Norinco ZBL-09 Snow Leopard 3D model

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The new Chinese Snow Leopard armored personnel carrier, code-named ZBL-09, was created by NORINCO engineers. This cutting-edge APC is a member of an entirely new family of 8x8 wheeled armored vehicles. Development of the ZBL-09 began in the 1990s, with significant design cues drawn from both Western and Russian armored personnel carriers. The first public appearance of this vehicle took place in 2006 during rigorous road testing. The Snow Leopard was derived from a preceding 6x6 armored personnel carrier, unveiled to the world in 2006. This innovative APC features an advanced modular architecture, consisting of six distinct modules: engine module, transmission module, control system module, suspension module, hull module, and a sophisticated weapon station module. Although designed with export markets in mind, the ZBL-09 ultimately failed to secure any production contracts. Following closely on the heels of its 6x6 predecessor, development of the 8x8 Snow Leopard was swiftly initiated.