can accommodate up to two to six personnel. It equipped with surface-to-air missiles in its rear cargo bed area. It can carry four missiles. Introduced in 1987.


 * Changzhi Jianbing (QDC.8624ZS)
 * QDC = 輕型多用途車; Qīngxíng duō yòngtú chē ("Light utility vehicle"), 86 = ("1986 model"), 2 = ("2 tonne"), 4 = ("4x4 variant"), ZS = 自走式迫擊砲; Zì zǒu shì pò jí pào ("Self-propelled mortar")
 * Missile launcher variant is two door and can accommodate up to two to four personnel. It equipped with an automated mortar system consisting of 120mm mortar system which can be quickly deployed from in its rear cargo bed area and accurately hit enemy targets. Introduced in 2018.

Civilian Variants

 * Changzhi Jianbing (CJM4100)
 * This variant was developed mainly used for civilian purposes. It differs from the QDC.86s in its lack of armaments and specialised chassis. It can transport up to six persons and their equipment. This Jianbing variant is is popular with law enforcement and private security services. Introduced in 1988.

Users
 Kodeshia
 * Imperial Armed Forces of Kodeshia: has operated the Jianbing since 1988.