New Type98/99 MBT thread

[Tanker_MG]

Do we know if the 99Bs are new builds, upgraded 99As, or a combination of both?

If upgrades, will the OG 99s also be upgraded?

EDIT - @Tomboy answered before I did, this old guy is too slow.....

I am a Dumb Tanker, but aren't the ZTZ99 on a different chassis than that ZTZ99A or ZTZ99B?
old drawing showing differences. (Apologies for using a drawing that may be already posted)

 

[GiantCanofWater]

They are giving the 99As to units with 99s and likewise giving the 99s down to the 96 units that aren't getting Type 100s soon. So they are really trying to phase out the older 96s and 88s.

At this point are there still any Type 59s left?

 

[valysre]

At this point are there still any Type 59s left?

Yes, there is a complement of Type 59s aboard the 003 as a hybrid air-superiority/ASW/strike mission asset. /s
I think there are still Type 59 chassis in service as various sapper vehicles, but I do not think there are any Type 59 tanks in service anymore.

 

[Tanker_MG]

Yes, there is a complement of Type 59s aboard the 003 as a hybrid air-superiority/ASW/strike mission asset. /s
I think there are still Type 59 chassis in service as various sapper vehicles, but I do not think there are any Type 59 tanks in service anymore.

I believe the "...Type 59 tank has been largely phased out of active service in the People's Liberation Army (PLA), with the last known operational units being the Type 59-I and Type 59-II variants, which were still in service as of 2002. However, some Type 59 tanks may still be in limited use or unserviceable as of 2024." various sources.
We have to remember that externally the Type-69 and 79 look pretty much like the Type-59 externally. Also with the PLA ground forces reformed into Combined Armed Brigades, the requirement for tanks numbers is smaller. That allows for units to modernize at a much faster rate.
Yes the Type-59 is used as the chassis of the GSL130 Tracked Comprehensive Mine-Clearing Vehicle (TCMCV).

 

[Builder]

The Type 99B looks externally almost similar to Type 99A to me.
I suppose modifications to be internally. Does anyone know what
these upgrades are? Are there perhaps newer passive armour
inserts or is the gun made of advanced materials which makes the
barrel suitable for higher pressure? Electronics must certainly be
upgraded.

 

[SAC]

Still a very large requirement for tanks. Between 27 and 33 Heavy Combined Arms Brigades, a Mechanised Brigade (ZTQ-15), and a number of Heavy Combined Arms Regiments in the independent Divisions. And this is just the regular force.

 

[serse]

Type 99A turrent is slightly bigger,particular her bustle,likely is abandon carousel auto loader in favor bustle auto loader

 

[Tomboy]

Type 99A turrent is slightly bigger,particular her bustle,likely is abandon carousel auto loader in favor bustle auto loader

There is no physical change to the turret from A and B and Type 99A still very clearly use the carousel loader. Only change is upgraded electronics and RWS.

 

[Tanker_MG]

Still a very large requirement for tanks. Between 27 and 33 Heavy Combined Arms Brigades, a Mechanised Brigade (ZTQ-15), and a number of Heavy Combined Arms Regiments in the independent Divisions. And this is just the regular force.

Yes there is large requirement, but using open source available information there are roughly 1300 of the ZTZ99-series tanks, roughly 2500 of the ZTZ-96 series tanks and roughly 500 of the ZTQ15 tanks.
That is roughly 4300 tanks.
Using the 33x CAB and the couple of HVY CA Regts requirements (112 tanks in each CAB : each CAB has 4x BN, each BN has 2x Tank companies of 10-14 tanks), that meets the requirement and a few more, right?
The roughly 500 ZTQ15 is enough along for 4 CABs and have a few for the PLANMC.
Now given open source assumes for errors, we may have a few ZTZ79s out there, but it is extremely unlikely there are ZTZ59/ZTZ69 tanks left in the PLA.

 

[Dragon of War]

Do we know if the 99Bs are new builds, upgraded 99As, or a combination of both?

If upgrades, will the OG 99s also be upgraded?

Interior is likely extensively different to A.
A's equipment represents China's technology of the early 2010s/2000s.
A's immature design and manufacturing processes led to initial mid-2010 high failure rate, numerous leaks and unsatisfactory adaptability in some extreme environments.

B represents China's tank advancements in the 2020's with rapid technological advancements in the past decade.
B is to address many of the shortcomings of A.