Type Main battle tank Used by See Operators below Manufacturer Norinco | Place of origin China Designer Norinco Produced 2014-present | |
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The VT4 main battle tank (Chinese: VT-4主战坦克 ), also known as the MBT3000, is a Chinese third generation main battle tank built by Norinco for overseas export. It is an upgraded variant of the MBT2000 (VT-1) and the latest tank model from the Type 90-II tank family.
Contents
Development
The MBT-3000 (industrial designation) project began development in 2009 as a cooperation of First Inner Mongolia Machinery Factory and other companies. It was based on the Type 90-II and outfitted with a locally produced powerplant. The MBT-3000 concept debuted at the 2012 Eurosatory. The tank was subsequently shown at the 2014 Norinco Armor Day and the tenth China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition as the VT-4. It has yet to enter mass production.
Design
The VT-4 uses technology from the Type 99A currently fielded by the People's Liberation Army.
Armament
The VT-4 has a 125mm smoothbore cannon capable of firing APFSDS, HESH, HEAT and HE rounds and guided missiles. There is also a remote weapon station on the turret armed with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. The fire control system has hunter-killer capabilities, laser rangefinder, panoramic sight, and a third generation thermal imaging system.
Protection
The tank appears to have composite and explosive reactive armor. The turret front has wedge shaped armor and the hull sides have armored sideskirts. The tank is equipped with an active protection system designated GL5, defensive grenade launchers, and a laser warning device. The vehicle also has an IFF system, NBC protection, explosion suppression system, fire extinguishing system, and air conditioning.
Mobility
According to Norinco, the VT-4 uses a locally produced 1,300 hp diesel engine with torsion bar suspension and an integrated hydraulic transmission system. Steering and acceleration is handled by a steering wheel and automatic gear transmission.
Command and control
The tank is also integrated with digital communications systems for tank-tank communication and communication between commanders.
Current operators
Thailand
Potential operators
Peru
Pakistan