The Type 99 (JiÇ”jiÇ”shì) or ZTZ99 is a Chinese third generation main battle tank (MBT). An updated Type 99 model was officially introduced at the 2015 Victory Day Parade as the Type 99A. Although the PLA has not distinguished between this variant and older models, some sources have named this latest variant the Type 99A2. The main armament is a 2-plane stabilized 125 mm smoothbore gun with a carousel-style autoloader and capable of firing APFSDS-T, HEAT, Frag-HE-T, and gun-launched anti-tank missiles (ATGM). The gun may be fired under both computerized and manual control. The tank’s welded turret is of an angular design with spaced modular armor and composite panels.
The Type 99 has hunter-killer capabilities, operating an ISFCS-212 fire control system with an IR automatic target tracker. It is capable of firing on the move with a stabilized gunner’s thermal sight and laser range finder. The gunner has a maximum target acquisition range of 5 kilometres. The gunner’s thermal sight has optical magnification at 5x and 11.4x. The Type 99A MBT is equippped with the improved 1A45T Fire Control System including new generation of thermal imaging scope, new ballistic computer and weather measurement sensors, thus improve the ballistic trajectory under adversary conditions. The tank is fitted with data-link, global positing system and other form of communication devices.
The frontal protection is comparable to the Russian T-90A and Western tanks. Applique armor consists of modular armor mentioned above and track skirts. The Type 99A2 may mount 3rd generation (Relikt-type) ERA. The tank comes with 12 81-mm smoke grenade launchers. A laser warning receiver and a laser self-defense system is mounted. The suspension system consists six rubber tired road wheels on each side with power sprocket at the rear. The first, second and sixth road wheels are fitted with special hydraulic shock-buffer. The Type 99 tank is powered by a 1500 hp diesel engine giving it a power-to-weight ratio of about 27.78 hp/ton. The maximum road and off-road speeds are 80 km/h and 60 km/h respectively. The cruising range is 500 km.
