ZTQ-15 and PRC Light Tanks

Before undertaking a non-trivial modification like moving the tank's engine and transmission, the PLA should procure enough of these tanks to at least modernize the scouting/reconnaissance forces of the critical Group Armies and their rapid-response armored and motor/mechanized infantry divisions.

The PLA does have newer, more modern APC/MICV vehicles available, as displayed in the last Zhuhai airshow.

That said, a land-based attack and invasion of China's mainland seems the least likely scenario, thus despite large-scale obsolescence of much of the PLA's ground weapon systems, immediate modernization is NOT a high priority.

However, keeping NORINCO and her other weapons manufacturer's solvent enough to keep designing and building modern weaponry will require a certain minimum amount of procurement.

A current policy of manufacturing a few units for testing and training, perhaps enough to equip a few battalions, then building a newer, more modern model will probably continue.

Broccoli said:

It's hull side would need some protection against RPG's and other such weapons.

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You can see the side covered by a spaced shell (the top is open and you can see the gap between) near the front. The back is covered by metal grids.

no_name said:

Picture of a new light tank.

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As I understand it, this is new light tank is mainly intended for reconnaissance and infantry support. And it will mostly be used at high altitudes in the mountains and in dense jungles in the south. Places that are not suitable for MBT´s.

So MBT´s like (for example) India´s T72 are not so much of an issue since this new light tank are not going to face them (?).

And in the unlikely event that they do meet, it may really only be a matter of who has the best FCS and training (i.e. who can hit the other first).

Ronny S said:

As I understand it, this is new light tank is mainly intended for reconnaissance and infantry support. And it will mostly be used at high altitudes in the mountains and in dense jungles in the south. Places that are not suitable for MBT´s.

So MBT´s like (for example) India´s T72 are not so much of an issue since this new light tank are not going to face them (?).

And in the unlikely event that they do meet, it may really only be a matter of who has the best FCS and training (i.e. who can hit the other first).

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Edit: I realized I may me wrong about this. The text in bold ís under assumtion that the new light tank has a 125 mm gun. While in fact it may only have a 105 mm gun.

Ronny S said:

As I understand it, this is new light tank is mainly intended for reconnaissance and infantry support. And it will mostly be used at high altitudes in the mountains and in dense jungles in the south. Places that are not suitable for MBT´s.

So MBT´s like (for example) India´s T72 are not so much of an issue since this new light tank are not going to face them (?).

And in the unlikely event that they do meet, it may really only be a matter of who has the best FCS and training (i.e. who can hit the other first).

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These roles might be better served by IFV's with add-on armor and a few ready-to-launch anti-tank missiles, respectively to be able to survive a chance encounter and shoot-and-scoot if confronted. Unless this light tank is somehow more maneuverable or cheaper.

Ronny S said:

As I understand it, this is new light tank is mainly intended for reconnaissance and infantry support. And it will mostly be used at high altitudes in the mountains and in dense jungles in the south. Places that are not suitable for MBT´s.

So MBT´s like (for example) India´s T72 are not so much of an issue since this new light tank are not going to face them (?).

And in the unlikely event that they do meet, it may really only be a matter of who has the best FCS and training (i.e. who can hit the other first).

Click to expand...

I guess that the 105mm L7 gun (and the Chinese copy) has no problem penetrating the T-72, though I am not sure about T-80/90, especially ones with Kontakt armor. Also, somebody please help me here, it seems like the Chinese 105mm gun on ZTQ and Type-59D have longer barrels than the British original. I wouldn't underestimate the capabilities of modern Chinese 105mm guns.



British original L7 gun

Whats the exact difference between ZTQ, ZBD and ZTD (and ZTZ, though that is more obvious) designations ?

Broccoli said:

105mm gun is not going to give very good penetration power against any potential enemy tanks like Indian T-72's, but I guess chassis is too light to take any larger caliber gun. Of course it's main job is probably to support infantry instead of fighting other tanks.

Certainly going to knock out any IFV what comes against it.

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As for putting a big gun on a light vehicle, the russians have a gun called 2A75. It´s used on 2S25 Sprut-SD, and it´s basically a 2A46 that has been modified to reduce the recoil (i.e. the gun don´t try to dismatle the vehicle when its fired).

Ronny S said:

View attachment 13289
As for putting a big gun on a light vehicle, the russians have a gun called 2A75. It´s used on 2S25 Sprut-SD, and it´s basically a 2A46 that has been modified to reduce the recoil (i.e. the gun don´t try to dismatle the vehicle when its fired).

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Long ago the Dutch army used the French AMX-13 very light tank ( ) of about 14 ton which was originally designed for a 75 mm gun but in Dutch service used the 105 mm NATO standard tank gun. That gun was able to reduce the service life of the AMX-13 very considerably.

I hope this shows up at the next parade...