The Type 99 is China’s own model, developed and built in this country. How good is it, and could it rival M1 Abrams?
There are many who like to compare the Type 99 to the American Abrams. There are reasons for such discussions, considering the fact that this Chinese model features a high-efficiency active-protection system, and furthermore, it uses a larger main gun compared to the M1 Abrams.
According to the 2018 report from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), the Type 99 (also known as ZTZ-99) is China’s 3rd generation main battle tank (MBT), which is a successor to Type 96A, a 2nd generation model.
According to the same report, the effectiveness of this military vehicle is much higher compared to older models that are in service with the Chinese Armed Forces, and could even be on a similar level to other modern main battle tanks from Western countries.
Type 99 MBT – what events led to its development?
In recent years, Chinese military introduced major upgrades to its armored units. Tanks received better armor sets, larger-caliber cannons, updated electronics and communications systems, as well as more efficient fire control and targeting systems.
Both Type 99 and earlier Type 96A now form the backbone of China’s armored military units. the Type 96A is significantly cheaper, but lacks modern features implemented in the newer design.
The first generation of tanks produced in China was heavily based on Soviet vehicles. For example, the Type 59 essentially was a copy of the Soviet T-54. However, the technical shortcomings of this model soon became obvious, especially after Russia introduced T-72 and T-80. But even the updated Type 88 – some of which were later sold to Iraq – could not stand against NATO tanks during the 1991 Gulf War.
This forced China to rapidly seek solutions and proceed with its own improvements. After carefully studying Russian T-72 and T-80, Chinese engineers produced the first Type 88A/B which entered service in 1988. Then, in less than a decade, China’s Type 96 was created, which was designed and manufactured domestically.
Just four more years were required to produce Type 99. What makes it worthy to stand among the most advanced contemporary main battle tanks?
Type 99 compared to M1 Abrams
The Type 99 was designed and built by Norinco, which is a Chinese defense company owned by the state.
Compared to NATO alternatives – most of which are equipped with 120-millimeter main cannons, China’s Type 99 has a 125-mm gun. It also uses an autoloader subsystem, effectively reducing the number of crew to three people.
This tank uses a 1,500-horsepower diesel engine. This figure is identical to M1 Abrams. However, the Chinese 3rd-gen MBT is substantially lighter, weighing just 55 tons vs. 70 tons. Naturally, the difference of 15 tons is quite much, leading to significant gains in mobility and overall dynamics.
From 2011, Norinco started to produce an updated model Type 99A. It features 3rd generation Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA), composite panel armor, a larger arrow-shaped turret, better vision systems and overall updated electronic control systems, and better compatibility with modern ammunition, including guided anti-tank missiles (ATGMs).
The Type 99 also uses the GL5 Active Protection System. According to limited available information, this system is capable of tracking incoming projectiles and can eliminate them using two relatively small interceptor charges shot at incoming threats.
The 3rd generation model uses new thermal imaging sight, a ballistic computer, and a suite of different sensors used to improve ballistic performance. Its fire control system is linked to the central control hub and the data can be transmitted and received as needed, to coordinate combat activities with other military units.
The Type 99 is equipped with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, and a coaxial 7.62 medium machine gun. It is not known whether these machine guns can be operated remotely. The tank is fully capable of nighttime operations.
Is the Type 99 better than the American M1 Abrams? It is difficult to answer this question, because tanks are not the only units on the battlefield, and their performance strongly depends on the coordination of different types of forces, as well as the training of operators who drive these machines.
The Abrams can use M829 depleted-uranium rounds, which have 15-25% increased armor penetration.
The Abrams needs four crew members – one of them loads the gun. This could be seen as a factor leading to better reliability, but also requires a larger and heavier hull to accommodate an additional person.
The Type 99 can fire ATGM missiles directly from its main gun. It is also more agile, reaching up to 47 mph (76 km/h), while Abrams achieves a lower velocity of 42 mph. Some sources claim China’s model can go as fast as 50 mph. Due to its lower weight, the maximum range of the Type 99 is also increased (370 miles compared to 280 miles, on a good road).
Final word
These stats of China’s MBT look quite impressive. However, M1 has received many tests in real battles. Is this enough to consider these machines equal? Let’s hope we will not need to test them one against another.