Chinese industry, and especially the creation of tanks, is directly related to the development of this sphere in the Soviet Union. For a long time, Slavic technology was an example for Asians, respectively, and those military vehicles that the People’s Republic produced were usually based on the T-72. The best Chinese tank is the Type 99 model. It is rightfully considered one of the most successful among “foreigners”. Until now, some states use it in their discussions.
MBT-2000
Like cars, tanks are available in several versions (generations). This model MBT-2000 is the third version of the series. She received the name Al-Khalid. When creating the main battle tank (such is its classification), the PRC asked Pakistan for help, so the machine has double roots. Chinese tanks entered the armed forces of a neighboring country for the first time in 2000 and are still used there. The second name, Al-Khalid, is more often used in the states of Islam.
At the moment, for the manufacture of models, French materials are not used (as planned during development), but Ukrainian. There is a popular belief that it happened because of the difference in price.
Wz-111
Chinese heavy tanks go off the assembly line for a long time. One of their representatives is the WZ-111 model. This machine has not entered service. The total weight of the equipment is 49 tons; The salon is designed for 4 people. The first tank models were released back in 1960.
The main reason why the WZ-111 was shut down in 1964 is because its flaws could become fatal in the battle. It is about too weak engine, housing and cramped tower. Before closing the project, special tests were carried out. At the moment, the tank is in one of the PLA museums. In addition to the release of the main machine, several experimental chassis were implemented.
MVT-3000
Some Chinese tanks are manufactured by NORINCO Corporation. For example, the MBT-3000 model is their “brainchild”. The development of this machine lasted almost 4 years (since 2012), production will be launched only in 2016.
The base for the tank was taken from the main military equipment MBT-2000Ga. The differences between the two are that the MBT-3000 has an improved engine. He is able to develop a capacity of 1300 horsepower. In addition, the machine has some new systems, in particular, the fire fighting function, there is a navigator.
According to the manufacturer, the tank will be able to reach a speed of 75 km / h; its mass will be about 50 tons. It will also be able to overcome deep holes (4-5 meters). The gun mounted on the machine is capable of firing both shells and missiles. The maximum range of the shot is 5 thousand meters.
"Type 62"
Type 62 or WZ-131 is a light version of the Soviet counterpart. Production took 26 years and stopped in 1989. During this time, a Chinese entrepreneur was able to present about 1200 options.
The tank weight was 20 tons, the crew could include 4 people. In addition to the Chinese main operator, representatives of Vietnam and Sudan were invited to work. For the entire time the model has existed, it has succumbed to modernization several times. Initially, during the development it was planned that the machine will be used in areas where wetlands, dense forests and mountains. The tank was constantly supplied to other countries and even took part in two large-scale wars.
"Type 80"
Type 80 - Chinese tanks, which later became the prototype for the machine "Type 69" and "Type 79". Rollers of this technique are of medium size; weapons proved to be more powerful. A laser rangefinder system is installed , and there is also an automatic fire control function. The tank is the owner of a special snorkel. Snorkel is a device due to which the machine is able to work under water. The crew is in the tower, and the driver near the compartment with ammunition. In addition, this tank has a dynamic defense, which helps to save the "life" of equipment on the battlefield.
"Type 88"
The second generation of the Type 80 tank is a main combat vehicle. In the 80s, the equipment came into service for the People’s Liberation Confrontation. This option is reminiscent of the technical characteristics of some Chinese tanks, also foreign. We are talking about the "M60" (America), "Chieftain" (UK), "AMX-30" (France), "Leopard-1" (Germany). Several times the car succumbed to modernization. All options were completely discontinued in 1995. About 500 copies were produced.
The crew can consist of a maximum of 4 people. The total weight is 39.5 tons. The production was attended by developers from China, Pakistan and Myanmar.
"Type 98"
At the factory, this model was called ZTZ-98. This option is the third generation. Chinese tanks, the photos of which are below, "Type 98" were created in order to improve the state’s troops in the 90s, to make them more powerful. In fact, the developers wanted to reproduce a model that could be competitive and defeat the Soviet T-80 tank. Some characteristics were borrowed from the German Leopard 2 car.
The basis of the equipment, or rather the chassis, was taken from the T-72 manufactured by the USSR. And the tower has more modern details where optical devices are located.
"Type 99"
The best modern Chinese tanks are represented by the Type 99 model, which received the working name ZTZ-99. The base of the car is taken from the prototype Type 98G. Surprisingly, the technique is a slightly improved version of the Soviet "T-72". The ZTZ-99 was a complete breakthrough for Chinese industry. The tank is equipped with additional protection for the turret and hull. The reservation scheme has a complex structure, which can also be found on the technique of "Type 96" and "Al-Khalid." The car accommodates a crew of 3 people.
Jaguar (tank)
When relations between the US and China stabilized, the opportunity arose to create a new powerful tank. The cooperation of these states ended in the creation of a machine called the Jaguar. Such models as the T-54/55 and Type 59 were taken as the basis for the tank. It was originally planned that the equipment will be delivered to the so-called third world countries.
After completion of development in 1989 to 1990, tests of a new machine were carried out. The common project did not bring good consequences for both countries, on the contrary, relations between America and the Republic worsened again, so this tank model is the last thing that was produced jointly.