CM-32 Armoured Vehicle
Encyclopedia
The CM-32 "Clouded Leopard" (雲豹裝甲車 "Yunpao"), officially Taiwan Infantry Fighting Vehicle (TIFV), is an eight-wheeled armoured vehicle currently being produced for the Republic of China (Taiwan) Army
, designed by Timoney Technology Limited of Ireland
, but will be developed by the Ordnance Readiness Development Center.
According to the Taipei Times, it was named after the Clouded Leopard
to show that the vehicle is "agile and swift."
Mass 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.
Republic of China Army
The ROC Army's current operational strength includes 3 armies, 5 corps. As of 2005, the Army's 35 brigades include 25 infantry brigades, 5 armoured brigades and 3 mechanized infantry brigades...
, designed by Timoney Technology Limited of Ireland
Timoney Technology Limited of Ireland
Timoney Technology Limited of Ireland is an Irish company which designs, develops and manufactures powertrains and independent suspension systems for heavy duty trucks, motor coaches and military vehicles.-Military:...
, but will be developed by the Ordnance Readiness Development Center.
According to the Taipei Times, it was named after the Clouded Leopard
Clouded Leopard
The clouded leopard is a felid found from the Himalayan foothills through mainland Southeast Asia into China, and has been classified as vulnerable in 2008 by IUCN...
to show that the vehicle is "agile and swift."
Design and development
The project was launched in 2002, at a cost of NT$700 million (US$21.9 million).Mass 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.