Developed on the basis of the CM-31, the CM-32 Yunpao is an 8-wheel armored vehicle in service with Taiwan’s ground forces.
Introduced in 2002, the CM-32 is a further improvement of its predecessor with a modernized system to suit changing military requirements. Production started in 2007, with an initial order for 600 units. It is estimated that up to 1,400 CM-32s may end up being in operational service.
The CM-32 is built as a modular platform. The same hull, engine and chassis can mount various armament configurations to suit the mission at hand while being a logistically-friendly end-product. As such, these vehicles can take on the roles of armored personnel carrier, infantry fighting vehicle, command and control vehicle, battlefield ambulance, fire support, mortar carrier and the like without the high cost of purchasing dedicated systems.
The baseline APC version is armed with remotely-controlled 12.7 mm machine gun. Another numerous version of the CM-32 is armed with a 20 mm cannon. The mortar carrier with a 120mm mortar and fire support vehicle with 105mm low-recoil turret gun. Secondary armament consists of a roof-mounted 7.62 mm machine gun.
Basic armor of the CM-32 Yunpao provides all-round protection against 7.62 mm armor-piercing rounds. Frontal arc withstands 12.7 mm armor-piercing rounds. Add-on modular armor can be fitted for a higher level of protection. This vehicle has a V-shaped hull and is well protected against landmines. Cm-32 can withstand 12 kg TNT explosion under any wheel. NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems are fitted as standard.
A standard operating crew includes the commander, gunner and driver. The driver is seated in the front left of the vehicle with the engine fitted to his right. A passenger cabin is situated at the rear of the vehicle, aft of the turret bustle, and – in the APC variant – can seat up to eight combat troops.
The CM-32 Yunpao is powered by a Caterpillar C12 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 410 horsepower. The vehicle can reach a maximum speed of 120 km / h, a range of 800 km. A central tire pressure system allows for customized control of each individual wheel system to help adapt the vehicle to varying terrain or flat tires.
