The dawn mist had not yet completely dissipated, and the valleys of the old mountains echoed with the murmur of the morning wind. On this seemingly calm morning, a team of heavy military trucks slowly drove down the rugged mountain road, they were Hongyan CQ261, a sturdy option that has been in service with the Chinese army since the 60s. The dawn shines through the dense woods, dappled on the metal surface of the truck, and reflects the light. Each of these trucks was loaded with important military supplies: ammunition, food, medical equipment. Some have been converted into mobile command centers and front-line first-aid stations, which are not only carriers of supplies, but also life support on the battlefield.
From the introduction of technology from France to the establishment of Yibin Automobile Factory
In 1959, China imported several heavy-duty trucks from the French company Bellier through Morocco. The performance of these trucks in the Chinese military has proved their superior performance and reliability, especially in the stable performance of complex terrain and harsh climatic conditions, and has won high praise from the military. As a result, the Chinese government recognizes the importance of importing and assimilating mature foreign automotive technologies to enhance the domestic heavy-duty vehicle industry.
In 1964, the decision to introduce more advanced heavy-duty truck technology from the French company Bellier became a priority for the Chinese government. To this end, the Chinese government sent a team of technical experts and negotiators to France, marking the beginning of a complex process of technology introduction and business negotiations. Over the next year, the two sides held several rounds of intense and detailed discussions on technical details, prices, and follow-up technical support and services. The Chinese side has strict requirements for the imported technology and models, including not only the vehicle technology, but also the manufacturing technology of the engine and other key components.
After nearly a year of negotiations, the two companies have finalized a purchase agreement for four models (GBU15, GLM, T25 and TBO) and their engine technology. The agreement covers not only technology transfer, but also a range of technical training and production equipment supply. China paid $8.5 million for the technology and an additional $6.1 million for production equipment.
At the same time, the Chinese government decided to convert a factory in Yibin, Sichuan Province, that used to produce high-voltage electrical appliances, into a dedicated automobile manufacturing base, the Yibin Heavy Duty Truck Factory. This decision not only reflects China's determination on the road to independent industrialization, but also shows a long-term plan for the establishment of a complete automotive industry chain. The renovation of the plant began immediately afterward, involving extensive civil works and equipment installation. The French company Bellier not only provided the technical blueprint, but also sent a team of engineers to assist in the installation and commissioning of the production line, and trained technicians and operators in China.
The establishment of the Yibin heavy-duty truck manufacturing plant has laid the foundation for China's independent production of heavy-duty trucks. The new plant is equipped with a number of state-of-the-art production lines imported from France, including stamping, welding, assembly and painting. In addition, the factory has also set up a quality control center to ensure that the product manufacturing process meets the high standards of imported technology.
Difficulties and solutions in technology transfer
In September 1965, as the French company Bellier began to transfer technical data on heavy trucks to China, a seemingly ordinary technology transfer activity was about to begin. However, in the process of reviewing these technical documents in detail, the technical translation team in China quickly discovered the problem: some of the technical documents were not clearly stated, and some of the drawings and parameter descriptions were vague, which brought potential risks to subsequent production activities.
This discovery quickly attracted great attention from the Chinese side. The translators summarized these issues and fed back them to the management through official channels. It is of paramount importance for China to ensure that the technology imported from France is complete, accurate and operational, so that any flaws in these technical data cannot be overlooked.
After confirming the seriousness of the problem, China decided to make formal representations to France. This is not only to correct existing technical documentation problems, but also to maintain the standards and quality of future technical cooperation. The Chinese negotiating team pointed out in detail to the French side the specific problems existing in the technical documents and asked the French company Bellier to make the necessary corrections and compensation.
At first, the French side had reservations about China's accusations, and they tried to verify the specifics of these issues. After several rounds of document review and technical meetings, the French side began to realize that these problems did exist and could affect the production efficiency and product quality of the Yibin heavy truck manufacturing plant. On this basis, the parties began negotiations on compensation and technical corrections.
After intense negotiations, the French company Bellier finally agreed to pay $1.2 million in compensation to China to compensate for the production delays and additional costs that may have been caused by errors in the technical data. In addition, France has also promised to re-provide the technical documents that have been rigorously reviewed, and to arrange for professional and technical personnel to go to China to assist in solving technical problems that may arise in the future.
Although the negotiations temporarily affected the speed of operation of the Yibin heavy-duty truck manufacturing plant, it also reflected China's strict requirements for contract specifications and technical integrity in international cooperation. Due to the time required to reorganize and translate the technical data, as well as to wait for the arrival of French technicians, the official start of production at the Yibin plant was delayed by several months.
Trial production and improvement of Hongyan CQ260 and CQ261
In 1966, with the completion of a series of preparatory work, Yibin Heavy Duty Truck Factory ushered in its historic moment: the first Hongyan CQ260 heavy-duty military truck was successfully trial-produced here. The success of the truck, which is based on the full set of GBU15 model technology imported from the French company Bellier, not only marks the achievement of technology transfer, but also heralds a new chapter in China's independent heavy military vehicle manufacturing capabilities.
Hongyan CQ260's trial production workshop is full of all kinds of advanced equipment imported from France, including automated assembly lines, precision measuring tools and special testing facilities. The introduction of these devices has greatly improved production efficiency and product quality. The first CQ260 prototype was assembled under strict quality control and then underwent a series of functional tests and performance verifications, including durability testing, engine performance testing and load testing. These tests ensure that each vehicle performs well in extreme conditions and meets the stringent requirements of the military.
After the successful trial production of the first Hongyan CQ260, the engineers and technicians of the Yibin plant did not stop. They began to optimize the production process based on the problems identified during the trial production process and potential room for improvement. These improvements include adjustments to the vehicle's structural strength, engine efficiency, and vehicle stability to improve the performance and reliability of the vehicle.
In 1968, the Yibin factory launched an improved version of the Hongyan CQ261 heavy-duty military truck. This new model features a number of technical improvements over its predecessor, notably a major upgrade in engine power and vehicle suspension to accommodate more complex terrain and higher load demands. The Hongyan CQ261 was designed with versatility in mind, allowing it to be used not only for routine material transport, but also as a tractor for heavy machinery and weapons systems.
In 1971, after more than two years of trials and improvements, Hongyan CQ261 finally began mass production. This model of vehicle has demonstrated a high carrying and towing capacity, carrying up to 10 tons of cargo and a towing weight of 15 tons. The CQ261Q/25, a variant designed for heavy-duty traction, has a cargo capacity of up to 64 tons, making it ideal for engineering construction and heavy machinery transportation.
Military application of Hongyan CQ261
Since the start of mass production, Hongyan CQ261's excellent performance and reliable quality have quickly made it an important piece of equipment in the Chinese army. With a load capacity of up to 10 tons and a towing capacity of 15 tons, as well as a super towing capacity of 64 tons of special model CQ261Q/25, it is very suitable as a tractor for military logistics and heavy equipment. Because of these characteristics, the Hongyan CQ261 is widely used in a variety of military platforms and roles, including as an artillery tractor, a 122mm self-propelled rocket launcher chassis, and a carrier vehicle for various types of missiles.
Especially in the self-defense counterattack against Vietnam in 1979, the performance of Hongyan CQ261 has been tested like never before. In this war, the Chinese army needs to deploy and maneuver quickly in extremely complex terrain conditions, especially in the southern Xinjiang region, where the mountainous and hilly terrain poses a serious challenge to the cross-country ability of any vehicle. The Red Rock CQ261 ensures excellent performance in this rough terrain thanks to its superior design, including a reinforced suspension system, an efficient all-wheel drive configuration, and an optimized weight distribution.
The chassis and drivetrain design of the Hongyan CQ261, especially its low-speed torque and high ground clearance, enable it to effectively cope with the changing terrain of southern Xinjiang. The vehicle's powerful powertrain ensures stability and propulsion even on steep slopes and muddy roads. In addition, the Hongyan CQ261 is equipped with a high-performance engine and reinforced transmission parts, so that it can still maintain good mobility and reliability when carrying heavy loads of materials or towing large guns.
In the self-defense counterattack against Vietnam, Hongyan CQ261 undertook a large number of material transportation tasks, transporting ammunition, food and medical supplies to the front line. In addition, it is responsible for moving heavy artillery and rocket artillery to the designated firing position. In battle, the ability to deploy heavy firepower quickly and accurately is the key to winning the battle, and the performance of the Red Rock CQ261 is particularly critical in this regard. It not only improves the response speed of the troops, but also greatly enhances the fire support capability on the battlefield.
In addition to its application in southern Xinjiang, Hongyan CQ261 has also been deployed to multiple other theaters, whether it is in the mountainous areas in the north or the hilly areas in the east, it can effectively adapt to the requirements of different terrains and provide solid logistical support. Through its performance under these extreme conditions, Hongyan CQ261 not only won the trust of the military, but also brought valuable practical experience and data to its design and manufacturing team, providing a basis for subsequent improvements and upgrades.
The performance of the Red Rock CQ261 on the battlefield
In the Battle of Laoshan, Hongyan CQ261 heavy military truck showed its irreplaceable role in battlefield logistics. A total of 131 Hongyan CQ261s were mobilized throughout the campaign, and they were mainly responsible for transporting essential military supplies such as ammunition, food, medical equipment, and other logistical support supplies from the rear to the front line. These trucks, in extremely difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions, ensured the continuity and stability of the supply line, providing a solid material basis for the continued operation of the front-line troops.
The design of the Hongyan CQ261 is particularly suitable for complex and changing battlefield environments. Its strong cross-country capability is aided by an efficient four-wheel drive system and an adaptable suspension system, which allows it to ride reliably on unpaved mountain roads or damaged bridges. Each car is equipped with a powerful engine and a high-performance drivetrain that maintains good acceleration and climbing ability even when fully loaded.
In the Battle of Laoshan, the application of Hongyan CQ261 was not limited to traditional material transportation. Due to their high carrying capacity and reliability, some of the vehicles were converted into mobile command centers and front-line first-aid stations, allowing commanders to be closer to the battlefield for real-time command, while also ensuring that the wounded could receive timely medical attention. In addition, CQ261 also undertakes the important task of rapid mobility and strategic deployment of troops, increasing the speed and flexibility of the troops' response to emergencies.
The performance of the Red Rock CQ261 in the campaign significantly enhanced its position in the army. The vehicle's demonstrated durability and low maintenance requirements during continuous and prolonged combat operations allow drivers and technicians to focus more on battlefield tasks rather than vehicle troubleshooting. This reliability makes the CQ261 a valuable asset on the battlefield, and the trust of drivers and maintenance teams grows day by day.
The successful use of these trucks not only enhances the reputation of Hongyan CQ261, but also reflects the progress of China's automotive industry in the design and manufacture of heavy military vehicles. Through the verification in real combat conditions, Hongyan CQ261 proved that its design concept and build quality met or even exceeded the world standards at that time. After the war, this type of truck has been more widely used in military logistics as well as in the civilian field, further promoting the recognition of China's manufacturing capabilities at home and abroad.
Automobile & Parts,1982,0(S1):22-22