Chinese tank "Type-96". Overview of Chinese tanks

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

The Chinese government is demanding on the quality of manufactured tanks, which are in service with the People's Liberation Army. Speaking of this, it is worth noting the powerful Type-96 machine. This Chinese tank became known to the general public in 2014, as it participated in a competition in the Moscow region. Moreover, the Asian offspring took third place, losing to Russia and Armenia. This result was expected. Although the tank is one of the best in the world, it still has some technical features of a negative plan. But they are not so serious. Unfortunately, the Chinese designers have a slightly different opinion, and instead of improving this model, they create completely new designs.

The history of the Chinese tank

The Chinese Type-96 tank began to be developed in 1991, after the end of the conflict in the Persian Gulf. The reason for this was the decision of the state to create an improved tank. The fact is that the previous models "Type-88", "Type-85" and "Type-60" showed themselves with not the bestparties, and they were disappointed. They lacked firepower, movement speed, and defense.

After the concept and project were outlined, production was launched in Mongolia (Baotou). The basis for the technique was the Type 85-IIM, which was produced for export. The official name of the new tank was ZTZ88C or Type-88C. A little later, it changed to Type-96.

Modification Type-96G

Among the well-known Type-96 modifications, the Chinese Type-96G tank has become the most successful. It has additional protection in the form of blocks. They are installed on and around the tower.

The model was presented to the public in Beijing in 1999. Initially, it was an elite car. Only over time, the tank began to be supplied to the main army, replacing those already decommissioned. The state took such a step in 2005.

The engine that is in the tank is diesel. Its maximum power is 1 thousand horsepower. The gearbox is a mechanical device that, in combination with the unit, allows you to go through difficult places.

Armaments

The gun installed on the modification has not changed since the release of the original pre-production version. It is a 125 mm weapon that is capable of firing both projectiles and rockets. The gun can be loaded with 22 projectiles, which will be in the active position. In total, the ammunition includes 42 pieces.

For a more accurate hit, the commander can use specialcombined sights, sensors, rangefinders, calculators. All this is pre-installed on the Chinese tank "96". Thanks to such powerful equipment, shooting from a moving vehicle can be carried out without the slightest error.

Tank chassis

As already described, the car has a very powerful diesel engine. If we compare the model with the Russian one in terms of speed, then the Chinese one still wins. According to some sources, it can be assumed that for the biathlon competition, the Asian side completed the Chinese tank with a 1200 hp unit. s.

The engine was modeled based on the Soviet B-54 model. The planetary manual gearbox is the eternal friend of the Chinese tank engine. It is used in most of the machines. Moreover, they are combined in a special block. This is done so that they can be quickly replaced in an emergency.

Protection

Judging by the statements made by the press service of the Ministry of Defense of the PRC, the Chinese Type-96 tank is equipped with an armored sheet, which has a multilayer combined structure. If you simply rely on photographs (which remains to be done), then the protection on the tower, the side parts of the hull and in the bow area is clearly visible. According to reports from insiders, the sheets are a homogeneous slab. Maybe not on all tanks, but on most for sure.

Moreover, the crew is protected from weapons of mass destruction by special systems, in particular fire protection. In addition to the usual cannon, the tank has two machine guns of different calibers.

Appearance

Together with the cannon, the length of the tank is a little over 10 meters. Its width is 3372 mm. Machine height no more than 2300 mm; clearance has an excellent indicator (48 cm). The latter factor favorably affects the patency.

At the biathlon competitions, the Chinese tank seemed to be very fast and more maneuverable than its opponents. Although such an effect could arise due to the fact that the feed of the machine was damaged. After the Chinese commanders noticed this, they began to handle the equipment more carefully. The speed and accuracy of shooting amazed everyone. No wonder this model is in service in many states and countries.

Looking at Asian combat vehicles in more detail and making an overview of Chinese tanks, it is worth noting that in addition to Type-96, Type-99 is also successful. More recently, a new modification of the latter has been released. It is better protected, however, thanks to additional armor, the mass of vehicles has increased to 58 tons. In addition to these options, such tanks from China as the Jaguar, Type-88 and others are well known to the world.