Those aren't coverings, they're different lights I think. I've always noticed this on all PLA tanks.
New Type98/99 MBT thread
- Thread starter Dongfeng
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Those aren't coverings, they're different lights I think. I've always noticed this on all PLA tanks.
Thank you for pointing it out.
I double-checked the article I used. It seems quite a few of the article has mistaken the phase 2 (or V2) production date for the initial production date.
It looks like in Chinese literature the phase 1 and Phase 2 tanks are both called Type 99, Phase 3 tanks are called Type 99A, while in English literature the phase 2 tanks are called Type 99A and phase 3 tanks are called Type 99A2？
In both English and Chinese literature it was the case when the tall turret V3 came out that the Type 99 was the one with the circular bulge, Type 99A was the flush V2, and the Type 99A2 was the newest V3 but ever since the official designation of Type 99A was given to the V3, it has since become referred this way by both Chinese and English literature although some 99A2 designation remains in some English ones.
I see, looks like my information are very much out of data.
I see.
Thank you for your explanation. This type of information has proven to be pretty hard to find using google alone.
Type 99A has already been introduced to service in 2014 at the latest. I think there should be more than 300 of them now.
I think instead of retiring the old 59s or keeping them on reserve, China could modify some of them into heavy IFVs, just like what Israel did.
Here's what Military Balance 2020 says about tank numbers:
"MBT 5,850
300 ZTZ-59;
650 ZTZ-59-II;
600 ZTZ-59D;
200 ZTZ-79;
300 ZTZ-88A/B;
1,000 ZTZ-96;
1,500 ZTZ-96A;
600 ZTZ-99;
500 ZTZ-99A;
200 ZTQ-15"
That's the Army. Under the Marine corps it adds "Some ZTQ-15"
Now, Military balance publication is not very precise. Usually it's some years behind in info. But it's a rough outline.
I guess the only way a better set of figures could be had is if someone could track photos coming from all the units, somehow recognize which unit the photo is of, and when new tank types appear one can assume that within half a year or so the transition to new tank type is likely to be complete. Of course, one would also have to be able to be sure of all the units that exist, so if no photos of some units are trickling in, then at least one could say "data unavailable for this unit. it possibly has XY tanks".
"MBT 5,850
300 ZTZ-59;
650 ZTZ-59-II;
600 ZTZ-59D;
200 ZTZ-79;
300 ZTZ-88A/B;
1,000 ZTZ-96;
1,500 ZTZ-96A;
600 ZTZ-99;
500 ZTZ-99A;
200 ZTQ-15"
That's the Army. Under the Marine corps it adds "Some ZTQ-15"
Now, Military balance publication is not very precise. Usually it's some years behind in info. But it's a rough outline.
I guess the only way a better set of figures could be had is if someone could track photos coming from all the units, somehow recognize which unit the photo is of, and when new tank types appear one can assume that within half a year or so the transition to new tank type is likely to be complete. Of course, one would also have to be able to be sure of all the units that exist, so if no photos of some units are trickling in, then at least one could say "data unavailable for this unit. it possibly has XY tanks".
@RichardGao i would like to ask you something about the source you translated on the comparative trials of the BM Oplot vs the VT-4
plawolf
Lieutenant General
One is full beam for maximum illumination, while the other is hooded so the light is directed downwards to the road to make the lights much softer and harder to detect from the air. You can see the narrow slit that is designed to allow just enough light out for the driver to see by. WWII vehicles all had them as standard, by most western tanks have deleted them these days owing to night vision.
The PLA just retains the headlights as it’s essentially a costless addition, but gives the tanks a bit more flexibility and also allows them to save on using night vision, as IITs all have a finite useful life in the number of operating hours, after which they start to loose sensitivity and need to be replaced.
