Chinese Army Inducts New All-Terrain Vehicle for Logistics Support in High-Alt Plateau Region

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has commissioned a newly-developed all-terrain vehicle for logistics support missions in plateau regions with altitudes higher than 5,000 meters.

Designed with caterpillar tracks made of metalloid, this new all-terrain vehicle can tread over slopes of 35 degrees and can deliver 1.5 tons of goods. The vehicle can effectively solve the problem of difficulties in delivering goods to troops stationed in plateau regions, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Saturday.

In a recent mission, the vehicle delivered dozens of boxes of instant noodles and barrels of mineral water.

In addition, Plateau Special Forces of the PLA Tibet Military Command have adopted a new type of individual soldier combat system, including a high-cut helmet and night vision goggles, as well as low-visibility Starry Sky camouflage uniforms. The command's border defense troops have also reportedly begun a broad switch to the new uniform.

While the camouflage pattern used by the plateau special forces seems to be designed for the wilderness, the Starry Sky uniform has other patterns for jungles, woodlands, deserts and urban warfare, wrote Ordnance Industry Science Technology, a Chinese defense industry magazine.

In addition to the better disguise function, the new uniform also provides better protection against wind and dust, is easier to wear and move with, and protects soldiers' joints.