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2023-04-01
China Aims High with Modernised MBTs
Main Battle Tanks- Part 3
There was a time when China’s armed forces depended primarily on imported tanks and ad hoc armoured vehicles. The country had a weak industrial base at that time, which hampered production of powerful tanks.
Warlords formed their own armies and acquired tanks and weapons as they could, resulting in minimal standardisation. The Chinese army typically used tanks and artillery in ones and twos, hoarding them to increase the power and prestige of commanders, governors, or warlords. The training of armoured forces and artillery crews was limited, with little understanding of indirect fire, targeting and observation, fire and manoeuvre, counter-battery fire, and barrage fire.
However, things have changed drastically.
China has made noteworthy progress in the design and development of Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) in recent years. Chinese technology and solutions have drawn inspiration from both Russian and Western countries, including the 105mm L51 rifled gun. Beijing’s design and production has been prolific, with a large number of MBTs, models, and variants being made.
Starting Point
Zhang Zuolin, a Chinese warlord, is credited with introducing tanks to China. In 1919, France sent a small contingent of Renault FT tanks to Vladivostok as part of the joint Allied intervention, and these tanks were later acquired by the Manchurian Army under Zhang Zuolin.
He purchased several Renault FT tanks armed with 37 mm guns from France in 1927, but during the Northern Expedition by Chiang Kai-shek’s National Revolutionary Army (NRA) in 1929, these tanks came under the control of the Chinese Nationalists and were attached to the 1st Cavalry Brigade of the NRA. By 1930, the NRA had acquired a total of 36 Renault FT tanks.
The Chinese Nationalist government began the mechanisation of its army in 1933, with the purchase of 24 British Carden Loyd Mk VI tankettes and later the acquisition of 20 Vickers six-tonne tanks between 1934 and 1936. These tanks were used in combat against the Japanese in the Battle of Shanghai in 1937.
Sino-German cooperation played an important role in the modernisation of the industry and armed forces of the Republic of China. After breaking ties with the Soviet Union in 1927, Chiang Kai-shek and the Nationalist government turned to Germany for military and technological support.
German advisers were brought in to assist with the modernisation of the National Revolutionary Army, and the Nationalists purchased European weapons and technology through a German company with which the advisers cooperated. This cooperation continued through the 1930s.
The cooperation between Germany and China increased after Hitler became Chancellor in 1933. The two countries shared an interest in countering Soviet influence in Asia and expanding their respective spheres of influence. Germany provided military and technical assistance to China, and in return, China provided raw materials such as tungsten and other strategic resources to Germany.
German advisors helped modernise and train the Chinese army, including the development of armoured units. However, Germany’s increasing alignment with Japan in the late 1930s strained its relationship with China.
German advisors helped modernise and train the Chinese army, including the development of armoured units. However, Germany’s increasing alignment with Japan in the late 1930s strained its relationship with China.
After the United States entered World War II in 1941, it began providing China with armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) that the Soviet Union was unable to supply.
T-34 Knock Outs
In the 1950s, China received 1,837 T-34 tanks from the Soviet Union, as well as some surplus Lend-Lease tanks from World War II. These tanks were also used by North Koreans and Chinese soldiers during the Korean War.
According to a 1954 report from the Operations Research Office, there were 119 confirmed or potential encounters between tanks in the Korean War, and T-34s were responsible for knocking out 38 American tanks (including those that were abandoned but could be repaired).
Towards the end of the war, the Chinese claimed that their T-34s had destroyed several U.S. tanks, as most of the North Korean T-34s (estimated to be a little over 400) had already been destroyed or captured by November 1950.
According to a 1954 report from the Operations Research Office, there were 119 confirmed or potential encounters between tanks in the Korean War, and T-34s were responsible for knocking out 38 American tanks (including those that were abandoned but could be repaired).
Towards the end of the war, the Chinese claimed that their T-34s had destroyed several U.S. tanks, as most of the North Korean T-34s (estimated to be a little over 400) had already been destroyed or captured by November 1950.
First Generation Type 59
Following the Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship, Alliance, and Mutual Assistance, the Soviet Union helped China establish a tank manufacturing facility to produce the T-54A MBT in 1956. The initial tanks were constructed using Soviet-supplied parts, but these were eventually replaced with components produced in China.
The tank was officially introduced into service by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in 1959 and given the name Type 59. This tank represented China’s first generation of tank development and was known as the WZ-120 by its manufacturer. It was produced in large quantities from 1959 until the mid-1980s, with over 10,000 units produced.
The Type 59 MBT of China became a locally-produced variant of the original Soviet-era T-54A MBT. Externally it was more or less identical to the Soviet design though the inner workings were customised to fulfil local Chinese requirements.
The Type 59 was fitted with a 100mm main gun with later models being witnessed carrying such implements as a laser rangefinder (mounted atop the gun). Both commander and loader were given cupola positions at the turret roof line with the loader being charged with operation of the 12.7mm Anti-Aircraft (AA) Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) mounted atop the turret.
The commander managed a 7.62mm machine gun for local defence against infantry. Another 7.62mm machine gun was mounted coaxially and operated by the main gunner. The driver sat front-left and some ready-to-use ammunition was stored to his immediate right.
The Type 59 was at the world’s centre stage when it was used against students in Beijing during the 1989 uprising.
The vehicle weighed 40 tonnes (short) and featured a length of six metres, a width of 3.25 metres, and a height of 2.6 metres. Its crew comprised four individuals with special roles within the hull and turret. The turret mounted a rifled 100mm main gun and gave full 360-degree traversal. Armour protection reached 203mm at the vehicle’s most critical facings.
Type 69: An Upgraded Version
The Type 69 was China’s first attempt to design an MBT independently. It is regarded as a modest upgraded version of the Type 59/T-54 MBT, with a limited number of improvements. The first Type 69 prototypes were built in 1964. In 1974 the tank received its approval certificate, and the batch production began thereafter, with several hundred tanks exported to the Middle East.
However, the 100 mm smoothbore gun used by the Type 69 was later proven to be an unsuccessful design. This resulted in a major redesign on the tank’s weapon system. The improved variant Type 69-II with a 100 mm rifled gun was introduced in the early 1980s.
A further modified variant Type 69-III (also known as Type 79) was later introduced, integrated with the British Marconi fire control system and a Type 83 105 mm rifled gun with a replaceable thermal sleeve. It is the last member of China’s first generation MBT with nearly 1,000 tanks delivered to the PLA.
Type 69-I is an improved model fitted an Infrared searchlight modelled on soviet Luna system and collective NBC defensive system added.
Type 69-II is the most common version of the Type 69 family. The Type 69-II is equipped with a 100 mm rifled gun derived from the 100 mm gun of the Type 59. This tank incorporates a new fire control system, which includes the TSFC 2-axis gun stabilisation, a new Type 70 gunner’s sight, laser rangefinder, and ballistic computer.
Type 69-IIB/Cs are command versions of the Type 69-II equipped with additional command radio and long radio aerial.
The early version of the Type 69 is fitted with a Type 69 100 mm smoothbore gun. The gun could carry 44 rounds, with a maximum fire range of 1,000 m. Ammunitions include high explosive, high explosive fragmentation, and armour piercing discarding sabot. The gun turned out to be unsuccessful and was replaced by the 105 mm rifled gun on later variants.
Type 79 — Improved Model
The Type 79 Tank is the PLA designation of the Type 69-III, an improved model of the earlier Type 69 Tank featuring Western technology. Most noticeable is the upgraded Type 83-1 105 mm rifled gun fitted with a replaceable thermal sleeve. This gun is similar to the 105 mm gun on the Type 88A MBT.
The Type 79 is fitted with an improved fire-control featuring British Marconi technologies. Also missing are the infrared (IR) searchlights which have been replaced by passive IR sights (later versions with thermal image).
The tracks are fitted with removable rubber shoes. In PLA service this tank is known as the Type 79.
The tracks are fitted with removable rubber shoes. In PLA service this tank is known as the Type 79.
The Type 79 is fitted with a modified Type 83-I 105 mm rifled gun. The gun is derived from the L7/Type-81 and capable of firing APFSDS, HEAT, and HEAT-FRAG. It has auxiliary weapons similar to Type 69.
The vehicle is operated by a standard crew of four.
Type 80 MBT — The Second Generation
The Chinese Type 80 main battle tank followed the Type 79 tanks as the second generation of new main battle tanks, compared to which its firepower, mobility, protection performance than the first-generation tank had greatly improved. In fact, it was China’s first main battle tank adopted by the PLA in the late 1980s.
This tank has a redesigned hull. The front of the hull and turret is fitted with composite armour. The Type 80 features steel side skirts that are common to all Chinese main battle tanks.
The Type 80 is armed with the L7/M68 105 mm rifled gun. It fires all standard NATO 105 mm ammunition, which is manufactured in China under licence. The gun is loaded manually. Fire control system of the Type 80 is similar to that of the Type 69-II MBT.
The tank is operated by a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.
Type 80 Variants
Type 80-II is fitted with improved fire control and nuclear, biologic, and chemical (NBC) protection systems.
Type 85-II is a further development of Type 80-II, featuring new turret and additional modular armour at the front of the hull and turret.
Type 85-IIA is a command tank, fitted with additional communication and navigation equipment.
Type 85-III is an improved version, aimed mainly at export market.
Type 88 MBT
Type 88 is a domestic variant of Type 80 II MBT in use with the PLA. The basic design is similar to the Type 80-II, but the front storage racks on the turret were removed to fit the explosive reactive armour plates.
Type 88B is an improved variant of the Type 88. The gun-loading system was redesigned so that it could fire new 105 mm ammunition. Interestingly, Type 88A is actually an improved variant of the Type 88B! The Type 88A has a modified Type 83-I 105 mm rifled gun with longer tube and better performance.
The Type 88 has a cast turret and a conventional hull layout with four crewmembers. The driver compartment is located in the left front. The turret is mounted in the middle and the engine compartment in the rear.
Another notable difference of the Type 88 is that it has six smaller road wheels instead of five large road wheels seen on previous Type 59/69/79 MBTs.
TZ96—Second Generation MBT
TZ96 is a Chinese second generation MBT. It is the final evolution of Type 88 MBT. The Type 96 or TZ96 replaced in production the previous Type 88 MBT. Production of the original Type 96 ceased in 2005. Some sources report that 1,000 of these tanks were built. Another 1,500 tanks were built to improved Type 96G standard. Currently it is a mainstay of the China’s MBT fleet. These tanks are being gradually upgraded.
The later variants of the Type 96 are currently in PLA service together with China’s third generation MBT, the Type 99.
This tank was built in large numbers. Some sources report that 2,500 of these tanks were built, including variants. It is the most widespread tank in service with the PLA.
The Type 96 MBT is armed with a fully-stabilised 125 mm smoothbore gun, fitted with an autoloader. Both the gun and autoloader were copied from the Soviet T-72. This main battle tank might be compatible with the Russian AT-11 Sniper gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles, or its Chinese copy. Maximum rate of fire is 6-8 rounds per minute. A total of 42 rounds are carried.
The tank is fitted with new computerised fire control system. It incorporates laser rangefinder and automatic target tracker. This MBT can engage moving targets accurately, while on the move. It has a high first round hit probability against stationary and moving targets, while the tank is firing on the move.
Type 96G (also referred as Type 96A) is an upgraded version of the Type 96, fitted with explosive reactive armour and thermal imaging system for all-weather, day/night operation. It is believed that upgraded vehicles approach the Type 99 in terms of protection, firepower and mobility.
T-98 — Towards a Goal
At the end of 1999, following over five years of extensive government testing, the design of the T-98, as it was then known, was fully completed. Its firepower, control systems, armour and electronics were deemed by the Army to have met or exceeded the project’s original goals. Small-scale production of the T-98 was begun in time for the tank to be featured in the PRC’s National Day parade in 1999.
Following the completion of the T-98, research into improved versions of the tank continued within the Chinese government. These programmes produced the Type 99, a refined iteration of the T-98 with a better reliability record. The T-98 eventually gave way to what is now known as the Type 99.
High-End Type 99
The Type 99 or ZTZ-99 is a Chinese third generation MBT. The most advanced tank currently in service with the PLA is the Type 99. This vehicle provides significant improvements in firepower, mobility, and protection and is termed “high end” tank.
The designers had the task to create an MBT which would have been at least equivalent to the Russian T-72 and hopefully the closest as possible to Leopard 2. The Type 99 has a 1,200 HP (895 kW) diesel and a frontal armour made of composites. The tank is equipped with an indigenous 125mm smoothbore gun model ZPT 98, considered a variant of the Russian gun model 2A46/2A46M-1. The gun features a Russian autoloader KSETKA, located in the turret. The MBT has an ammunition reserve of 41 rounds and 22 of them are ready to fire in the automatic loading system.
The cannon can employ various types of projectiles (APFSDS, High Explosive Anti Tank – HEAT, and High Explosive Fragmentation, HE-FRAG), and even a copy of the Soviet-designed 9M119 Relkex/Svir missile.
The Type 99 presents an original and unique Electronic Countermeasures/ Laser Warning Receiver/Identification Friend or Foe (ECM/LWR/IFF) that can be used as a blinding weapon, through the damaging of enemies’ viewing systems, and as a communication tool. This device, called Type VHF-2000, can be operated by the commander and gunner. This apparatus seems to have the ability to directly attack missile guidance systems.
An improved variant of Type 99, known as Type 99A or Type 99A278, is equipped with a new power pack with a 1,500 HP (1,100 kW) diesel engine associated with an automatic transmission. This new variant is credited with a combat order weight of 54 tonnes and a power/weight ratio of 27.78 HP/t. The maximum speed on the road is 80 km/h.
Type 99A2 seems to be a truly evolved variant of Type 99 and is sometimes considered an entirely new design tank. Type 99A2 introduces a new turret with higher internal volumes to enhance crew’s comfort, and better armour especially on the top.
Marching Ahead
From a humble beginning, China has come a long way on the MBT front.
The Chinese military continues to acquire foreign weapons and equipment from various sources, including the Soviet Union. Today, the Chinese military is one of the largest and most advanced in the world, with a significant domestic weapons industry and ongoing efforts to modernise and improve capabilities.
It is pertinent to note that the third generation MBT, consisting of the Type 98/Type 99, is considered the best vehicle of the Chinese PLA, comparable to top-class Russian and Western vehicles .
It is pertinent to note that the third generation MBT, consisting of the Type 98/Type 99, is considered the best vehicle of the Chinese PLA, comparable to top-class Russian and Western vehicles .
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