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Type 88 (tank)
Encyclopedia
The Type 88 is a series of second-generation main battle tank
s (MBTs) from China
. Based on the Type 79 design, the Type 88 entered service with the People's Liberation Army
(PLA) in the 1980s. As of 2003, an estimated 500 Type 88 MBTs are currently in service with the PLA. The tank was followed by the Type 96
MBT.
in the 1960s, relations between China and the Soviet Union gradually worsened, leading to border clashes in 1969. By 1970s, over 1.5 million troops from both sides were stationed along the Sino-Soviet border. At the time, the best Chinese tanks were copies of Soviet T-54/55 MBTs, hopelessly out-matched by new Soviet designs like the T-62
, T-64
, and T-72
.
The People's Liberation Army requested new tanks that could match the Soviets, which led to the development of Type 69
by 617 Factory (now Inner-Mongolia First Machinery Group Company Ltd), incorporating some technologies from a captured Soviet T-62
tank. However the T-69 failed to satisfy PLA requirements, and was more of an export success (over 2,000 sold) than domestic use. As a result, new tank development was commenced and a new family of tanks that included many sub-families was the result.
), most likely in association with 201 Institute (now China North Vehicle Research Institute), unveiled their own version, the T-85 MBT in 1988. The PLA did not initially accept the T-85 MBT, and it was further developed for export to Pakistan (Type 85-IIAP and Type 85-III.) This was drastically changed later on when China obtained Soviet T-72 samples in late 1980s (reportedly from Iran with captured Iraqi samples.) South Africa
had discovered along with the Chinese that not only could the western origin 105 mm guns of Type 80 defeat the armor of a T-72 tank but that the main gun of T-72 could also easily defeat the armor of not only the Type 80 but all armor of Chinese tanks as well. Improvement of the current tanks in PLA inventory was needed and this was later further illustrated during the 1991 Gulf War, when the PLA observed that their current (1991-era) tanks were vastly inferior to Western MBTs. Priorities were given to develop a third-generation tank, and as well as improving the existing second-generation design. As a result, Type 85 is a direct development of Type 80, and over 600 are in Chinese service, while an additional 300+ are in Pakistani service.
Also served as a prototype for the Type 88C.
, later upgraded to Type 85-III. - ~450 in service - 200 in service (Type 80)
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Type 69/79
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Type 80/85/88 -
Type 90/96
-
MBT 2000
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Type 98/99
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T-72
-
M-84
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M-95
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PT-91
-
M-2001
-
T-80
-
T-84
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T-90
-
T-95
Main battle tank
A main battle tank , also known as a battle tank or universal tank, is a tank that fills the heavy direct fire role of many modern armies. They were originally conceived to replace the light, medium, heavy and super-heavy tanks. Development was spurred onwards in the Cold War with the development...
s (MBTs) from China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
. Based on the Type 79 design, the Type 88 entered service with the People's Liberation Army
People's Liberation Army
The People's Liberation Army is the unified military organization of all land, sea, strategic missile and air forces of the People's Republic of China. The PLA was established on August 1, 1927 — celebrated annually as "PLA Day" — as the military arm of the Communist Party of China...
(PLA) in the 1980s. As of 2003, an estimated 500 Type 88 MBTs are currently in service with the PLA. The tank was followed by the Type 96
Type 96
The Type 96 is the latest Chinese third-generation main battle tank . Based on the Type 85-III design, the Type 96 entered service with the People's Liberation Army in 1997. As of 2005, an estimated 1,500 Type 96 tanks are currently in service with the PLA.Generally speaking, PLA's tank...
MBT.
History
After the Sino-Soviet splitSino-Soviet split
In political science, the term Sino–Soviet split denotes the worsening of political and ideologic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics during the Cold War...
in the 1960s, relations between China and the Soviet Union gradually worsened, leading to border clashes in 1969. By 1970s, over 1.5 million troops from both sides were stationed along the Sino-Soviet border. At the time, the best Chinese tanks were copies of Soviet T-54/55 MBTs, hopelessly out-matched by new Soviet designs like the T-62
T-62
The T-62 is a Soviet main battle tank, a further development of the T-55. Its 115 mm gun was the first smoothbore tank gun in use.The T-62 was produced between 1961 and 1975. It became a standard tank in the Soviet arsenal, partly replacing the T-55, although that tank continued to be...
, T-64
T-64
The T-64 is a Soviet main battle tank, introduced in the early 1960s. It was used solely by the Soviet Army in its front-line divisions and was a more advanced counterpart to the T-62...
, and T-72
T-72
The T-72 is a Soviet-designed main battle tank that entered production in 1970. It is developed directly from Obyekt-172, and shares parallel features with the T-64A...
.
The People's Liberation Army requested new tanks that could match the Soviets, which led to the development of Type 69
Type 69/79
The Type 69 and Type 79 are two models of Chinese main battle tanks. Both developments of the Type 59 , they were the first independently-developed main battle tanks by China. Their lineage can be seen through the distinct gap between the first and second roadwheels...
by 617 Factory (now Inner-Mongolia First Machinery Group Company Ltd), incorporating some technologies from a captured Soviet T-62
T-62
The T-62 is a Soviet main battle tank, a further development of the T-55. Its 115 mm gun was the first smoothbore tank gun in use.The T-62 was produced between 1961 and 1975. It became a standard tank in the Soviet arsenal, partly replacing the T-55, although that tank continued to be...
tank. However the T-69 failed to satisfy PLA requirements, and was more of an export success (over 2,000 sold) than domestic use. As a result, new tank development was commenced and a new family of tanks that included many sub-families was the result.
Type 80
- Type 80 - the first Chinese second generation tank design. Prototype based on Type 79 hull, with following improvements:
- New chassis incorporating a wheel/track system with 6 small wheels, 3 track rollers, and rubber track skirt
- First Chinese tank to have an all welded turret, increasing protection level
- 730 hp 1215OL-7BW diesel engine licensed from Germany
- Type 37A dual-axis stabilised light spot fire control system (FCS) with external laser rangefinder, licensed from UK
- Type 83 105 mm rifled gun, NATO-standard, licensed from AustriaAustriaAustria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
- Type 80-II - Type 80 with following improvements:
- Laser range-finder integrated with FCS
- Built-in test system to identify malfunctions
- Lens protection system for sights
- NBC protection with overpressure system
- Turret surrounded by storage racks for extra protection
- First Chinese tank to feature a collective NBC protection system so that crew need not to wear individual NBC protection gear inside the tank.
Type 85
It is unclear if the different factories were in competition, or jointly developing the new second generation tank. What is known is that China's North Industries Group Corporation (NorincoNorinco
The China North Industries Corporation , official English name Norinco, manufactures vehicles , machinery, optical-electronic products, oil field equipment, chemicals, light industrial products, explosives and blast materials, civil and military firearms and ammunition, etc...
), most likely in association with 201 Institute (now China North Vehicle Research Institute), unveiled their own version, the T-85 MBT in 1988. The PLA did not initially accept the T-85 MBT, and it was further developed for export to Pakistan (Type 85-IIAP and Type 85-III.) This was drastically changed later on when China obtained Soviet T-72 samples in late 1980s (reportedly from Iran with captured Iraqi samples.) South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
had discovered along with the Chinese that not only could the western origin 105 mm guns of Type 80 defeat the armor of a T-72 tank but that the main gun of T-72 could also easily defeat the armor of not only the Type 80 but all armor of Chinese tanks as well. Improvement of the current tanks in PLA inventory was needed and this was later further illustrated during the 1991 Gulf War, when the PLA observed that their current (1991-era) tanks were vastly inferior to Western MBTs. Priorities were given to develop a third-generation tank, and as well as improving the existing second-generation design. As a result, Type 85 is a direct development of Type 80, and over 600 are in Chinese service, while an additional 300+ are in Pakistani service.
- Type 85 - Prototype with Type 80 chassis, welded turret, and 105 mm rifled main gun (Type 83?). Since the project was intended to be an export model and the Chinese government did not fund the project originally, this prototype was reportedly borrowed from a museum and when tests were completed, the vehicle was returned to the museum without the main gun, and a photo of this vehicle was circulated on the internet in the early 2000s.
- Type 85-I - Improved Type 85 with thermal sleeve for main gun. The turret incorporated composite armourComposite armourComposite armour is a type of vehicle armour consisting of layers of different material such as metals, plastics, ceramics or air. Most composite armour are lighter than their all-metal equivalent, but instead occupy a larger volume for the same resistance to penetration...
.
- Type 85-II - Improved Type 85-I with upgraded fire-control system. The fire control system incorporates the laser rangefinder, the onboard computer, and the wind sensor. The automatic loader is reportedly derived from that of T-72T-72The T-72 is a Soviet-designed main battle tank that entered production in 1970. It is developed directly from Obyekt-172, and shares parallel features with the T-64A...
obtained from Middle EastMiddle EastThe Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
(Possibly from IraqIraqIraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
or captured Iraqi samples from IranIranIran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
). Various solid-state electronics upgrades.
- Type 85-IIA - Type 85-II with a domestic 125 mm smoothbore gun replacing the original 105 mm rifled gun. The auto-loader for 125 mm rounds was based on the Soviet 2A46 design.
- Type 85-IIM - Introduced in mid 1990s with the following upgrades:
- Enhanced armour protection
- Image Stabilized Fire Control System (ISFCS) with night vision.
Also served as a prototype for the Type 88C.
- Type 85-IIAP - Modified Type 85-IIA variant built under license in Pakistan by Heavy Industries TaxilaHeavy Industries TaxilaHeavy Industries Taxila is the backbone of Pakistan's engineering industry for the Pakistan Armed Forces, being a combination of multiple industries that has grown into a large military complex since 1980. It consists of six major production units and their support facilities, staffed by over 6500...
(HIT), modifications including a 125 mm smoothbore gun with associated auto-loader. Over 300 in service with the Pakistan ArmyPakistan ArmyThe Pakistan Army is the branch of the Pakistani Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. The Pakistan Army came into existence after the Partition of India and the resulting independence of Pakistan in 1947. It is currently headed by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The Pakistan...
, all were later upgraded to Type 85-III standard and some are installed with Weston Simfire 2 training equipment.
- Type 85-III - An export version intended for PakistanPakistanPakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
with 1,000 hp diesel engine and 125 mm smoothbore gun. Rejected by the Pakistan ArmyPakistan ArmyThe Pakistan Army is the branch of the Pakistani Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. The Pakistan Army came into existence after the Partition of India and the resulting independence of Pakistan in 1947. It is currently headed by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The Pakistan...
after engine failures occurred during demonstrations in the Pakistani desert. The engine problems were later solved and NorincoNorincoThe China North Industries Corporation , official English name Norinco, manufactures vehicles , machinery, optical-electronic products, oil field equipment, chemicals, light industrial products, explosives and blast materials, civil and military firearms and ammunition, etc...
incorporated additional features in 1995 such as ERAERAEra refers to a long period of historyERA or Era may also refer to:In games and sports:* Earned run average, a baseball statistic* Era Online, a computer game* English Racing Automobiles, a manufacturer of racing carsIn music:...
upgrades, but Type 85-III could not compete with more modern designs and did not enter mass production. Earlier Type 85 tanks have been upgraded to Type 85-III standard, including all Type 85-IIAP in Pakistani service.
Type 88
In the late 1970s, China's 617 Factory (main contractor), 616 Factory, 477 Factory, and 201 Institute (now China North Vehicle Research Institute) were ordered to develop China's new second-generation tank. The project benefitted from imported Western Technologies in the 1980s. The first Type 80 MBT was based on the older Type 79 MBT hull, but equipped with new Chinese-made wheels/tracks, German-designed 730 hp diesel engine, British-designed dual-axis stabilized fire-control with laser range-finder, and NATO-standard 105 mm gun licensed from Austria. The improved version of this tank later entered service in 1988 under the PLA designation of Type 88. The Type 88 tank is unique in that unlike the rest series of Chinese tanks, this series actually includes versions from different families of earlier tanks. Production of Type 88-series MBTs was stopped in 1995. About 400 to 500 Type 88-series tanks are in service with the PLA today.- Type 88 - First Chinese tank to have explosive reactive armor and was accepted into PLA service in 1988, based on Type 80-II design. Front storage racks on turret removed to fit explosive reactive armor (ERA) plates.
- Type 88A - Introduced after Type 88B, the main gun was replaced by improved 105 mm Type 83-I with longer tube and better performance. Fitted with FY-series double ERA plates for better protection against APFSDS and HEAT-FRAG rounds.
- Type 88B - Improved Type 88 with new auto-loading system for domestic 105 mm ammunition. FCS system was later replaced by new ISFCS-212 ISFCS. Comparing 88A, telescope close to main gun mount is removed from 88B. 88B has 8 Smoke Grenade Launchers, while 88A has 12.
- Type 88C - Developed from Type 85-IIM which had a more powerful 125 mm smoothbore gun, and the ISFCS-212 fire control system of this tank was later retrofited on Type 88A and Type 88B. The engine was originally the same as Type 80 and earlier Type 85, but once the problem of 1000 hpHorsepowerHorsepower is the name of several units of measurement of power. The most common definitions equal between 735.5 and 750 watts.Horsepower was originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses in continuous operation. The unit was widely adopted to measure the...
engine solved, it replaced the original engine.
Operators
- 50+ in service - 230+ Type-88B - ~300 Type 85-IIAP built under license at Heavy Industries TaxilaHeavy Industries Taxila
Heavy Industries Taxila is the backbone of Pakistan's engineering industry for the Pakistan Armed Forces, being a combination of multiple industries that has grown into a large military complex since 1980. It consists of six major production units and their support facilities, staffed by over 6500...
, later upgraded to Type 85-III. - ~450 in service - 200 in service (Type 80)
See also
Type 59/62Type 59
The Type 59 main battle tank is a Chinese produced version of the Soviet T-54A tank, an improvement over the ubiquitous T-54/55. The first vehicles were produced in 1958 and it was accepted into service in 1959, with serial production beginning in 1963...
-
Type 69/79
Type 69/79
The Type 69 and Type 79 are two models of Chinese main battle tanks. Both developments of the Type 59 , they were the first independently-developed main battle tanks by China. Their lineage can be seen through the distinct gap between the first and second roadwheels...
-
Type 80/85/88 -
Type 90/96
Type 96
The Type 96 is the latest Chinese third-generation main battle tank . Based on the Type 85-III design, the Type 96 entered service with the People's Liberation Army in 1997. As of 2005, an estimated 1,500 Type 96 tanks are currently in service with the PLA.Generally speaking, PLA's tank...
-
MBT 2000
MBT 2000
The designations Al-Khalid and MBT-2000 refer to the Pakistani and Chinese variants of a modern main battle tank developed during the 1990s by China and Pakistan...
-
Type 98/99
Type 99
The Type 99, also known as ZTZ-99 and WZ-123, developed from the Type 98G , is a third generation main battle tank fielded by the Chinese People's Liberation Army. It is made to compete with other modern tanks...
-
T-72
T-72
The T-72 is a Soviet-designed main battle tank that entered production in 1970. It is developed directly from Obyekt-172, and shares parallel features with the T-64A...
-
M-84
M-84
The M-84 is a Yugoslav 2nd generation main battle tank. The M-84 is in service in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kuwait, Slovenia and Serbia.-Development and production:...
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M-95
M-95 Degman
M-95 Degman is a prototype Croatian main battle tank, developed in the factory Đuro Đaković specijalna vozila d.d., located in Slavonski Brod, Croatia. It is also known as the RH-ALAN Degman. The Đuro Đaković factory is best known for its principal role in the production of M-84, a Yugoslav version...
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PT-91
PT-91
The PT-91 Twardy is a Polish main battle tank. It is a development of the T-72M1 and first entered service in 1995...
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M-2001
M-2001
The M-84AS is a modernized version of the M-84 main battle tank produced by Yugoimport SDPR in Serbia. M-84AS is sometimes refeared to as M-84AB1 and M-2001.-Design:...
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T-80
T-80
The T-80 is a main battle tank designed and manufactured in the former Soviet Union. A development of the T-64, it entered service in 1976 and was the first production tank to be equipped with a gas turbine engine for main propulsion.the Swedish Stridsvagn 103 of 1971 used a gas turbine alongside...
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T-84
T-84
The T-84 is a Ukrainian main battle tank, a development of the Soviet T-80 main battle tank. It was first built in 1994 and entered service in the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 1999. The T-84 is based on the diesel-engined T-80 version, the T-80UD...
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T-90
T-90
The T-90 is a Russian third-generation main battle tank that is a modernisation of the T-72 . It is currently the most modern tank in service with the Russian Ground Forces and Naval Infantry...
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T-95
T-95
T-95 is the common informal designation of a Russian fifth generation tank that was under development at Uralvagonzavod before being cancelled in May 2011.-History:...
External links
- 88B Main Battle Tank photo and details
- Type 88C Main Battle Tank: A Photo Essay - China-Defense.com
- Type 80/88 Main Battle Tank - GlobalSecurity.org
- Type 88 Main Battle Tank - Chinese Defense Today