[4] The early pre-production (small batch production) prototype was called Project 9910. Osborn has also worked as an anchor and on-air military specialist at national TV networks. Development of a new medium tank based on the Type 59 began in 1962. [2] The Type 99A tank is powered by a 1500 hp diesel engine giving it a power-to-weight ratio of about 27.78 hp/ton. [6] The chassis was to be based on the T-72's hull but with Chinese subsystems. [8][20] The frontal protection is comparable to the M1 Abrams. He also has a Masters Degree in Comparative Literature from Columbia University. Chinese state-owned television revealed on 30 January that the China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO) Type 15 (also known as ZTQ-15) lightweight battle tank … [20] In 1998 the 9M119 ATGMs were approved for domestic licensed production by Russia. [4] The People's Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) is the sole operator of the Type 99. [2][22], The tank's welded turret is of an angular design with spaced modular armor and composite panels. The Type 99 MBT (Chinese: 99式主战坦克; pinyin: Jiǔjiǔshì Zhǔzhàn Tǎnkè) or ZTZ-99 is a Chinese third generation main battle tank (MBT). The Type 99 MBT was China's first mass-produced third generation main battle tank. Combining modular composite armour and tandem-charge defeating ERA, 125 mm smoothbore gun with ATGM-capability, high mobility, digital systems and optics, the Type 99 represents a shift towards rapid modernisation by the PLA. Japan (1938-43) Medium tank – 2092 built The most prolific Japanese medium tank. The tank entered People's Liberation Army (PLA) service in 2001. The Type 99 MBT (Chinese: 99式主战坦克; pinyin: Jiǔjiǔshì Zhǔzhàn Tǎnkè) or ZTZ-99 is a Chinese third generation main battle tank (MBT). A 2020 assessment from GlobalFirepower estimates that the Chinese Army consists of roughly two million active-duty troops and 510,000 reserves, a number which is more than two-or-three times larger than the U.S. Army’s standing active force. Should these metrics in the Armored Warfare essay be correct, they would indeed indicate that the new Chinese light tank may incorporate a series of advanced technologies intended to rival the now emerging U.S. MPF. The Type 99 MBT was China's first mass-produced third generation main battle tank. The missile has a range of 5000 meters during daylight and a range of 4000 meters during night operation. [8] The larger turret has improved armour and a commander's periscope, and the tank has an integrated propulsion system.The [12] 1200 hp engine is replaced with a 1500 hp engine. The original Type 99 had a manual transmission but later Type 99 variants have a semi-automatic transmission with six forward gears and two reverse gears. [21] The armor layout of the early pre-production prototype may have been similar to the T-80U and T-80UK. The Type 15, first revealed publicly by China during a military parade in 2019, has been in development for many years. China has deployed a new light tank:. [21] It has a nuclear-biological-chemical protection system[3] as well as fire detection and suppression system. An essay in Armored Warfare says the Type 15 can launch guided-missiles with a tandem warhead out to a range of 5km [3.1 miles]. [7][16][23] The maximum road and off-road speeds are 80 km/h and 60 km/h respectively. All about the tank: hidden stats, armor, 3D model Both the gunner and commander sight is fully stabilized and capable of day/night operations. [6][8] While the Type 90-II series ultimately did not enter PLA service, it saw success as an export tank and was built under license in Pakistan as the Al-Khalid. Type 98 tank prototype (9910 project) during the rehearsal of the 1999 National Day Military Parade. [citation needed], The main armament is a 2-plane stabilized 125 mm smoothbore gun with a carousel-style autoloader. The gun, the report says, is fin-stabilized with a modern Fire Control System including a ballistic computer, laser rangefinder and thermal sights for the gunner. The wedged shaped turret and applique armor panels on turret front and sides. The Chinese Type 15 light tank, as described in a detailed assessment in Army Recognition magazine, fires a wide range of ammunition from a 105mm rifle gun with a “thermal sleeve and fume extractor” with a range of 3,000 meters [9,843 feet]. Features included composite armor panels and a 1200 hp diesel engine. [4] The vehicle was a replacement for the aging Type 88 introduced in the late 1980s. © Copyright 2021 Center for the National Interest All Rights Reserved. The 125 mm gun of the Type 99 is capable of firing APFSDS-T, HEAT, Frag-HE-T, and gun-launched anti-tank missiles (ATGM). The rate of fire is 8 rounds per minute using the autoloader, and 2 rounds per minute with manual loading. "The Type 15 tank is … The gunner has a maximum target acquisition range of 5 kilometres. This is similar to the relationship between the Soviet T-64 and T-72, with the former only being supplied to elite tank units while the latter was the frontline MBT of the Soviet Army. [2], Also known as the WZ-123. [2], The Type 99 has hunter-killer capabilities, operating an ISFCS-212 fire control system with an IR automatic target tracker. The Type 15 appears to represent a rather transparent effort to mirror this, even to the point wherein it has a shoot-on-the-move type of under armor remotely operated weapons station for targeting in transit, nearly identical in mission scope to the U.S. Army CROWS, or Common Remotely Operated Weapons System. The suspension system consists of six rubber tired road wheels on each side with power sprocket at the rear. [8][19] The Type 96 is instead the primary main battle tank of the PLA and has been built in far higher numbers than the Type 99. In 2003, the 99A model was developed. Three main versions of the Type 99 have been deployed, the Type 98 prototype, Type 99 and the Type 99A. [2], The tank is fitted with data-link, global positioning system and other form of communication devices along with an inertial navigation system as well as a battle management system used in conjunction with the data-link and communication systems to coordinate combat with other forces such as aircraft and infantry. Good HP, Low DPM, Penetration 215, Damage 400, Reload time: 11.79, High damage, Big caliber. [20] The gunner's thermal sight has optical magnification at 5x and 11.4x. The Chinese Type 15 light tank, as described in a detailed assessment in Army Recognition magazine, fires a wide range of ammunition from a … [18] The Type 99 has seen less deployment than other tanks in PLA service due to cost factors. The Type 15 light tank (Chinese: 15式轻型坦克; pinyin: shíwǔ shì qÄ«ngxíng tǎnkè), also known as ZTQ-15, is a Chinese third generation light tank operated by the People's Liberation Army Ground Force, as a replacement for the antiquated Type 62 light tank introduced in 1963. The 12.7 mm machine gun has an elevation of -4 to 75 degrees. Prototype testing was underway by August 2007[25] and believed to be the standard deployed Type 99 variant in 2011. The Type 90-II was designed by studying the T-72 tank. On Jan. 30, China North Industries Group Corporation announced on state-owned television that Type 15 (also known as ZTQ-15) lightweight battle tank entered service with the Xinjiang Military Command of the People’s Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF). The latest Type 99A shows the driver's hatch in the center left of the hull. The position of the driver's hatch was moved from the centre left to the centre right of the hull. The Type 99 can fire tandem shaped charged ATGMs similar to the Russian Invar with a range of up to 5 kilometres. [20] The Type 99A mounts an improved 125 mm gun.[21]. The assessment also says the Chinese have 33,000 armored vehicles and 3,500 tanks. The storage baskets on the turret sides and rear are buffer spaces, and are protected by ERA. The tank can carry 42 rounds including 22 in the autoloader. [4] Upgradable from small batch production prototype. It mounts 3rd generation ERA, and an active protection system. Some technical innovations were applied later, in the development of the Type 69 tank. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Xinjiang Military Command has commissioned its first Type 15 tanks. Kris Osborn is the defense editor for the National Interest. [20] It is capable of firing on the move with a stabilized gunner's thermal sight and laser range finder. [24][3], The Type 99A is equipped with the JD-3 infra-red jammer that is located at the base of the barrel. [3] 1st generation ERA may have been an option. The Chinese report adds that the Type 15 produces oxygen, uses new armor materials, has advanced weapons and fire control and is somewhat stealthy. The 121 is a Chinese tier 10 medium tank. [citation needed], The development of China's domestic third generation MBT was started in 1989, under China's eighth five-year plan. He has appeared as a guest military expert on Fox News, MSNBC, The Military Channel, and The History Channel. [2], The tank is equipped with a laser dazzler countermeasure with a range of five kilometres, a laser warning receiver, and twelve 81-mm smoke grenade launchers. The improved main gun carries a Invar-type ATGM. With the deep fording kit, the Type 99A can cross waters up to 4.5 meters in depth. "Type 1 tank is the largest used tank type of CNG, RNG, and hydrogen tanks in terms of both value and volume." Part of the rationale for the U.S. MPF is to engineer something that is expeditionary and able to move at higher speeds to keep up with convoys, tactical vehicles and advancing infantry, all while bringing additional firepower to dismounted operations. The new tank was expected to feature improvements in firepower and armor protection. Osborn previously served at the Pentagon as a Highly Qualified Expert with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army—Acquisition, Logistics & Technology. Type 99A tank at Theme Exhibition of the 90th Anniversary of Chinese People's Liberation Army. [7], An updated Type 99 model was officially introduced at the 2015 Victory Day Parade as the Type 99A. A Type 99 tank at the China People's Revolution Military Museum in Beijing during the 2007 Our troops towards the sun exhibition. The gun may be fired under computerized or manual control. The HEAT ammunition is estimated to penetrate 500 mm of armor. Decades of economic growth coupled with its ongoing military modernization have enabled China to emerge as a major player in the global arms trade. The vehicle was a replacement for the aging Type 88 introduced in the late 1980s. [20] Applique armor consists of modular armor mentioned above and track skirts. [2] The tank is also equipped with an active protection system. [6] It was first seen in rehearsals for the 1999 National Day parade and was officially revealed on 1 October 1999. In the early 1990s China produced one of its second generation prototypes, the Type 90-II series. [17], By 2008, 200 Type 98 and Type 99 tanks may have been deployed to the Beijing and Shenyang Military Regions. The rounds, the article explains, include Armor Piercing, High-Explosive Anti-Tank and High Explosive rounds, somewhat analogous to U.S. tanks and Army plans for the MPF. The roughly thirty-five-ton armored vehicle is, at a cursory glance, comparable in many respects to the U.S. Army’s now-in-development Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) vehicle. [7] The Type 90-II had a 125mm smoothbore cannon with an autoloader, modular composite armor and a centered driver position. Upgraded to third generation ERA and second generation thermal sight. The first, second and sixth road wheels are fitted with special hydraulic shock-buffer. US Army TRADOC Intelligence Support Activity (2011:5-45), US Army TRADOC Intelligence Support Activity (2011:5-40), US Army TRADOC Intelligence Support Activity] (2011:5-46), China People's Revolution Military Museum, International Institute for Strategic Studies, "TYPE 99A A2 ZTZ-99A MBT MAIN BATTLE TANK", "Al Khalid MBT-2000 / Type 2000 Main Battle Tank", "ZTZ-99A Tank, China's King of Land Battle", "Update: China showcases new weapon systems at 3 September parade - IHS Jane's 360", United States Office of the Secretary of Defense, Military Power of the People's Republic of China, "Worldwide Equipment Guide 2016 Volume 1: Ground Systems", "China's 60 tons 99A Tank in Active Service", "The Kremlin Hints at Reviving Cold War Laser Tanks | War Is Boring", "China trials enhanced Type 99 MBT - Jane's Defence News", US Army TRADOC Intelligence Support Activity, Ruptly footage of the Type 99 at the 2014 Peace Mission exercise, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Type_99_tank&oldid=1003088037, Articles lacking reliable references from June 2016, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing Chinese-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from February 2020, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, 51 tonnes (type 99), 55 tonnes (Type 99A), 600 kilometres (370 mi)–800 kilometres (500 mi), This page was last edited on 27 January 2021, at 10:21. [5] The Type 99's deployment has been lessened due to its high cost, with the Type 96 tank seeing service as the primary main battle tank of the PLA. The tank will let China deter its neighbors in harder-to-reach places such as the contested border with India. The cruising range is 500 km. The Type 99A may mount 3rd generation (Relikt-type) ERA that provides protection against tandem-charge warheads. The tank boasts better mobility in high-altitude regions with low oxygen levels when compared to Type 96 and Type 99 tanks. [16][23], Improved Type 99. Has a semi-automatic transmission. However, the project was canceled shortly after. [13], Also known as the Type 99G and Type 99A1. The tank also features a laser warning receiver.[21]. [21] The tank has a new turret with "arrow shaped" applique armor. Between 2008 and 2017, China exported some $14.4 billion worth of conventional weapons across the globe, making it … [6][9][10], The Type 98 or WZ-123 was China's domestic Type 90-II derivative. [15][16] This variant had previously been used by PLA troops during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) military exercises in 2014. China is arming its land forces with greater numbers of a new Type 15 lightweight mobile tank platform intended to operate in the high-altitude plateau areas of Western China. The jammer is able to interfere anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) utilizing SACLOS such as the MILAN. Type 15 lightweight tanks of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) were spotted participating in a recent exercise in a low temperature mountainous plateau region. The APFSDS ammunition is estimated to be able to penetrate 700 mm of RHA (Rolled Homogeneous Armor) at 1000 meters and at least 600~500 mm of RHA at 2000 meters. Type 99A tank at a Theme Exhibition of the 90th Anniversary of Chinese People's Liberation Army. The commander also has an independent panoramic sight with laser range-finding function that can rotate 360 degrees. [3], The tank can be equipped with a snorkel for deep fording. [11][12][13][14], An improved version was shortly produced and was named the Type 98G or Type 99. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Xinjiang Military Command recently received delivery of and commissioned its first batch of Type 15 light tanks, which excels at rapid reaction combat in plateau regions, Liu Xuanzun reports on Global Times. [7], The Type 99A MBT is equipped with the improved 1A45T Fire Control System (which includes a new thermal imaging scope, ballistic computer and weather measurement sensors) thus improving ballistic trajectory under adverse conditions. [22], Secondary armament consists of a 12.7 mm machine gun on the commander's cupola and a coaxial 7.62 mm MG. [22], The driver sits in the center front of the hull. The gun may fire a range of Chinese, Russian, and ex-Warsaw Pact ammunition. “Compared with the PLA’s Type 96 and Type 99 tanks, the Type 15 is of lighter weight, boasts better mobility in high altitude regions with low oxygen levels, and is more suitable for plateau combat, CCTV said,” a story in the Chinese government backed Global Times reports.