TA580/TAS5380
The TAIAN TA580/TAS5380 is a 20-ton 8x8 special heavy duty truck developed and built by Taian Special Vehicle Manufactory and used by the People's Liberation Army of the People's Republic of China as a transport/Transporter erector launcher.
| TA580 / TAS5380 | |
|---|---|
 HQ-9 portable launcher during China's 60th anniversary parade in 2009. | |
| Type | 8×8 heavy tactical truck |
| Place of origin | China |
| Service history | |
| Used by | PLA Army |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Taian Special Vehicle Company |
| Manufacturer | Taian Special Vehicle Company |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 18 t (empty) |
| Length | 11m |
| Width | 3m |
| Height | 3m |
| Crew | 1+5 |
| Engine | Deutz turbocharged diesel 517 hp (386 kW) |
| Payload capacity | rated at 20 tons |
Operational range | 800 km (497 mi) loaded |
| Maximum speed | 80 km/h (50 mph) |
Description
The TA580/TAS5380 specializes in carrying ballistic missiles, large-caliber artillery rockets, radar equipment as well as other forms of military assets. Unlike the much larger Wanshan WS51200 and the WS21200, the TA580/TAS5380 cannot carry much larger intermediate-range ballistic missiles and intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Nevertheless, the TA580/TAS5380 has a maximum payload capacity of 20 tons, of which it primarily carries the HQ-9 air defense missile system.
The TA580/TAS5380 comes in two additional variants. The TA5382 accommodates an additional four passengers due to the presence of a double cab, as well as being able to mount the WM-80 and WM-120 artillery rocket system. The TA5501 is essentially a much larger variant with a 10x10 configuration, which offers better stability and mobility.