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 Delco LAV-25 turret was tested on the first two prototypes but was not adopted on ground of cost and marginal firepower advantage compared to foreign vehicles; instead an indigenous turret armed with a 20 mm T75 revolver cannon was planned in the interest of getting the IFV into service as quickly as possible, and a prototype was demonstrated in 2009. It was hoped that any deficiency in terms of firepower can be alleviated by adopting the cannon to use the Mk 244 Mod 0 APDS ammunition already being ordered by the Republic of China Navy alongside the Phalanx Block 1B weapon systems, but issues with barrel life proved insurmountable, and in the meantime the 30 mm Bushmaster II chaingun was ultimately chosen instead and will be acquired from Orbital ATK. A prototype turret built on this definitive requirement was spotted in May 2015 and unveiled to the public in August 2017. In 2019 the Ministry of National Defense announced that over the course of the development process 17 shortcomings with the system had been identified and corrected. Shortcomings identified included flaws in the types steel armor, oil leaks, and a lack of interchangeable spare parts. It was discovered that the vehicles had to cover at least 5km every two weeks to remain in optimal condition.
Design
The project was launched in 2002, at a cost of NT$700 million. The armor of the CM-32 provides protection of 7.62 mm AP rounds, while the frontal arc withstands 12.7 mm AP rounds. NBC protection and fire suppression systems are also standard. The V-shaped hull provides protection from landmines and can withstand 12 kg of TNT under any wheel. In its basic APC form the CM-32 is armed with a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher and a 7.62 mm co-axial machinegun, both mounted in a remote weapons station.
Service history
Early vehicles experienced a number of problems including substandard armor, oil leaks and difficult repairs. Performance records from 2008-2018 indicate an engine lifespan of 780,000km. The type is a regular participant in the Han Kuang Exercises.
The CM-31 is the original 6x6 designed by Timoney Technology Limited of Ireland, it was never mass produced.
CM-32
Command vehicle, same armament as CM-33. In service as of 2014.
CM-33
Base variant, with 40mm grenade launcher and 7.62mm machine gun mounted in a remote weapon station. In service as of 2014. A total of 378 CM-32 and CM-33 have been produced.
CM-34
Four prototype vehicles passed primary pre-mass production testing in October 2014. The CM-34 participated, alongside the CM-32, in the 35th annual Han Kuang Exercise armed with a Mk44 Bushmaster II. The Taiwanese military expects to produce 284 CM-34s. It is in service as of 2019.
