The Chinese have developed and fielded their own Main Battle Tanks for years (although the initial evolution started with Russian T-54/55s). I’m curious to learn more about current efforts (particularly those in service in large numbers) and how they compare to the MBTs operated by China’s neighbours and/or potential enemies (Russia, Pakistan, India, S Korea, Vietnam etc).
By: Arabella-Cox - 28th May 2002 at 06:30
RE: Chinese MBTs
Taiwan received their batch of M60A3…because this was left over from the US Marines after the transition to M1A1s. The Bush adm. have just approved M1A1/2s to Taiwan recently. The point is, they don’t need it. Money is better spent on mobility (i’ve heard they’ve bought more infantry anti-tank weapons) than heavy fire power since i don’t think many tanks is going to be able to swim across the 90km+ strait. Actually in their opinion the M48H is more advanced than the M60A3s from the electronics perspective. It does uses the M60 chasis…but the turret is really crappy. It electronics is more modern than the M1, but probably just on par with M1A1s. What i’ve heard about China’s tanks are that they don’t have the most modern ones, or even the second most modern ones in any large numbers. Much like the PLAAF. Seems like every time they field a new tank, they would buy a few and hope for the next new model. Very very strange procurement style i would say. Japan is still the most advanced in the that part of the world, but ask any Korean and they’ll tell you about their K1A1s.
By: Hawk75 - 25th May 2002 at 16:10
RE: Chinese MBTs
Tip 98 (WZ-123)
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By: tomel - 25th May 2002 at 15:48
RE: SAF M60????
SAF armoured corp with variant of the M60.It is widely believed that the recently completed massive underground weapons depot could easily accomodate app.50 M60s???????
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By: JimP - 25th May 2002 at 02:40
RE: Chinese MBTs
Hi Tomel,
I take it you mean M-60A1/3s for Taiwan and Singapore?, I’m relatively sure they don’t use the “starship” 😉
Cheers,
James
By: tomel - 24th May 2002 at 17:37
RE: Chinese MBTs
Type 98 started as the Type 2000 and most of the systems is based on the T80U.Pakistani AL KHALID is a copy of the Type 98.Good post Gulf War tank with laser defence systems and it is cheaper than the T80.
TAIWAN:M60A2,MODERNISED M48,MODERNISED M41
THAILAND:M60A3,M48,TYPE 59(MODERNISED T55),STINGRAY 105MM
INDIA:T90S,T72M,VICKERS MK3,T62
JAPAN:TYPE 90(DAMN GOOD TANK),TYPE 70
KOREA:K1A1(MINI M1),M60A3
MALAYSIA:PT 91(T72M1Z),SCORPION
SINGAPORE:M60A2(WIDELY BELIEVED),AMX 13SMI
INDONESIA:AMX 13SMI,SCORPION
AUSTRALIA:LEOPARD 1A3
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By: Rabie - 23rd May 2002 at 23:51
RE: Chinese MBTs
we had some guy come on acig and explain it all – plus acig has got some people from tanknet about too
rabie :9
By: RadiO - 23rd May 2002 at 22:55
RE: Chinese MBTs
Don’t know if you’re familiar with this one, Ivan, but here’s quite an interesting site:
http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Lair/1509/Army.html
It looks as if it’s still in an early stage of construction, and it’s probably not as rigourous as it could be, but there are some tasteful photos; including some of the Type 98 that weren’t in China Defense’s article on the beast.
The same person by the look of it has this page:
http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Lair/1509/newunits.html
Which seems to be supporting a mission pack for a PC strategy game, but has photos of a recent Chinese AA vehicle that I’ve never seen before (as if that means anything 😉 ). Interesting
By: ink - 23rd May 2002 at 16:26
RE: Chinese MBTs
Flanker,
I was aware that Chinese designs draw a lot on Russian experience and know-how. I was also aware that Chinese tank design, like Russian/Soviet tank design, is largely evolutionary (rather than revolutionary as it often is in the west). I do, however, lack any real information about Chinese tanks (short of Jane’s Tank Recognition Guide – which is about as much use as a glow-in-the-dark sundial). I could do all sorts of searches on the net and in military book-shops but I’m too lazy so I thought I’d ask the forum.
By: Flanker112 - 23rd May 2002 at 15:18
RE: Chinese MBTs
Ink
Just about every Chinese MBT is connected to Russian designs in one way or another. They seem to build along the Russian line of thinking too (ie. take a proven design and see if we can improve it). Russia and Kazakhstan would (in my opinion) be equal or more than a match for Chinese armour – as would India and South Korea. Taiwan on the other hand has poor quality MBTs by comparison – which seems odd considering Taiwans advantage in Sea and Air. This is probably to do with Taiwan planning on US assist’ on the ground. I believe the current Chinese model in service is the Type-98 or 88, which resembles a T-72. Plus of course China has a small number of the T-80U in service. China’s T-80Us seem to differ from the Russian model in that they are not fitted with Kontact-5 ERA, but an older form. Still, given that Taiwan’s most capable tank is the M60A2, the T-80 would steam roller the Taiwanese.
Vietnams most capable tank is the T-62, not sure which varient though. Thailand operates Chinese MBTs (older models than the ’88) as well as Stingray MBTs. Neither of these have the firepower or armour to equal an ’88 or T-80. In other words China has the upper hand again.
Japan of course just rules the region in terms of armour. Neither China nor indeed Russia could hope for a quick victory against Japanese armour. Isn’t the Jap’ tank currently in service the Type-90?
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May 23, 2002 at 10:41 am