Type 96 (ZTZ-96) of the first serie now on display at the Beijing tank museum. As it seems, without identification number and the model logo, a black panther. ZTQ-15 prototype, without its side skirts. ZT-15 light tank in its initial estimated shape as seen in a comparative scheme with the ZTZ-99 and ZTZ-99A. Production of the ZTZ-99A is estimated at about 500. So in the end, the ZTZ-99A2 is credited for a solid 75 kph top speed governed. The more powerful powerpack is there to compensate for the added weight of armor, but it’s also helped by the shorter dimensions of the tank. Other than that, it combines a shorter, more compact chassis, 3rd generation (Relikt-type) ERA semi-passive protection and a new active protection system, plus better communications, networking and digitalized consoles for battlefield awareness, as well as a better commander’s periscope. It boasts a 1500 hp powerplant (vs 1200), a new smoothbore main gun (improved to fire the Invar-type ATGM), same wheeltrain and suspensions although with closer wheels, tracks and part of the equipment that can be standardized. Developed from 2003, unveiled in 2007 and introduced in active units in 2011, it is so different from the base ZTZ-99 that it’s clearly a brand new type in itself. Total production is now estimated about 900, including the Type 98 pre-serie prototypes, Type 99 and the latest Type 99A1/A2. It is understood that there are critical Chinese-developed components that they are not willing to share.
The task is reserved to the current VT-4 family based on upgraded Type 96G versions. ZTZ-99: The already old elite MBT received some upgrades like the 2000s KM version, but it had been produced in limited numbers and has never been exported.
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