Weight 42.8 tonnes Width 3.45 m | Place of origin China Length 6.33m | |
Manufacturer First Inner Mongolia Machinery Factory | ||
The Type 96 (Chinese: 96式; pinyin: Jiǔliù shì) or ZTZ-96 is a Chinese Second Generation main battle tank (MBT). Based on the Type 88 design, the Type 96 entered service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in 1997.
Contents
History
China's tank development can be divided into three generations. The first generation the Type 59, a locally manufactured copy of the Soviet T-54A and its derivatives. The second generation of MBTs started with the Type 80 and ended with the Type 88/Type 96. The third generation begun with the Type 98 tank.
With the failure of first-generation tanks to meet the PLA's demands and the appearance of the T-72 tank in Russia, China continued development of a new indigenous MBT. This led to the WZ-122, Type 80 and Type 88 projects. However, only the Type 88C managed to see service in PLA units. The Type 88C was the domestic variant of the export Type 85-II/AP variant. The PLA soon realized that the Type 88C was insufficient to reach parity with contemporary designs after the Gulf War. In 1997, the Type 88-III prototypes were accepted into the PLA as the Type 96. The most visible difference with the Type 88C was the additional spaced armor on the turret, giving it a rectangular front profile instead of the round turret of the Type 88C.
By mid-2016, the Chinese military had over 7,000 tanks in active service of which, there were about 2,077 Type 96/Type 96As and about 814 Type 99/Type 99As. Compared to the Type 99 with its high capability and similarly high cost, the cheaper Type 96B is seen by domestic experts as the main tank in the modernization of the PLA.
International Tank Biathlon
In 2014, China participated with the Type 96A in the Russian-hosted tank biathlon where it competed against the Russian T-72B3, clinching third place. China participated again in 2015, coming in second place. In 2016, it won one gold medal.
Deployment
The Type 96 is the PLA's main armored firepower in hilly island terrain. 36 tanks are deployed in a battalion and 10 tanks are deployed in a company.
Type 96
See also Type 88 and Tanks in China
Domestic version of Type 85-IIM. Also called Type 88C. Renamed Type 96 when improved Type 88 prototype was put into production.
Type 96A
Additional "arrow shaped" modular armor similar to the Type 99 is installed on the turret front. The back of the hull is now completely flat compared to the Type 96.
The Type 96A is a third-generation upgrade of the Type 96. Its internal electronics may have been upgraded to Type 99 standards. The Type 96A can be distinguished from the Type 99 by the driver's position of the left side of the hull. ERA was added on front upper glacis. The vehicle is equipped with a thermal imager. Features an upgraded 800hp engine.
A laser defense system similar to the Shtora has been installed as well. Electro-optical jammers which are able to jam enemy guided missiles, rangefinders, and designators are found on the tank.
Type 96B
Variant first seen in July 2016 loaded on a train headed for Russia to take part in the 2016 Tank biathlon. It is equipped with an improved engine, improved high-performance gun with an upgraded fire-control system, new transmission, chassis, ventilation, communications and computer systems, exhaust and suspension. Additionally it features an independent commander sight and lighter, more reliable running wheels. The specifications of the upgraded engine are unknown but is speculated to produce between 1,000 and 1,200 horsepower.
VT-2
Export variant of Type-96A. Debuted at the 2012 Defence Services Asia Exhibition. Can be equipped with Remote Weapons Station and has a maximum speed of 70km/h (on road). Capable of turning on its own axis.