WZ-523

The WZ-523 is based on the domestic Dongfeng EQ245 truck platform, with a new chassis. It was developed in parallel with the competing project WZ-551. Due to utilizing old technologies, WZ-523 was developed much faster with initial production starting in 1983. It first appeared on the 35th National Day parade in 1984. However, it WZ-523 chassis eventually lost its bid due to having worse performance than WZ-551. WZ-523 project was then refocused for export effort and did not enter large scale service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA). When the WZ-523 was first exhibited publicly, there were many observations by international defence analysts regarding its design origins. Although the hull design resembled that of the South African Sandock-Austral Ratel infantry fighting vehicle, subsequent studies have found that while there may have been some South African influence, the WZ-523 has many unique characteristics in overall dimensions and technical features. For example, its driving compartment is somewhat reminiscent of the BTR-60, with a single passenger seated next to the driver. Despite being designed as an armored personnel carrier, it was not adopted by Chinese mechanized or motorized infantry forces. ==Specifications==

WZ-523s have relatively good range and payload, and may seat up to ten passengers who enter and debus from a single door in the rear hull. WZ-523s in Nigerien and Gabonese service have been re-engined with German Deutz BF6 diesel motors. ==Variants==

;WZ-523 :Armored Personnel Carrier armed with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. ;ZFB-91 :Internal Security Vehicle based on the WZ-523. ==Operators==

• : 60 in service, not including ZFB91 variant. • : 10 • : 20 4 ambulance version delivered in 2012 and 24 others in 2013. • : 2 • : produced under license as the Shareef 2. ==See also==