TECHNICAL GUIDE

Martin J. Dougherty is a freelance

CHINESE TANKS

& AFVs 1950–Present

CHINESE TANKS
writer and editor specialising in military
and defence topics. His published
& AFVs
works deal with subjects ranging from
1950–Present
naval weapons to armoured fighting
With a new world order emerging
vehicles and personal security. He
in the 21st century, Chinese ground
is the author of Small Arms Visual
forces have consistently improved their
Encyclopedia, Tanks of World War
armoured fighting vehicle technology,
II, Modern Weapons (Compared &
with new state-of-the-art main battle
Contrasted) and Top 50 Tanks.
tanks complementing a diverse
range of infantry fighting vehicles,
Picture credits:
FRONT (from top): Type 63 amphibious light tank, armoured personnel carriers and
PL1 (WZ551A) armoured car, Type 99 MBT self-propelled guns.
BACK (from top): ZBD-05 AIFV, Type 59-IIA MBT
(All courtesy Tank Encyclopedia)
Organised chronologically by type,
Chinese Tanks & AFVs includes
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CHINESE TANKS
German Tanks of World War II
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David Porter
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MARTIN J. DOUGHERTY
Modern Russian Tanks & AFVs
main battle tanks. In between, the
Russell Hart & Stephen Hart book includes entries on every
978-1-78274-869-4 Provides a comprehensive guide to tanks and armoured fighting vehicles

1950–Present
significant model, from the Cold
used by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army over the last 70 years
Modern Tanks & AFVs War-era Type 63 light amphibious
Russell Hart & Stephen Hart
978-1-78274-725-3 tank to the ZBD-2000 infantry fighting
Includes every major type, from classics such as the Type 58, Type 62
Russian Tanks of World War II and Type 85 main battle tanks, to the latest Type 99 tank, ZBL-09
TANKS • SELF-PROPELLED GUNS • APCS • IFVS vehicle, PGZ-07 self-propelled anti-
Stephen Hart aircraft gun and PTL02 tank destroyer.
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CHINESE TANKS
& AFVs
1950–Present
T I T L E S I N T H E T E C H N IC A L G U I D E SE R I E S :

Japanese Aircraft of World War II

Russian Tanks of World War II
German Tanks of World War II
Modern Tanks and AFVs
Chinese Tanks and AFVs
Modern Russian Tanks
German Fighter Aircraft of World War II
German Bomber Aircraft of World War II
Russian Aircraft of World War II
Modern Military Aircraft
German Aircraft of World War I
Modern Russian Military Aircraft
Allied Carrier Aircraft of World War II
American Tanks of World War II
Battleships of World War I and World War II
CHINESE TANKS
& AFVs
1950 – Present

MARTIN J. DOUGHERTY

BOOKS
This digital edition first published in 2023

Copyright © 2019 Amber Books Ltd

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,

stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any
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Published by Amber Books Ltd

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ISBN: 978-1-83886-382-1

Editor: Michael Spilling

Designer: Andrew Easton
Picture research: Terry Forshaw
Contents

Introduction 6

Main Battle Tanks 8

Armoured Personnel Carriers

& Infantry Fighting Vehicles 56

Self-Propelled Guns 88

Abbreviations and Glossary 118

PLA Ground Forces Data 122
Index 124
Picture Credits 128
Introduction
As China transformed itself into a global superpower, it needed to develop the
capability to construct its own weaponry that could take on the best that any
potential opponent might deploy.

Initial close relations with Soviet philosophies gradually diverged, this Since the 1960s, the Chinese
Russia meant that equipment could was a slow process. Equipment bought military has charted its own path, at
easily be obtained and locally overseas was suited to the doctrines times producing highly innovative
produced copies made. However, of the provider, so to be effective equipment and at others finding similar
differences of opinion over how best the Chinese military had to embrace solutions to the same problems as its
to practise Communism resulted in similar practices. rivals overseas. Today’s equipment
relations between Moscow and Beijing Newly designed weaponry had to is the result of that process, and of
rapidly cooling from 1956 onwards. fit with the adopted doctrine, so could China’s status as a superpower. As
Despite this, mid-twentieth-century not be radically different. Engineering such, its forces might be expected
Chinese military equipment closely habits, stockpiles of spares and to take on a range of challenges
resembled Soviet hardware – to the supplies and the desire to avoid having
point where many Chinese-built to retool factories all guided Chinese A Chinese ZBD-03 IFV participates in the 2016
weapons were direct copies of their weapons development in the years International Army Games organised at the
Soviet equivalents. Although design following the Sino–Soviet split. Rayevsky training ground, Novorossiysk, Russia.

6
 INTRODUCTION

A Chinese Type 96 second-generation MBT undergoes training in 2017. The Type 96 has remained a frontline tank since its introduction in 1997.

anywhere in the world, ranging direct combat, to transport, protect a potent force in some environments;
from a low-level counter-insurgency and support infantry, or to carry in others it is simply a mobile
campaign or providing protection to supporting systems such as artillery deathtrap. In a world of tight military
a humanitarian assistance operation weapons and air defences. They budgets, the decision to upgrade a
right up to fighting a major war against operate in an environment where design or replace it with something
a technologically advanced opponent. hazards come in many shapes and a generation more advanced is not a
Appraisals of Chinese tank forms, with new threats and innovations simple one. It might be cost-effective
strengths vary considerably, with on old ones constantly appearing. This to let an old design carry on, but
estimates ranging from 5–7,000. requires ongoing development, seeking eventually any military must face the
Of these, roughly half appear to be to stay on the right side of the threat/ hard truth that you fight with what you
modern third-generation designs, with defence equation. have. Chinese planners thus have to
the remainder made up of modernised Whether it is digital camouflage, deal with the twin problems of needing
second- and first-generation tanks. improved automation or urban enough armoured vehicles of adequate
survival equipment, armoured vehicles capability to equip their large forces,
Growing capability continue to receive modifications that while also requiring vehicles with
Armoured vehicles are the spearhead improve survivability, efficiency and sufficient capabilities to deal with a
of that capability, whether their role is fighting power. An obsolete tank is still high-end threat if one emerges.

7
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

8
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

MAIN BATTLE TANKS

At the end of World War II, the People’s

Liberation Army (PLA) of China found itself in
possession of a great deal of assorted military
hardware. This hodgepodge of equipment had
to serve as the nation reestablished its identity
in the late 1940s, but the logistical burden
alone meant that rationalization was desirable
even if outright military efficiency had not been
a consideration.
This chapter includes the following tanks:
• Type 58 • Type 88
• Type 59 • Type 85
• Type 62 • Type 90
• Type 63 amphibious tank • Type 96
• Type 69 • Type 99
• Type 79
• Type 80

The Type 99 main battle tank, which equips the most prestigious armoured
units of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), is the result of a long
development process that began with Soviet-supplied T-34s in the 1950s.

9
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 58
Type 58 was the (probably unofficial) designation given to ex-Soviet T-34 tanks
in Chinese service.

Although the T-34 is widely replace the T-34 with vehicles more
considered to have been the best suited to a potential conflict with the
tank of World War II, it had many Western nations.
faults. These included a tendency At the same time, China had little
for the transmission to break down, or no capability to produce armoured
gearbox and visibility issues and a vehicles, and needed a great many.
very cramped internal layout. These During 1950–55, hundreds of T-34s
problems made T-34s individually less and smaller numbers of other tanks
effective than they should have been. were transferred from the Soviet Union
However, the T-34 did put an effective to the People’s Republic of China.
Type 58
gun on the battlefield, gave it adequate The Type 58 designation may have
Date 1950–55
mobility and protection and, perhaps arisen from plans to begin indigenous
Number Produced Probably around 2000
most importantly, was available in the production of a licence-built T-34 in delivered from the Soviet Union
huge numbers required. 1958. However, it is uncertain whether Weight 30.2 tonnes (29.7 tons)
Some of the T-34’s defects had been any such plan ever existed. At this Length (with gun) 8.15m (26ft 9in)
ironed out by the end of the war, and on point, the basic design was almost Width 3m (9ft 10in)
balance it was a cost-effective solution 20 years old, and while the original Height 2.6m (8ft 6in)
to the problem of fielding large numbers 76mm (3in) gun had long since been Engine V12 diesel, 372kW (493hp)
of effective tanks. Better vehicles were replaced with a more effective 85mm Maximum Road Speed 38km/h (26mph)
Crew 4
available to the Soviet Union by then, (3.34in) weapon, some defects of the
Armour 30–80mm (1.18–3.15in)
but huge numbers of T-34s had been original remained.
Main Armament 85mm (3.34in) ZIS-S-53 or D5-T
built during the war. The ideal solution The T-34’s Christie suspension,
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 55
was to find an overseas buyer and while theoretically giving a good road

Type 58
T-34s served in the Korean conflict, crewed by
Chinese and Korean personnel. Claims of their
exploits have been greatly inflated, though by all
reports the T-34 gave good service.

10
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 58-I speed, was outdated and considered a serious intent to produce new-build
Most of the evidence for the Type 58-I upgrade by many experts to be a poor solution Type 58s, but in any case the much
package comes from photographs rather than to the problem of tank mobility. It also more modern Type 59 was chosen
official specifications, making it difficult to used up a lot of internal space in an as China’s first indigenous armoured
ascertain exactly what modifications were made. already cramped design. The gearbox fighting vehicle (AFV). Sources conflict,
and transmission, even when not but it appears that the ‘Type 58’
suffering from reliability issues, made designation was unofficial and T-34s in
the tank tiring to drive. Performance Chinese service were simply referred
was often limited by the driver’s to by their Soviet designation.
inability to force the vehicle into a Type 58s in Chinese service
higher gear. suffered from many of the same
issues as Soviet equivalents, though
Outdated model some defects such as a lack of
The T-34/Type 58 could be a deathtrap all-round vision were addressed.
for its crews. Its armour was prone The solution to this problem was
to spalling when a round failed to rather basic, consisting of a cupola
penetrate, and if a hit did penetrate, that on some examples might lack
there were fuel tanks in the fighting any sort of glazing – armoured or
compartment, which posed a severe otherwise – in the vision slits. Likewise,
hazard to the crew. Escape was also attempts were made to strengthen
difficult if the tank was disabled, all the transmission and thereby improve
of which contributed to poor crew reliability. Had a production version
survivability rates. ever materialized, it seems likely that
Despite these problems, the Type these fixes would have been better
58 provided China with an armoured integrated, but by the time the Type 58
warfare capability that had not existed entered Chinese service better options
before. By the time China was in a were available.
position to produce its own tanks, the All of the T-34s received by China
T-34/Type 58 design was outdated. were the later T-34/85 model, with
Many components of the Type 58 an 85mm (3.34in) gun. North Korea,
were put into production, but this may among other clients, received earlier
have been intended to support the versions equipped with the original
purchased tanks rather than to create 76mm (3in) gun. These proved
new ones. It is possible that there was devastatingly effective against the

11
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

A Chinese T-34/85 ‘406’ in the Beijing Tank South Korean military, which had few a good buy for the fledgling Chinese
Museum. To the left are two IS-2 heavy tanks in anti-tank weapons, but did not fare military. Slightly modified to create the
Chinese markings. as well once post-war Western tanks version generally known as the Type
began to arrive in the conflict. 58, it created a ready-made capability
Nevertheless, the obsolescent that was not too far behind the times
Type 58-II T-34 proved that it was still a to be effective, and allowed experience
As with many Chinese designs, the Type 58-II viable weapon on the battlefield of to be gained of maintaining and
designation was arbitrarily imposed by Western the 1950s. On balance, the T-34/85 was operating an armoured force.
observers who had only partial information and
may have imagined distinctions that did not matter
within Chinese service. This model appears to have
a Soviet DShK 1938 12.7mm (0.5in) mounted on
the turret.

12
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 59
Like the Type 58, the Type 59 was based on a Soviet design. It was derived from the T-54,
which was developed as a replacement for the T-34.

The Type 59 was the first ‘modern’ Chinese tank, Perhaps most importantly, the T-54
Type 59
and also the last to be produced with direct did away with the T-34’s notoriously Date 1958
Soviet assistance. unreliable transmission. It also had a Number Produced 10,000+
new engine and a 100mm (3.9in) gun. Weight 36 tonnes (35.4 tons)
Whereas the T-34 was crashed into This was an extremely potent weapon Length (with gun) 9m (29ft 5in)
production at a time when the very for the time, capable of penetrating any Width 3.27m (10ft 7in)
survival of the Soviet Union was in known tank. Armour protection was Height 2.59m (8ft 5in)
doubt, the T-54 began its design also improved, while the general design Engine 12150L V-12 diesel, 388kW (520hp)

process in 1944. By this time, the tide was optimized for the Soviet style of Maximum Road Speed 50km/h (31mph)
Crew 4
of World War II had turned, and Soviet armoured warfare.
Armour Min–max RHA 20–203mm (0.8–8in)
designers were able to concentrate on Whereas Western tanks tended to
Main Armament 100mm (3.9in) Type-59 L/53.5 rifled
creating a replacement for the T-34 that emphasize quality over quantity and
cannon
offered significant improvements. were designed to enhance survivability Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 34

Type 59 (early production)

Early Type 59s were more or less direct
copies of the Soviet T-54. Among their
drawbacks was a non-rotating turret
floor, requiring an alert crew to avoid
injury when traversing the gun.

13
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 59-I
The addition of side skirts changed
the appearance of the Type 58-I
considerably, but its most important
improvement was a new gun
supported by a laser rangefinder.

Type 59-II
The Type 58-II also received a new
gun, in this case a Western 105mm
(4.1in) rifled weapon. This was the
first use of NATO ammunition by
the Chinese armed forces.

by sniping from hull-down defensive was almost a direct copy of the Soviet
Type 59-II
positions, Soviet tanks were built with original, but was simplified in order to
Date 1982
a different doctrine in mind. With a streamline production. The T-54 had
Number Produced 448
Weight 36.5 tonnes (35.9 tons)
low silhouette and a rounded turret to received a gun stabilization system
Length (with gun) 9.4m (30ft 9in) deflect marginal hits, Soviet tanks were in 1957, but this was not included
Width 3.27m (10ft 7in) optimized for a fast-moving advance by in the Chinese version. Nor was the
Height 2.59m (8ft 5in) large numbers of armoured vehicles. T-54’s infrared searchlight or nuclear,
Engine Model 12150L V-12 diesel, 388kW (520hp) biological, chemical (NBC) protection
Maximum Road Speed 50km/h (31mph) Simplified copy system, which at the time were not
Crew 4 Developed versions of the T-54 deemed necessary or cost-effective.
Armour Min–max RHA 20–203mm (0.8–8in) + appeared throughout the late 1940s This simplification meant that early
composite + ERA
and into the 1950s. These were Type 59s could not fire accurately on the
Main Armament 105mm (4.1in) Type 81 rifled
observed with interest by the Chinese move or operate in darkness, but these
cannon
military, which selected the tank for problems were rectified on the later Type
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 34
indigenous production. Relations 59-I model. Further upgrades continued
between Moscow and Beijing were throughout the Type 59’s long career.
at this time still cordial, permitting an Although not as technically
agreement to allow licence-building of sophisticated as contemporary Western
a T-54 variant and Soviet assistance in tanks, the Type 59 was a potent vehicle
setting up the production programme. offering excellent off-road mobility
Designated the Type 59, the new tank and vastly improved reliability over

14
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 59-IIA
The Type 59-IIA gained composite
armour and an array of equipment
upgrades. Experience gained with
this model was useful in planning
future composite-armoured AFVs.

Type 59-IIA
The Type 59-IIA received further
upgrades in the 1990s (such as this
model here), including improved
fire control and electronics, to
ensure it remained effective in the
modern battlefield environment.

Type 58 IIA
The thermal sleeve on this mid-2000s
Type 59 would have been irrelevant
with the original design’s basic sights,
but with modern fire control the small
variances due to temperature make a
significant difference.

15
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

its predecessor. At the time of its showing and the hull protected by the Type 59 tanks move through a snowy landscape,
introduction, the Type 59’s gun obstruction in front. The Type 59 could December 2017. It is estimated that as many
could penetrate anything it could take advantage of this situation to only as 2300 upgraded Type 59s are still in Chinese
hit, although the design had some a limited degree. service. There are many situations where an old
tactical limitations. Rapidly cooling relations between tank with good fire control is entirely adequate.
In keeping with Soviet practice, the China and the Soviet Union eventually
Type 59 had a low silhouette at the led to war in 1969. Soviet assistance
price of limited gun depression. This with tank production had long since
was no real drawback during a fluid been curtailed by that point, and the
battle, but on the defensive the Type Type 59 was further developed by
59 would be forced to expose more Chinese designers without outside
of its hull than a Western tank of the help. However, Soviet armoured fighting
same era. vehicle design did continue to influence
A ‘hull-down’ firing position the Type 59. Studies of a T-62 captured
could be established by finding an from the Soviet Union in 1969 proved
obstruction at just the right height and useful during the later development of
hiding behind it, but in most cases the the Type 59 and its derivatives.
tank would have to drive onto a slope Much like its Soviet counterpart,
that would raise the bow. A high turret the Type 59 achieved good success on
and large angle of gun depression the international market. Its balance of
allowed a tank to position itself capabilities versus simple design and
with nothing but the turret and gun relatively low cost made it attractive

16
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 59G to many buyers, and examples are Walker Bulldog, but the conflict also
The Type 59G incorporates many features found on still in service today. More importantly, permitted experience to be gained
third-generation MBTs – such as angular modular the Type 59 launched China’s first of armoured operations in general.
armoured tiles on the turret and ERA blocks – in generation of main battle tanks (MBTs) The performance of the Type 59 was
a package cheap enough to be attractive on the and was the basis for a number of considered acceptable, though tank-
international export market. other designs. Some served in the versus-tank actions were very rare
MBT role while others fulfilled specialist due to the Vietnamese terrain and the
tasks. The Type 59 and its immediate nature of the war in general.
Type 59G
Date 1999
derivatives formed the backbone of The Type 59 saw action in Chinese
Number Produced 2312 China’s armoured forces for many hands during the Sino–Vietnamese
Weight 40 tonnes (39.4 tons) years, with significant numbers war of 1979, although Chinese tanks
Length (with gun) 9.1m (29ft 9in) remaining in service or held in reserve in general did not perform well in the
Width 3.27m (10ft 7in) to the present day. difficult terrain. Examples exported
Height 2.59m (8ft 5in) overseas were later involved in
Engine 12150L7 V-12 diesel, 544kW (730hp) or In combat numerous conflicts. In many cases,
566kW (800hp) During the Cold War, any clash these were local variants or upgraded
Maximum Road Speed 50km/h (31mph)
between armies supplied by Eastern models, which remained at least
Crew 4
and Western powers was observed borderline effective despite the age of
Armour RHA + composite + ERA + side skirts
with great interest. Wars in Asia and the basic design.
Main Armament 125mm (4.9in) L/55 smoothbore
cannon
the Middle East were a proving ground
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 34 for the designs and the doctrines Modern reserve
that might one day meet in a Third Today, the Type 59 serves in several
World War. Thus, the deployment of African militaries and remains
Chinese Type 59s in Vietnam in the an important part of the Chinese
late 1960s permitted strategists and armoured forces. With such a large
tank designers the world over to see military to equip, China chose to
how the Type 59 fared against a similar upgrade and keep the ageing Type
generation of Western armoured 59 – officially designated WZ-120
fighting vehicles. – in service rather than replacing it
China sent Type 59s to assist North wholesale. This represents a ‘high-
Vietnam, which also fielded the almost end/low-end’ attitude to equipment,
identical T-54 as supplied by the Soviet whereby budget funds freed up by
Union. Their chief opponents were not having to replace thousands of
American M48 MBTs and the light M41 tanks can be funnelled into developing

17
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

very high-capability vehicles to equip capable Type 59s might act as a shield
spearhead formations. and concealment for the PLA’s top-end
There are many situations in the vehicles, but it seems likely that the
modern world where ‘any tank is decision to keep them in service was
enough tank’, and the Type 59 can more pragmatic. The Type 59 can still
serve almost as well as a far more get the job done, and replacing it with
expensive top-end design. Even where something better would not provide the
capability is more important, the Type returns its enormous cost would entail.
59 was designed for massed tank Thus it is likely that this venerable Although heavily modified, the Type 59 has a
warfare and can still fulfil this role well design will continue to receive minor heritage stretching back to the final days of World
enough. Cynical observers might also upgrades and remain in service for War II. It was designed in an era where massed
wonder if vast numbers of modestly some years to come. tank warfare was the expected future of conflict.

18
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 62
The terrain in much of China is unsuited to tank operations. As a result of operating there
during the 1930s, the Japanese army decided to continue building very light tanks even
though more survivable options were now available.

This resulted in Japanese armoured could operate effectively in this

Type 62
forces being greatly overmatched by environment without being useless
Date 1963
their Allied equivalents, and vulnerable elsewhere. It was thus necessary to Number Produced 1500+
to even obsolete anti-tank weapons. It ensure the design did not sacrifice too Weight 21 tonnes (20.6 tons)
seems that Japan learned the wrong much fighting power in return for good Length (with gun) 7.9m (25ft 9in)
lessons from operating in China. rugged-terrain performance. The result Width 2.86m (9ft 4in)
Japanese experiences in World War II was the Type 62 light tank, officially Height 2.25m (7ft 4in)
may have influenced Chinese thinking designated WZ131, which was Engine 12150L3 V12 diesel 321kW (430hp)
when the time came to produce their derived from the Type 59 by way Maximum Road Speed 60km/h (40mph)

own light tank. of some significant modifications. Crew 4

Armour (min–max) 15–50mm
As China developed its military The general lines were similar and
Main Armament 85mm (3.34in) Type 62-85TC rifled
capabilities, it needed a tank that obviously ‘Soviet’ in origin, with a
gun
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 47 rounds
Type 62
The Type 62 was visually similar to the Type 59,
and most easily recognized by its 85mm (3.34in)
gun, which is shorter than the weapons used by
the Type 59.

Type 62
A PLA Type 62 in North Vietnam, Sino–
Vietnamese War, 1979. The Type 62 performed
well enough in the terrain of Vietnam, but
losses to RPGs prompt an upgrade package.

19
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 62-I (Early Production) rounded turret and low silhouette, It is not clear how uniform or official
The Type 62-I gained additional protection at the but the smaller hull permitted a much some of these upgrades were,
expense of increased weight, along with other lower overall weight. but some Type 62s appear to have
improvements, including a laser rangefinder. Size reduction was achieved by gained additional armour along with
moving the first and second of the formally mandated enhancements
five road wheels closer together and such as a laser rangefinder for the
using lighter construction. This might main gun.
have weakened the suspension and
tracks, but the load on them was also Secondary armament
greatly reduced. The three-man turret, Like the Type 59, the Type 62 boasted
positioned further forward than on the a significant secondary armament.
Type 59, carried an 85mm (3.34in) gun In addition to the usual co-axial
– shorter and much lighter than the 7.62mm (0.3in) machine gun and a
Type 59’s 100mm (3.9in) weapon – and 12.7mm (0.5in) heavy machine gun
the armour was much thinner as well. mounted on the turret top, the Type
62 also mounted a 7.62mm (0.3in)
Light tank bow machine gun. Common during
Weighing in at 21.3 tonnes (21 tons), World War II, this practice has rarely
less than two-thirds the weight of a been seen since. Another machine
Type 59, the Type 62 had lower ground gun could be fitted on the turret top
pressure despite narrower tracks and for use by the loader against aircraft
could maintain higher speeds. This or infantry threats.
provided some protection, as did the Many examples were seen
ability to create a smokescreen by sporting side skirts. First developed
injecting fuel into the exhaust, but during World War II, skirts offered
during the 1979 Sino–Vietnamese some protection against shaped-
conflict the Type 62 proved vulnerable charge high explosive anti-tank
to infantry anti-tank weapons such as (HEAT) weapons such as RPG-7
the ubiquitous RPG-7. projectiles. Too thin to be considered
The initial electronics fit on the Type armour as such, skirts are sufficient
62 was basic in order to keep costs to cause a HEAT round to detonate,
down, but upgrades began to appear ensuring that the plasma jet formed
along with survivability modifications. by the warhead focuses on a point

20
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 62-I (Late Production) The Type 62-I, officially designated

Type 62G
The vulnerability of the laser rangefinder in its WZ131A, appeared in 1979, with
Date 2000
position above the gun barrel is obvious on this further modifications continuing over
Number Produced Not Known
1990s-era Type 62-I. the next decade. Another upgrade Weight 21 tonnes (20.6 tons)
programme created the Type 62G from Length (not including gun) 7.9m (25ft 9in)
short of the tank’s armour. Although a 2000 onwards. This version featured Width 2.86m (9ft 4in)
specialized defence, skirts helped to a new welded turret to replace the Height 2.25m (7ft 4in)
counter the primary threat to a light original cast one and contained Engine 12150L3 V12 diesel 321kW (430hp)
tank: relatively light weapons carried a 105mm (4.1in) gun. Upgraded Maximum Road Speed 60km/h (40mph)
by infantry. electronics were also received. Crew 4
Armour (min–max) 15–50mm
Type 62 tanks were sent to assist However, by this time the Type 62 had
Main Armament 105mm (4.1in) rifled gun
North Vietnamese forces in the been phased out of frontline service
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 47 rounds
1960s and early 1970s, and later with the Chinese military.
fought against them in the Sino–
Vietnamese war of 1979. Although Export success Type 62G
better suited to the terrain of Vietnam The Type 62 found favour on the By the mid-2000s, the small numbers of Type
than the heavier Type 59, numerous international market as a simple and 62s remaining in Chinese service were assigned
Type 62s were disabled by infantry- cheap armoured vehicle well suited to reconnaissance units supporting artillery
launched RPGs, leading to an to operations in rugged terrain. formations. The longer 105mm (4.1in) gun is
enhanced-survivability programme. Some examples still serve in Africa obvious in this illustration.

21
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

and Asia, including original-design overseas customers created their

Type 62s as well as upgraded models. own modified versions, notably
A variant, designated Type 70, self-propelled guns and armoured
was created by the addition of gun personnel carriers.
stabilization and improved fire control. The Type 62 provided a useful
The Type 70 may or may not have armoured capability for army and
received additional or modified armour marine units operating in areas where
protection as well. If it did, there are heavier tanks were ineffective. This
few visual indications. was not restricted to rough terrain;
the Type 62 could cross weak bridges
Variants in underdeveloped areas, maintaining
The chassis was used as the basis mobility without having to ford a
for variants, including a self-propelled watercourse or bring up bridging
gun as well as armoured recovery equipment.
and engineering vehicles. With many Although the Type 62 is no longer
components in common with the considered viable by Chinese forces,
rest of the Type 59 family, such the light tank concept remains valid The Type 62 was not, broadly, a success story but
vehicles were cost-effective to and new variations on the theme have the Chinese armed forces still consider light tanks
produce and maintain. Some continued to appear. to be a useful part of their arsenal.

22
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 63 Amphibious Tank

Although China probably did not specifically create the Type 63 for the purpose, an
amphibious assault platform would be necessary for an invasion of Taiwan.

Although unable to take on battle would be vigorously defended by Type 63-II Amphibious Tank
tanks, an amphibious light tank Taiwan and probably its allies, and The Type 63 has obvious similarities with the
offers many advantages beyond the armoured support would be essential in Russian PT-76, but mounts a more powerful gun
capability to support a beach landing. getting troops ashore. on a larger hull.
The ability to quickly cross water The problems inherent in creating
obstacles or move through wetlands a suitable vehicle are not minor. Type 63-II (WZ211-2)
enables such vehicles to maintain an Buoyancy can only be achieved Date 1963
advance where a heavier force would by means of enclosed volume, but Number Produced 1550
need to stop and prepare a crossing. increasing size drives up weight Weight 19.83 tonnes (19.5 tons)
Amphibious vehicles can also be and reduces the maximum possible Length (with gun) 8.44m (27ft 8in)

pushed forward across the obstacle to armour thickness that can be applied. Width 3.2m (10ft 6in)
Height 2.52m (8ft 3in)
protect such an endeavour. A tank light Weaponry is also a consideration; to
Engine 12150L-2 diesel 300kW (402hp)
enough to be made amphibious is also be effective as a tank, or at least a
Maximum Road Speed 64km/h (40mph)
able to operate in rugged terrain or direct-fire support platform, a vehicle
Crew 4
where a low ground pressure is useful, needs not only a reasonably sized Armour (min–max) 10–14mm (0.39–0.55in)
such as snow or marshy conditions. gun but also a turret to traverse Main Armament 85mm (3.34in) Type 62-85TC rifled
Both the People’s Republic of and protect it, along with sufficient gun
China and Taiwan – last refuge of the ammunition for an engagement. Even Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 47 rounds
Nationalist faction defeated in the a modest increase in gun calibre drives
Chinese Civil War and officially known up the weight of all these items, in turn
as the Republic of China – claim to be requiring an increase in hull size and
the legitimate government of all China. more overall weight.
The level of tension varies over time, The Chinese solution to these
but the possibility of war will always problems was visually very similar
exist. If that happened, an invasion to the Soviet PT-76 amphibious light

23
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 63-II Amphibious Tank

The Type 63 and vehicles like it are highly
useful to the Chinese marine forces as
mobile fire support platforms.

Type 63-II Amphibious Tank

The Chinese armed forces have a long tradition
of experimenting with camouflage systems to
suit the many different conditions they must
operate in.

Type 63-II Amphibious Tank

Like the two Type 63-IIs above, this example
belongs to the marines. It is wearing a three-tone
camouflage pattern from the 1990s.

24
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

tank. It had the same large, angular of power from the 179kW (240hp) Similarities to the Russian PT-76 are obvious, but
hull and rounded turret. This was engine. This was comparable with the the Type 63 is very much a Chinese design. Its
not coincidental; the Soviets had powerplant of the lighter Soviet PT-76, turret was originally developed for the Type 62
already fielded a vehicle that fulfilled which was also upgraded later in the light tank.
the amphibious tank role, so starting vehicle’s career. A 299kW (400hp)
completely from scratch would be a engine provided much better land
waste of effort. A number of PT-76s mobility and swimming performance.
were available for study during the After more work, the design was
design process. However, the Type adopted in 1963 and thus became
60, as the original design was called, generally known as Type 63. It used the
was not a direct copy. It was a little lightweight turret from the Type 62 light
larger than the Soviet version with tank, complete with 85mm (3.34in) gun
better buoyancy, and mounted a gun of and coaxial 7.62mm (0.3in) machine
greater calibre. gun. The small size of this turret limited
gun depression to four degrees, but this
Prototype was less of a problem in a vehicle that
The prototype, delivered in 1959, was would, by virtue of its role, spend much
rejected. Among its faults was a lack of its time lower than its targets.

25
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Preparation for swimming involved the original Type 63 was designed options available. Overseas users
starting internal pumps and raising with river crossings and short-range included Vietnam, Pakistan, Cambodia
the trim vane at the front of the hull, amphibious operations in mind. The and Venezuela, though not in any great
which prevented the front deck and the new version was intended to make numbers. Albania took delivery of 200,
driver’s periscopes from being flooded. landings from several kilometres out but these are no longer in service.
Propulsion in water used twin waterjets to sea. An improved hull form and a Despite its vulnerability to anything
– the same method as the Soviet PT-76 new 432kW (580hp) engine, along with heavier than small arms, the Type 63
– but the Type 63 was a little faster on additional flotation tanks to improve has served in a number of conflicts
water and significantly more so on land. stability, created a version that was little including the Vietnam War, the Sino–
Mounting an 85mm (3.34in) gun, the short of an entirely new vehicle. Vietnamese conflict, and the civil
Type 63 proved to be an adequate fire In addition to enhanced swimming war in Sri Lanka. Its replacement,
support platform, but the compromises performance and mine protection, the designated ZBD-2000, has a generally
necessary in its design meant it was Type 63A gained a new turret mounting similar appearance and is little better
protected only against small-arms fire. a 105mm (4.1in) rifled gun. This weapon protected, suggesting that the Type
There are many situations in which this was similar to that used on other 63’s designers did all they could to
is enough, but the combination of light Chinese armoured vehicles, but with create an effective and survivable
protection, large size and its position at reduced recoil to avoid destabilizing amphibious tank.
the head of an amphibious operation the tank in water. The new gun also
have ensured that the Type 63 has had the capability to launch guided
always suffered heavy casualties in missiles. Gun-launched missiles have
Type 63A
action. a chequered history, but in theory offer
Date 1997
accurate firepower even when the tank
Number Produced Not Known
Type 63A is afloat and can engage helicopters as
Weight 22 tonnes (21.5 tons)
The original version had minimal well as ground targets. Length (with gun) 9.6m (31ft 6in)
electronics, making the gun inaccurate There are few amphibious armoured Width 3.2m (10ft 6in)
even if it had been stabilized. There vehicles on the international market, Height 2.52m (8ft 3in)
was no NBC protection system, either. making the Type 63 one of the only Engine 12150L-2 diesel 432kW (580hp)
Upgraded versions appeared in the Maximum Road Speed 64km/h (40mph)
1970s, gaining infrared sighting and Crew 4
a laser rangefinder. The Type 63A, Type 63A Amphibious Tank Armour (min–max) 10–14mm (0.39–0.55in), plus
side skirts
appearing in the 1990s, was more than In addition to a redesigned hull, the Type 63A
Main Armament 105mm (4.1in) rifled gun; laser-
an upgrade package but incorporated was given a new turret. Like the previous version
guided ATGM
significant redesign work. Although this came from a non-amphibious light tank –
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 47 rounds
more seaworthy than the Soviet PT-76, the Type 62G.

26
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 69
The Type 59 main battle tank was developed and put into production with Soviet
assistance, but this was curtailed after 1960 as relations soured between Beijing
and Moscow.

Development of the tank that would space remained limited, especially

come to be known as the Type 69 went once NBC protection and additional
on in the shadow of a possible conflict electronics were fitted. Overall, it
with the Soviet Union and its Warsaw was very much a member of the first
Pact allies, creating new requirements generation of Chinese main battle
while at the same time permitting a tanks and of the T54 family.
move away from conformity with Soviet At the same time as the Type 69
specifications and components. was in development, the Soviet Union
Despite this, the Type 69 retained a began producing the T-62 in an attempt
distinctly ‘Soviet derived’ appearance, to keep pace with Western tank design.
with five large roadwheels and a low An example was captured during the
Type 69
hull topped by a rounded turret. The Sino–Soviet clash of 1969, permitting
Date 1982
100mm (3.9in) smoothbore gun was some of its advanced features to be
Number Produced Up to 3200
fitted with a basic stabilization system; reverse-engineered and incorporated Weight 35.6–37 tonnes (35–36.4 tons)
along with an infrared searchlight into a Type 69-I prototype. This was Length (with gun) 8.65m (28ft 4in)
and laser rangefinder, this improved developed to create the production Width 3.29m (10ft 8in)
targeting capabilities although gun model, which gained a stabilized Height 2.8m (9ft 2in)
depression was limited to five degrees. 100mm (3.9in) rifled gun supported by Engine 12150L-7BW diesel 432kW (580hp)
The provisional Type 69 was still much improved fire control. Maximum Road Speed 50km/h (28mph)
less sophisticated than many of its Crew 4

contemporaries and could not shoot Type 69-II Armour Up to 180mm (7in)
Main Armament Type 58 100mm (4.1in) rifled gun
on the move with any real degree of The Type 69-II entered service in 1982
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed Not Known
accuracy. and, like its predecessors, found favour
The Type 69 had much the same on the international market. Although
dimensions and retained the same Chinese design philosophy had Type 69
crew layout as its predecessor, with the begun to diverge from its Soviet roots, The prototype Type 69 clearly showed its Soviet
driver in the hull and the commander, Chinese tanks remained generally influences. These were only increased when a
loader and gunner in the turret. Interior compatible with the T-54 family used captured T-62 yielded ideas for improvements.

27
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 69-I
The Type 69-I was produced in limited numbers
to evaluate its new features. It was followed into
service by the further upgraded Type 69-II.

by many nations. Similar component none of its Type 69s are still in service. origin or a 125mm (4.9in) smoothbore
specifications simplified maintenance Likewise, the Type 69 is no longer in weapon of Soviet design.
and reduced logistics overhead, while Chinese service as a combat vehicle, Armour protection was also
tanks of Chinese and Soviet origins though modified examples may still enhanced in developed and modified
were compatible in terms of training, be encountered in specialist roles. versions. Notably, explosive reactive
doctrine and performance. Some non-Chinese users made local
Both Iran and Iraq, opponents in the modifications to suit their own needs, Type 69 tanks take part in a military parade in
early 1980s, fielded Type 69 tanks, as though the extent of any alterations Beijing. Cold War era Chinese tanks retained the
did Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, was limited by the available hull and features of their Soviet ancestors, including a low
Sudan and Zimbabwe. Iraq was the turret space. Iraqi Type 69s gained a silhouette and rounded turret optimised for fast-
largest user outside China, though rifled 105mm (4.1in) gun of Western moving massed tank assaults.

28
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 69-II Prototype

The Type 69-II featured a new, more accurate rifled
gun assisted by a dual-axis stabilisation system
and improved fire control.

armour (ERA) designed to disrupt a when Soviet tanks were the most Type 69-IIIA
shaped-charge weapon was added to likely opponent for Western forces; The Type 69-III or Type 79 marked a move away
many Type 69s as part of both official its adoption suggests that Chinese from Russian design features and increased use of
and unofficial upgrade programmes. military planners considered another Western technologies, such as its 105mm (4.1in)
ERA could be applied in blocks over clash with the Soviet Union likely. Even rifled gun.
the top of existing armour, increasing if that did not occur, Soviet armoured
weight but not requiring internal fighting vehicles were arming many rounds from Western tanks, which
modifications. nations around the world, so a gun were also far more likely to achieve a
developed to counter them might be a first-shot hit. This situation was even
Type 69-III wise investment. worse if the Type 69 was on the move.
Now that China was no longer reliant The Type 69 met frontline Western However, its design reflected a different
on the Soviet Union for assistance, the tanks during the 1991 Gulf War, and philosophy. The Type 69 was designed
option was available to use Western was greatly overmatched. It was not to be cheap and to be fielded in large
technology and equipment. The obsolete as such, having entered numbers. It was no great surprise that
Type 69-III, also known as the Type service around the same time as its it was outmatched by vastly more
79, incorporated a 105mm (4.1in) opponents, but it was not in the same expensive and sophisticated tanks
gun derived from the British L7. This class. Defensively, the Type 69 was designed for the primary purpose of
weapon was developed at a time inadequate to cope with 120mm (4.7in) killing cheaper ones.

29
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 79
The Type 79 represented the final development of the Type 69, and thus the culmination
of the first generation of Chinese MBTs.

It is sometimes designated Type 69-III, fitted. Night-vision equipment for Type 79

and may or may not be considered a the commander, driver and gunner This late-production Type 79 with a three-tone
separate model. It was, essentially, a enabled the Type 79 to move and fight camouflage dates from the 1990s. Although
design specification laying down the effectively at night. sometimes considered a separate model, the Type
modifications and improvements made Defensively, the Type 79 retained the 79 might better be thought of as the final result
to previous models. capability of creating a smokescreen of all the Type 69 upgrade programmes that had
Physically, the Type 79 was very by injecting fuel into the exhausts, and gone before.
similar to its predecessors, and can mounted smoke grenade dischargers
be difficult to distinguish. While still that had first appeared on earlier tanks Type 79
a first-generation MBT, it was a huge in its family. Removable side skirts Date 1984
improvement on earlier Chinese tanks, offered some protection from shaped- Number Produced Not Known
with stabilization, optics and improved charge weapons, as did the equipment Weight 37.2 tonnes (36.7 tons)
fire control allowing the crew to take racks along the sides of the turret. Length (with gun) 8.58m (28ft 2in)

advantage of the 105mm (4.1in) rifled Width 3.31 (10ft 10in)

Height 2.8m (9ft 2in)
gun’s capabilities. Missile tank
Engine Type 79 diesel 544kW (730hp)
The Type 79 benefited from a The Type 79 was introduced at a time
Maximum Road Speed 50km/h (28mph)
more powerful engine, delivering when guided missiles were emerging
Crew 4
544kW (730hp) rather than the 432kW as an extremely serious threat to Armour Up to 180mm (7in)
(580hp) of the Type 69-II model. armoured vehicles. The first tanks in its Main Armament Type 83 105mm (4.1in) rifled gun
According to Chinese sources, road family were developed at a time when Main Gun Ammunition Stowed Not Known
performance was much the same, but high-velocity projectiles from tanks or
additional power presumably improved anti-tank guns were the main hazard,
cross-country performance. Other with the relatively small warheads of
developments included the provision infantry weapons often defeated by
to fit ERA and slight modifications to thick armour. The Arab–Israeli war of
the turret, which may have allowed 1973 demonstrated how devastating
additional electronic systems to be even the crude guided missiles of

30
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

the time could be, with increased design features reflect the changes
chances of being hit even on the move in the combat environment that had
compounded by larger warheads than a occurred since its ancestor, the T-54,
shoulder-launched weapon could carry. was developed towards the end of
Sophisticated reactive armour could World War II.
disrupt the plasma jet generated by the Most sources state that all Type 79
missile’s warhead, while one that struck MBTs were retained by Chinese forces.
a skirt or the crew’s belongings would Type 79s are also listed as serving with
focus on a point short of the main Pakistan, but these were improved
armour protection. Type 69s with more or less the same
This was a world where infantry specification and not ‘officially’ Type
posed an increasing threat to armoured 79s. Although an improvement on
vehicles, and in which some Soviet previous designs, the Type 79 was
experts described anti-tank equipment something of a transition model and
as ‘the most important weapon’. The was quickly supplanted in Chinese
Type 79 had to be able to survive in service by more advanced second-
this environment; in many ways, its generation tanks.

Type 80
The Type 80 was developed in response to a need for a new generation of main battle
tanks that would incorporate lessons learned with previous designs and that could cope
with the changing battlefield environment of the 1980s.

Although the Type 59/69/79 family was speed was also improved to around
Type 80
used as a starting point for the design, 55km/h (35mph).
Date 1981
the Type 80 was a new tank intended
Number Produced 1800
from the outset to incorporate features Prototype Weight 38.6 tonnes (38 tons)
that had been added to earlier designs The Type 80 reached the prototype Length (with gun) 9.32m (30ft 7in)
wherever they could be made to fit. stage in 1985 and was finalized three Width 3.37m (11ft 1in)
Hull form resembled the Type years later, making it a slightly newer Height 2.29m (7ft 6in)
69, retaining the low silhouette and contemporary of the US M1 Abrams Engine 12150L-7BV diesel, 544kW (730hp)
rounded turret of its predecessors, but MBT. The Type 80 was less technically Maximum Road Speed 55km/h (35mph)
had an all-new hull design using welded ambitious, retaining a diesel powerplant Crew 4
Armour RHA + side skirts
construction. A larger powerpack, rather than the gas turbine of the
Main Armament 105mm (4.1in) Type 83 rifled cannon
derived from a German diesel engine, Abrams, and overall representing a
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 44
necessitated a slight lengthening of the more gradual approach to improvement
hull. The use of six smaller roadwheels than the risky and expensive leaps
compared to the five larger ones of taken by some other nations.
the previous classes altered the tank’s Whereas the Abrams and other
appearance to some degree. A new Western tanks of the era were built with
torsion bar suspension system was composite armour as standard, the
developed, improving cross-country Type 80 had the capability to fit it but
performance, and with a more powerful used more conventional protection as
engine than the Type 79 and only standard. Composite armour is difficult
slightly increased overall weight, top to produce, and can be best cast in

31
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 80
An early Type 80 MBT, without
side skirts to show the drive-train.
There is a gap between the second
roadwheels and the four rear ones.

Type 80
A Type 80 kitted out for a parade
in the early 1980s.

Type 80
A Type 80 with the standard three-
tone camouflage (dark sand, olive
green, dark grey). The new generation
of Chinese tanks were readily
identifiable from their predecessors
by the use of six smaller road wheels
instead of five large ones.

32
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

large, flat slabs that are not compatible using satchel charges. This danger possessions of the crew. Meanwhile,
with the idea of a rounded turret to has never passed, and in today’s protection against shaped-charge
deflect incoming projectiles. Its near- environment infantry have many weapons and explosives that might be
universal adoption gives many modern weapons capable of damaging tracks thrown onto the tracks by enterprising
main battle tanks a generally similar or even penetrating the sides of the infantrymen was provided by skirts,
appearance, making the Type 80 readily hull. The danger of close-range infantry which were hinged to allow access for
identifiable as a product of an earlier attack grows ever greater as tanks are maintenance.
generation. increasingly forced to operate in an For its main armament, the Type
The tracks of any tank are a urban environment. 80 used the same 105mm (4.1in) rifled
potential weak point. During World gun as its predecessor. Derived from
War II, seemingly invincible Soviet and Armour the Austrian version of a proven NATO
German heavy tanks were disabled Many armoured vehicles today use weapon, this gun was capable of
by shooting at the tracks and then ‘bar’ or ‘slat’ armour to defeat rocket- successfully engaging any armoured
bypassed or eliminated by infantry propelled grenades; racks around the vehicle of the time with kinetic energy
sides of the turret provided similar penetrator ammunition or shaped-
Type 80-II Prototype protection as well as stowage for charge HEAT rounds. Explosive and
The new roadwheel arrangement was more large pieces of equipment and the fragmentation rounds were available for
difficult to produce but resulted in a smoother ride softer targets, but in general most of
and therefore better accuracy when firing on the the tank’s 44 carried rounds would be
move as well as less crew fatigue. for anti-tank combat.

Type 80-II
The Type 80-II was an experimental model
incorporating a variety of upgrades. It was not
adopted for service but provided a testbed for
equipment used elsewhere.

33
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

A gun is only as good as its fire laser rangefinder licensed from the A Type 80 MBT undergoes testing. The Type 80
control system allows, and that of the UK. Like many modifications, this was was a capable design offering many advantages
Type 80 was a step forward from its something of a compromise. Although over earlier Chinese MBTs. However, it was still
predecessors. Both the weapon and it improved combat effectiveness it had less sophisticated than Russian and Western
the gunner’s sight were stabilized, to be externally mounted, which left it tanks of the same era.
improving the chances of a first-shot vulnerable not only to combat damage
hit even on the move. On the Type but also to environmental hazards. a very significant improvement over the
80, like its predecessors, the gun was Development of the Type 80- preceding classes, but still belonged to
manually loaded, requiring a crew II model was an opportunity to an earlier generation than, say, the M1
of three – commander, gunner and experiment with modifications that Abrams. It is notable that although the
loader – in the turret. As a secondary would become standard on following Abrams was repeatedly updated and
responsibility, the loader also manned designs. Sources vary, but it seems that remains a first-class fighting platform to
the 12.7mm (0.5in) heavy machine the Type 80-II saw some rearrangement this day, the newer Type 80 was quickly
gun when short-range air defence of armour and alterations to the overtaken by advancing technology
proved necessary. transmission and suspension along and sidelined. However, the Type 80 did
with minor improvements in protection serve as a development platform for
Service history for critical but vulnerable components the following Type 88 and Type 85 main
Few Type 80s were exported, but such as optics. battle tanks, and was a testbed for
around 3000 were constructed before At the time the Type 80 entered features that would become standard
production moved on to other designs. service, China was still lagging on third-generation Chinese tanks. As
The development of the tank reflected behind the West in terms of technical such, it was an important transition
changes in the world political climate; sophistication and experience of model even though it never saw action
the Type 80-II model incorporated a integrating new systems. It represented in Chinese hands.

34
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 80B
China has a long tradition of showing off its best military
hardware at its National Day parade, not coincidentally
allowing foreign observers to be impressed with
advanced vehicles like this Type 80B.

Type 88
Entering service in 1988, the Type 88 MBT was an improved version of the Type 80.
The two are often considered to be versions of the same vehicle, and usually referred
to as Type 80/88.

Visually, the Type 88 was almost Comparison with the contemporary suspension and power-to-weight
identical to the Type 80, with the same Challenger I, which entered British ratio, may have also been a factor,
general lines and six large roadwheels. service in 1982, is inevitable. The but even once very powerful engines
The latter made it relatively easy to Challenger featured all-round were available Chinese tanks remained
distinguish from members of the composite armour, a 120mm (4.7in) relatively light compared to Western
Type 59 family. Where the Type 80 main gun and hydropneumatic designs. The Soviet T-80, dating from
was obviously of Soviet descent, suspension, whereas the Type 88 around the same period, weighed in at
the new Chinese tanks had many used torsion bars. 42.6–46.7 tonnes (42–46 tons). In this
Western features. Both were the most advanced regard, the Type 88 remained closer to
tanks fielded by their parent nations, the Soviet design philosophy than
Laser rangefinder but whereas the Type 88 did not a Western one.
Development from the Type 80 exceed 40.6 tonnes (40 tons) in any
allowed the laser rangefinder to of its variants – only a little more Type similarities
be incorporated into the turret and than preceding Chinese MBTs – the Some sources state that the Type
thus much better protected, while Challenger I had grown to 63 tonnes 88 was the version adopted by
the turret itself gained ERA at the (62 tons) by way of its 56-tonne (55- the Chinese military, and the Type
expense of some of the stowage ton) predecessor the Chieftain. 80 was an export version, while
racks. The biggest change was others place both in Chinese service
inside the turret, where an autoloader Light tank with few exported of either model.
allowed the loader’s position to How much a part the Chinese terrain The line between the Type 80 and
be deleted. The turret-roof heavy played in the decision to keep weight Type 88 may have been blurred by
machine gun, previously operated by down to this modest level is open upgrade programmes or the difficulty
the loader, became the commander’s to speculation. Technical limitations, of distinguishing between similar
responsibility. notably in terms of engine power, vehicles operated by a military

35
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

that is unforthcoming with detailed determine which are in service in any

information. given area, although it is known that
In any case, development did Myanmar took more than 200 Type
not stop with the Type 88. Further 88B tanks. These may have seen
enhancements included a longer active service during their career.
gun with a higher muzzle velocity, Confusingly, perhaps, the Type
Type 88
and a redesigned breech system 88C model was derived from the Type
Date 1988
that improved the autoloader’s 85 MBT. It was generally similar to Number Produced 1860
performance. This increased effective the Type 88 but armed with a 125mm Weight 39.6 tonnes (39 tons)
rate of fire from eight to 13 rounds per (4.9in) smoothbore gun, and later Length (with gun) 9.32m (30ft 7in)
minute. These upgrades produced gained a more powerful engine that Width 3.37m (11ft 1in)
the Type 88A and B models; their was retrofitted to existing tanks of Height 2.29m (7ft 6in)
similarities make it difficult to this model. Engine VR36 V-12-cylinder diesel, 544kW (730hp)
Maximum Road Speed 55km/h (35mph)
Crew 4
Armour Min–max RHA 20–203mm (0.8–8in) +
composite + ERA
Type 88
Main Armament 105mm (4.1in) Type 83 rifled cannon
The Type 88 was a development of the Type 80, representing the typical Chinese approach of steady
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 48
and reliable improvement rather than revolutionary leaps forward.

Type 88A
The Type 88A gained a new, longer 105mm (4.1in)
gun with an improved thermal sleeve. Both factors
improved accuracy when firing at long ranges.

36
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 85
The Type 85 main battle tank might be thought of as a distant cousin of the Type 80
and its derivatives.

A first prototype, designated Type 85-I, mostly Soviet and Chinese in origin. The cast, rounded turret was finally
was tested and found wanting, but The ability of modern tanks to engage replaced with a welded version, with
the Type 85-II was deemed successful and destroy superior numbers of older particularly thick armour on the front
and entered service in 1991. The designs was graphically demonstrated; faces. Some sources suggest that the
requirements placed upon this new in particular, the traditional Soviet-style armour specification included the ability
tank design resulted from concerns cast rounded turret was found to offer to defeat a 125mm (4.9in) discarding
about the ability of Type 80/88 MBTs little protection. sabot round striking the turret face.
to survive against and successfully The vehicle that entered production Initially, the turret held the same
engage the latest generation of tanks integrated proven systems into a 105mm (4.1in) gun that had armed
emerging worldwide. Although certainly new package. Its hull, redesigned preceding designs, but tests and
an improvement on earlier vehicles, but retaining the general lines and experience gained elsewhere in the
the Type 80/88 still lagged behind its dimensions of the preceding classes, world indicated that this weapon was
contemporaries. It appears that the was built around the engine and not adequate to penetrate the best-
Type 85 was an interim model intended drive train of the Type 80/88. Overall protected modern tanks. A 125mm
to pave the way for an entire new weight also remained about the same,
generation of Chinese tanks, integrating increasing only slightly to 39.6 to 40.6
Type 85
systems trialled in the Type 80/88 into a tonnes (39–40 tons). The main and
Date 1989
new and far more effective package. obvious difference between the Type 85 Number Produced 600
The 1991 Gulf War permitted and preceding designs was an entirely Weight 39.6 tonnes (39 tons)
Chinese designers to make the most new turret of angular appearance rather Length (with gun) 9.33m (30ft 7in)
direct comparisons possible between than the previous rounded design. Width 3.37m (11ft)
MBTs operated by the Coalition Height 2.29m (7ft 6in)
powers and Iraqi vehicles that were Composite armour Engine 12150L-7BV diesel 544kW (730hp)
Whereas preceding tanks had made Maximum Road Speed 55km/h (35mph)
Crew 4
Type 85 Prototype some use of composite armour, the
Armour Not Known
Concerns about the vulnerability of the Type Type 85 was designed from the outset
Main Armament 105mm (4.1in) Type 83 rifled
80/88 led to the more survivable Type 85 to use it. Hull protection was improved
cannon
starting development before its predecessor by the use of composite armour, usually
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 46 rounds
had entered service. with a layer of reactive armour on top.

37
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 85-I were well proven, but were integrated would have to operate in a heavily
The Type 85-I gained a thermal sleeve for to create a more effective and better- contaminated environment. Indeed,
the gun and a modified turret incorporating protected package. Fire control was an many observers grimly stated that
composite armour. improvement over preceding designs, all major future conflicts would
using electronic systems of Western be nuclear. This, thankfully, has
(4.9in) main weapon was substituted, origin. The end result was a tank of not happened, although chemical
and was given an autoloader, which characteristically Chinese design, weapons have been used in various
allowed the loader’s position to be combining a Soviet-style gun directed conflicts and undoubtedly will continue
deleted. It is probable that this gun and by Western electronics and a European to do so despite being banned by
loading mechanism were derived from powerplant working through a drive international treaties.
those used on the Soviet T-72. train that could trace its pedigree Early NBC protection for tank
The 544kW (730hp) diesel engine of back to Soviet origins. All this was put crews was individual, requiring
the Type 80/88 was retained, along with together to create a vehicle that was crewmembers to wear bulky
a similar arrangement of roadwheels. tailored to Chinese needs, and that equipment while operating in a very
The slightly lengthened hull required would serve as a stepping stone to the tight space. Collective protection,
some minor adjustments in suspension, next generation of main battle tanks.
but overall the proven system of Type 85-II
the preceding classes was retained. NBC protection Upgrades to the Type 85-II were mainly electronic.
Similarly, most of the tank’s systems During the Cold War, it seemed It gained improved fire control by way of a ballistic
had been trialled in the Type 80/88 and likely that armoured fighting vehicles computer and supporting sensors.

38
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

created by sealing the tank and firing from a hull-down position behind The Type 85-IIAP is a license-built version
creating overpressure inside to prevent a ridge or slope, and if the Type 85 produced in Pakistan. Like the Chinese Type
agents entering, allows a much more did have to shoot on the move, its 85-IIM, it is armed with a 125mm (4.9in)
comfortable and therefore efficient chances of a hit were greatly improved. smoothbore gun.
operating environment, although Combined with a hard-hitting main
decontamination is required after gun, this meant that Chinese tanks
passing through an affected area. An were individually far more capable than
effective, integrated NBC protection they had been in the past. Fielding
system is necessary to any modern large numbers remained an option,
tank design, and that of the Type of course, but even if logistics or
85 reflected years of experience availability limited the size of the force
at integrating such peripheral but that could be deployed it would remain
vital systems into a vehicle without highly effective.
interfering with its main function. Some Type 80/88 tanks were
upgraded to Type 85 standards, and
New capability overall the design proved sufficiently
The Type 85 created an effective satisfactory to achieve some export
modern battle tank that was no longer success. Pakistan was the main client,
tied to a Soviet ‘tank swarm’ style of manufacturing a licence-built version
combat. Increased depression enabled designated Type 85-IIAP, while Sudan

39
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

took delivery of a quantity of Type 85s standard to which many Type 85s a few hundred to more than 2000,
direct from China. These saw action in were upgraded. and in-service numbers may include
the Sudanese Civil War. The close family relationship upgraded examples from the Type 80
between many Chinese tanks, and or Type 88 family.
Type 85-III the tendency of older examples to
Development of the Type 85 did not be upgraded to newer specifications,
stop, with a Type 85-III appearing in creates confusion about production
Type 85-III
1995. It featured a 746kW (1000hp) numbers or the exact models in Date 1989
engine, which initially caused some service at any given time and place. Number Produced 600 (all types)
troubles, and may have been aimed at Chinese sources are not forthcoming Weight 39.6 tonnes (39 tons)
the export market. This specification about specifications or numbers, so Length (with gun) 9.33m (30ft 7in)
was part of the development process published figures on numbers or even Width 3.37m (11ft)
that led to the Type 90 and Type 96 models tend to vary considerably. Height 2.29m (7ft 6in)
main battle tanks, and became the Often, sources cannot agree on Engine 744kW (1000hp) diesel
Maximum Road Speed 55km/h 35mph
which model of a given tank design
Crew 4
Type 85-III Prototype was exported to a particular client, and
Armour RHA classified, BAR, ERA, rubber side skirts
The Type 85-III had a difficult development process production numbers remain equally
Main Armament Type 83 105mm (4.1in) rifled gun
which eventually established it as an upgrade vague. For example, estimates of the
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 46 rounds
specification for the Type 85 family. total production of Type 85s vary from

Type 85-IIM ERA

The Type 85-IIM carries a 125mm (4.9in) gun
and has the capability to mount additional
explosive reactive armour (ERA) in easily
replaceable blocks.

40
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 90
The Type 90 is the first of the current generation of Chinese main battle tanks. It
represents the coming of age of Chinese tank design, leaving behind holdovers from
the original Soviet-derived designs.

This process was not abrupt. The Type (HE-frag) round available for other Type 90-I Prototype
90 was developed from a version of the purposes. In addition to challenging The Type 90 was developed from the Type 85,
Type 85 designated Type 85-IIM and other tanks for dominance of the gaining modular composite armour for the turret
incorporates several systems used in battlefield, the Type 90 is intended to front and additional reactive armour on the hull.
earlier models. be able to support infantry by tackling This prototype was solely intended for export to
Extensive use is made of composite bunkers and strongpoints. Pakistan in 1997.
armour. This is applied over the top of The 125mm (4.9in) gun can also
standard steel armour in modules that launch guided missiles. Opinions
can be removed for maintenance or are divided about such weapons,
to lighten the tank for transportation. and they have not had a trouble-free
Damaged modules can also be development. However, in theory at
swapped out or replaced with armour least, a gun-launched missile provides
more suited to the tank’s current role. additional capabilities not available
With a full set of composite armour with conventional projectiles. A tank
modules in place, the Type 90 weighs equipped with such weapons may be
48.7 tonnes (48 tons), significantly more able to shoot down attack helicopters
than previous Chinese designs but still – a highly desirable capability in an
much less than most Western tanks. environment where tank-hunting
The Type 90 mounts the same gunships are an ever-present threat.
125mm (4.9in) smoothbore gun used The Type 90 uses a locally produced
on the Type 85, and can deliver a range version of the Russian 9M119 Svir (or
of munitions. Any main battle tank Refleks ) missile, a laser-guided weapon
must be able to fight other tanks, but with a range of 4–5km (2.5–3 miles).
it requires additional capabilities to
justify its huge cost. Thus the Type 90 Export model
can fire armour-piercing fin-stabilized The original Type 90 was not adopted
discarding sabot (APFSDS) and HEAT for service with the Chinese armed
ammunition against armoured targets, forces, probably due to issues with
and has a high explosive fragmentation the powerplant that may have affected

41
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

mobility. Several different engines miles) is equivalent to most other Finally, a new model was adopted
and associated equipment were modern armoured fighting vehicles for service with Pakistan’s military
tried, including powerplants used on and compares favourably to previous under the designation Al-Khalid. The
the Challenger and Leclerc MBTs. generations of Chinese MBTs. MBT-2000 also found favour with
Eventually an 895kW (1200hp) Morocco and Bangladesh.
diesel plant was installed, giving a MBT-2000 As the Al-Khalid, the MBT-2000’s
65km/h (40mph) top speed and Although the Type 90 was not taken most likely opponents are Indian T-72s
rough-terrain performance equivalent into Chinese service, the design was and T-90s, or the Arjun, which may be
to earlier designs. further developed with a view to the world’s heaviest tank. This situation
Beyond a certain point, a tank’s export sales. This programme was a reflects the greatly changed world in
ability to deal with obstacles is success, although at times it fell foul of which modern tanks must operate. In
limited by its suspension, ground international politics. The Type 90-IIA the heavily polarized environment of
clearance and hull size rather than model, developed to suit Pakistani the Cold War, it was possible to predict
power-to-weight ratio, and the requirements, featured a 1119kW what sort of equipment a potential
powerplant’s other characteristics (1500hp) diesel plant of French origin. enemy would be using based on its
become increasingly important. The However, it could not be delivered alignment with the Communist or
Type 90 was designed with ease due to French sanctions resulting from Western powers. This in turn allowed
of maintenance in mind, increasing Pakistan’s nuclear programme. The a design to be tailored to a particular
serviceability rates. Fuel economy Type 90-IIM was then developed using doctrine and to counter specific
represents half of the operating radius a Chinese-built engine. It was offered threats. That likelihood no longer
equation, along with the amount of to Pakistan under the project title MBT-
fuel the tank can carry. The Type 90’s 2000, but reliability issues delayed the Al-Khalid tanks participate in a Pakistani national
radius of approximately 500km (311 project still further. day parade, 2017.

42
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 90-II exists, so the modern MBT must

Type 90
The Type 90-II suffered from technical problems be able to deal with a wide range of Number Produced Not Known
arising from the difficulty of developing a potential opponents – especially if it is Weight 48.7 tonnes (48 tons)
sufficiently powerful engine that could function in intended for the export market. Length (with gun) 10.28m (33ft 8.5in)
all the conditions the tank was likely to encounter. Width 3.45m (11ft 4in)
Export success Height 2.3m (7.5ft)
The Al-Khalid/MBT-2000 has achieved Engine 6TD diesel 900kW (1200hp)
some additional export success, Maximum Road Speed 65km/h (40mph)

having been adopted by Bangladesh, Crew 3

Armour Not Known
Morocco and Myanmar. The basic
Main Armament 120mm (4.7in) smoothbore cannon
design continues to be developed, by
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 39 rounds
way of the Al-Khalid I, which features
an advanced autoloader and improved
fire control. The Al-Khalid II benefits
from work done on the Type 99 MBT
and uses some components developed
Type 90-IIM for it. Earlier MBT-2000s will likely be
Engine problems were tackled for the Type 90-IIM upgraded to this standard, although
model by using a powerplant of Ukrainian design. they may or may not receive the new
It was adopted by Pakistan as the Al-Khalid. 1119kW (1500hp) engine.

43
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 96
The Type 96 MBT was developed from the Type 85, though with influences from
other projects.

It has become the mainstay of Chinese The 125mm (4.9in) smoothbore gun is
Type 96
armoured forces, with estimates fed by an autoloader and can probably
Date 1997
ranging from 1500 to more than 3000 launch missiles in addition to firing a
Number Produced 1200
vehicles produced. This makes the range of ammunition types. The gun Weight 43 tonnes (42.2 tons)
Type 96 the most important Asian tank and autoloader are based on systems Length (with gun) 10.28m (33ft 9in)
currently in large-scale service. derived from the Soviet T-72, though Width 3.45m (11ft 4in)
In terms of layout and design, the local development continues and Height 2.3m (7ft 6in)
Type 96 is not innovative. It uses a systems tend to diverge from their Engine Norinco 12150ZL V12-cylinder turbo-charged
standard MBT layout with the driver origins over time. diesel, 582kW (780hp)
seated at front left in the hull and the The nature of tank evolution has Maximum Road Speed 65km/h (40mph)
Crew 3
commander and gunner in the turret. changed since World War II. In the early
Armour Modular RHA + ERA + side skirts
to mid-twentieth century, development
Main Armament 125mm (4.9in) Type 90 L/48
Type 96 was typically characterized by the
smoothbore cannon
The Type 96 is armed with a 125mm (4.9in) addition or alteration of heavy or
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 45
smoothbore cannon supported by an autoloader bulky systems. In many cases, the
derived from that of the Russian T-72. upgradability of a tank design was

Type 96 (ZTZ-96)
The Type 96 came to occupy a niche below that of
the elite armoured forces, equipping some units
while others made do with older designs, including
the venerable Type 59 family.

44
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

limited by its ability to receive a larger size of turret for an MBT, but despite A Type 96 competing in the Tank Biathlon at the
gun. A small turret ring limited the size the occasional experiment this has International Army Games in 2016. The Chinese
of the turret, which in turn made it remained stable ever since. team took second place.
impossible to fit a gun needing more The size of turret ring required
than a short recoil space. Advances to accommodate these weapons to Technical improvements
in armour protection on enemy tanks a great extent dictates the overall Most improvements in modern tanks
quickly made such vehicles obsolete, at dimensions of the tank, which in turn tend to be electronic or technical
least in their intended role. has implications for its final weight. rather than physical. Improved fire
Gun sizes in particular increased Although some compromises can control, battle management or vision
enormously during this period. A be made regarding armouring, to be systems can make a vehicle far more
37mm (1.6in) main gun was considered survivable on the modern battlefield effective without significantly altering
acceptable in 1940; in 1945, calibres a tank needs a minimum level of its physical characteristics. Similarly,
around 75mm (2.9in) were common, protection, which results in the ease of maintenance may or may not
and the first-generation main battle requirement for a large powerplant make a difference to the effectiveness
tanks appearing in the early Cold and heavy suspension. The firepower/ of a single tank, but the armoured force
War years were carrying guns in the protection/mobility trade-off is nothing as a whole will be greatly enhanced by
90–105mm (3.5–4.1in) class. The leap new, but in the modern environment the improved serviceability rates. It is not
to 120mm or 125mm (4.7in or 4.9in) amount of variation among answers is always obvious to the casual observer
guns established a certain minimum very limited. when one armoured fighting vehicle is

45
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

superior to another in this regard, but and is a mature system, although

Type 96A1
Date 2007 for the operator serviceability rates, Type 96s exported to Sudan appear
Number Produced 326 availability of spares, ease of upgrade to have been given a 544kW (730hp)
Weight 44.5 tonnes (43.8 tons) regarding electronic systems and powerplant instead.
Length (with gun) 10.28m (33ft 9in) overall lifespan expectations can be of Good sensors and fire control,
Width 3.45m (11ft 4in) great importance. backing up a powerful main gun,
Height 2.3m (7ft 6in) The Type 96 was developed with can permit a tank to protect itself by
Engine Norinco 12150ZL V12-cylinder turbo-charged these factors in mind. Its composite breaking the kill chain – spotting the
diesel, 582kW (780hp)
armour can be removed partially or enemy first and disabling their vehicles.
Maximum Road Speed 61km/h (38mph)
wholly, and replaced or upgraded as However, there can be no reasonable
Crew 3
new composites become available. expectation that this will always be
Armour Modular RHA + ERA + ECM + side skirts
Similarly, the powerplant and achieved, and it must be assumed that
Main Armament 125mm (4.9in) Type 90 L/48
smoothbore cannon transmission were designed as a a tank will come under attack at some
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 44 single unit with ease of maintenance point. Defence is thus often a matter
in mind. Chinese sources state that of defeating a warhead or preventing
the entire unit can be swapped out in penetration, but it is vastly preferable
Type 96A around 40 minutes at a field workshop. not to be hit at all.
The Type 96A is a second-batch production model The 746kW (1000hp) diesel engine Avoiding being hit has traditionally
incorporating improved modular armour and a was developed on preceding designs been achieved by concealment or
more powerful engine. It was still considered
underpowered by some observers.

Type 96A1
The Type 96A is a second-batch production model
incorporating improved modular armour and a
more powerful engine. It was still considered
underpowered by some observers.

46
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 96G
Production of the Type 96 ended in the early
2000s, but was recommenced with a new
Type 96G model which was adopted by
many first-echelon armoured units.

speed of movement. Camouflage can difficulties facing enemy gunners.

Type 96G
only do so much, especially in an age Smoke grenade dischargers are Date 2007
of advanced sensors, and even with standard equipment on most tanks, Number Produced 487
the thermal-masking technologies and many designs can create smoke Weight 44.6 tonnes (43.9 tons)
currently making their way onto the using their own hot exhaust system. Length (with gun) 10.28m (33ft 9in)
battlefield a tank can expect to be However, new electronic options are Width 3.45m (11ft 4in)
spotted sooner or later. Movement becoming available. The Type 96 is Height 2.3m (7ft 6in)
might throw off an enemy’s aim, but fitted with devices designed to interfere Engine Norinco 12150ZLD V12-cylinder turbo-charged
diesel, 746kW (1000hp)
modern fire control systems are easily with the guidance systems of missiles
Maximum Road Speed 66km/h (41mph)
able to compensate. In the case of and to disrupt laser designation.
Crew 3
guided weapons, a first-shot hit is very
Armour Modular RHA + ERA + side skirts
likely, and as the world’s electronics Upgrade programme
Main Armament 125mm (4.9in) Type 90 L/48
industries advance, even relatively This enhanced defensive capability was smoothbore cannon
unsophisticated militaries are able to implemented as part of the upgrade Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 44
field at least basic guided weapons. programme that produced the Type
Smoke can defeat laser-guidance 96A and Type 96G models. In addition
systems and will increase the targeting to improved armour protection on

VT-1
Although possibly underpowered, the Type 96 (and
the VT-1A export model pictured here) is overall an
effective AFV and has been adopted by the Royal
Moroccan Army.

47
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

the turret, the latest version of the encountered. This is despite the fact During the 2016 Army Games at the Alabino Firing
Type 96 gained electronic defensive that Type 96s in Sudanese service have Range, Russia, China’s team celebrate their second
systems, a semi-automatic combat much less powerful engines than the place ranking on the turret of a Type 96A MBT.
management system and improved Chinese version and are thus likely to
vision and sighting devices. However, suffer mobility issues.
increased weight led to a reduction in The sale of MBT-2000 variants to
performance that, although not serious, overseas users has created some
has led to the Type 96 being considered confusion about exactly which nations
underpowered by some observers. are using what model. Although the
The Type 96 is primarily used by MBT-2000 is in theory a different
the Chinese armed forces, where tank, upgrade packages bring some
it has replaced older tanks in most variants very close to the Type 96 in
formations. The only export customer terms of equipment and performance.
to date is Sudan, where the tank has If capabilities and characteristics are
been tested in combat. Although a considered rather than the original
small-scale conflict can provide only specification to which a tank was built,
limited data, the Type 96 seems to have the lines between various Chinese MBT
proven greatly superior to the T-72s it designs become very blurry indeed.

48
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 99
Any nation operating tanks would prefer that they were all of the same model, and for
that model to be the most advanced possible. However, the expense of maintaining
and regularly replacing a tank fleet makes this impractical.

Older tanks can be kept in service for its elite formations. Both have the
for many years and, with relatively potential to remain in service for a long
inexpensive upgrades, can remain time until eventually they will need to
quite effective against most be sold off and a new generation of
opponents. Even when overmatched, armoured vehicles will take their place.
older tanks can serve their nation well
by providing at least a modicum of Type 98 prototype
armoured capability and backing up The Type 99 was developed by way
the spearhead units. of an interim design designated Type
Type 98
Thus many nations have moved, 98, which first appeared in public
Date 1999
deliberately or otherwise, to a ‘two- in 1999. Although shown off to the
Number Produced 42
tank’ or high-end/low-end model. world alongside in-service vehicles,
Weight 53.9 tonnes (53 tons)
For a minor nation with a very limited the Type 98 was not adopted by the Length (with gun) 11m (36ft)
budget this can mean a cycle of PLA. Instead, only a small batch – Width 3.5m (11ft 6in)
obtaining a few fairly modern tanks – probably numbering about 18 tanks Height 2.25m (7ft 3in)
often obsolescent and overmatched – was produced for development and Engine Norinco 12150ZL V12-cylinder turbo-charged
in the superpower arena but potent evaluation purposes. diesel, 1119kW (1500hp)
compared to vehicles used by other The Type 99 followed in 2001 Maximum Road Speed 80km/h (50mph)
powers in the area – and patching and remains in service with the most Crew 3
Armour Modular composite + modular spaced + ERA
up older vehicles until they become prestigious of China’s armoured
modules + side skirts
unserviceable. units. Compared to the Type 98, it
Main Armament 125mm (4.9in) Type 99 L/80
There is a point beyond which features a far more powerful engine,
smoothbore cannon
the cost of keeping elderly vehicles delivering 1119kW (1500hp) rather
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 41
in service, let alone effective, is than the previous model’s 895kW
prohibitive. China’s solution to this (1200hp). This increases maximum
problem is to use the Type 96 for speed from around 65 to 80km/h Type 98 Prototype
most of its armoured forces and to (40 to 50mph), and improves cross- In a move typical of Chinese tank design
create a more advanced and capable country performance accordingly. The philosophy, the Type 98 was developed as an
armoured fighting vehicle, the Type 99, new engine is based upon German interim model and used as the basis of the Type 99.

49
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 99 not designed for the purpose, and

Type 99
The Type 99 can be distinguished from its could fall foul of treaties banning Date 2001
predecessor by the turret front, which is shaped the use of lasers capable of causing Number Produced 500
to give a greater chance of deflecting kinetic- permanent blindness as weapons. Weight 54 tonnes (53.1 tons)
energy penetrators. Perhaps more importantly, manually Length (with gun) 11m (36ft)
aimed lasers are not capable of Width 3.5m (11ft 6in)
technology, and the Type 99 overall is reacting quickly and accurately enough Height 2.25m (7ft 3in)
influenced by the latest incarnation of to defeat an electronic sensor and Engine Norinco 12150ZL V12-cylinder turbo-charged

the German Leopard 2A5 MBT. This is associated guidance system. Modern diesel, 1119kW (1500hp)
Maximum Road Speed 80km/h (50mph)
obvious from the arrangement of the laser dazzlers are able to do so, and
Crew 3
ERA blocks on the turret. Protection are becoming increasingly important
Armour Modular composite + modular spaced + ERA
goes beyond solid and reactive defensive systems as the amount of
modules + side skirts
armour, however. laser-guided weaponry available to Main Armament 125mm (4.9in) Type 99 L/48
The Type 99 has laser-warning even minor powers continues to rise. smoothbore cannon
devices fitted, which are becoming Increased integration of the tank’s Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 42
increasingly common on combat sensor systems allows the commander
vehicles. Whether it is a gun’s to use the gunner’s sight and thus see
rangefinder or a designator guiding for himself exactly what the weapon
a missile or bomb, a laser striking a is doing. Fire control uses a target
tank is a clear warning that defensive tracking system that may be capable
measures need to be taken. of engaging in hunter/killer operations.
In addition to the traditional In this mode, the gun can be instructed
methods of dodging behind an to automatically engage targets of a
obstruction or laying smoke to break certain type when they are recognized,
the lock, the Type 99 is equipped with priorities or other considerations
with laser dazzler devices. These programmed by the gunner. This
are intended to ‘blind’ sensors by permits extremely fast responses to
overloading them. The concept is targets of opportunity or a rapidly
not new; British warships attempted changing situation such as an ambush.
to dazzle Argentinian pilots during
the 1982 Falklands War, and various Upgrades
attempts have been made to use Systems integration of this sort greatly
lasers as less-lethal weapons since. In enhances the combat effectiveness
many cases, these efforts were made of armoured fighting vehicles, and
on an ad-hoc basis using equipment while expensive to develop adds little

50
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

weight to the tank. Upgrades may large increases in size and weight, a Type 99KM
take the form of software or very small process that seems now to have run The Type 99 KM features upgraded armour and
electronic systems, and may represent its course. Unless a quantum leap in electronics. It has been the subject of greatly
only a slight increase in capability capability occurs due to some new exaggerated claims about its performance. This
for a very large research investment. weapon or materials technology, example sports a distinctive ‘crude-digital’ four-
However, this is the nature of modern further development is likely to be tone camouflage scheme of three shades of green
tank development. costly in time and money rather combined with sand yellow.
The huge increases in hitting power than weight and bulk, and will be
that went with a doubling of gun incremental rather than representing a
calibre, or the defensive advantages great leap forward in capability. Below: Type 99A main battle tanks took pride of
gained from sloped armour and the However, the combination of small place at parades held in 2015, celebrating the 70th
use of composite materials, required improvements in ammunition, sensors anniversary of the end of World War II.

51
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

and battle management technology allows supporting fire to be called VT-4

can add up to a huge advantage over in on targets far closer than would The VT-4 is an export model derived from the
potential opponents – and vice versa. have previously been possible, which MBT-2000 variant of the Type 90 family. It has only
Thus the process must continue, has defensive advantages as well as recently entered the market and has yet to prove
and huge budgets are eaten up to shortening the time between ‘softening itself a strong contender.
create often intangible results. It is up’ with artillery or air strikes and an
only when a tank design is committed armoured assault. An enemy force
VT-4
to battle that this investment finally still emerging from cover or dazed
Date 2016
shows its worth. by bombardment will not defend as
Number Produced 17
The Type 99 also makes use of effectively as one that has returned to
Weight 52 tonnes (51.2 tons)
lasers for communication. Mounted its damaged positions. Length (with gun) 10.1m (33ft 2in)
on the rear of the turret is a laser Width 3.5m (11ft 6in)
communication system. Although Type 99A and Type 99G Height 2.4m (7ft 9in)
limited to line-of-sight, this system The Type 99 was a highly capable Engine Norinco 12150Z V12-cylinder turbo-charged
is virtually impossible to intercept or armoured fighting vehicle when it diesel, 969kW (1300hp)
even detect. It can be used passively entered service in 2001, but naturally Maximum Road Speed 68km/h (42mph)
for identification purposes, which development did not stop. In 2007–8 a Crew 3

goes beyond the admittedly important new version, variously designated Type Armour Modular composite + modular spaced + ERA
modules + ECM + side skirts
function of preventing friendly fire. The 99A and Type 99G, began to emerge.
Main Armament 125mm (4.9in) Type 99 L/80
battle management system in each It is believed that this version included
smoothbore cannon
tank knows exactly where others in the a separate thermal sensor for the
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 38
same formation are located, enabling commander and electronic upgrades.
the commander to make decisions The Type 99A1 that followed featured
about how to manoeuvre his own tank, an altered turret design and possible
or a senior officer to decide where to electronics upgrades, and in 2010 the
put elements of the force in order to next upgrade version entered trials.
obtain advantages over an opponent. This vehicle is variously designated
Support assets such as airstrikes Type 99A2 or Type 99KM.
and artillery fire can be directed with
great precision using this system; VT-4
the combination of highly accurate The VT-4, originally designated
weaponry and certainty about the MBT-3000, was developed for export
identity and location of friendly forces by way of the VT-1A. These tanks

52
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

follow the general trend of creating a VT-5 (ZTQ-15)

cheaper version of a high-end tank The recently unveiled VT-5 continues the Chinese tradition of developing light tanks. It incorporates many
for export. While still supplying clients systems proven on recent MBT designs, and will probably replace the Type 62 light tank in service.
with a very capable weapon system,
export variants generally do not have Chinese tank designers to evaluate
ZTQ-15
the same capabilities as the parent the performance of their vehicles and
Date 2018
version, which helps keep sensitive plan the next model or even the next
Number Produced Not Known
technologies out of the hands of generation. It is likely – and certainly Weight 36 tonnes (35.43 tons)
potential rivals and enemies. Even if it is to be hoped – that the current Length (with gun) 9.2m (30ft 2in)
another power has its own version generation of MBTs will never see Width 3.3m (10ft 9in)
of the same system, possession action against their equivalents in a Height 2.5m (8ft 2in)
of an example allows its precise major conflict, but without practical Engine 745kW (1000hp) diesel
capabilities to be determined and experience future developments Maximum Road Speed 70km/h (43mph)
countermeasures to be developed. can be based only on supposition Crew 3

A little doubt is a powerful, if subtle, and test data. Armour Modular composite + modular spaced + ERA
modules + ECM + side skirts
weapon, so it is generally preferable In that respect, the tank design
Main Armament 105mm (4.1in) rifled cannon
that potential enemies cannot be world has not changed enormously.
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 38
certain they know what they are up Early German panzers were tried
against. The extra income from a out in the Spanish Civil War of the
slightly more capable export tank might 1930s; Western and Soviet tanks
help offset the development cost, but clashed in the Arab–Israeli wars of
the strategic risks are not worth it. the 1960s to the 1980s. The next
Besides, a potential client might not be generation of Chinese tanks may well
able to afford a top-end tank and may be based upon experience gained by
look elsewhere for a vehicle that fulfils export clients operating MBT-2000s
its needs and does not impose such a and VT-4s. At present, only Thailand
high maintenance burden. operates the VT-4, but Chinese
Supplying export versions to designs have demonstrated that they
overseas clients has other advantages. can compete with those of any other
Their use in local conflicts will nation – in financial terms as well as
showcase the capabilities of the combat effectiveness – and China
supplying nation, which can be a has emerged as a major player in the
useful political tool, while allowing armoured vehicles marketplace.

53
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Type 99A2 Type 99A2

Date 2014
Number Produced Not Known
Weight 58 tonnes (57 tons)
Length (with gun) 11m (36ft)
Main Armament Width 3.7m (12ft 2in)
The Type 99 mounts a fully- Height 2.35m (7ft 8in)
stabilized ZPT98 125mm
(4.9in) smoothbore gun. While Engine Norinco 12150ZL V12-cylinder turbo-charged
a rifled weapon might be more diesel, 1119kW (1500hp)
accurate when firing some kinds Maximum Road Speed 80km/h (50mph)
of ammunition, a smoothbore Crew 3
is more effective when using
Armour Modular composite + modular spaced + ERA
fin-stabilized munitions and
can launch guided missiles. modules + side skirts
Smoothbores also suffer less Main Armament 125mm (4.9in) ZPT98 smoothbore
wear per shot, giving a longer cannon
period between overhauls. Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 42

Redesigned turret
The Type 99A2 has a redesigned
turret with additional upgrades to
its electronic systems and may
have a new engine. Details are,
as always, difficult to obtain from
Chinese sources. The new version
is likely to receive the active defence
system currently installed on the
VT-4. This system uses radar to
detect incoming missiles and
launches interceptor munitions
Armour
to shoot them down. Its precise
The composition and characteristics
capabilities are largely unknown at of armour are rarely revealed by any
this time, but similar interception tank manufacturer. The Type 99 is
devices are claimed to be able to known to have advanced composite
intercept mortar bombs in addition armour, presumably composed of
to missiles. It is thus possible that layered metal and ceramics. Blocks
Chinese MBTs may be able to of Explosive Composite Armour on
intercept indirect-fire munitions as the hull and turret provide additional
well as missiles approaching more protection from shaped-charge anti-
armour weapons.
or less parallel to the ground.

54
 MAIN BATTLE TANKS

Turret
The Type 99A2 received a redesigned turret
with a lower overall height and additional
armour panels. The prominent bustle at
the rear is a feature of most modern tanks,
allowing ammunition to be accessible no
matter which direction the turret is facing.

Engine
Powerplant technology has made possible
China’s advanced MBTs. The 36.5-tonnes (36-
ton) Type 59 had a 390kw (520hp) engine and
a maximum road speed of 50kph (31mph).
The Type 99’s engine is rated at 1119kW
(1500hp) and is capable of driving the
58.9-tonne (58-ton) tank at a top speed
of 80m/h (50mph).

55
MAIN BATTLE TANKS

56
 ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

ARMOURED PERSONNEL
CARRIERS & INFANTRY
FIGHTING VEHICLES

The APC was the final component that

allowed the ideal of highly mobile armoured
warfare to be realized, and ushered in an era
where the ‘air-land battle’ featuring massed
tank assaults backed by mechanized infantry,
artillery and air support was the decisive mode
of combat. If the emerging armed forces of
China wanted to be able to engage in such
operations then large numbers of APCs would
be needed. In this chapter the following
vehicles are featured:

Infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) like the ZBD-04 can provide fire support
to their troops, removing obstacles such as machine-gun posts without
needing to call for tank or air support.

57
ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

Type 77
The Type 77 APC was, like early tank designs, heavily influenced by a Russian vehicle.
This was the BTR-50, which was rather basic even when it entered service in 1954.

The Type 77 was not a direct copy, vehicle of this vintage has been
although it was very similar in compared to trying to shoot accurately
appearance and general layout. With from inside a blender.
a driving compartment at the front
and the engine at the rear, the troop Amphibious APC
compartment lay between and was The Type 77 was amphibious as
accessed via roof and side hatches. standard, a characteristic derived from
This arrangement could be the Soviet doctrine of maintaining the
inconvenient at the best of times. As momentum of an advance despite
experience in World War II showed, water obstacles such as rivers. The
Type 77
troops exiting a vehicle under fire Type 77 used waterjet propulsion and
Date 1978
were likely to suffer casualties as they reportedly displayed good buoyancy
Number Produced Not Known
struggled out of the top – especially if characteristics. Armour protection, by
Weight 15.5 tonnes (15.25 tons)
enemy personnel knew to expect this virtue of the vehicle’s role, had to be Length (with gun) 7.15m (23ft 4in)
and swept the vehicle’s roof with fire. light and armament was limited to an Width 3.2m (10ft 4in)
Although firing ports were provided for unprotected machine gun for use by Height 2.16m (7ft)
the occupants, firing from a moving the crew. Engine 1250L-2 diesel, 300kW (402hp)
Although its general form was Maximum Road Speed 60km/h (37mph)
Type 77-2 based on the BTR-50, the Type 77 Crew 2

The Type 77-2 was an unsophisticated workhorse was developed alongside the Type 63 Armour 2–13mm (0.07–0.51in)
Main Armament 12.7mm (0.5in) heavy machine
vehicle, providing the PLA with lightly armoured amphibious light tank, which in turn
gun
transportation and serving in a variety of was heavily influenced by the Russian
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 500 rounds
specialist roles. PT-76. The resulting vehicle was very

58
 ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

Type 77-2 similar to, but a little more advanced derived from the Soviet D-30, and for
In marine service the Type 77-2 could be than, the BTR-50, notably featuring a a non-amphibious platform carrying a
expected to make much greater use of its more powerful engine that improved surface-to-air missile.
amphibious capabilities. performance. It was adopted for Production of the Type 77 went
service in 1978, essentially providing on until the late 1980s. Capable of
the Chinese military with an armoured providing protection from small-arms
transport vehicle from the late World fire, the vehicle was entirely suitable
War II era. for security and transportation tasks
In addition to its primary role as that did not require its amphibious
an APC carrying up to 16 troops, the capabilities.
Type 77 served as an armoured utility However, its main role was to
vehicle for forward areas, carrying permit marine forces to make an
supplies and ammunition and, like assault landing or advance units of an
many APC designs, the chassis was army force to cross water obstacles
used as the basis for other vehicles. and either press on or provide security
The first of these, designated Type for heavier vehicles fording, wading or
77-1, was an artillery tractor designed using bridging equipment.
to carry a disassembled 85mm (3.34in) Although now very dated, some
gun on its roof, with winches to lower examples – estimated at around 200 or
it into a firing position. so – remain in service with the Chinese
armed forces. It is not uncommon for
Type 77-2 specialist versions of an armoured
The Type 77-2 version, appearing vehicle such as ambulances or support
in the early 1980s, was produced in weapon carriers to remain in service
APC, ambulance, artillery tractor and for many years after the main model
command versions; an armoured has been withdrawn. It is not clear
recovery vehicle version was also if that is the case with the Type 77,
produced. The chassis was used as but it seems likely that at least some
the basis for the Type 89 self-propelled specialist versions will remain in the
gun, using a 122mm (4.8in) howitzer field for the foreseeable future.

59
ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

Type 63 (YW531)
The Type 63 APC was in many ways a more conventional vehicle than the Type 77.
It was to be amphibious with preparation rather than being able to move in and out
of water without delay, and made fewer concessions to buoyancy than the Type 77.

The design process produced a fairly The Type 63 was not as obviously
standard APC that proved suitable for an amphibious vehicle as the Type 77,
conversion to other roles. Nominal but could propel itself in water with its
crew was two – driver and tracks. No waterjets or other dedicated
Type 63
commander – but up to two additional water propulsion equipment systems
Date 1963
crewmembers could be accommodated were fitted.
Number Produced 8000
in the driving compartment. Troop The tracks themselves ran on
Weight 12.6 tonnes (12.4 tons)
capacity is officially listed as 15, but four large roadwheels, with the drive Length 5.5m (18ft 1in)
a figure of around 10 seems more sprockets located at the front and Width 3.2m (10ft 5in)
likely in practice. an idler at the rear. Initially, a 194kW Height 2.52m (8ft 3in)
The commander’s position had (260hp) diesel engine provided motive Engine KHD BF8L 8-cylinder Turbo Diesel 239kW
a fully rotating periscope for all- power, although a 239kW (320hp) (320hp)
round vision when ‘buttoned up’ but, model became available later. Maximum Road Speed 65km/h (40mph)
unusually, the vehicle’s armament was Roof hatches were fitted and could Crew 2
Armour Max 14mm (0.55in)
not positioned for the crew to use. be used for troop movement in and out
Main Armament 12.7mm (0.5in) Type 54 heavy
Instead, the Type 63 carried a heavy of the vehicle or to permit individual
machine gun
machine gun on a mount accessed weapons fire, but for the most part
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 500 rounds
by a hatch in the troop compartment. access was by way of the rear doors.
If running without infantry on board, This system provided far better
a crewmember could move back protection for troops exiting a vehicle Type 63
to man the weapon, but this might under fire; the armoured front of the This early model Type 63 epitomises the role of the
interfere in communication between the APC facing the threat was sufficient APC – to transport an armoured box full of soldiers
commander and driver. to stop heavy machine gun rounds, to the battle zone.

60
 ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

WZ701 Command Vehicle

The command version of the Type 63 was designated
WZ-701. It carried multiple radios and a generator to
power them instead of troops.

WZ750 Armoured Ambulance

The WZ-750 field ambulance variant was given a
raised ceiling inside the troop compartment, allowing
medical personnel to stand as they worked.

with the sides and other faces offering command versions were also created, saw action in the latter stages of the
small-arms protection. as well as several specialist vehicles Vietnam War and later faced Chinese
based on the chassis. These included examples of the same vehicle in the
Primary PLA APC a more buoyant version for use by Sino–Vietnamese war. In Iraqi hands,
The Type 63 was manufactured in large Chinese marines, a self-propelled gun the Type 63 participated in the Iran–Iraq
numbers and was the main Chinese carrier, communications vehicles and a conflict of 1980–88 but proved very
APC until the late 1990s, when it was rocket artillery platform. vulnerable during the 1991 Gulf War.
supplanted by the Type 89. Many In addition to the large numbers Later tests indicated that the armour
variants were produced including the used by Chinese forces, the Type 63 could sometimes be penetrated by
Type 63-I, a general upgrade with was also widely exported in several small arms, and was prone to spalling
improved suspension. Ambulance and variants. North Korean Type 63s even if it was not. As a result, the

61
ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

surviving Iraqi vehicles were withdrawn the early Cold War era, but gradually
WZ303 Multiple Rocket Launcher
from service, though the Type 63 and coalesced into a streamlined whole
Date 1970
Number Produced 400 its derivatives remain active with other capable of undertaking large projects
Weight 12.6 tonnes (12.4 tons) armed forces. in a cost-efficient manner. This was
Length 5.5m (18ft 1in) One major change that occurred essential to creating a coherent armed
Width 3m (9ft 9in) during the Type 63’s long career was force, given the large number of
Height 2.58m (8ft 5in) the amalgamation of defence industry vehicles required, and also permitted
Engine KHD BF8L 8-cylinder turbo diesel 240kW manufacturers that created the China entry to the international arms
(320hp) North Industries Group Corporation, market as a major player. NORINCO
Maximum Road Speed 65km/h (40mph)
better known as NORINCO. As with is today one of the world’s largest
Crew 3
its military hardware, Chinese industry defence manufacturers, undertaking
Armour Max 14mm (0.55in)
was disorganized and mismatched in development as well as production.
Main Armament 19-tube 130mm (5.11in) rockets
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed Not Known
WZ303 MRL
Using the Type 63 chassis for the WZ-303 artillery
variant avoided the necessity of constructing a
new vehicle from scratch.

Type 63-2
Half-turret protection for the machine gun
operator was introduced on later model
Type 63 APCs. It is rarely seen elsewhere.

62
 ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

Type 86 (WZ501)
The armoured personnel carrier was developed to meet the needs of highly mobile
warfare, allowing infantry to keep pace with the armoured forces and to operate in
a mutually supporting role.

In order to achieve this, the infantry this is that an IFV is vastly more Type 86
needed a ‘battle taxi’ capable of expensive than an APC with the same Chinese designers took a low-risk approach by
providing protection from small-arms troop capacity. copying the Russian BMP-1 to create their first IFV,
fire at the least. Most APCs are armed Nevertheless, the militaries of the Type 86.
with a machine gun for self-defence, the major powers began to create
and although this can be used to such vehicles once the concept was
support dismounted infantry, a more demonstrated. The title of first true Type 86
potent capability was desirable. IFV is normally claimed by the Soviet Date 1986

The result was the infantry fighting BMP-1, although other vehicles Number Produced At least 1000
Weight 13.3 tonnes (13.8 tons)
vehicle (IFV). Carrying weapons have been put forward. The BMP-1
Length 6.74m (22ft 1in)
capable of eliminating many threats is generally given the credit since
Width 2.97m (9ft 9in)
to its infantry contingent, an IFV adds it mounted a 73mm (2.9in) gun and
Height 2.16m (7ft)
to the fighting power of a force rather an anti-tank missile launcher, giving Engine Type 6V-150 diesel, 222kW (298hp)
than simply providing transportation it significant fighting power against Maximum Road Speed 65km/h (40mph)
and may carry anti-tank or anti- armoured and unarmoured opponents. Crew 3
aircraft weapons to provide additional Armour 2–13mm (0.07–0.51in)
capabilities. Indeed, IFVs are New Chinese IFV Main Armament 1 x 73mm (2.9in) smoothbore
sometimes considered an alternative By the time China decided to develop cannon; Red Arrow 73 ATGW launcher mounted on
to battle tanks, especially by militaries an IFV of its own, the BMP-1 had main gun

that do not expect to face them. already been in service for a decade Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 40 main gun;
5 missiles
To be effective, an IFV has to and a half and had enjoyed enormous
operate in proximity to the enemy, who export success. This made it relatively
may well have anti-vehicle weapons. easy to obtain a few examples through
This creates a requirement for greater third parties, which was necessary
protection, which adds weight; this since relations with Russia were not
in turn increases power and fuel good enough at the time to make
requirements. The end result of all direct purchase a possibility. The

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ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

BMP-1 was then reverse-engineered be locked in the open position to HEAT rounds were available, but the
and a Chinese version developed provide protection to troops standing unstabilized gun was unlikely to hit
under the designation WZ-501. up to fire their personal weapons. a moving target even from a stationary
Entering service in 1992, the Type position, and firing on the move
86 retained most of the features of Arms and armour was pointless.
the BMP-1, not all of them positive. Protection all round was sufficient The 73mm (2.9in) gun was carried
The troop compartment, capable of to defeat small arms, with the front in a low turret that made a small
holding eight personnel, was cramped of the vehicle proof against heavy target. However, this was offset by the
and normally accessed through the machine guns. The primary armament, large overall size of the vehicle and
rear doors – which contained fuel a smoothbore 73mm (2.9in) cannon the very limited depression of the gun.
tanks. The four roof hatches provided similar to the original Russian weapon, It is not possible to gain a concealed
alternative access, though with the was inaccurate and suitable mainly for or protected hull-down position, so if
usual problems of exiting through the providing fire-support against ‘soft’ a Type 86 was to support its infantry
top of a vehicle in combat, and could targets using HE-frag ammunition. contingent it must expose itself to

Type 86 IFVs were among the Chinese armoured vehicles taking part in the Vostok 2018 exercises alongside their Russian hosts.

64
 ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

fire – and it could be penetrated at of 3000m (3280yd), but took around Type 86
the sides and rear by anything heavier 25 seconds to do so. A Type 86 in Chinese marine camouflage.
than 7.62mm (0.3in). Thus, China’s first IFV was based Deploying the trim vane at the very front of the hull
The HJ-73 ‘Red Arrow’ missile on an outdated design and offered and starting the bilge pumps would prepare the
system offered some anti-armour relatively slight advantages over a marine type 86 for amphibious operations.
capability, but the Type 86 was no tank typical APC. By comparison, the US
hunter in its basic configuration. The M2 Bradley, a greatly more capable
HJ-73 was China’s first-generation vehicle designed at least in part to
anti-tank missile, largely copied from counter Soviet BMPs, entered service
the Russian 9M14, better known to a decade earlier. However, the Type
Western observers as the AT-3 Sagger. 86 allowed the Chinese armed forces
It used semi-active command line-of- to gain experience of IFV operations,
sight (SACLOS) guidance, requiring and was the basis for a wide range of
the gunner to guide the missile all variants.
the way to the target. This is difficult
to do from a moving vehicle, so the Variants Type 86B
Type 86 could really only strike against In addition to command and Modifications improving the vehicle’s performance
armoured vehicles from ambush. The ambulance versions, and a variant in water created the Type 86B, which is in service
slow-flying HJ-73 could reach a range optimized for marine operations, the with the PLA marine forces.

65
ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

A Chinese Type 86 IFV competing in the 2016

International Army Games, in a challenge testing
both offroad and offensive capabilities.

under the right conditions – be able to

eliminate enemy tanks for a fraction of
their cost.
Of course, such vehicles were
extremely vulnerable if the odds were
not heavily stacked by an ambush,
and lacked the versatility of tanks.
Experimental vehicles with multiple
missile launchers were trialled,
Type 86 was the basis for various and appear to have been at least
Type 86A (WZ501A)
experimental tank-hunters. The marginally effective.
Date 1986
Number Produced Not Known concept of such vehicles is sound,
Weight 13.3 tonnes (13.8 tons) and similar to the thinking behind Modern upgrades
Length (with gun) 6.74m (22ft 1in) gun-armed tank destroyers. A force Modernized versions of the Type 86
Width 2.97m (9ft 9in) of IFVs armed with missiles should – were equipped with more effective
Height 2.16m (7ft) weaponry. The smoothbore 73mm
Engine Type 6V-150 Diesel, 222kW (298hp) (2.9in) gun was replaced with a light
Maximum Road Speed 65km/h (40mph) Type 86A autocannon that offered improved
Crew 3
The Type 86A variant replaces the 73mm (2.9in) support-fire capabilities against a
Armour 2–13mm (0.07–0.51in)
smoothbore gun with a light autocannon in a range of targets. Locally produced
Main Armament 1 x 20mm (0.8in) cannon, 7.62mm
remotely operated turret, or a heavy machine guns were generally used, but a
(.03in) coaxial MG
gun on export models. short-lived US/Chinese joint project

66
 ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

produced a version armed with a US

Type 86G
25mm (1in) Bushmaster cannon.
Date 1986
Number Produced Not Known
Around 1000 Type 86 IFVs were
Weight 13.3 tonnes (13.8 tons) built, serving with both the Chinese
Length (with gun) 6.74m (22ft 1in) army and marines. Export sales are
Width 2.97m (9ft 9in) hard to verify, not least since the
Height 2.16m (7ft) very similar BMP-1 is in service with
Engine Type 6V-150 diesel, 222kW (298hp) several nations. Iran based its own
Maximum Road Speed 65km/h (40mph) indigenous IFV on the Type 86. This
Crew 3 vehicle, designated Boragh, is still in
Armour 2–13mm (0.07–0.51in)
service and has been developed into Type 86G
Main Armament 1 x 30mm (1.2in) autocannon;
variants including mortar, missile and The Type 86G uses a 30mm (1.18in) cannon in
Red Banner ATGM HJ-73
howitzer armed vehicles, as well as a a one-man turret developed for the ZLC-2000
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 500 main gun;
5 missiles
light air defence platform. airborne combat vehicle.

A Chinese ZBD-86A infantry fighting vehicle

takes part in trials during the final stage of
the Suvorov Attack competition at the Alabino
Firing Range as part of the 2016 Army Games,
an international event organized by the Russian
Defense Ministry.

67
ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

Type 85/Type 89
The project that eventually produced the Type 85 and Type 89 was intended to
create a more capable replacement in the APC role, which could be expanded into
an IFV if needed.

Its predecessor, the Type 63 was a variety of weapon systems in the Type 85 (YW531H)
a fairly modest vehicle, capable support and IFV roles. The Type 85 was created by scaling up the Type
of functioning as a ‘battle taxi’ but 63, adding an extra roadwheel to support the
lacking any real capacity to support Armour lengthened hull. It was designated YW531H in
its troop contingent. This of course The designers of the Type 85/89 chose Chinese service.
must be balanced against cost and a fairly standard level of protection.
overall simplicity. The initial model was The vehicle was designed to defeat
designated Type 85, and was offered small-arms fire and shell fragments
for export. A developed version, with from all directions, and to be able to
a slightly larger hull, was taken into withstand heavy machine gun fire from
Chinese service with the designation the front. This was, on paper, no better
Type 89. than the Type 63 but the armour was
The basic concept for the new better constructed and implemented
vehicle was an enlarged Type 63 as a result of experiences with export
featuring NBC protection for the versions in the Gulf War.
occupants. The vehicle was to be It is never possible to give an APC
amphibious with preparation. To or IFV the same level of protection as a
support the lengthened hull, an extra tank. The requirement to carry multiple
roadwheel was added, while a larger infantry soldiers creates a large space
and more powerful engine, combined that must be roughly box-shaped,
with improved transmission, improved making it impossible to slope armour
mobility and reliability. In addition to to any significant degree. This volume
the crew of two, up to 15 infantrymen must be given some protection, but an
could be carried. Alternatively, the rear APC or IFV simply could not carry the
compartment could be used to carry weight required to enclose it in slabs of

68
 ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

Type 85 (YW309) composite armour. Thus most APCs are enemy fire in order to operate it.
Date 1985 quite lightly armoured, and the Type 89 This problem was addressed by the
Number Produced 358 was no exception. addition of an unusual shield for the
Weight 14.7 tonnes (14.5 tons) Armament on the APC version was gunner, encasing him to the sides and
Length 6.27m (20ft 7in) likewise standard; a heavy machine rear in light armour.
Width 3.06m (10ft 5in) gun was mounted on the roof. A Command and ambulance versions
Height 2.48m (8ft 2in) manually operated weapon of this of the Type 89 were relatively easy to
Engine Deutz BF8L413F air-cooled diesel, 239kW
sort has the advantages of cheapness produce, requiring little alteration to
(320hp)
and simplicity, but it requires a the vehicle as a whole. The command
Maximum Road Speed 65km/h (40mph)
crewmember to expose himself to vehicle uses much of its internal space
Crew 3 (+ 8 troops)
Armour RHA 5–14mm (0.2–0.6in)
Main Armament 73mm (2.9in) smoothbore short- Type 85 (YW309)
recoil semi-automatic cannon; Red Arrow 73 ATGW Adding the turret of a Type 86, containing a 73mm (2.87in) smoothbore gun and missile launch system,
launcher mounted on main gun converted the Type 85 into an IFV.
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 40

Type 85 (WZ504)
The tank hunter variant was limited by
the capabilities of its four Red Arrow 73
anti-tank guided missiles, but could be
effective under the right circumstances.

69
ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

for communications equipment and has gun and cannon, but overall an
no machine gun, while the ambulance automatic weapon was more likely to
retains its weapon. It also has a higher put some rounds into or close to the
ceiling in the rear compartment to allow target than the highly inaccurate 73mm
medical personnel to work. (2.9in) smoothbore.
The addition of a turret reduced
Specialist variants troop complement to seven rather than
Various infantry-fighting vehicle and the 15 of the APC version. This is one
specialist variants of the Type 89 of the trade-offs of using IFVs – more
also emerged. One IFV was created vehicles are needed, and those vehicles
by adding the turret of the Type 86 are more expensive than standard
to a Type 89. This vehicle, internally APCs. Yet they are also more capable
designated YW309, had the advantage and can contribute a great deal to the
of simplicity but the vehicle it created overall effectiveness of the force. The
was no more capable than the Type question is really one of affordability.
86. The limitations of the smoothbore One way to achieve this is to get the
73mm (2.9in) gun and the Red Arrow most out of a given chassis by using
missile system remained. A more it for a whole family of vehicles. That
modern-appearing and probably way, development costs are essentially
more capable version was designated shared across a range of roles.
YW307. This mounted a 25mm (1in) In the case of the Type 89, a number
automatic cannon and a co-axial of artillery vehicles were created. The ZSD-89-II variant is in service with the
machine gun. It is difficult to Mortar carriers, armed with 120mm armed forces of Zimbabwe and, as pictured
compare the effectiveness of the (4.7in) and 82mm (3.2in) weapons, here, Sri Lanka.

70
 ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

Type 89
The 12.7mm (0.5in) machine gun is
used, with or without a shield, on most
variants of the Type 89 that are not
IFVs equipped with a turret.

Type 89
The Type 89 has more and smaller
roadwheels than its predecessor, with
the tracks driven by a front sprocket.

were likely the easiest to implement. platforms and a mine-laying vehicle.

Type 89
The high trajectory of a mortar and its Some variants use a remotely
Date 1985
small size permit one to be mounted controlled weapon in an unmanned
Number Produced 358
Weight 14.7 tonnes (14.5 tons)
inside a vehicle with few modifications. turret, a feature that has been seen
Length (with gun) 6.27m (20ft 7in) Artillery weapon platforms such as the on armoured vehicles of various
Width 3.06m (10ft 5in) YW323 with a 122mm (4.8in) gun and nationalities in recent years. An
Height 2.48m (8ft 2in) the PLZ-45, equipped with a 155mm unmanned mounting can be much
Engine Deutz BF8L 413F 4-stroke air-cooled diesel, (6.1in) gun-howitzer, require much smaller than a turret, and might be left
239kW (320hp) greater modification to the vehicle. A all but unarmoured as the weapon is
Maximum Road Speed 65km/h (40mph) multiple rocket launcher variant was unlikely to be hit. Even where armour is
Crew 3 (+ 8 troops) also produced, along with a missile- provided, the volume that needs to be
Armour RHA 5–14mm (0.2–0.6in)
armed tank-hunter. In addition to these protected is much smaller. In addition
Main Armament Type 14 12.7mm (0.5in) heavy
combat vehicles, the Type 89 was also to saving overall weight, the lack of a
machine gun
the basis for armoured recovery and bulky armoured turret can also improve
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 1120
engineering vehicles as well as logistics stability when tackling adverse slopes.

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ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

YW307
Date 1989
Number Produced 358
Weight 15.4 tonnes (15.1 tons)
Length (with gun) 6.15m (20ft 2in)
Width 3.13m (10ft 3in)
YW307
Height 2.93m (9ft 7in)
Light autocannon, in this case 25mm (1in), are
Engine Deutz BF8L 413F 4-stroke air-cooled diesel,
239kW (320hp) perhaps the best all-round weapons for an IFV,

Maximum Road Speed 65km/h (40mph) offering the ability to engage a variety of targets,
Crew 2 (+7 troops) including light armoured vehicles.
Armour RHA 5–14mm (0.2–0.6in)
Main Armament 25mm (1in) ZPT-90 autocannon
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 1200

ZDS-89-II
The current version of the Type 89 in Chinese
service is designated ZSD-89-II. As with other
Chinese vehicles, sources vary about the
exact designation.

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 ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

WZ534
Some export versions of the Type 89 were given
an enlarged hull, with an additional roadwheel
to support it.

Type 90 (WZ551)
Wheeled vehicles offer many advantages over tracked versions, at least in some
circumstances. They are easier to build and maintain, do less damage to roads and
do not require specialist vehicles to move them over long distances.

This gives wheeled vehicles greater concept was sound, the vehicle itself lightly armoured vehicles, including
strategic mobility under their own was not adopted for service. Further Chinese and Soviet APCs.
power, although a tracked version work produced the WZ551, which The collaboration with GIAT fell
can often cross terrain that would be entered service under the designation victim to international politics, cutting
impassable to anything relying Type 90. This vehicle was also off the supply of guns that were to
on wheels. unsatisfactory and was produced only have armed the NGV-1. A virtually
Wheeled vehicles also send a in small numbers. identical weapon was developed for
different message when they are local manufacture, following a long
deployed. Tracked APCs and IFVs Light wheeled APC Chinese tradition of copying overseas
are often misidentified as ‘tanks’ in The main problem with the WZ551 technologies whether or not permission
the media; even if they are not, the was a lack of engine power. To was granted.
deployment of tracked combat vehicles remedy this, an upgraded version was The end result of this process
has ‘warfighting’ connotations, whereas developed jointly by the NORINCO and was a light APC suitable for security
a wheeled APC may be seen as a GIAT. Sometimes designated NGV-1, and fast-reaction forces, capable of
‘security’ asset. Whether or not the this version featured evenly spaced deploying 10 infantrymen and providing
public-relations dimension mattered to wheels rather than the one-and-two them with fire-support. Equivalent
the Chinese military, the development configuration of the previous model. vehicles were appearing worldwide,
of wheeled armoured transport was The sole armament of the original reflecting changes in both the armoured
seen as sufficiently important that the Type 90 design, a roof-mounted heavy vehicles marketplace and the combat
WZ523 entered trials in 1984. machine gun, was replaced with a environment that drives it. In the years
The WZ523 was a six-wheeled light 25mm (1in) cannon. This, arguably, put immediately after World War II, the
APC capable of carrying 10 infantrymen the NGV-1 in the IFV class as its main focus was on large-scale conflict fought
plus its crew of two. Although the weapon could now penetrate most by tanks and mechanized infantry, with

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ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

heavy air support. It was becoming fighting power of tanks would be useful,
Type 90
apparent by the 1980s that although but on the whole any vehicle that was
Date 1995
Number Produced More than 2200 the capability to fight a superpower resistant to rifle fire and mounted a
Weight 12.5–15 tonnes (12.3–14.7 tons) conflict had to be maintained, there decent anti-personnel weapon would
Length (with gun) 6.63m (21ft 9in) was a need for equipment tailored to be sufficient.
Width 2.8m (9ft 2in) lower-intensity conflicts.
Height 2.89m (9ft 6in) Using main battle tanks against
Engine Deutz BF8L413F 8-cylinder turbo diesel a primarily insurgent force was a lot Type 90 (WZ523)
235kW (320hp) like taking on a swarm of ants with The WZ523 was an effective light APC well suited
Maximum Road Speed 85km/h (53mph)
a sledgehammer. There might be to low-intensity conflict, convoy escort and
Crew 3
occasions where the concentrated security operations.
Armour Not Known
Main Armament ZPT90 25mm (1in) cannon (IFV
version)
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed Not Known

Type 90 (WZ551)
The WZ551, or Type 90, proved to be underpowered
and was not a success. Planned variants were
cancelled and re-implemented on the chassis of
its successor.

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 ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

The new generation of wheeled these designs all faced the same whole seen more active service than
armoured vehicles ranged from challenges. They needed to provide the heavy armoured spearhead forces.
the US high-mobility multipurpose mobility and enough firepower to give However, the shortcomings of the Type
wheeled vehicle (HMMWV), which troops a clear advantage over their 90 meant that it was quickly supplanted
entered service in 1985, to the opponents at a price that allowed by an improved version designated
Russian BTR-80 of 1987. While taking sufficient coverage for effective Type 92. The planned specialist
different approaches to the problem of operations. Vehicles like the Type 90 vehicles that followed the Type 90
equipping a force for global security and its overseas equivalents were into service were thus based on its
rather than warfighting operations, sufficient for this role, and have on the replacement instead.

Type 92 (WZ551A)
Developed from the NGV-1, the Type 92 was visually very similar but of heavier
construction. Prototypes began evaluation in 1991, with the basic vehicle entering
service in 1995.

Type 92A (WZ551A)

Designated WZ551A or Type 92A, Type 92A
Date 1995
the APC model was equipped with a The basic Type 92 APC has a nominal capacity for
Number Produced 2015 (+ 209 exported)
12.7mm (0.5in) machine gun, while the nine infantrymen, who use four roof hatches and a
Weight 12.9 tonnes (12.3 tons)
Type 92B model might be considered a rear door to access their compartment. Length (with gun) 6.63m (21ft 9in)
light IFV and was armed with a 25mm Width 2.8m (9ft 2in)
(1in) cannon. Both versions carried nine Height 2.8m (9ft 2in)
infantry personnel in addition to their the Type 92 can reach a top speed of Engine Deutz BF8L 413F diesel, 239kW (320hp)
crew of three. around 85km/h (53mph), significantly Maximum Road Speed 85km/h (53mph)
Using a 6x6 wheeled configuration, more than a tracked vehicle. An Crew 3 (+ 9 passengers)
the Type 92 was designed to be fully operating radius of 800km (497 miles) Armour RHA
Main Armament 12.7mm (0.5in) QJC88 heavy
amphibious. Propulsion in water was also offered greater strategic mobility
anti-aircraft machine gun
by means of two small propellers at than a tracked APC with similar
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 1500
the rear of the vehicle. On level ground, capabilities.

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ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

WZ551A Command Vehicle

The command variant of the Type 92 is recognizable
by its enlarged rear compartment. It appears that
command APCs are not routinely armed.

WZ550 4x4 Tank Hunter

The tank hunter variant carries four short-range HJ-9
ATGM missiles. However, its mobility may enable it to
strike from ambush then escape before a response
can materialize.

Multiple capabilities the Type 92 was capable of carrying a of this vehicle the cannon used a high-
The Type 92 was armoured against range of armament. elevation mount, perhaps to provide
small arms and heavy machine guns, The IFV version, 1.5 tonnes (1.45 air defence against helicopters. A
and provided NBC protection to the tons) heavier than the APC, carried a 30mm (1.2in) cannon may have been
occupants. In addition to its APC role, 25mm (1in) cannon. On some variants substituted on some examples.

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 ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

Like many wheeled armoured as lighter vehicles. It also had fire- Minor variations and local modifications can
vehicles, the standard 6x6 APC was support applications against bunkers make it difficult to distinguish between the
supplemented by 4x4 and 8x8 versions or buildings. Indeed, this vehicle might Type 90 and Type 92, such as this example of
suitable for use as armoured cars, be better thought of as a direct-fire- the Type 92A in Sri Lankan service.
reconnaissance vehicles and weapons support platform with the capability to
carriers. Although requiring a different engage lightly armoured vehicles.
hull and chassis, these vehicles had is much more open. Clients will shop
many parts in common with the Export success around for the best vehicle to suit their
standard APC and IFV, simplifying As a relatively inexpensive APC or needs, and being unable to use the
logistics and crew training. weapons carrier, the Type 92 achieved industry-standard ammunition might
Among the derivative vehicles were some success on the international well be a deal-breaker.
several self-propelled artillery platforms market. Many potential clients lack The Type 05 mortar carrier is an
using mortars or tube artillery. Support the skills required to maintain tracked example of an unsuccessful export
platforms based on the same vehicle vehicles or have requirements that version that was subsequently adopted
as the infantry use can keep pace and make them unsuitable. Users include for service with its parent country’s
cross the same terrain, and of course Bosnia, Kenya, Sri Lanka and Iran, armed forces. Armed with a 120mm
can share maintenance facilities. with additional clients operating the (4.7in) rifled gun-mortar – which is
A ‘tank destroyer’ version armed WMA301. This is an export version of not compatible with conventional
with a smoothbore 100mm (3.9in) the PTL02, armed with a 105mm (4.1in) 120mm (4.7in) mortar ammunition – the
gun was also implemented under gun compatible with NATO ammunition. vehicle was designed to provide highly
the designation PTL02 or Type 02. Such compatibility is necessary for accurate short-range fire-support but
Despite its name, the PTL02 was not export success; in the polarized Cold provoked little interest when offered for
effective against modern main battle War world, clients would buy their international sale. This was apparently
tanks, but its gun could penetrate most vehicles and ammunition from one due to the availability of a very similar
tanks of an older generation as well bloc or the other, but today the market Russian vehicle at a lower price.

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ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

Type 92B Type 92B

Date 1995 Successful systems, such as the remotely
Number Produced 376 controlled turret mounting a 25mm (1in) cannon,
Weight 13 tonnes (12.4 tons)
are often used on multiple vehicles, complicating
Length (with gun) 6.63m (21ft 9in)
the task of identifying new types or variants.
Width 2.8m (9ft 2in)
Height 2.8m (9ft 2in)
Engine Deutz BF8L 413F air-cooled diesel,
235kW (320hp)
Maximum Road Speed 80km/h (50mph) ZLS-92B
Crew 3 (+ 9 troops) The Type 92B has continued to be modernized
Armour RHA and upgraded. This version, armed with a 20mm
Main Armament 25mm (1in) ZPT-90 autocannon (0.78in) cannon and anti-tank missiles, is
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 400 designated ZLS-92B.

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 ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

ZBD-97
The ZBD-97, or Type 97, entered service in 2006. It was developed to fulfil the IFV and
fire-support vehicle role, carrying seven troops in addition to its crew of three. Firing ports
are provided for use by the infantry contingent, although the usefulness of this feature
remains debatable.

The Type 97 is fully amphibious, and ZBD-97

ZBD-97
is capable of swimming ashore from The ZBD-97, or Type 97, is deployed with the
Date 2005
an assault ship. It is propelled by two Number Produced 438
armoured forces of Guangzhou and Nanjing
waterjets with a reported speed in Weight 20.2 tonnes (19.9 tons) military regions, where it serves as an amphibious
water of 20km/h (12mph). A wave-fence Length (with gun) 7.15m (23ft 6in) fire-support platform.
prevents the front of the vehicle – and Width 3.2m (10ft 6in)
the driver’s vision devices – from being Height 2.5m (8ft 2in)
swamped during a water transit. On Engine Deutz BF8M1015CP diesel, 440kW (590hp)
land, a top speed of 65km/h (40mph) Maximum Road Speed 65km/h (40mph)

is reported, with an operating radius of Crew 3 (+ 7 troops)

Armour Aluminium/steel RHA
about 500km (310 miles).
Main Armament 100mm (3.9in) rifled autocannon
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 30
Heavy fire-support vehicle
The ZBD-97 has obvious similarities
to the Russian BMP-3, especially in the ZBD-97 are based on a Russian
the design of its turret. This mounts a weapon – in this case the 9M117
stabilized 100mm (3.9in) gun capable ‘Bastion’ missile. Capable of engaging
of tackling most targets but that is a moving target out to 4000m (4374yd),
ineffective against an MBT when firing this missile follows a laser designator
its standard HE-frag ammunition. that must be kept focused on the
For heavily armoured targets or target. Doing so from a moving vehicle
helicopters, the gun can launch is extremely difficult, if not impossible,
laser-guided missiles. so the ZBD’s capabilities as a tank-
Like many Chinese weapon destroyer depend on being able to
systems, the missiles launched by strike from ambush.

79
ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

In addition to the 100mm (3.9in) collective NBC protection system for

gun, the ABD-97 mounts a 30mm the crew and passengers.
(1.2in) cannon, giving it very significant Although the ZBD-97 does not
infantry support capability. Automatic mount an active protection system like
cannon of this sort are typically that of the visually similar BMP-3, it
provided with a mix of armour-piercing does have laser warning systems and
and HE-frag ammunition to permit a countermeasures package.
the widest range of targets to be
effectively engaged. Both the main gun Limited service
and the autocannon are supported by The ZBD-97 is in current service with
laser rangefinding, stabilization and some Chinese armoured formations,
advanced fire control electronics. and was the basis for an armoured
Like many vehicles in the same recovery variant. It does not appear to The current designation of the Type 97 appears to
class, it is armoured against small have been built in very large numbers, be ZBD-04. Sources are unclear about differences
arms and shell fragments, and has a or have been offered for export. between this model and the ZBD-97, if any.

80
 ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

ZDB-9 Snow Leopard

During the 1990s, various nations began developing large wheeled armoured vehicles
that could serve in the APC or IFV role, and that could be developed into weapon
carriers, tank destroyers and air defence platforms. A number of 8x8 wheeled armoured
vehicles emerged, including the ZBD-09 Snow Leopard, which was officially presented
to the world in 2009.

Like many other 8x8 vehicles, designers from pressing on with the ZBL-08
the Snow Leopard is a scaled-up 8x8 version, which entered service Eight-wheeled light armoured vehicles are
version of a 6x6 vehicle, allowing it with the Chinese army. becoming increasingly popular in many nations.
to carry greater loads and heavier They offer a good balance of cost, mobility and the
weapons. The additional wheels also Rapid-reaction IFV capability to carry effective weaponry.
increase survivability in the event of The Snow Leopard family of vehicles
encountering a mine or an improvised is used by rapid-reaction forces,
ZBL-08
explosive device. The ability to limp providing armoured transportation in
Date 2008
away from the attack site might be the IFV role. Fire-support, anti-tank Number Produced 200
vital if mines have been laid as part and other specialist tasks are carried Weight 15 tonnes (14.6 tons)
of an ambush, and in any case being out by variants of the same vehicle, Length (with gun) 8m (26ft 3in)
immobilized on a remote patrol greatly simplifying maintenance and Width 3m (9ft 9in)
route places the vehicle and crew in logistics support. It is probable that Height 2.1m (6ft 10in)
serious danger. all vehicles in the family are fitted with Engine Deutz BF6M 1015C diesel, 328kW (440hp)
The original 6x6 version had a battlefield management system, Maximum Road Speed 100km/h (62mph)

a number of interesting features, allowing information and orders to be Crew 3 (+ 7–10 troops)
Armour RHA + add-on modular
including a modular construction with shared rapidly throughout the entire
Main Armament 12.7mm (0.5in) machine gun
each major system – engine, controls, force and support called in where it is
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 3000
suspension and so forth – integrated most needed.
as a module and then combined to The standard version of the Snow
create a complete vehicle. If was Leopard is the ZBD-09 IFV, equipped
offered for export but did not achieve with a 30mm (1.2in) cannon in a
any sales. This did not deter the small turret that could mount rails for

81
ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

launching anti-tank missiles. The IFV and armed with a rifled 105mm (4.1in) more often military forces are required
can carry 7–10 infantry personnel and gun is available. Indirect fire can be to chase down insurgents or secure an
has a central tyre pressure regulation provided by a mortar armed version area against them.
system to permit the vehicle to cross (PLL-09) or a self-propelled howitzer A militia using civilian trucks
very soft ground. It is fully amphibious, (PLZ-09). This vehicle can carry a equipped with machine guns is a very
using waterjets for propulsion. 122mm (4.8in) or 155mm (6.1in) gun. different threat than an armoured
Armour protection against small An air defence variant, usually battlegroup, and requires a different
arms in all arcs and heavy machine armed with a six-barrel 30mm (1.2in) response. A tank force is invulnerable
gun fire from the front is standard, and Gatling weapon, completes the range to attack by such a militia, but it is
the APC version of the Snow Leopard of combat vehicles a mobile force unlikely to be able to force a decisive
probably does not carry any more than needs: infantry transport, anti-tank, battle, and meanwhile the highly
this. Ceramic composite armour is fire-support and air defence. Additional mobile enemy would strike targets
available in the form of add-on blocks, capabilities are provided by the the tanks could not reach in time.
which – Chinese sources claim – APC version acting as a supply An armoured force could become
render the vehicle impervious to 25mm and utility vehicle, and by specialist exhausted chasing around after mobile
(1in) fire in the frontal arc and 12.7mm ambulance, command and armoured
(0.5in) elsewhere. recovery vehicles. ZBD-09 Snow Leopard
The concept embodied by this Date 2009
APC version force is very different from the Number Produced 537
An APC version, with no turret and armoured battlegroups of World Weight 19.1 tonnes (18.8 tons)
armed only with a heavy machine War II or the early Cold War. Then, Length (with gun) 8m (26ft 3in)
gun, is primarily used for supply and the emphasis was on tanks as a Width 3m (9ft 9in)
support tasks, with the IFV version heavy spearhead, smashing holes Height 2.1m (6ft 10in)

confronting the enemy. For direct fire- in an enemy line and exploiting the Engine Deutz BF6M 1015C diesel, 328kW (440hp)
Maximum Road Speed 100km/h (62mph)
support, a variant designated ZTL-09 breakthrough against clearly defined
Crew 3 (+ 7–10 troops)
targets. In the modern world, a war
Armour RHA + add-on modular
ZBD-09 (or ‘war-like situation’) is likely to be
Main Armament 30mm (1.2in) ZPT-99 (2A72)
The 30mm (1.2in) cannon of the ZBD-09 can far more fluid. A major confrontation autocannon
penetrate light armoured vehicles and poses a against an advanced power fielding Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 650
serious threat to most targets other than tanks. large numbers of tanks is possible, but

82
 ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

targets, suffering operational losses ZTL-09

ZTL-09
and breakdowns that drained its The 105mm (4.1in) rifled gun of the fire-support/ Date 2009
capabilities despite not firing a shot. assault gun variant is capable of penetrating most Number Produced Not known
The lightly equipped, highly mobile of the tanks it might encounter. Weight 20 tonnes (19.6 tons)
reaction force has an important role Length (with gun) 9m (29ft 6in)
to play in the 21st-century military Width 3m (9ft 9in)
environment. Protection against Height 3.2m (10ft 5in)
machine guns and mines is, for the Engine Deutz BF6M 1015C diesel, 328kW (440hp)
Maximum Road Speed 100km/h (62mph)
most part, sufficient: having enough ZTL-11
Crew 4
vehicles to cover the ground, and The ZTL-11 amphibious fire-support vehicle is
Armour RHA + add-on modular
being mobile enough to reach a sometimes referred to as ZTL-09. The latter may
Main Armament 105mm (4.1in) rifled gun; coaxial
fleeting target, are more important have been an interim designation used during
12.7mm (0.5in) machine gun
in some situations than raw fighting development from the ZBD-09. Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 30

83
ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

power. Despite experiments with Export success users might instead consider cheaper,
innovative weapons, such a force The IFV and anti-tank versions of the easier-to-maintain wheeled vehicles
cannot realistically expect to defeat an Snow Leopard family have achieved capable of fulfilling the same role. It
army equipped with modern tanks, but some export success to date. It is unlikely that wheeled vehicles like
older vehicles are vulnerable to the may be that many nations that were the ZBD-09 will replace tanks, but
lighter weapons carried by wheeled previously in the market for older they offer an alternative in some
tank-killers. tanks being sold on by their initial situations.

ZBD-09
China is one of the nations to undertake extensive experiments with digital camouflage patterns. Experts
remain divided on whether or not these offer any real advantages over traditional camouflage systems.

ZBD-2000/ZBD-05
The ZBD-2000 was developed, like many modern armoured platforms, as part of a
family of vehicles. Its primary role is to deliver troops to a beach from amphibious
assault ships located up to 10km (6 miles) offshore.

The ZBD-2000, sometimes referred waterjet propulsion, while on land to have been developed from a
to as ZBD-05, reflects a growing its road speed is 65km/h (40mph) – Ukrainian design, and like similar
emphasis on expeditionary warfare. comparable with most other Chinese weapons is capable of engaging
The US Marine Corps was to have armoured vehicles. lightly armoured vehicles out to 1500m
received a similar vehicle, but this (1640yd) and ‘softer’ targets to a much
was cancelled for budgetary reasons. Infantry Fighting Vehicle greater range.
China, on the other hand, perceives The IFV version can carry six to 10
a need for highly capable amphibious troops, who deploy through the Missile platform
vehicles and is willing to spend rear doors or roof hatches. They Rails for launching HJ-73 missiles
the large sums of money required to are supported by a turret-mounted are fitted along the sides of the
develop them. 30mm (1.2in) cannon capable of firing turret, giving a limited anti-tank
The ZBD-2000 has a reported armour-piercing or high-explosive capability. The long flight time and
speed of 25km/h (16 miles) using ammunition. This weapon appears need for manual guidance makes

84
 ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

ZBD-05 ZBD-05
The ZBD-2000/ZBD-05 is variously designated a light tank and an IFV, depending on its armament and role. Date 2005

Both are built on the same hull. Number Produced 231

Weight 26.5 tonnes (26.1 tons)
Length (with gun) 9.5m (31ft 2in)
Width 3.36m (11ft 1in)
Height 3.04m (10ft)
Engine Deutz diesel, 410kW (550hp)
Maximum Road Speed 65km/h (40mph)
ZBD-05 Crew 3 (+10 troops)
A ZBD-05 IFV in PLA marine service, wearing maritime digital camouflage. China uses a great variety Armour RHA
of camouflage patterns as its forces have to operate in a huge variety of environments, even without Main Armament 30mm (1.2in) ZPT-99 autocannon
deploying overseas. Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 600

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ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

ZTD-05 ZBD-2000 (ZTD-05)

The light tank version is not much better armoured than the IFV – some sources state it has exactly the Date 2006
same protection – and is a tank only by virtue of its 105mm (4.1in) armament. Number Produced 86
Weight 28.2 tonnes (27.8 tons)
these missiles less effective than they piercing fin-stabilized discarding Length (with gun) 9.5m (31ft 2in)
might otherwise be, especially against sabot (APFSDS) anti-tank ammunition. Width 3.36m (11ft 1in)
moving tanks, but a range of payloads Although its shells are not up to Height 3.04m (10ft)
Engine Deutz diesel, 410kW (550hp)
including standoff detonation and penetrating the latest generation of
Maximum Road Speed 65km/h (40mph)
tandem warheads to defeat explosive MBTs, the light tank can launch guided
Crew 4
reactive armour are available, missiles through its gun.
Armour RHA
increasing the weapon’s ability to As always for an amphibious
Main Armament Cloned 105mm (4.1in) ROF L7 L/52
penetrate if a hit is scored. vehicle, armour protection is limited. rifled cannon
In recent years, guided missiles of The ZBD-05 can withstand heavy Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 46
this sort have frequently been used as machine gun rounds in the frontal arc
‘bunker busters’ rather than anti-tank and small-arms fire elsewhere, while
ordnance, and a weapon of this sort some sources state that the front formations trained for the amphibious
would certainly be useful in clearing of the turret (on the tank variant) is assault role. It does not appear to have
defensive positions from the path of its armoured against 25mm (1in) armour- been offered for export.
dismounted troops. piercing rounds. In addition to the
primary IFV and tank variants, an APC/
Light tank variant armoured transport version exists. This
The IFV version is complemented by may mount a 30mm (1.2in) cannon or
a light tank variant, built on the same a heavy machine gun.
hull and featuring the same swimming Command, field ambulance and
performance. This vehicle is fitted with armoured recovery variants have
a three-man turret mounting a 105mm also been produced, sharing the
(4.1in) rifled gun of NATO origins. general performance and protection
Acting as a fire-support platform, the characteristics of the IFV version.
light tank variant carries high explosive The ZBD-2000 is in limited service
and HE-frag rounds as well as armour- with the Chinese military, equipping

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 ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS & INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLES

Around 60 years after the great Sino–Soviet split, Chinese armoured vehicles such as this ZBD-05
ZBD-03
have become a regular sight in joint exercises hosted by Russia.
Date 2003
Number Produced Not Known
Weight 8 tonnes (7.9 tons)
Length 5.6m (18ft 4in)
Width 2.6m (8ft 6in) ZBD-03 (WZ506)
Height 2.2m (6ft 5in) The ZBD-03 airborne combat vehicle was derived from the ZLC-2000.
Engine Diesel, 157kW (210hp) It has been designed for being air dropped by medium-sized transport
Maximum Road Speed 68km/h (42mph) aircraft such as the Ilyushin Il-76M.
Crew 3 (+ 5 infantrymen)
Armour Welded steel
Main Armament 1 x 30mm (1.2in) autocannon;
1 x HJ-73C ATGM

87
SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

88
 SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

Early attempts to create self-propelled

artillery were rather crude. In some cases the
resulting vehicles were nothing more than a
field artillery piece simply fixed atop a tracked
chassis. Modern self-propelled guns are
rather more sophisticated, and can in general
be subdivided into anti-air weapons, indirect
fire artillery platforms and direct fire-support
vehicles that can function as tank destroyers.
This chapter includes the following self-
propelled guns:

The PLL-09 self-propelled artillery vehicle was developed by combining a PL96

122mm (4.8in) howitzer with the chassis of the ZBL-09 Snow Leopard APC.

89
SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

Type 89
Some modern tank destroyers (or tank hunters as they are sometimes called) use guided
missiles. Others mount a tank gun in a turret and are ‘tank destroyers’ mainly by virtue of
the fact that they cannot fulfil the role of a battle tank due to a lack of armour protection.

The third class of tank destroyer is than 50mm (2in) at the front and less Type 89 Tank Destroyer
the expedient vehicle, created to plug elsewhere – which meant that the Type Date 1989
a capability gap by mating a weapon 89 was destined to be a defensive Number Produced 104
system to an available chassis. The sniper or ambush hunter. Weight 31.5 tonnes (31 tons)
Type 87, or PTZ-89, falls into this The 120mm (4.7in) gun had a Length (with gun) 5.6m (18ft 4in)
category. maximum range of 2500m (2734yd), Width 2.8m (9ft 2in)
with accuracy and penetration greatly Height 3.12m (10ft 2in)
Engine 12V150LB/12150L liquid-cooled
Cold War tank killer reduced beyond 2000m (2187yd). A
V-12-cylinder diesel, 388kW (520hp)
During the 1970s, war with the Soviet full range of ammunition was available,
Maximum Road Speed 45km/h (28mph)
Union seemed a possibility, and the including high explosive and HE-frag,
Crew 4
new generation of Russian tanks led which might be used in an indirect
Armour (min–max) steel RHA 50mm (2in)
by the T-72 was of great concern to fire-support role. The high elevation Main Armament 1 x 120mm (4.7in) L/50
Chinese planners. A gun capable of possible with the main gun gave a smoothbore cannon
penetrating the frontal armour of a maximum range of 9km (5.5 miles) with Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 30
modern MBT was sourced, in the form these munitions. Tanks and armoured
of a 120mm (4.7in) smoothbore of vehicles could be engaged with
NATO specifications. However, APFSDS and HEAT ammunition.
an agreement to licence-produce Range
The Type 89’s gun can fire to a
the weapon could not be reached range of nine km (5.6 miles) at
and a project to create a similar a rate of 10 rounds per minute.
gun commenced.
After testing various designs and
prototypes, an effective 120mm (4.7in)
smoothbore was ready to be put into
production. However, in the meantime,
Chinese tank designers had selected
a Russian-style 125mm (4.9in) weapon
for use in the new generation of MBTs.
Once in service, these tanks were
expected to be an effective counter to
their Russian equivalents, but in the
interim a vehicle that could reliably
penetrate Russian MBTs was needed. Main Gun
The 120mm (4.7in) weapon of
The solution was to create a tank
the Type 89 Tank Destroyer was
destroyer out of the orphaned intended as a tank gun but was
120mm (4.7in) gun and the Type 321 sidelined by a decision to use
125mm (4.9in) weapons instead.
armoured chassis.
Although the resulting vehicle had
a turret and looked a lot like a tank, it
was not capable of surviving if used as
one. Weight and cost considerations
required armour to be light – no more

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 SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

However, at any range where the be a problem when shooting from PLA emblem and flag
Type 89 could hit an enemy tank, a stationary ambush position, but The emblem of the People’s
Liberation Army is used across all
let alone have a decent chance of ideal conditions are rare in wartime.
branches of the Chinese armed
penetrating it, the converse was also Consequently, Type 89s involved in forces, including the army, navy, air
true. The Type 89’s gun was outranged a fluid engagement with almost any force, artillery and reserve units.
by the Western weapons it was armoured vehicle, even one armed
designed to emulate. with a light autocannon, would be at a
The Type 89 was apparently not severe disadvantage.
well received by its users, and no In addition, the very light protection
more than 100 were produced in total. and relatively limited effective range
Although it had a laser rangefinder made the vehicle highly vulnerable. It
and some modern sighting aids, the did not attract export customers and
gun was unstabilized. This might not was retired from service in 2015.
The flag of the PLA is red with a
golden star in the upper left. The
Chinese characters for ‘Eight One’
commemorate the establishment
of the PLA during the Nanchang
uprising on 1 August 1927.
Turret
Although the tank destoyer has a
turret and appears like a tank, the
gun is not stabilised so cannot fire
accurately on the move.

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SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

PTL-02
The tank destroyer concept is all about creating a vehicle with the capability to
engage heavily armoured vehicles – often with a tank gun – without the associated
cost of a main battle tank.

PTL-02 vehicles but could not take on a

PTL-02 Tank Destroyer
The PTL-02 is designed for rapid deployment via modern MBT with a realistic chance
Date 2001
airlift or under its own power, without requiring the of success. Number Produced Not Known
specialist transports used for tracked vehicles. Weight 19 tonnes (18.7 tons)
Classic tank destroyer Length (with gun) 8.3m (27ft 3in)
This might or might not be a serious Width 2.86m (9ft 5in)
Wheeled vehicles cannot carry the drawback. Most of the targets a vehicle Height 3.15m (10ft 4in)
same level of protection as a tracked like the PTL-02 might encounter are not Engine Deutz BF8L413F 8-cylinder turbo diesel
version, but can make effective anti- front-line main battle tanks fielded by a 235kW (320hp)
Maximum Road Speed 85km/h (53mph)
tank platforms – especially when major power. Its weapon was sufficient
Crew 4
armed with advanced weaponry for dealing with lighter vehicles and
Armour Not Known
taking advantage of improvements in most older tanks, and the provision
Main Armament Type 86 100mm (3.9in)
targeting, propellants and recoil control. of high-explosive rounds allowed it to
smoothbore gun
The PTL-02 was based on the Type act as a fire-support platform. In the Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 30
92 APC, using the same 6x6 wheeled modern environment, a tank destroyer
chassis. Other existing systems were of this sort might be set against elderly
also utilized, which helped keep first- or second-generation MBTs or
development costs down. Among these even World War II-era tanks operated
was the main armament, a smoothbore by a minor power, in which case it
100mm (3.9in) gun developed from a would be highly vulnerable to their
towed anti-tank weapon. Its penetrator weapons but quite capable of punching
and explosive anti-tank munitions through their armour – the classic tank
are effective against most armoured destroyer situation.

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 SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

PLL-05 Self-Propelled Gun-Mortar WMA-301 Assaulter

Date 2008 The WMA-301 Assaulter was developed for the international export market. It uses NATO-standard
Number Produced Not Known 105mm (4.1in) ammunition while most other parts are common with the Type 92 APC.
Weight 16.5 tonnes (16 tons)
Length (with gun) 6.63m (21ft 9in)
Width 2.86m (9ft 5in)
Height 3.20m (10ft 9in)
Engine Deutz BF8L413F 8-cylinder turbo diesel
PLL-05
235kW (320hp)
The PLL-05 is armed with a 120mm (4.7in) rifled gun-mortar derived from a very similar Russian weapon.
Maximum Road Speed 85km/h (53mph)
It is capable of direct fire as well as indirect bombardment.
Crew 4
Armour Not Known
Main Armament 120mm (4.7in) gun-mortar
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 36

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SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

The PTL-02 would have an alongside vehicles based on a similar

advantage over most older tanks in chassis. It has NBC protection and a
terms of accurate fire, as it was given tyre-pressure regulation system that
sighting equipment developed from permits it to cross soft ground, but has
that of the Type 88 main battle tank. no amphibious capability. Waterjets
Combined with better mobility, it might or propellers and their associated
well be able to pick off the tanks used machinery would increase the unit cost
by many minor powers without coming to create a capability that is not seen
to harm. as necessary.
Against a first-class opposing force An export version designated WMA-
it would fare badly, but could still be 301 has been taken up by a number
useful in a fire-support role. of African nations as well as Myanmar.
This variant has a distinctive wedge-
Current service shaped turret and mounts a 105mm
The PTL-02 is in current service with (4.1in) gun compatible with standard
the Chinese military, where it is used NATO ammunition.

The International Army Games, held in Russia every summer since 2015, include a series of mobility
and shooting contests for tanks, IFVs and fire-support vehicles such as the PLL-05.

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 SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

PGZ-88 SPAAG
The concept of the self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon originated before World War
II but became essential during that conflict, at a time when short-range attack by
relatively slow-moving aircraft was a constant threat.

Mounting a heavy machine gun on the PGZ-88 SPAAG

PGZ-88 SPAAG
turret of a tank or the cab of a truck The PGZ-88 attempted to keep costs down by
Date 1989
created a measure of defence, but it utilizing an existing tank chassis, but ended up
Number Produced Not Known
was obvious that more concentrated creating a vehicle that was too heavy and at the Weight 35 tonnes (34.4 tons)
firepower would be necessary. same time ineffective. Length (with gun) 6.24m (20ft 6in) (based on Type
The earliest true self-propelled anti- 79 chassis)
aircraft guns (SPAAG) were created effective, but cannon in the 20–35mm Width 3.31m (10ft 10in) (based on Type 79 chassis)
by mating twin- or quad-mounted (0.8–1.4in) range provided a balance Height Not Known
machine guns or light cannon to a of hitting power and volume of fire that Engine Diesel 425kW (570hp)
mobile chassis. This was often a could bring down helicopters or fast- Maximum Road Speed 50km/h (31mph)
Crew 4
half-track truck or sometimes a fully moving attack jets.
Armour Not Known
tracked chassis, and it was often the US pilots developed ‘rules for
Main Armament 2 x 37mm (1.6in) cannon
fate of obsolete tank designs to be survival’ stipulating the altitudes
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 1000 rounds
converted into platforms for anti- necessary to counter different threats,
per gun
aircraft weapons. These were naturally but the development of effective
incorporated into the armoured surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems
formations to provide protection made the situation a lot more complex.
against air attack. Early SAMs could not engage a
The extensive use of helicopters low-flying target, so a general rule for
in early Cold War conflicts such as pilots was to stay above the ceiling
the Vietnam War added an extra for light weapons fire unless SAM
dimension to the air defence equation. emplacements were known to be in
Multiple machine guns were no longer the area or a launch was detected.

95
SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

The appearance of large-calibre appeared in 1962, demonstrated what where there is little or no air threat. The
autocannon in fixed emplacements could be done with multiple cannon guns were combined with a Type 79
and carried aboard vehicles made low on a tracked chassis. For their first tank chassis, which did away with the
flight to avoid the missiles dangerous. attempt at a similar vehicle, Chinese need to develop a vehicle specifically
The combination of both could be designers selected a twin 37mm (1.6in) to carry the weapons. The resulting
lethal, with the threat of one forcing cannon mount capable of elevating to mobile anti-aircraft system was rather
aircraft into the killing zone of the 85 degrees. heavy for its role at 35.5 tonnes (35
other. Fixed weapons could be plotted The guns, developed from a similar tons), compared to the 19-tonne (19-
and perhaps avoided, but heavy self- Russian weapon by way of a towed ton) Russian ZSU-23. It is likely the
propelled anti-aircraft systems made anti-aircraft system, are guided by a armour of the chassis was unchanged
it possible to stage an ambush by search radar with a range of around from the original tank design, creating
creating a concentration of anti-aircraft 15km (9 miles) and targeting radar an over-protected hull that did not
guns and using a SAM launch to force plus a ballistic computer, enabling prevent the vehicle from being ‘mission
enemy aircraft down into it. engagement of airborne targets out to killed’ by a hit on its lightly armoured
more than 7000m (7655yd). Their high- turret or exposed radar.
Radar guidance explosive shells are effective against
Many early SPAAGs were manually most unarmoured targets, and the high Failed type
aimed and thus largely ineffective, elevation of anti-aircraft weapons has The PGZ-88, sometimes referred to
although volume of fire could at times proven useful when engaging as Type 88, was not accepted for
still achieve hits. Radar guidance non-aircraft targets. When operating service by the Chinese military. Its
greatly improved lethality and was in very mountainous terrain or urban combination of excess weight and
implemented as soon as a set small environments, vehicles of this type can small-arms-only protection for the
enough to be carried on a vehicle engage targets beyond the elevation armament and weapon crew resulted
turret became available. The Russian of weapons carried by standard IFVs in rejection after trials. If it was ever
ZSU-57, entering service in 1955, or tanks. Thus SPAAG vehicles can offered for export, it did not attract
and the quad-barrelled ZSU-23 that sometimes be encountered operating any buyers.

Type 63 SPAAG Type 63 SPAAG

Combining the chassis of a T-34/Type 58 medium tank and an open turret with a pair of 37mm (1.5in) Date 1968
anti-aircraft guns, this ‘lash-up’ was considered mediocre at best. The Type 63 was supplied by China Number Produced Not Known
to the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) during the Vietnam War. It remained in service with the post-war Weight Not Known
People’s Army of Vietnam, as well as the PLA, with the last examples being retired in 1990. Length (with gun) 5.9m (19ft 7in)
Width 3m (9ft 10in)
Height 2.6m (8ft 7in)
Engine V-2 V12 diesel 372kW (493hp)
Maximum Road Speed 50km/h (31mph)
Crew 6
Armour Not Known
Main Armament 2 x 37mm (1.45in) Type 63 AA guns

96
 SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

Type 80
The next attempt at a mobile anti-aircraft platform was a near-copy of the Russian
ZSU-52-2. This system dated from 1955 and was obsolete by the 1980s, but Chinese
designers created a very similar vehicle nonetheless.

At its heart was a pair of 57mm (2.2in) Type 80 SPAAG

Type 80 SPAAG
cannon derived from a Russian design Although impressive in appearance and on-paper Date 1980s
intended to arm divisional air defence capabilities, the twin-57mm (2.2in) self-propelled Number Produced Not Known
formations during the 1950s. anti-aircraft platform was not any more effective Weight 29 tonnes (28.54 tons)
Like its predecessor, the PGZ- in Chinese service than with any other nation. Length (with gun) 8.5m (27ft 10.5in)
88, the Type 80 was mounted on the Width 3.27m (10ft 8.5in)
chassis of a Type 79 (or type 69III-A) of the initial purchase and during the Height 2.75m (9ft)

main battle tank. Some sources state vehicle’s service life. Little benefit was Engine 12150L-7BW V12 diesel 432.5kW (580hp)
Maximum Road Speed 55km/h (34mph)
that the chassis was given reduced gained from the armoured chassis,
Crew 6
armour protection: the Type 80 was since the large turret was more likely to
Armour Not Known
certainly significantly lighter than the be hit by most attacks the vehicle might
Main Armament 2 x 57mm (2.2in) cannon
PGZ-88, at 29.4–31.5 tonnes (29–31 face, and disabling its weapons would Main Gun Ammunition Stowed Not Known
tons) instead of 35.5 tonnes (35 tons). put it out of action just as surely as a
However, it shared many of the same penetrating hit on the hull.
deficiencies. The Type 80 is claimed to have had
an effective range of around 4000m
Excess weight (4374yd) using manual sighting and potential opponents have no combat
The Type 80 was far heavier than it 6000m (6561yd) with radar. It has vehicles tougher than a civilian pickup
needed to be – the Russian twin 57mm seen service, as have similar weapons truck fitted with a heavy machine
(2.2in) mobile AA system used a smaller produced by other countries, in several gun, surviving Type 80s and similar
and lighter hull with four roadwheels conflicts but has never proven very platforms might be repurposed as
to the Type 80’s five. This large hull effective. Many former users have ground combat assets. The Type 80 is
was armoured to a level that an anti- converted their vehicles to other roles still inefficient and unevenly protected
aircraft system would be unlikely to or removed them from service. in this role, but it could be useful. As
ever need, which in turn required a A twin 57mm (2.2in) cannon mount an air defence platform, however, it
large and fuel-hungry engine to move on an armoured chassis does have was marginal when it was introduced
it around. This all added up to a lack potential in defensive and fire-support and has rightfully been supplanted by
of cost-effectiveness both in terms applications. In a world where many better vehicles.

97
SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

Type 95/PGZ-04
Combination gun/missile air defence systems have been attempted by various nations.
In theory they offer many possibilities, with missiles engaging fast-moving targets and
guns making the local area untenable for helicopters. However, such systems tend to be
plagued with difficulties and rarely perform as well as their designers hope.

Type 95 SPAAA
Quad 25mm (1in) cannon offer a good compromise
between the volume of fire necessary to make hits
likely and the ability to inflict significant damage.

The Type 95 can operate solo but of the Shilka’s 23mm (0.9in) weapons.
Type 95/PGZ-04 SPAAA
is designed to be deployed as part It is also possible that the design was
Date 1999
of an integrated unit containing one influenced by the Italian SIDAM 25 self- Number Produced Not Known
command and six combat vehicles propelled air defence system, which Weight 22.86 tonnes (22.5 tons)
all sharing a common chassis, with was examined by Chinese experts in Length 6.71m (22ft)
additional supporting vehicles of other the late 1980s. SIDAM 25 used a quad Width 3.2m (10ft 6in)
designs. The Type 95 weighs in at 22.8 25mm (1in) mount on a modified M113 Height 3.4m (11ft 2in) (radar down)
tonnes (22.5 tons). This is much lighter APC chassis. The vehicle as a whole Engine Not known
than preceding designs and suggests was not exported, but the turret and Maximum Road Speed 53km/h (33mph)
Crew 3
a more sensible balance between hull weapon systems have been mounted
Main Armament 4 x 25mm (1in) cannon; MANPAD
protection and capability. on other vehicles by overseas buyers,
missiles
proving the viability of a quad 25mm
Range Guns: 2500km (2734yd); missiles: 6000m
Soviet copy (1in) AA system.
(6562yd)
The gun component of the Type 95 The guns on the Type 95 are of Rate of Fire Gun: 3200rpm
is apparently inspired by the Soviet 1980s vintage, having first been
ZSU-23-4 ‘Shilka’, but uses quad- deployed as a towed air defence
mounted 25mm (1in) cannon instead weapon. They are directed by a low-

98
 SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

This Type 95 SPAAG is on display in Beijing’s PLA Tank Museum. Highly mobile gun/missile air defence systems offer tank formations a defence against their
natural predator, the attack helicopter.

altitude radar system carried aboard the with a very strong heat signature, and aircraft is likely to cross the weapon’s
Type 95, or can receive targeting data then only from angles that did not mask engagement envelope before it can
from the command vehicle. Electronic the hottest parts of the aircraft. Third- react, and one flying above 3500m
assistance allows reasonably accurate generation missiles such as the QW-2 (3827yd) cannot be engaged at all.
fire even when the vacuole is moving, are described as ‘all-aspect’ weapons, However, light missiles of this sort are
against ground targets as well as capable of tracking an aircraft coming effective against helicopters, enabling
aircraft. This gives air defence vehicles directly towards the sensor or from any the Type 95 to protect armoured
a secondary fire-support capability and other angle. formations from tank-hunting gunships.
makes them useful escorts for convoys The vehicle’s radar can detect
moving through an area suspected to Short-range weapon targets out to about 11km (7 miles)
be infiltrated by insurgents. Other improvements since the first and track them within 6km (4 miles).
The guns are supplemented by man-portable heat-seeking missiles Reaction time from detection to firing is
four QW-2 missiles. The QW-2 is a were deployed include a greater given by Chinese sources as around 10
short-ranged weapon developed as a resistance to being distracted by seconds using electronic sighting, and
shoulder-fired man-portable air defence defensive flares, but this is still a about half that with optical sighting.
system (MANPADS). Early thermal- short-ranged weapon. It might be The Type 95 is in service with the
guided weapons of this type were very effective against fast jets under the Chinese military but does not seem to
limited and could only track a target right circumstances, but a low-flying have generated overseas interest.

99
SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

Type 95 SPAAA
The high elevation possible with air defence
weapons makes them useful for engaging other
threats, such as RPG teams and snipers located
high in buildings or the sides of a mountain pass.

PGZ-07/PGZ-09 SPAAG
Originally designated PGZ-07 and apparently redesignated PGZ-09, this vehicle mounts
a pair of 35mm (1.4in) cannon and may be able to carry additional short-ranged missiles.

It is constructed on the same chassis explosive round available that poses

PGZ-07/PGZ-09 Self-Propelled
(or a near-identical one) as the Type 95 a severe threat to lightly armoured Anti-Aircraft Gun
self-propelled anti-aircraft system, with vehicles or infantry positions. Date 1999
the engine at front-right and a centrally Tracking and engagement of targets Number Produced 1000
mounted turret. is by means of two radar sets and Weight Not Known
an electro-optical sighting system. Length (with gun) 6.7m (22ft)
Basic protection Surveillance and detection radar is Width 3.2m (10ft 6in)
Performance is suitable to keep pace located at the rear of the turret, with Height Not Known

with an armoured formation, with a tracking radar and other sensors at the Engine Not Known
Maximum Road Speed 55km/h (34mph)
road speed of 55km/h (34 miles) and front. It is not certain what systems are
Crew 3
an operating radius of around 450km carried, but it is likely that the electro-
Armour Not Known
(280 miles). Protection is sufficient to optical fit includes thermal and low-light
Main Armament 2 x 35mm (1.34in) cannon
prevent penetration by small-arms fire, cameras as well as a laser rangefinder. Main Gun Ammunition Stowed Not Known
but the vehicle is vulnerable to even
heavy machine guns. Despite this, it is Sighting system
intended to serve in a fire-support role The range of airborne targets to be
as a secondary capability. engaged by air defence vehicles
In addition to high-explosive- continues to expand. Fast jets pose a
incendiary (HEI) and HEI-tracer rounds, different tracking and targeting problem
the guns have a semi-armour-piercing to helicopters, but air defence units

100
 SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

Type 95
TextUcitatur? Faceperspid quo dolorepro cum
alisit, to cus et, voluptam, voluptat atis molore
pariore icidere icimenimos as dolest perio. Et

PGZ-09
The electro-optical sighting system of this PGZ-09 is clearly visible above the tracking radar at the front of the turret.

PGZ-07
It is not clear what changes were made, if any,
between the PGZ-07 pictured here and the
current PGZ-09.

101
SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

may also have to deal with drones on target and keeping them there, in this arena were not very promising,
and missiles. Even quite large drones while others require increasingly but the only ways to develop a mature
tend to have a small thermal and radar sophisticated computers to calculate capability are to make mistakes or
signature, while missiles are small, fast, an intercept between shells and a to buy vehicles from those who have
and may be flying an evasive course small, fast-moving target. made their own – at whatever price they
close to the ground. Modern air defence vehicles thus demand. The latter approach was clearly
Some of the engagement problems need to be extremely sophisticated unacceptable to the Chinese military,
are mechanical, such as slewing the and are therefore expensive to develop leaving an expensive development
turret fast enough to get the guns and upgrade. China’s first attempts process as the only option.

Yitian Air Defence System

The Yitian air defence system is built around the TY-90 (Tian Yan) missile. This project was
initially designed to give helicopters a measure of air-to-air capability, which is of interest
to several nations, and was later converted for use on ground-based launchers.

The missiles use thermal guidance, miles). Engagement range is around

Yitian Air Defence System (WMZ551)
and may have a dual-mode capability 6km (4 miles).
Date 2004
that makes them greatly more resistant Standoff and Cruise missiles are an Number Produced Not Known
to flares dropped as decoys. The ever-increasing threat in the modern Weight 16 tonnes (15.74 tons)
Yitian system’s radar can detect and combat environment, with many Length 6.63m (21ft 9in)
track a strike aircraft at 18km (11 nations either possessing missiles Width 2.8m (9ft 2in)
miles), and a large missile at 8km (5 obtained from major manufacturers Height 2.89m (9ft 6in)
Engine Deutz BF8L413F 8-cylinder turbo diesel
235kW (320hp)

Ytian ADS Maximum Road Speed 85km/h (53mph)

Crew 3
Guidance for the Yitian’s eight short-range air
Armour Not Known
defence missiles is provided by a radar mounted
Main Armament 8 x TY-90 missiles
above the launchers, creating a self-contained
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed No reloads carried
module that can be fitted to a variety of vehicles.

102
 SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

or producing their own. The more wheeled APC chassis. A relatively light
advanced missile systems are capable weapon system of this sort does not
of navigating over very long distances really need a tracked chassis, and a
and making an attack so precise that missile-armed air defence unit has
one missile can fly though a hole no business going where anti-armour
made by another to explode inside weapons will be fired at it by ground
a structure. troops. Thus a wheeled version makes
Missiles with various types of sense, reducing costs and easing
warhead can be launched against maintenance while allowing rapid
installations and infrastructure as well redeployment under its own power.
as military formations, and a mobile
short-range interception capability APC mount
is increasingly a necessity. Vehicle- The W321-based Yitian system is
mounted air and missile defence units equipped with two sets of quad-
can be deployed to protect dams, mounted missiles along with the usual
power stations and other assets machine gun for self-defence. Tracking
that might be targeted as part of a and guidance radar is mounted above
softening-up process before invasion, the missiles, with an electro-optical HonQi HQ7B
and can be transferred between sighting system also available to the The HonQi 7B missile system was reverse-
locations or assigned to protect crew. The version of the W321 chassis engineered from the French Crotale. It is deployed
combat units once the threat to used is probably the same as the aboard a variety of light vehicles as well as
infrastructure recedes. Type 92 family of vehicles, though on towed mounts. In this case there are four
The Yitian air defence system some modifications may have been missiles. Each one is 3m (9ft 9in) long and
has been mounted on a variety of necessary in order to accommodate weighs 84.5kg (186lb). The missiles have a range
vehicles, notably the W321 6x6 the missile mount. of 15km (9.3 miles).

103
SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

Type 70-I
The Type 70-I is a turretless self-propelled howitzer using a weapon based on the 122mm
(4.8in) Soviet M-30. This rather elderly artillery system was developed in the 1930s and
produced into the mid-1950s. Widely exported, the M-30 and its derivatives have seen
combat in numerous conflicts where it has proven simple but effective.

Before the Sino–Soviet split of the Slightly longer than a standard Type
1950s, a programme to build a local 63, the vehicle that emerged was an
copy of the M-30 was set up with obvious interim solution, mounting
Russian assistance. These guns the Type 54 gun – shield and all – in a
were available in large numbers turretless configuration atop the hull.
and, designated Type 54, served the This created an artillery piece with
Chinese military as a towed support tracked-vehicle mobility and provided
Type 70-I
weapon. Although as effective as any protection to the crew on the move,
Date 1970
other gun once in position, the Type but left them vulnerable when
Number Produced 200
54 was vulnerable to counter-battery operating the weapon. Weight 15.4 tonnes (15 tons)
fire and could not keep pace with an Around 200 of these vehicles, Length 5.65m (18ft 6in)
armoured advance or counterattack. designated Type 70-I, were produced Width 3.06m (10ft)
Self-propelled artillery that could ‘shoot before true self-propelled artillery Height 2.68m (8ft 9in)
and scoot’ was an obvious necessity, became available. The Type 70-I Engine Deutz 6150L 6-cylinder diesel, 192kW
but creating a suitable vehicle would (257hp)
take time. Type 70-I Maximum Road Speed 56km/h (35mph)

In the interim, a mobile artillery A turretless howitzer was simple to produce Crew 7
Armour Not Known
platform was created using the and under most circumstances quite adequate,
Main Armament Type 54 122mm (4.8in) howitzer
YW531H APC – a modified version of but left the crew vulnerable when operating in a
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 40
the Type 63 APC chassis – as a basis. direct-fire role.

104
 SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

entered service in 1970 and was The Type 54 howitzer atop the Type The Type 70-I was, overall, a quick-
followed by an improved version 70-I normally delivered high-explosive and-dirty stopgap vehicle intended
designated Type 85. Some sources shells but was also capable of firing a to provide mobile artillery support at
state that the Type 85 was an export range of munitions, including smoke a time when none existed. Although
version and did not enter Chinese and incendiary ammunition. A shell crude by modern standards it was
service. The Type 70 itself did not containing HEAT submunitions has also an enormous improvement on towed
achieve export success. been developed, intended to attack the artillery, which might be as much of an
In addition to leaving the gun thinner top armour of enemy vehicles encumbrance as an assistance to fast-
and crew unprotected, the Type 70-I by bursting overhead. Given the moving armoured forces. It was quickly
retained all the shortcomings of the inaccuracy of the Type 70-I’s weapon, surpassed by more advanced mobile
Type 54 towed howitzer. China’s first the effectiveness of this ammunition artillery systems and was not adopted
indigenously produced large-calibre remains debatable. by overseas armed forces.
artillery weapon, it was capable of
firing a 122mm (4.8in) shell out to 12km Assault gun role
(7 miles) or so but lacked modern Enclosed self-propelled artillery has
Type 85
sighting systems and was inaccurate. been used in the assault gun role on
Date 1985
This might or might not be a problem numerous occasions, with a good
Number Produced 100
for artillery bombarding static enemy success record. The high angle of gun Weight 18.2 tonnes (18 tons)
positions but in the fluid environment elevation allows return fire at targets Length 6.66m (21ft 9in)
of an armoured engagement the lack of a tank could not engage, and this Width 3.06m (10ft)
precision was a serious drawback. was used by Israeli forces operating Height 2.85m (9ft 4in)
in Beirut in the early 1980s to deter Engine Deutz Type BF8L413F diesel, 238kW
snipers operating from the upper (320hp)
Type 85 (YW323) floors of buildings. The Type 70-I was Maximum Road Speed 60km/h (37mph)
Crew 6
The longer gun of the Type 85 offered range and capable of conducting direct fire in this
Armour Not Known
accuracy advantages, but this was still a rather manner or against ground-level targets,
Main Armament Type 85 122mm (4.8in) howitzer
basic vehicle which was quickly replaced by but without crew protection this would
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 40
better systems. have led to significant casualties.

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SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

Type 83
The Type 83 self-propelled gun is built around the Chinese PL-66 howitzer,
which in turn was derived from the Russian D-20.

Using 152mm (6in) ammunition, this is probable that the Type 83 has a similar Type 83
one of the most widely used artillery capability. Laser-guided munitions can The Chinese military has selected 122mm (4.8in)
pieces in the modern world and was be used against any precision target, guns for its divisional artillery. Larger-calibre
the basis of the Russian 2S3 Akatsiya notably bunkers and fortified positions, weapons like the Type 83 are assigned to
self-propelled gun. The PL-66 is rather but are typically anti-tank weapons. specialist formations.
dated now, though still capable of being Laser guidance is not infallible, as it
effective on the battlefield, but remains requires the designator to maintain line-
Type 83 Self-Propelled Howitzer
in service with the Chinese military. of-sight on the target, but it does allow
Date 1983
In its guise as the self-propelled distant artillery units to attack moving Number Produced Not Known
Type 83, the PL-66 has a 27-calibre tanks without being exposed to an Weight 30 tonnes (29.5 tons)
barrel. This is a little longer than the immediate response. Length (with gun) 7.33m (24ft 0.5in)
towed version but short by modern The Type 83 was built on the Width 3.23m (10ft 7in)
self-propelled gun standards. Although same W321 chassis as many other Height 3.5m (11ft 6in)
this does simplify transportation and Chinese armoured vehicles. Its 410kW Engine 12150L diesel 410kW (550hp)
movement through cluttered terrain, it (550hp) engine allows a maximum Maximum Road Speed 55km/h (34mph)
Crew 4–5
also means the Type 83 has a relatively speed of 55km/h (34mph) and an
Armour Not Known
short effective range. With conventional operating radius of 450km (280 miles) –
Main Armament 1 x 152mm (6in) howitzer
shells this is around 17km (10 miles), sufficient to keep up with armoured or
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 30 Rounds
although a rocket-assisted projectile mechanized forces. Armour protection
is available with an extended range of is sufficient to stop small arms or shell
around 22km (14 miles). splinters – the latter being the most
The Type 83 was heavily influenced likely threat if counter-battery fire finds
by the Russian 2S3 Akatsiya, which is the vehicle before it can change firing
capable of firing laser-guided shells. positions – and a heavy machine gun is
China acquired this technology, so it is provided for self-defence.

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 SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

PHZ-89 SP MRL
Using its self-reloading
system the PHZ-89 can
deliver two rapid salvoes of
40 122mm (4.8in) rockets
and be quickly on the move
to avoid counter-battery fire.

Multiple rocket system The PHZ-89 rocket system uses two salvoes to be launched in rapid
The same chassis is used as the 40 launching tubes for 122mm succession. Reloading time is around
basis for a multiple rocket system (4.8in) artillery rockets and carries a two minutes from the ready rack,
designated Type 89 or PHZ-89, and complete set of reloads in a covered and considerably longer if manually
has similar performance. rack at the front of the hull, permitting reloading the vehicle.

PLZ-45 (Type 88)

China started the Cold War arms race far behind the Western powers and the Soviet
Union, and needed to catch up quickly. Once political differences ended Soviet
assistance, the usual expedient was to develop local versions of foreign equipment.

This usually led to Chinese hardware

being a decade or more behind the
other major powers, but at times the
process of catching up was short-
circuited by obtaining access to the
most advanced weaponry on the
market. The Austrian GHN-45 howitzer
was one such weapon. From it, Chinese
designers developed a 155mm (6.1in)
towed artillery weapon that entered

The PLZ-45 was designed for the export market,

and most examples serve overseas. A small
number are retained by the Beijing military
district.

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SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

service in 1991 under the designation up to carry its weapon system, and
PLL-01 or Type 89. This represented was complemented by an ammunition
a move from Soviet calibres to NATO carrier/loader vehicle built on the same
standard ammunition, which would chassis. It is capable of operating in the
eventually make Chinese military direct-fire role, but as the vehicle is only
equipment more attractive to overseas protected against small arms and shell
buyers. In the meantime, their armed splinters this would be risky.
forces got a modern artillery piece and When operating in a more typical
advanced ammunition for it. indirect support mode, the PLZ-45
Along with the GHN-45 gun, China uses GPS positioning and an automatic
gained the technology to produce gun-laying system to enhance accuracy
extended-range artillery ammunition that even when not firing laser-guided
used aerodynamics rather than rocket projectiles. The latter have a range
boosting. Continued development of about 20km (12 miles), whereas
has reportedly produced shells with a extended-range unguided projectiles
range double that of standard 155m include high explosive, HE-frag and
(6.1in) artillery ammunition. The PLL- smoke as well as cargo shells capable
PLZ-45 Self-Propelled Gun
01 towed howitzer can also deliver of delivering a range of payloads
Date 1997
precision-guided shells using laser to the target. Projectiles are loaded
Number Produced Not Known
designation, and has a semi-automatic automatically at any angle of elevation, Weight 32 tonnes (31.5 tons)
loading system. with propellant loaded manually by the Length 6.1m (20ft)
vehicle’s two loaders. Width 3.2m (10ft 6in)
PLL-01 gun The PLZ-45 was offered for export Height 2.59m (8ft 6in)
The PLZ-45 is a self-propelled artillery and taken into service with Algeria, Engine Diesel, 391.4kW (525hp)
system built around a version of the Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. It also Maximum Road Speed 56km/h (35mph)
PLL-01 gun and loader. Unlike some serves in very limited numbers with the Crew 5

previous Chinese armoured vehicles, Chinese armed forces, although the Main Armament 1 x 155mm (6.1in) WAC-21
howitzer
an existing chassis was not used. The PLZ-05 was adopted for widespread
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 30
PLZ-45 was designed from the ground service instead.

PLZ-45 Self-Propelled Gun

The PLZ-45 was unusual in that it was custom
designed as a complete system rather than fitting
a new gun to an existing chassis or vice versa.

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 SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

PLZ-89
The PLZ-89 (or Type 89) bears a distinct resemblance to the Russian 2S1 Gvozdika,
which entered service in 1971.

The latter uses a gun derived from the PLZ-89 Self-Propelled Howitzer PLZ-89 Self-Propelled Howitzer
Russian 122mm (4.8in) D-30 towed The PLZ-89 has a distinctly Russian look about it, Date 1989
howitzer, while the Type 89 is built which is not surprising considering the lineage of Number Produced Not Known
around the Chinese Type 86 (or W86), its main gun. Weight 20 tonnes (19.68 tons)
which is more or less a direct copy. Length (with gun) 6.5m (21ft 4in)
This weapon was taken into Chinese Width 3.4m (11ft 2in)
service in the 1980s and offered Height 2m (6ft 7in)
Engine 12V150L12 Diesel 336kW (450hp)
for sale on the export market as an 1980s, so a suitable platform to carry
Maximum Road Speed 60km/h (37mph)
alternative to the Russian weapon. such a weapon was needed. Several
Crew 5
designs for self-propelled artillery
Armour Not Known
Fire support vehicles were trialled until eventually
Main Armament 122mm (4.8in) howitzer
The standard level of artillery support what would become the Type 89 was Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 40 Rounds
was set at 122mm (4.8in) in the late adopted. This was a conventional self-

Battlegroup organization
As the Chinese armed forces became increasingly mechanized, a shift in organization and doctrine occurred. Today’s
Chinese forces are modular in nature, allowing a battlegroup of the appropriate size to be created by a parent division.
Armoured and infantry assets are assigned as needed and given support from the division’s pool of artillery and air
defence units.
This model is becoming increasingly common worldwide. An armoured or mechanized infantry division is in theory an
extremely potent force but what matters is the force brought to bear at the critical point. A traditional brigade or division
may not be best suited to do so. A battlegroup system allows a tailored force to be assigned to a given combat area,
concentrating the division’s assets where they can be the most effective and providing support as necessary. This is
particularly useful when engaging forces that are not neatly organized into conventional brigades and divisions, or in a
situation where a division must cover a wide area where the intensity of conflict can vary considerably. To enable this
structure to function, vehicles must have roughly equivalent performance.

109
SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

propelled howitzer armoured against SH-3

small-arms fire and mounting a heavy The SH-3, entering service in 2007,
machine gun for self-defence. Its is an improved version of the Type 89
chassis was developed from the Type with a more powerful engine. It has a
77 amphibious APC, but it was not semi-automatic loader and improved
constructed for amphibious capability. fire control, enabling it to deliver more
With the addition of a flotation kit, rounds on target than its predecessor.
the Type 89 was able to cross calm It has been offered for export but sales
waters. have thus far been very limited.

PLZ-52
The PLZ-52 is visually similar to the PLZ-45 but is larger and has a much more powerful
engine. It was first publicly unveiled in 2014 and is intended for the export market.

The PLZ-52’s 155mm (6.1in) gun

is longer than that of the PLZ-45,
generating a higher muzzle velocity
that increases range and accuracy.
It is compatible with standard NATO
ammunition and is fed by a modular
charge system.
One advantage of self-propelled
artillery is the ability to ‘shoot and Main Gun
scoot’, moving on quickly to avoid The gun of the PLZ-52 is a 52
calibre tracked self-propelled
counter-battery fire. It is by no
howitzer capable of hitting targets
means certain that artillery will be at a range of 53km (33 miles) with
targeted in this way, but as soon ERFB-BB-RA projectiles. It can
fire up to eight rounds per minute.
as a weapon opens fire its position
can be determined by tracking shell
trajectories using radar. Thus, the
clock starts ticking once the first shot
is fired.

PLZ-52 Self-Propelled Gun

Precision-guided munitions
Date 2014
Computerized gun laying eliminates
Number Produced Around 250
the need for ranging shots, which not
Weight 43 tonnes (42.3 tons)
only delays an enemy response but Length (with gun) 11.6m (38ft 0.5in)
also increases the chance that the Width 3.38m (11ft 1in)
target will be caught by surprise in the Height 3.55m (11ft 8in)
open. The ability of a battery to get the Engine Diesel 745kW (1000hp)
requisite number of shells on target Maximum Road Speed 65km/h (40mph)
and quickly be ready to move greatly Crew 4
improves survivability, and reloading Armour Not Known
Main Armament 155mm (6.1in) howitzer
time is an important component of this
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 30–40
equation. Thus, loading systems are

110
 SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

not merely labour-saving devices or technical challenges. It may be that very quickly. It is complemented by
enhancements to the unit’s firepower; an effective armour-seeking artillery a resupply vehicle built on the same
they reduce the period in which a weapon will change the nature of chassis. This is reportedly capable of
battery is vulnerable to counter-fire. armoured engagements. Tests in carrying 90 rounds of 155mm (6.1in)
In addition to precision-guided recent years have produced very ammunition and delivering them to
munitions and extended-range shells promising results, but these weapons the gun at a rate of eight rounds
with various warheads, the PLZ-52’s are yet to be tested on a battlefield per minute using its own crane and
gun can deliver GPS-guided shells or and their long-term influence remains transfer mechanism.
an anti-armour payload consisting of debatable.
two winged submunitions. The cargo
shell probably has a range of 30–35km Protection
(19–22 miles), delivering ‘smart’ The PLZ-52 is armoured against shell
submunitions to the target area. splinters and small-arms fire, and has
These then seek a suitable armoured an NBC protection system. Vehicles
target and guide themselves to it using offered for export may not include this
their winglets. feature, which is deemed unnecessary PLZ-52 Self-Propelled Gun
Munitions intended to allow artillery by many potential clients and drives The PLZ-52 can deliver tank-seeking munitions to
to destroy tanks at a great distance up the purchase cost considerably. a distant target area, but whether these weapons
have been in development since the The PLZ-52 itself carries 30–40 ready will make heavy armoured vehicles obsolete
1960s, but have always posed serious rounds, but these can be used up remains to be seen.

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SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

PLZ-05
Entering service in 2008, the PLZ-05 replaced the Type 83 self-propelled gun.
This marked a transition from Russian to NATO calibres as well as an increase in
firepower, which was augmented by rapid-loading systems that allow a battery to
have several shells in the air at once, and computerized gun-laying systems that
can time a salvo to arrive all at once.

The PLZ-05 was developed from PLZ-05’s gun is longer than that of its coastal artillery formations. The idea
the PLZ-45 and is also built around predecessors – 52 calibres rather than of coast defence guns may seem
a 155mm (6.1in) gun. This weapon 45 – which gives greater range and outdated in an age of guided missiles,
requires a large turret, both to house accuracy. but modern artillery can reach 30km
the loading and firing mechanism The PLZ-05 has not been offered (19 miles) or more out to sea, making
and to permit a sufficient amount of for export, but serves with the Chinese it extremely hazardous to approach
ready ammunition to be carried. The armoured forces as well as some the coast, and poses a severe threat

Main Gun
The gun of the PLZ-05 is a
52-calibre weapon, i.e. its length
is 52 times the diameter of its
shell. This is significantly longer
than the 45-calibre gun of the
preceding PLZ-45.

PLZ-05 Self-Propelled Gun

Date 2005
Number Produced 200+
Weight 35 tonnes (34.4 tons)
Length (with gun) 11.6m (38ft 1in) Powerplant
Width 3.4m (11ft 2in) The 745kw (1000hp) engine is
Height 3.55m (11ft 8in)
located at the front right of the
vehicle, driving through front
Engine 8V50 turbo diesel 600kW (800hp) sprockets. The tracks are guided
Maximum Road Speed 65km/h (40mph) by three return rollers.
Crew 4
Armour Not Known
Main Armament 155mm (6.1in) howitzer
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 30–40

112
 SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

PLZ-05 Self-Propelled Gun

The main gun can fire up to eight rounds per
minute. By altering the gun elevation is it possible
to put four shells on target simultaneously.

Turret
The enlarged turret of the PLZ-52
houses an autoloader derived
from a Russian design, replacing
the unsatisfactory PLZ-45 version.

113
SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

to amphibious landing ships or even potential invasion beaches and the

warships. Whereas a battleship of approaches to cities, harbours and
World War II era might be impervious installations. Narrow waters such as
to a mere 155mm (6.1in) shell, modern straits can also be denied to an enemy
ships are not designed to shrug off navy in this manner – few powers
multiple hits by powerful warheads. will risk running expensive warships
through an area where concealed
Coastal artillery enemy vehicles can target them at
Conversely, a battery of artillery short range from positions on the
vehicles on the shore – or some shoreline.
distance inland – is far more flexible
than a fort or coastal artillery Export model
emplacement, and virtually impossible The PLZ-52 is sometimes cited as
to hit even if it can be located. A being an export version of the PLZ-05,
155mm (6.1in) self-propelled artillery and on other occasions as a separate
piece is likely to outrange the gun vehicle. The PLZ-04 is an export
or guns of a warship, while missiles version of the PLZ-05, with a slightly
have to find a mobile target concealed longer 54-calibre gun barrel. It is in Without the support of a barrel rest, a long gun
among landward clutter. In a changing use with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, may deform under its own weight. Stresses are
world, coastal artillery appears to have both previous buyers of the preceding greatly increased when traversing uneven
gained a new lease of life, protecting PLZ-45. ground at speed.

114
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PLL-09
The PLL-09 is one of the vehicles intended to replace the Type 89 self-propelled gun.
The PLZ-07 fulfils the tracked SPG role, while the PLL-09 brings 122mm (4.8in) fire
support to formations using wheeled vehicles.

These light formations typically use management system, enabling a

8x8 vehicles from the same family, light formation to operate much more
simplifying maintenance and ensuring closely than previous generations of
that all vehicles are interoperable. combat vehicles would have been
The PLL-09 is based on the able to.
same chassis as the ZBL-09 Snow A group of artillery vehicles, even
Leopard APC. It is fully amphibious with differing calibres and types of
and is propelled in water by twin weapon, can saturate a target by
waterjets. On land its 328kW (440hp) tying all their fire control systems
engine gives a maximum speed of together. By varying the gun elevation
100km/h (62mph), while rough terrain to give specific flight times, a vehicle
PLL-09
performance is comparable with many equipped with an automatic or
Date 2009
armoured vehicles. Its weapon is the semiautomatic loader can put multiple
Number Produced Not Known
PL96 howitzer, an improved version of shells on target at the same time; a Weight 21 tonnes (20.6 tons)
the venerable Type 86 that arms many group of artillery weapons all doing Length (with gun) 8m (26ft 3in)
older Chinese vehicles. so at the same time can create an Width 3m (9ft 10in)
The gun is directed by an advanced overwhelming salvo. Height 3m (9ft 10in)
fire control system that is probably The concept behind this technique Engine Deutz BF6M1015C diesel 328kW (440hp)
linked into an integrated battlefield is nothing new; time-on-target Maximum Road Speed 100km/h (62mph)
Crew 4–5
Armour Not Known
PLL-09
Main Armament 122mm (4.8in) howitzer
The tracked PLZ-07 can go places the PLL-09 cannot, but the wheeled version has greater strategic
Main Gun Ammunition Stowed 30
mobility and a higher speed over the terrain it can traverse.

115
SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

artillery barrages were used in World Advanced gunlaying has other

War II. However, with the advent applications, such as hitting enemy
of computerized targeting and positions just ahead of an assault
coordination between vehicles there to keep hostiles under cover for as
is less variation in the arrival times of long as possible, or suppressing
ordnance, greater concentration in anti-armour weapons with precisely
the target area and less chance that targeted artillery fire. A retreat can
an error will alert the enemy with an also be covered in the same way,
early shell. The first seconds of an enabling a light force to strike then
artillery attack are usually the most break contact and retire. This can
destructive, and vehicles like the be important for reconnaissance
PLL-09 are equipped to make the assets that encounter a major enemy
most of those seconds. concentration.

PLZ-07
Developed as a replacement for the Type 70-I, Type 85 and Type 89 self-propelled guns,
the PLZ-07 is built around a 122mm (4.8in) howitzer.

The gun is supported by a semi- by marine formations. It is very slightly PLZ-07 Self-Propelled Gun
automatic loader and aimed by heavier and incorporates a pair of Date 2009
advanced electronic systems, waterjets for use when swimming. Number Produced 200+
increasing rate of fire and accuracy The PLZ-07B is not apparently Weight 24.5 tonnes (24.1 tons)
compared to previous weapons of designed for high-speed transits Length (with gun) 6.6m (21ft 8in)
this type. It can deliver all Chinese to shore from distant amphibious Width 3.28m (10ft 9in)
122mm (4.8in) munitions including warfare ships, and would thus follow Height 2.5m (8ft 2.5in)

extended-range and guided shells, and the assault formations ashore once a Engine BF8M1015CP diesel 440kW (590hp)
Maximum Road Speed 60–65km/h (37–40mph)
is presumably also compatible with foothold was gained.
Crew 5
Russian ammunition. This would be an
Armour Not Known
advantage in the export marketplace, Russian calibre ammunition
Main Armament 122mm (4.8in) howitzer
though as yet an export version has The PLZ-07 and PLZ-07B use 122mm Main Gun Ammunition Stowed Not Known
not appeared. The same ammunition (4.8in) ammunition, which is originally
is used in the wheeled PLL-09 self- a Russian calibre, whereas many other
propelled gun and a truck-mounted weapon systems have gone over to
howitzer designated PCL-09. NATO standard ammunition. In some
The chassis of the PLZ-07 was ways this reflects the unique nature
developed from the ZBD-97 (or Type of the Chinese military – influenced
97) IFV. Its more powerful engine gives by both the Cold War powerblocs but
it greater cross-country mobility than capable of charting its own path. There
preceding self-propelled gun designs, is no contradiction inherent in the use
though it is not capable of amphibious of ‘western’ and ‘eastern’ calibres in
operations. It is not clear whether or Chinese weaponry, since ammunition
not a flotation kit is available for the can be locally produced or sourced
standard PLZ-07, but it seems likely as needed, and the choice of calibres
since an amphibious version exists. is internally consistent. If divisional
The amphibious PLZ-07B is used artillery weapons use a Russian-

116
 SELF-PROPELLED GUNS

derived 122mm (4.8in) system and subject of much debate at present,

heavier artillery uses a NATO 155mm with some research suggesting it
(6.1in) calibre, there is no more a is more effective than traditional
supply problem or inherent inefficiency camouflage patterns and some
than if any other two distinct calibres experts contesting this view. The fact
were used for different weapons. that China has invested so heavily in
cutting-edge and even experimental
Amphibious capability concepts of this sort is an indicator
In addition to a willingness to mix of how far military technology has
design concepts and manufacturing advanced in the roughly 70 years since
standards, the Chinese military the end of the Chinese Civil War.
has developed other unique Gone are the crude copies of
characteristics. Few nations produce obsolete Russian tanks and armoured
fully amphibious armoured vehicles, personnel carriers, although their
and amphibious tanks are rare indeed. legacy can still be discerned here and
Yet China perceives the need and there. From a hodgepodge of legacy
has designs available for export to equipment, the Chinese armed forces
other nations that also require them. have been transformed into a first-
Fully amphibious vehicles are highly class modern fighting force equipped
useful to countries with a great deal with hardware manufactured to their
of wetlands or large wilderness own specifications.
areas with few roads and many Chinese sources are notoriously
watercourses, and it may be that cagey about the capabilities of their
vehicles such as the PLZ-07B will find equipment, but as their designs
favour there. increasingly appear on the export PLZ-07 Self-Propelled Gun
Chinese vehicles and personnel are market it is becoming clear that Chinese divisional artillery appears to be
often equipped with digital camouflage third-generation Chinese tanks and standardised at 122mm (4.8in), with other
patterns, sometimes in unusual colour armoured vehicles are as good as weapons concentrated in specialist artillery
schemes. Digital camouflage is the anything on offer elsewhere. formations.

117
ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY

Abbreviations and Glossary

Ammunition Abbreviation Meaning
AP Armour Piercing
API-T Armour Piercing Incendiary (Tracer)
AP-T Armour Piercing (Tracer)
APBC Armoured Piercing Ballistic Capped
APDS Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot
APFSDS Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot
APFSDS-DU Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (Depleted Uranium)
APFSDS-T Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (Tungsten)
APHE Armour Piercing High Explosive
APSE Armour Piercing Special Effects
FRAG Fragmentation
HE High Explosive
HE-FRAG High Explosive (Fragmentation)
HE-FRAG-FS High Explosive Fragmentation (Fin Stabilized)
HE-FS High Explosive (Fin Stabilized)
HEAT High Explosive Anti-Tank
HEAT-FS High Explosive Anti-Tank (Fin Stabilized)
HEAT-MP High Explosive Anti-Tank (Multi Purpose)
HEAT-MP-T High Explosive Anti-Tank (Multi Purpose) (Tracer)
HE-I High Explosive (Incendiary)
HEI-T High Explosive Incendiary (Tracer)
HEP High Explosive Plastic
HESH High Explosive Squash Head
HVAP Hyper Velocity Armour Piercing
HVAPDS Hyper Velocity Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot
MDZ Modernized Instantaneous High Explosive Incendiary
Shrapnel-FS Shrapnel (Fin Stabilized)

Abbreviation Meaning Description

ACV Armoured Command Vehicle Armoured infantry-carrying vehicle that houses communication/
command/control/computer/ISTAR systems (C4ISTAR).
AFV Armoured Fighting Vehicle Any combat-oriented armoured vehicle, including MBTs, ACVs, AIFVs,
APCs and ARVs.
AIFV Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle Armoured infantry-carrying vehicle that sports significant firepower
(usually in the 25–75mm/1–3in calibre range) that also often
has pistol ports for the transported infantry to fire through when
embussed.
APC Armoured Personnel Carrier Armoured infantry-carrying vehicle that sports modest firepower
(such as a 7.62–12.5mm/0.3–0.5in machine gun) and that typically
lacks pistol ports for the infantry it transports.

118
 ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY

APS Active Protection System AFV protection device that actively engages an enemy threat, for
example a device that shoots out shrapnel to detonate an incoming
ATGM when it is a few metres from the vehicle.

ARV Armoured Reconnaissance High-mobility armoured vehicle, sometimes infantry-carrying, that

Vehicle is optimized for recce and scouting missions.

ATGM Anti-tank Guided Missile Tank-killing missile that can be fired from an AFV that is wire-guid-
ed to its target by its operator, usually located within the AFV.

BATW-ERA Built-in Anti-tandem-War- Advanced type of ERA block designed to stop penetration by
head-ERA tandem warheads, which are specifically intended to defeat ERA
protection by having two sequenced charge detonations.

BM Battle-Management Dimension of military activity that pertains to the coordination and

synchronization of individual tactical activity into a larger integrated
scheme; see ISTAR.

CIWS Close-in Weapons Systems A short-range missile defence system, often used to protect naval
vessels from close-in threats.

Dual-ERA Dual-ERA Variant type of Built-in Anti-tandem-Warhead-ERA.

ECM Electronic/Electro-optical ‘Soft-kill’ or passive AFV-mounted device that disrupts the laser
Counter-Measures designators, laser rangefinders and SACLOS-guidance used to
direct an ATGM onto its target.

ERA Explosive Reactive Armour A modern addition to AFV protection, an ERA block contains an
explosive element sandwich between steel plates that detonates
outwards when hit by an incoming enemy round or missile, thus
disrupting the forward movement of the threat through the AFV’s
armoured plates.

FCS Fire-Control System Ballistic computer linked to the vehicle’s ISTAR elements
(commander’s/gunner’s sights, rangefinders, periscopes,
sensors and digitized networks) that controls an AFV’s (particularly
an MBT’s) lethality.

FLIR Forward-Looking Infra-Red Advanced military camera that detects the infrared radiation
associated with heat sources such as an enemy vehicle or soldier.

FSV Fire Support Vehicle High-lethality AIFV variant that mounts a large-calibre main
armament, usually a 90–105mm (3.5–4.1in) cannon.

GPMG General Purpose Machine Gun Versatile machine gun that can be swiftly changed from the light
(bipod-based) role to the tripod-based medium role.

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ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY

GPS Global Positioning System Extremely accurate navigation system based around the use of
orbital satellites.

ICBM Intercontinental Ballistic Missile A long-range (5500-km, 3400-mile) strategic missile system whose
trajectory takes it beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.

IED Improvised Explosive Device Any improvised bomb or mine containing an explosive charge and
some detonation trigger, typically made by insurgents.

IR Infra-Red An AFV sight or camera that detects the infrared radiation produced
by heat sources (enemy personnel or AFVs).

MBT Main Battle Tank Heavy, 40–70-tonne (39–69-ton) and very well-protected fully
tracked AFV that features a turreted large-calibre main armament
(such as a 100–125mm/3.9–4.9in cannon).

MRAP Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Pro- A type of armoured troop-carrying vehicle that is heavily protected,
tected especially against the threats posed by landmines or roadside IEDs.

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organisation The liberal-democratic Western European/North American military
alliance in opposition to the authoritarian Communist Warsaw Pact
military alliance during the Cold War.

NBC Nuclear, Biological and Chemical The various non-conventional threats against which most modern
AFVs are protected.

NBCR Nuclear, Chemical, Biological, Alternate term for the various non-conventional threats against
and Radiological which most modern AFVs are protected.

NERA Non-Explosive/Non-Energetic Add-on armoured block, like ERA, that has an inert energy-
Reactive Armour absorbing substance (such as rubber) sandwiched between two
metals plates, rather than an explosive charge.

NLOS Non-Line-of-Sight Advanced direct-fire weapon munitions delivered by AFVs that

possess such great range that they travel beyond the horizon, thus
moving out of sight of the firer.

PGM Precision-Guided Munitions An aerially delivered missile that is accurately guided to its target,
often through use of a laser designator.

RHA Rolled Homogenous Armour Standard protection for AFVs until the 1980s – solid sheets of
single-metal plate, usually steel; increasingly replaced/augmented
by composite laminated armour.

RPG Rocket-Propelled Grenade Grenade-like warhead fired by an enemy soldier delivered from
a launcher fitted to a small arm such as an assault rifle.

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 ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY

RWS Remote-Weapons Station (or Unmanned turret-like structure fitted to the top of an AFV, which
SACLOS Remotely-Controlled Weapons mounts auto-reloading firepower weapons that are controlled from
Station) inside the vehicle.

Semi-Automatic-Command-to- Guidance system for an ATGM where the operator aims a sighting
Line-of-Sight device (like a laser designator) at the target and the missile guides
itself following the beam to the target.

SAM Surface-to-Air-Missile Ground-based missile system employed to destroy in-flight enemy

platforms, particularly aircraft, helicopters and drones.

SHORAD Short-range Air Defence An anti-aircraft missile system designed to engage enemy threats
at close range.

SLAT-A Slat-Armour Known also as bar-armour or cage-armour, a form of add-on AFV

protection that fits metal frames to the outside of the vehicle’s hull
and turret, designed to help protect against enemy RPG or HEAT
(chemical-energy shaped-charged) threats.

SPAAG Self-propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun An anti-aircraft gun mounted on an armoured chassis.

SPAAML Self-propelled Anti-Aircraft An anti-aircraft missile system mounted on an armoured chassis,

Missile Launcher such as the 9K35 Strela-10SV.

SPG Self-propelled Gun An artillery piece mounted on an armoured chassis.

TCV Troop Carrying vehicle Alternate designation for an APC or AIFV (see also ICV) (qqv).

UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Remotely controlled (from the ground) aerial platform for recce
or strike roles (also known as a ‘drone’).

121
PLA GROUND FORCES DATA

Deployment of PLA Ground Units

122
 PLA GROUND FORCES DATA

PLA Combat Units

Due to the PLA constantly restructuring its combat units – whether through downsizing, reorganizing or disbanding units
– the characterization and number of units shown here is approximate as of 2017. Personnel numbers comprise group
armies, marines and airborne, including subordinate units not listed in the table.

PLA COMBAT UNITS

Group Armies/Corps 13
Combined Arms Brigades 78
Air Assault/Army Aviation Brigades 13
Artillery Brigades 15
Airborne Brigades 6
Marine Brigades 7

TOTALS
Personnel 915,000
Tanks 7400
Artillery Guns 10,600

Opposite: The size of Chinese territory and the varying terrain within it requires not only large numbers of
armoured vehicles but also a variety of capabilities – and this is without considering the possibility of amphibious
forces and overseas deployments. Desirable as it might be to equip all formations with the same first-class
tanks and armoured vehicles, it is simply not practicable or necessary, given the variety of environments Chinese
forces operate within.

Sources for pages 122–123:

Office of the Secretary of Defense. Annual Report to Congress:
Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic
of China (pages 27 and 123).

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INDEX

Index
References to illustrations are 100mm (3.9in) Type-59 L/53.5 rifled composite 31, 33, 37, 41, 46,
in italics. cannon 13 54–5, 82
105mm (4.1in) gun 21, 21, 29, 29, explosive reactive armour (ERA)
2S3 Akatsiya 106 77, 82, 94 28–9, 31, 40
7.62mm (0.3in) machine gun 20, 105mm (4.1in) rifled gun 14, 26, main battle tanks 11, 13, 17,
25, 66 28, 30, 31, 33–4, 36, 36, 37, 40, 28–9, 31, 33, 37, 40, 41, 46,
9M117 ‘Bastion’ missile 79 53, 83, 86 54–5, 54–5

12.7mm (0.5in) machine guns 12, 120mm (4.7in) mortar 70–1, 77, 93 self-propelled guns 97

20, 34, 58, 60, 71, 75, 81, 83 120mm (4.7in) smoothbore cannon armour-seeking artillery 111

12.7mm (0.5in) QJC88 heavy 43, 45, 90 armoured personnel carriers &
anti-aircraft machine gun 75 122mm (4.8in) gun 71, 82 infantry fighting vehicles 56–87

20mm (0.8in) cannon 66, 78 122mm (4.8in) howitzer 59, 104,

25mm (1in) cannon 67, 70, 73, 74, 105, 109, 115–16, 116–17 B
75, 76, 98 122mm (4.8in) rockets 107 battlegroup organization 109
25mm (1in) ZPT-90 autocannon 125mm (4.9in) smoothbore cannon battles and campaigns
72, 78 17, 28, 37–8, 40, 41, 44, 45, 46, Arab–Israeli war (1973) 30
30mm (1.2in) cannon 67, 80, 81, 47, 49, 50, 52, 54–5, 54–5, 90 Gulf War (1991) 29, 37, 61
84, 86, 87 130mm (5.11in) rockets 62 Iran–Iraq (1980–88) 61
30mm (1.2in) Gatling 82 152mm (6in) howitzer 106 Korean War (1950–53) 10, 11–12
30mm (1.2in) ZPT-99 autocannon 155mm (6.1in) howitzer 71, 82, Sino–Soviet clash (1969) 27
82, 85 108, 110–11, 112 Sino–Vietnamese War (1979) 17,
35mm (1.34in) cannon 100 19, 20, 21, 26, 61
37mm (1.5in) anti-aircraft gun A Sri Lankan civil war 26
96 Al-Khalid tank 42, 43 Sudanese civil war 40
37mm (1.6in) cannon 95, 96 ambulances 61 Vietnam War (1955–75) 17, 21,
57mm (2.2in) cannon 97 amphibious vehicles 117 26, 61, 96
73mm (2.9in) smoothbore cannon armoured personnel carriers and BMP-1 63–4
63, 64–5, 69, 70 infantry fighting vehicles 58–9, Boragh 67
76mm (3in) gun 11–12 60, 65, 68–73, 75–80, 84–7
82mm (3.2in) gun 70 main battle tanks 23–6 C
85mm (3.34in) Type 62-85TC rifled self-propelled guns 115–16 camouflage
gun 11–12, 19, 20, 23, 25, 26 armed forces, organization of 109 armoured personnel carriers &
100mm (3.9in) rifled autocannon armour infantry fighting vehicles 65,
79 armoured personnel carriers & 84, 85
100mm (3.9in) smoothbore gun infantry fighting vehicles 61, digital 84, 85, 86, 87, 101, 113,
77, 92 68–9, 82 115, 117, 117

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 INDEX

main battle tanks 24, 30, 32, H N

47, 51 HJ-9 ATGM missiles 76 NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical)
Challenger I 35 HJ-73 ‘Red Arrow’ missile system protection 38–9, 68, 76, 80,
China North Industries Group 65, 84, 87 111
Corporation (NORINCO) 62, 73 HonQi 7B missile system 103 night-vision equipment 30
coastal defences 112, 114 NORINCO (China North Industries
Cold War 17, 38, 42, 77 I Group Corporation) 62, 73
International Army Games (2016) North Korea 11–12, 61
D 6, 45, 48, 66, 67, 94 North Vietnam 17, 21
drones 102 Iran 28, 61, 67
DShK 1938 12.7mm (0.5in) 12 Iraq 28, 61 P
IS-2 12 Pakistan 28, 31, 39, 42
E Israel 30, 53, 105 PCL-09 116
electro-optical sighting system People’s Liberation Army (PLA) 91
100, 101, 103 J battlegroup organization 109
engines Japan 19
PGZ-07/PGZ-09 SPAAG 100–2,
armoured personnel carriers & 101
infantry fighting vehicles 60, 73 L PGZ-88 SPAAG 95–6, 95
main battle tanks 25, 26, 30, 31, laser communication systems
PHZ-89 SP MRL 107, 107
40, 42, 46, 49, 55 52
PL-66 howitzer 106
self-propelled guns 106, 112, laser dazzle devices 50
PL-96 howitzer 115–16
115 laser guided weapons 41, 47, 50,
PLL-01 gun 108
79, 106
PLL-09 88, 115–16, 115
F laser rangefinders 21, 20, 26, 27,
PLZ-04 114
friendly fire 52 34, 35, 80, 91
laser-warning devices 50, 80 PLZ-05 112–14, 112–13
PLZ-07 116–17, 117
G
M PLZ-07B 116
GHN-45 howitzer 107
M-30 104 PLZ-45 (Type 88) 107–8, 107, 108
GIAT 73
M41 light Walker Bulldog (US) 17 PLZ-52 110–11, 110–11, 114
GPS-guided shells 111
GPS positioning 108 M48 main battle tank (US) 17 PLZ-89 (Type 89) 109–10, 109

guided missiles 26, 30–1, 41, main battle tanks 8–55 SH-3 110

47, 79, 84–6, 99, 106, 108, MANPAD missiles 99 PT-76 23, 25
110–11 MBT-2000 42–3, 48 PTL-02 92–4, 92
MBT-3000 52 PLL-05 93, 93, 94
WMA-301 Assaulter 93, 94

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INDEX

Q two-tank model 49 Type 69-II prototype 29

QW-2 missiles 99 TY-90 missiles 102–3 Type 69-III see Type 79 MBT
Type 54 122mm (4.8in) howitzer Type 69-IIIA 29
R 104, 105 Type 70 22
radar 54, 96, 99, 100, 102, 103 Type 58 MBT 10–12, 10, 12 Type 70-I 104, 104–5
Red Arrow 73 ATGW launcher 63, Type 58-II 11, 12 Type 77 58–9, 110
65, 69, 70 Type 58 100mm (4.1in) rifled gun Type 77-2 58, 59, 59
Red Banner ATGM HJ-73 67 27 Type 79 MBT 29, 30–1, 30
Type 59 MBT 13–18, 13, 16, 18 Type 80 MBT 31–4, 32, 34
S Type 59-I 14, 14 Type 80-II 33, 34
self-propelled guns 88–117 Type 59-II 14 Type 80-II prototype 33
serviceability 42, 45–6 Type 59-IIA 15 Type 80B 35
SIDAM 25 98 Type 59G 17 Type 80 SPAAG 97, 97
skirts 20–1, 30, 33 early production model 13 Type 83 105mm (4.1in) rifled gun
smokescreens 20, 30, 47 Type 62 MBT 19–22, 19, 22 30, 40
Snow Leopard see ZBD-9 Snow Type 62-I (early production) 20 Type 83 self-propelled gun 106–7
Leopard Type 62-I (WZ131A) 21 Type 85 MBT 37–40
Soviet Union 6, 10, 13, 14, 16, 27, Type 62G 21, 21 prototype 37
29, 90 Type 70 variant 22 Type 85-I 37, 38
Sudan 28, 39–40, 46, 48 variants 22 Type 85-II 37, 38
surface-to-air missile (SAM) Type 63 amphibious tank 23–6, 25 Type 85-IIAP 39, 39
systems 95 Type 63-II 23, 24 Type 85-IIM ERA 40
suspension 10–11, 31 Type 63A 26, 26 Type 85-III 40
ZBD-2000 26 Type 85-III prototype 40
T Type 63 SPAAG 96 Type 85/Type 89 APC/IFV 68–73,
T-34 (USSR) 10–12 Type 63 (YW531) 60–2, 60, 104 71
T-54 (USSR) 13–14, 17 Type 63-2 62 PLZ-45 71
T-62 (USSR) 16, 27 Type 63-I 61 Type 85 (WZ504) 69
T-80 (USSR) 35 variants 61 Type 85 (YW307) 70
Taiwan 23 WZ303 multiple rocket launcher Type 85 (YW309) 69, 69, 70
tank destroyers 77, 90–4 62, 62 Type 85 (YW323) 71
thermal guided weapons 99, 102 WZ701 command vehicle 61 Type 85 (YW531H) 68
tracks and road-wheels 71 WZ750 armoured ambulance Type 85 (YW323) 105, 105
armoured personnel carriers & 61 Type 86 (WZ501) 63–7, 63, 64,
infantry fighting vehicles 60, Type 69 MBT 27–9, 27, 28 65, 66
73 Type 69-I 28 Type 86A (WZ501A) 66, 66
main battle tanks 20, 32, 33 Type 69-II 27 Type 86B 65

126
 INDEX

Type 86G 67, 67 WZ551A command vehicle WZ551 APC see Type 90
amphibious 65 76 WZ551A APC see Type 92 and
variants 65–6 ZLS-92B 78 Type 92A
ZBD-86A 67 Type 95/PGZ-04 98–100, 98, 99, WZ701 Command Vehicle 61
Type 88 MBT 35–6, 36 100 WZ750 Armoured Ambulance 61
Type 88A 36, 36 Type 96 MBT 7, 44–8, 45

Type 88B 36 Type 96A 46, 47, 48 Y

Type 88C 36 Type 96A1 46 Yitian Air Defence System 102,
Type 89 APC 71, 72–3 Type 96G 47, 47 102–3

variants 69–71 VT-1A export model 47 YW307 APC see Type 85

WZ534 73 ZTZ-96 44 YW309 APC see Type 85

YW307 72, 72 Type 97 see ZBD-97 YW323 APC see Type 85

ZDS-89-II 72 Type 98 MBT 49 YW531H APC 68, 104

ZSD-89-II 70 prototype 49

Type 89 MRL 107, 107 Type 99 MBT 8, 43, 49–53, 50 Z

Type 89 self-propelled gun 59, Type 99A 51, 52 ZBD-03 IFV 6

108, 109, 109–10 Type 99A1 52 ZBD-04 56, 80
SH-3 110 Type 99A2 52, 54–5, 54–5 ZBD-9 Snow Leopard 81–4, 82, 84
Type 89 tank destroyer 90–1 Type 99G 52 PLL-09 82
Type 90 MBT 41–3 Type 99KM 51, 52 PLZ-09 82
Type 90-I prototype 41 VT-4 52–3, 52 variants 81–2
Type 90-II 43 VT-5 (ZTQ-15) 53 ZBD-09 IFV 81–2
Type 90-IIA 42 Type 99A2 52, 54–5, 54–5 ZBL-08 81, 81
Type 90-IIM 42, 43 ZTL-09 82, 83, 83
MBT-2000 42–3 V ZTL-11/ZTL-09 83
Type 90 (WZ551) APC 73–5, 74 Vostok 2018 exercises 64 ZBD-97 79, 79–80, 116
NGV-1 73 VT-1A (Type 96 export model) MBT ZBD-2000/ZBD-05 84–7, 85, 87
WZ523 73, 74 47 light tank variant 86
Type 92 (WZ551A) APC 75–8 VT-4 MBT 52–3, 52 ZBD-03 (WZ506) 87, 87
Type 92B 75, 78, 78 VT-5 (ZTQ-15) MBT 53 ZTD-05 86, 86
PTL02 77 ZPT90 25mm (1in) cannon 73, 74
Type 05 mortar carrier 77 W ZSU-23 SPAAG 96
Type 92A (WZ551A) APC 75, 75, W321 6x6 wheeled APC chassis ZSU-57 SPAAG 96
77 103, 106 ZTQ-15 MBT 53
variants 75–6 WZ303 MRL 62

WMA301 77 WZ501 APC see Type 86

WZ550 tank hunter 76 WZ504 APC see Type 85

127
PICTURE CREDITS

Picture Credits
81.cn/Wang Ning: 88
Alamy/ITAR-TASS: 56–66 all, 87, 94
Amber Books/Art-Tech: 22–34 all, 107
Cody Images: 13, 16, 18, 39
Getty Images: 6 (TASS/Sergei Bobylev), 8 (AFP/Greg Baker), 42 (AFP/Amir Quereshi),
48 (TASS/Sergei Bobylev), 51 (AFP/Greg Baker)
Chamal Pathirana: 70 & 77 (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Shutterstock: 7 (Boris Dianov), 45 (ID1974)
Tyg728: 80 & 101 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Artworks:
All artworks courtesy of Tank Encyclopedia, except for the following:
Amber Books/Art-Tech: 100, 108

128