Type 96 - "Swift Dragon" - Chinese trump card in "Tank Biathlon"

Type 96 (ZTZ-96), Main battle tank

Soon after the end of the Gulf War (1991), the Chinese leadership decided to adopt a main battle tank that significantly surpasses the existing Toure 80, Toure 88 and Toure 85 in its characteristics.

With the completion of the delivery of Toure 85-IIM tanks to Pakistan, NORINCO began production of similar vehicles for the PLA under the name Type 88C (factory index ZTZ-88C), which should not be confused with the Type 88A and Toure 88B tanks, since it had nothing to do with them general. It differed from the pre-production modification of the Toure 85-IIM by the presence of an additional observation device for the gunner and a simple mechanical planetary transmission.

Due to financial difficulties, the development of production of Type 88C tanks for the PLA was delayed; serial production began only in 1997, and the designation was changed to ZTZ-96 (Ture 96).

In all previous years, Chinese designers “crossed the river, groping for stones.” Currently, Plant No. 617 in Baotou annually supplies the army with new vehicles. If in 2005 the PLA had 1200 ZTZ-96 units, then by 2010 their number increased to 1500, and by 2014 - to 2000 units. It is planned that in the first quarter of the 21st century they will form the basis of China's armored forces.

In its appearance and design, the ZTZ-96 early modification is almost completely identical to the Toure 85-IIM modification. The main differences boil down to the installation of a more powerful engine and an improved fire control system.

Boosted to 780 hp The liquid-cooled diesel engine is a development of the already familiar 12150L7-BW.

The mechanical planetary transmission almost completely replicates the design of the Toure 88 tank. Together with the engine, they form a single power unit that can be quickly replaced in the field. The chassis design is identical to the Type 85-IM.

The tank inherited its armament from its prototype: a 125 mm smoothbore gun, a coaxial 7.62 mm Toure 59-T machine gun and a 12.7 mm W-85 anti-aircraft gun. As noted above, NORINCO has mastered the production of a full range of ammunition for the 125 mm gun. In addition, Russian-made 9M119 Reflex ATGMs can be fired through the gun barrel. In this case, targeting is carried out using a laser beam, and the firing range is about 5 km.

The fire control system is equipped with a two-plane main weapon stabilizer, a laser rangefinder, combined commander and gunner sights, a ballistic computer and a control panel. The difference between the production model and the prototype is the additional observation device for the gunner.

The turret is welded from rolled and cast armor parts and has a modular design, which greatly facilitates the replacement of individual elements. The cheekbones are hollow and filled with ceramic filler. This significantly increases resistance in frontal projection against cumulative and sub-caliber projectiles.

For the first time publicly, ZTZ-96 tanks were shown at a military parade in Beijing on October 1, 1999. Initially, they entered service with elite tank formations, for example, the 6th Armored Division of the 38th Army Group of the Beijing Military Region, as well as the 8th Armored Division of the 26th Army Group of the Jinan Military Region. As the number of manufactured vehicles increased, ZTZ-96 tanks gradually began to replace outdated models in line units, primarily various variants of the Toure 59.

ZTZ-96G

In 2006, an improved modification ZTZ-96G was launched into production, which in the literature is often referred to as ZTZ-96A. The tank was equipped with built-in dynamic protection, a thermal imager, a modern laser rangefinder and a complex of electron-optical protection against high-precision weapons. Noteworthy is the good protection of the aft niche of the tower - the dynamic protection units are tightly installed on a special frame and have practically no “gaps”. As with previous modifications, there is no possibility for the commander to fire a heavy machine gun from under the armor. Also, unlike the ZTZ-99, there is no built-in equipment for self-digging.

Modifications: Type 88C – pre-production modification Type 96 – basic modification Type 96A Type 96B Type 96G – modernization: built-in remote sensing + thermal imager + complex of electro-optical active protection against high-precision weapons + laser rangefinder VT-1 – export version of Type 96. VT-2 – export version of Type 96A VT-4 – modernization of VT-1A

Tactical and technical characteristics of the ZTZ-96 tank:

The layout is classic. Combat weight, t - 42.8. Crew, people - 3 Main dimensions, mm: - length with gun forward - 10280. - hull length - 6325. - width - 3372. - tower roof height - 2300. - ground clearance - 480. Specific ground pressure, kg/ cm2 - 0.9. Armament (ammunition, rds): - 125-mm smoothbore gun ZPT-98 - 1 (42 of them 22 in AZ). — 7.62 mm machine gun “86” — 1 (2250). — 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun W-85 — 1 (500). Gun vertical aiming angles, degrees - -6...+14. Weapon stabilization is two-plane. The loading mechanism is an automatic loader. Means of setting up a smoke screen - 2x6 smoke grenade launchers, TDA. Mobility: - engine type - diesel. — number of cylinders (their arrangement) — 12 (V-shaped). — maximum power, l. s — 780. — specific power, hp/t — 18.22 — maximum speed on the highway, km/h — 65. — maximum speed on rough terrain, km/h — 40. — cruising range (with additional fuel tanks), km - 400 (600). Obstacles to be overcome: - climb, hail - 30. - ditch, m - 2.7 - wall, m - 0.85 - ford, m - 1.4.

Recommendations

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   "中国 96 式 主战 坦克 - 环球 展望 网 - 军事 - 原创 专稿"
   . www.armsky.com
   (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 2009-01-07. Retrieved 2015-11-07.
2. ^ a b
   "图说96式坦克的演变历程_军事图库_中华网".
   tuku.m military.china.com
   (in Chinese).
   Retrieved 2017-01-22.[ dead link
   ]
3. Type 96B - the mainstay of the country's tank forces - China.org.cn, August 10, 2016
4. Kucera, Joshua (2014-08-19). “Russia wins tank biathlon; next – naval biathlon in the Caspian Sea?” EurasiaNet
   . Retrieved 2015-11-07.
5. “The international army games ended with the victory of the Russian tank biathlon (VIDEO).” RT English
   . Retrieved 2015-11-07.
6. “Goal, race, victory! Tank biathlon of Russia 2016 in the most striking PHOTOS AND VIDEOS.” RT International
   . Retrieved 2016-11-05.
7. "" 2005 年硕士论文.” cdmd.cnki.com.cn
   (in Chinese). Retrieved 2016-03-08.
8. ^ a b
   Blasko, Dennis J. (2012).
   The Chinese Army Today: Tradition and Transformation in the 21st Century
   . Abingdon, Oxford: Routledge. paragraph 152. ISBN 9780415783217.
9. ^ a b
   Administrator.
   "Main battle tank ZTZ96A Type 96A 96G technical data sheet information description UK intelligence." www.armyrecognition.com
   . Retrieved September 16, 2022.
10. ^ a b
    Martin, Andrew (22 September 2009). "Type 96 and Type 99 main battle tanks." Retrieved September 16, 2022. Journal Citation Requires | log = (help)
11. "ZTZ96 (Type 96) Main Battle Tank - SinoDefence.com." 2011-03-07. Archived March 7, 2011. Retrieved 2015-11-07.CS1 maint: invalid URL (link)
12. "国产新型坦克曝光炮塔现圆柱网传为96B (图) - 搜狐军事频道." mil.sohu.com
    (in Chinese). Retrieved September 16, 2022.
13. https://3g.china.com/act/m military/11132797/20160706/22997466.html?shouye
14. Fisher Jr., Richard D. (July 12, 2016). “Chinese Norinco is developing a new version of the Type 96 MBT | IHS Jane's 360." IHS Jane 360
    . Washington, DC. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
15. Diplomat, Franz-Stefan Gadi, st. "Meet the 'Backbone' of China's Deadly New Tank Army." Retrieved September 16, 2018.
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    . Retrieved 2015-11-08.
17. "DSA Article 2012". Defense.gouv.fr
    . Retrieved 2015-11-08.
18. arronlee33 (03.11.2016), Zhu Hai 1TV - China Air Show 2016: demonstration of main battle tanks and armored vehicles [720p]
    , retrieved 2017-03-26
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Bibliography

• US Army TRADOC Intelligence Service. Ground systems
  .
  World Equipment Guide. 1
  (2011 edition). Retrieved August 15, 2015.

They win with skill

The characteristics of the Type 96 and T-72 in all respects fit into the competition regulations, respectively, the chances of the vehicles are equal. In this situation, it is not their capabilities that come to the fore, but the skill and coherence of the crews, the impeccable execution of the elements of the competition and team spirit. Until now, the best in this have been the Russian crews, who have become world champions in the Tank Biathlon competition for five years in a row.

Russian tankers are less likely than their rivals to make fatal mistakes when shooting, overcoming obstacles and on marching sectors. The crews show high training and coordinated actions when loading ammunition. Perhaps it is the teamwork and professionalism of all crew members that can be called the main trump card of Russian tank crews.

“This is facilitated by the quality indicators of the technical characteristics of the T-72 tank, laid down by the Uralvagon tank builders,” notes Tutrin, who has personal experience in the combat use of this formidable and reliable vehicle.

Arthur Shaikhutdinov

Brief summary

The Type 62 is an interesting tank that impresses with its versatility. It has everything you need for a light tank, so fans of Chinese technology will feel comfortable.

You can find out more about how to play light tanks here.

Links

• Object 327

  · “Msta-S”* · TOS-1 “Buratino” (BM-1) · AHS Krab ·
  ShKH Himalaya
  [/td]

  	Serial modifications of T-72	T-90 · T-90AM · PT-91 "Tvardy" · M-84
  	Upgraded variants of the T-72	T-72A T-72B T-72BA T-72B3 (M-84 ⇒ M2001 M -95 "Degman" M-84A4 "Sniper" M-84D) T-72M4 CZ T-72AG T-72UA T-72UM
  	Tanks created on the basis of the T-72 or using its elements	Object 187 PT -94 Goryl MBT Ex Zulfiqar (Type 90-II ⇒ Type 96 Type 98 Type 99 MBT 2000 Al-Khalid) TR-125
  self-propelled guns
  ZSU	PZA Loara
  Engineering vehicles	(IMR: IMR-2 Object 032/033 “Klin-1” IMR-3M IWT-72) (BMR: BMR-3 BMR-3M) (ARV: BREM-1 Bram-72B WZT -3 WZT-3M VT-72 M84-AI) (MTU: MTU-72 MTU-90 BLP-72 · BLT-T-72 · ESAB · MHAB · PMC-90 · MG-20 Daglezja-G · MT-72 )
  BMP and BMO	BMO-T · BMT-72 · BTMP-84
  HTV	UK 172M SJ 09
  Other	1K17 “Compression” *

  Italic experimental samples or those that did not go into mass production were identified; * — chassis based on T-72 and T-80 components

  Second generation	M1 Abrams AMX-56 Leclerc K2 Black Panther MBT-70 · MBT 3000 · Osório · PT-91 · TR-85M1 · TR-125 · Arjun · Oplot BM · M2001 · M-84D · M95 Degman · Al-Khalid · Leopard 2 · C1 Ariete · Songun-915 · Challenger 2 T -55-64 T-64BV T-64BM T- 64E T -72B T-72BA T-72B3 T-72M4 CZ T-80 T -80A T-80U T- 90 · T-90AM · T-84 · T-84U · T-84-120 · Merkava 3 and 4 · Type 90 · Type 10 · Type 85 · Type 96 · Type 99
  Third generation	T-14 · FMBT · MBT-80 · MCS · Altay Read also:  Guide to the second level light tank Hotchkiss H35 WoT from aces.gg
  Italic experimental samples or those that did not go into mass production were identified

  Medium tanks	Type 58 Type 59
  Heavy tanks	WZ 111
  Main battle tanks	Type 69 Type 79 Type 80 Type 85 Type 88 "Jaguar" * Type 90-II Type 96 Type 98 ZTZ-99 MBT 2000* MBT-3000 *
  BMP	Type 86 YW 307 Type 92 Type 97 ZBD-04 ZBD2000 ZBL-09 VN12
  Airborne combat vehicles	ZBD-03
  Armored personnel carriers	Type 55 Type 56 Type 63 WZ-511 WZ-523 ZSD-89 (YW 534) Type 90 (YW-535) Type 92A ZFB-05
  BRM	QL550 VN3
  Self-propelled howitzers	Type 70-I Type 83 Type 89 SH1 SH2 PLZ-05 PLZ-07 (SH3) PLZ-45 PLL-05 PLL-09
  Self-propelled mortars	PLL-09
  ZSU and air defense systems	Type 63 · Type 88 · PGZ-07 · PGZ-95 · LD-2000 · Yitian · FK-3 · Sky Dragon 50 · CS/SA-5
  Anti-tank self-propelled guns	Type 89 PTL-02
  BMRA (MLRS)	Type 63 Type 81 Type 82 Type 83 Type 89 WS-1 WS-2 WS-3 A-100 PHL-03 AR1A AR3 WM-80 WM-120
  ATGM combat vehicles	WZ-550
  BREM	Type 653
  * - produced only for export; italics experimental samples and those that did not go into mass production were identified

How to play Type 62

Before we move on to analyzing tactics in battle, let's look at the final configuration of the tank, taking into account the above recommendations:

This choice of modules and skills allows the Type 62 to show its best side as a universal fighter. Excellent visibility, which can be upgraded to 496 meters and will compete even with many level 9 tanks.

Stealth is quite enough for a comfortable game, alternating passive and active light depending on the situation.

It is worth noting the good accuracy of the gun, which at the top of the list allows you to play as a sniper. The types of shells also contribute to this: armor-piercing shells have good normalization, and cumulative shells do not lose armor penetration. You will have to get used to the low speed of projectiles, so when shooting ahead, you need to take the shooting point further away.

In the middle and bottom of the list, due to the low armor penetration with a basic shell, you can’t really sniper, and you still need to fulfill a role corresponding to the class of light tanks - reconnaissance. Type 62 copes well in confrontations with other light vehicles due to its high rate of fire. You should try to realize this advantage when the enemy with a long cooldown has gone to reload or drive in from the flank in order to fire at weakly protected areas of the enemy tank.

Fast reloading with the “Sniper” skill will increase the chance of setting fire to or exploding the ammo gun if you conduct targeted shooting at enemy modules.

On some small maps there is no need for lighting, then it is better to skip ahead with high-level vehicles and try on the role of a support tank, for example, knocking down tracks when there is no way to cause damage.

Always monitor the development of the situation in battle on the mini-map. The excellent dynamics of the LT will allow you to always return to defend the base, change the flank to support the breakthrough of the allies, or rush to capture the enemy base to cut out the artillery.

Don't believe the speculation

The TASS interlocutor urged not to speculate on possible tricks in the design of the Type 96, since there is no complete information about the machine. According to Tutrin’s recollections, the Chinese crews did not allow anyone inside the tank. “I saw him live here several times, but what’s interesting is that the Chinese don’t let you inside the car, it’s always closed and sealed,” he admits.

“They say that this year the tank’s engine power was increased, technologically made a little lighter... Based on external features and technical indicators, we can only conclude that it is equivalent to the T-72 tank both in terms of armament, aiming devices, chassis, and energy availability. Therefore, in fact, they entered to participate in the Tank Biathlon competition, in accordance with the Regulations and regulations of the competition,” says the general.

It is worth noting that an important addition has appeared in the Regulations on the competition this year. From 2022, only tanks weighing at least 40 tons are allowed to participate in it. This was done to ensure that competition participants did not lighten the design of vehicles for the sake of speed at the expense of combat and operational characteristics.

Advantages and disadvantages

A powerful vehicle from World of Tanks is capable of defeating more than one enemy unit, provided that you know the important aspects.

Advantages:

• strength of armored coating;
• damage power from a single shot;
• breadth of review;
• high strength;
• comfort of vertical aiming angles;
• Dimensions allow you to ram enemy tanks.

Flaws:

• convenience for firing (due to its size);
• slowness and clumsiness;
• low rate of fire;
• weak penetration power;
• poor accuracy.

Lightweight yet powerful

“Dynamic performance is primarily affected by the ratio of engine power to vehicle weight. The power plant of the Chinese tank, according to open sources, develops up to 1000 hp. - an indicator approximately similar to ours. The weight characteristics of the Chinese car are slightly less than ours. Their tank weighs approximately 42 tons, and the T-72 weighs 44–45 tons,” explained Tutrin.

Many biathlon fans note the interesting design of the road wheels of the Chinese car - unlike the T-72, they have radially arranged through holes.

Regarding the holes in the rollers, I want to note that if the rollers are lightweight, this does not mean that they are not durable. Everything that is done for the purpose of lightening is done while maintaining strength. The year before last, the steering wheel of a Chinese tank flew off. Why? Because the crew directed the car incorrectly and did not know the speed when overcoming the obstacle. Here the strength just showed itself - a Chinese tank with a torn off roller reached the finish line. And the fact that there are holes there or not doesn’t matter.

Nikolai Tutrin

retired major general

It was not difficult to see the holes. The side screens that protect the chassis from fragments are noticeably shorter and thinner than the side screens of the T-72. In 2016, Chinese tanks entered the training ground without them at all. All these features, with a quick calculation, should have reduced the weight of the car by a couple of hundred kilograms, bringing it even closer to the lower permissible limit established by the competition regulations.