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

The Chinese government is demanding about the quality of the manufactured tanks, which are in the arsenal of the people's liberation army. Speaking of this, it is worth noting the powerful machine "Type-96". This Chinese tank became known to the general public in 2014, as he participated in the competition in the suburbs. And the Asian child took the third place, losing to Russia and Armenia. Such a result was expected. Although the tank is one of the best in the world, yet it has some technical features of a negative plan. But they are not so serious. Unfortunately, the Chinese designers are somewhat of a different opinion, and instead of perfecting this model, they create completely new designs.

History of the creation of the Chinese tank

The Chinese tank "Type-96" 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 of "Type-88", "Type-85" and "Type-60" proved to be not the best side, and they were disappointed. They had insufficient firepower, speed of movement and protection.

After the concept and the project were outlined, production was launched in Mongolia (Baotou). The basis for the technology was the Type 85-IIM machine, 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 known modifications of Type-96 the Chinese Type-96G became the most successful. It has additional protection in the form of blocks. They are installed on the tower and around it.

The public was represented in Beijing in 1999. Initially, it was an elite car. Only in time the tank began to be supplied to the main army, replacing already written-off. The state went to such a step in 2005.

The engine that is in the tank is diesel. Its maximum capacity is 1 thousand horsepower. The transmission is a mechanical device, which, combined with the unit, allows you to pass difficult places.

Armament

The gun, installed on the modification, has not changed since the release of the original pre-series version. It is a weapon in 125 mm, which is capable of producing both shells and missiles. The cannon can be charged with 22 projectiles, which will be in the active position. In total, the ammunition includes 42 pieces.

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

Chassis of the tank

As already described, the car has a very powerful diesel engine. If we compare the model with the Russian one for high-speed qualities, then the Chinese still wins. According to some sources, it can be assumed that for the biathlon competition, the Asian side completed a Chinese tank with an aggregate of 1200 liters. from.

The engine was modeled on the Soviet model B-54. The planetary mechanical gearbox is the eternal friend of the motor of Chinese tanks. It is used in most machines. Moreover, they are united in a special block. This is done in order to quickly replace them in an emergency situation.

Protection

Judging by the statements made by the press service of the Ministry of Defense of the People's Republic of China, the Chinese tank "Type-96" is equipped with an armored sheet that has a multi-layered combined structure. If you just rely on the photos (which remains to be done), then clearly visible protection on the tower, the side parts of the hull and in the nose area. According to reports from insiders, the sheets are a homogeneous slab. Maybe not on all tanks, but on most of them for sure.

Moreover, the crew is protected from weapons of mass destruction by special systems, in particular fire fighting. In addition to the conventional gun, the tank has two machine guns of different caliber.

Appearance

Together with the gun, the length of the tank is just over 10 meters. Its width is 3372 mm. The height of the machine is not 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 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 it was noticed by the Chinese commanders, they began to handle the technique more cautiously. The speed and precision of the shooting struck everyone. No wonder this model is in service in many countries and countries.

Considering in more detail the combat vehicles of Asia and making an overview of Chinese tanks, it is worth noting that, in addition to the "Type-96", the "Type-99" is successful. More recently, a new modification of the latter. It is better protected, but thanks to the additional armor, the mass of technology has increased to 58 tons. In addition to these options, the world is well known for such tanks from China as "Jaguar", "Type-88", etc.