The VT5 is a new Chinese light tank. It looks like it was developed as a successor for the ageing Type 62 light tanks, used by the Chinese armed forces. Chinese requirement might be for at least 300 new light tanks. Though according to NORINCO it was developed exclusively for export. Mobility is the key factor of this new machine. It is intended mainly for reconnaissance and infantry support operations. It can operate in terrains such as mountainous areas, jungles and river regions, that are not accessible to heavier main battle tanks. The VT5 has a welded armored hull and turret, reportedly made of steel armor. The tank is also fitted with add-on armor kit. It can be either passive composite armor, or explosive reactive armor. Some areas of the VT5 tank are covered with cage armor, which provides protection against anti-tank missiles and rockets. NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems are fitted as standard.
The tank weights 33-36 t, depending on armor package.There is also a passive protection system with a laser detector. It triggers smoke grenade dischargers once the tank is illuminated by a laser beam. This system reduces the chance of being hit by anti-tank missiles with laser guidance.This new Chinese tank is armed with a fully-stabilized 105 mm rifled gun. It is compatible with all standard NATO 105 mm tank ammunition. The VT5 can also launch 105 mm anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary munitions. These extend the effective range to up to 5 km and hit probability of over 90% against stationary targets. This new tank iscan be airlifted by military cargo aircraft. It is possible that this tank can be paradropped. A hydropneumatic suspension with adjustable ground clearance was present on prototypes.
