CTL-181 Chinese 6x6 Light Tactical Vehicle
CTL-181
Light Utility Vehicle
Other
Basic Information
Name
CTL-181 Chinese 6x6 Light Tactical Vehicle
Designation
CTL-181
Alternate Designation
CTL-181
Equipment Type
Light Utility Vehicle
Manufacturer
Dongfeng
Date of Introduction
2020
Description
The CTL-181 Chinese 6x6 Light Tactical Vehicle is a 6×6 derivative of the CSK-181. It is fitted with a load tray at the rear of the hull and a single-row cab at the front. It is understood to be in service with the PLA and is used to carry UAVs and similar systems. The vehicle features a cab-behind-engine design, providing room for a crew of two. The cab is protected as standard and includes a large windshield to the front. The remainder of the vehicle consists of a load tray with a two-axle group at the very rear.
Ground Specifications
Crew
2
Mobility Type
Wheeled (6x6)
Engine
Turbocharged Diesel (177 hp)
Active Protection
None
NBC Protection
Yes
Range
700.0 km
Variants
CTL181A Howitzer
Chinese state-owned media have revealed new details of the mortar-carrying variant of the Dongfeng Mengshi CTL181A 6×6 protected vehicle in service with the People's Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF). Video footage broadcast by China Central Television (CCTV) on 1 September, 2021 shows that, contrary to what was previously presumed, the vehicle does not feature a small lifting device in the cargo area behind the cab to facilitate the rapid dismounting and re-mounting of the 120 mm mortar. Instead, the mortar is stored on the vehicle in a disassembled state, with the tube, bipod, and baseplate separated when on the vehicle. In operation, the crew of four must retrieve the individual mortar components and quickly assemble the mortar, after which they are free to conduct their fire mission. Once this has been completed, the crew then disassemble the mortar into its constituent pieces before loading them into the back of the vehicle.
At least six such modified CTL181As were shown in the footage being used during a live-fire exercise held at an undisclosed location in China.
The mortar appears to be a fairly basic design intended for dismounted operations by the crew, lacking any indicators of automation features such as automatic laying or computerized fire control.
CSZ-181
The CSZ-181 has been adapted to perform the role of an electronic warfare (EW) vehicle for units within the PLA. The vehicles are understood to be used to conduct a range of operations from deception and reconnaissance to jamming and interception. It is considered likely that the vehicles operate as part of a system or complex, and that these roles are shared across a number of vehicle types. The vehicle is a three-axle design, with the rear axle group located at the very rear of the hull. The driver and commander sit side-by-side at the front of the vehicle, and to their rear are two EW operatives, both of whom are provided with control panels and other systems. All four personnel are provided with individual doors that include a bullet-resistant window. The rear compartment of the vehicle, which sits above the rear axle group, appears to be reserved, but for what purpose is not clear. It is possible that the rear compartment carries additional personnel and dismountable equipment, as this function has been observed in a 2020 PLA video. The roof of the vehicle carries the EW assets, which fold flat for travel.
Red Arrow 10
The Red Arrow 10 launch system is an anti-tank system that made its public debut in 2014, but was already in service with the Chinese armed forces by this point. In images that circulated on social media in September 2020 it was shown fitted to a CSK181 chassis. This provides an anti-tank modification to the Mengshi vehicle series. It is made up of four vehicles: the Command Vehicle, the Loading Vehicle, the Ammunition Vehicle and the Launch Vehicle.
Red Arrow 10 Command Vehicle
The Red Arrow 10 Command Vehicle is part of the Red Arrow 10 anti-tank system and acts as a command location for the system, co-ordinating the different assets in the system and directing fire from the launch vehicle. Its layouts and capabilities are as per the CSK181.
Red Arrow 10 Loading Vehicle
The Red Arrow 10 Loading Vehicle is responsible for ensuring that ammunition is passed from the Ammunition Vehicle to the Launch Vehicle. Although its front part is similar to the CTL181 it has an extra set of wheels, three on each side, and is a flat back pickup truck.
Red Arrow 10 Ammunition Vehicle
The Red Arrow 10 Loading Vehicle is responsible for transporting the ammunition for the Red Arrow Launch Vehicle. Its layouts and capabilities are as per the CTL181.
Red Arrow 10 Launch Vehicle
The Red Arrow 10 Launch Vehicle is responsible for firing the Red Arrow tank missiles.
GLT-181
There is a variant of the CTL-181 in service with the PLA that is designed to deploy a bridge over the rear of the vehicle. The chassis appears mostly unchanged with an armoured cab at the front and bridging mechanism installed above the rear axle group. From the available imagery, the bridge consists of three sections and a hydraulic system is used to extend them from the rear of the platform. The length of the bridge is not clear, nor is its payload capacity. However, if it is intended to support CSK-equipped formations, then it stands to reason that a minimum capacity of 10 tons.
System
Alternative Designation
CTL-181
Type
Light Tactical Vehicle
Configuration
6x6
Manufacturer
Dongfeng Motor Corporation
Crew
2 ea
Payload Capacity
4,150 kg
Dimensions
Length
6.45 m
Width
2.38 m
Height
2.125 m
Wheelbase
3.6 m +1.2 m
Weight, Standard
6,350 kg
Weight, Combat
10,500 kg
Automotive
Engine Name
Cummins YC6DV1
Engine Type
Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Power
177 hp
Maximum Range
700 km
Speed, Maximum Road
120 km/h
Speed, Average Cross Country
INA
Speed, Maximum Swim
Not Amphibious
Fording Depth
1.2 m
Angle of Approach
47°
Angle of Departure
40°
Gradient
60%
Side Slope
40%
Vertical Step
450 mm
Trench
700 mm
Main Weapon System
Note
The vehicle is typically unarmed, however, several concepts have been shown that use it as a base platform for 122 mm howitzers, multiple rocket launching systems, and guided anti-tank missiles.
Protection
Armor
The standard protection of the vehicle is sufficient to withstand small-arms fire including 7.62 mm ammunition fired from a distance of 150 m. A video released by China's CCTV7 channel showed that each area of armor was tested against multiple rounds of ammunition. The glass on the vehicle is also protected, possibly to the same level. Some sources state that a blast plate can be installed beneath the hull, but the vehicle otherwise lacks any mine protection.
Applique Armor
Available
Explosive Reactive Armor
No
Active Protection System
None
Smoke Equipment
INA
NBC Protection
Yes
Details
Country of Origin
China
Category
Wheeled Light Armored Vehicles
Land > Infantry Vehicles > Wheeled Light Armored Vehicles
Filter Label
C
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
6.45 m
Width
2.38 m
Height
2.13 m
Weight
10500 kg
Operators (1)
China
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