PLA Next Generation Main Battle Tank

[alanch90]

Its more likely that those are just composite modular armor plates, no?

If there wasn´t a reactive element (likely explosive), there would be no reason to the segmentation, which is typical of ERA. Most likely this armor is of the same type as in the tank´s sides.

 

[amchan]

If there wasn´t a reactive element (likely explosive), there would be no reason to the segmentation, which is typical of ERA. Most likely this armor is of the same type as in the tank´s sides.

Segmentation is normal on modular armor. It makes repairs easier, and lets the user standardize the design to make manufacturing simpler. You can see the modular armor tailored for medium caliber ammunition on the front of the ZDB-04As hull for an example. Also,, if you look at the side armor from above, there are 2 layers. The inner layer, which is thinner, is probably protection against medium caliber kinetics, and is probably similar to the plates on the glacis. The outer layer is possibly reactive armor, and is clearly different from the front plates.

 

[alanch90]

Segmentation is normal on modular armor. It makes repairs easier, and lets the user standardize the design to make manufacturing simpler. You can see the modular armor tailored for medium caliber ammunition on the front of the ZDB-04As hull for an example. Also,, if you look at the side armor from above, there are 2 layers. The inner layer, which is thinner, is probably protection against medium caliber kinetics, and is probably similar to the plates on the glacis. The outer layer is possibly reactive armor, and is clearly different from the front plates.

Well its too early to speculate on whats inside of these modules, very recent Chinese patents described breakthrougs in ERA development directly stating that these inventions are related to the "next generation vehicles". Take that as you will. Anyway, the lateral geometry of these reactive modules might be the following.

 

[Tomboy]

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Interesting comparison of sound

 

[The Observer]

Close-up images of Type-100 medium tank's turret.

Considering we happens to be discussing about the armor, what is the expected armor level for the turret itself?

Frankly speaking, the eye test on the pictures above doesn't indicate any presence of significant armor. Instead, it reinforces the idea that the turret is really thin skinned and pretty much relies on APS for any protection.

For example:

• The unprotected coax MG that happens to eat into potential armor space.
• The gunner sight built into front armor space (Was a know weakness on other MBT like Leo 2A4. Less consequential due to unmanned turret though).
• APS components that are unprotectable (the sensors).

All in all, these seems like a recipe for mission kill on any hit received to the turret, even more so than the old MBTs.

While IFVs have been strutting around with thin skinned unmanned turrets with no one batting an eyelid, IMO the idea of having your MBT with such turret might be a bridge too far. Especially with the threat density on the front line where they are expected to operate.

 

[SanWenYu]

Considering we happens to be discussing about the armor, what is the expected armor level for the turret itself?

Frankly speaking, the eye test on the pictures above doesn't indicate any presence of significant armor. Instead, it reinforces the idea that the turret is really thin skinned and pretty much relies on APS for any protection.

For example:

• The unprotected coax MG that happens to eat into potential armor space.
• The gunner sight built into front armor space (Was a know weakness on other MBT like Leo 2A4. Less consequential due to unmanned turret though).
• APS components that are unprotectable (the sensors).

All in all, these seems like a recipe for mission kill on any hit received to the turret, even more so than the old MBTs.

While IFVs have been strutting around with thin skinned unmanned turrets with no one batting an eyelid, IMO the idea of having your MBT with such turret might be a bridge too far. Especially with the threat density on the front line where they are expected to operate.

Many believe that this tank will be able to shoot first at a distance beyond the limit of its opponent.

 

[Sardaukar20]

Someone pointed out amusingly that Type 100 should be the first mass produced tank since the Porsche Tiger/Ferdinand/Elefant to use a hybrid electric drive. Has there been any tank to use such a system in between the decades?

The Turkish Altay MBT was considering a hybrid electric drive, but it was never adopted. So yes, it appears that no known mass-production tank had adopted the hybrid electric drive since the middle of WWII. That's probably over 84 years ago.

 

[Gloire_bb]

Many believe that this tank will be able to shoot first at a distance beyond the limit of its opponent.

It isn't something new for tanks. Just not as useful as it seems. Tank is a direct fire vehicle, and there are generally much better ways to do indirect engagement.
Nice secondary capability, but that's it.

 

[qwerty3173]

Considering we happens to be discussing about the armor, what is the expected armor level for the turret itself?

Frankly speaking, the eye test on the pictures above doesn't indicate any presence of significant armor. Instead, it reinforces the idea that the turret is really thin skinned and pretty much relies on APS for any protection.

For example:

• The unprotected coax MG that happens to eat into potential armor space.
• The gunner sight built into front armor space (Was a know weakness on other MBT like Leo 2A4. Less consequential due to unmanned turret though).
• APS components that are unprotectable (the sensors).

All in all, these seems like a recipe for mission kill on any hit received to the turret, even more so than the old MBTs.

While IFVs have been strutting around with thin skinned unmanned turrets with no one batting an eyelid, IMO the idea of having your MBT with such turret might be a bridge too far. Especially with the threat density on the front line where they are expected to operate.

The actual position for the main gun is very small and likely armored well, the center piece of the turret. All the external devices are impossible to armor anyway, regardless of design choice.

 

[RogueHK]

Thoughts?