Today we’re checking out China’s premium ZTZ96B MBT, which serves as the transitional link between the ZTZ96 and modern ZTZ99 families.
ZTZ96B: A Premium MBT for China at Rank VII
At a glance:
- 125 mm gun with DTC10-125 APFSDS and tandem ATGMs
- Autoloader
- Thermal imager for the gunner
- ERA protection
- Improved mobility
- ZTZ96B (Rank VII, China)
- Premium account for 20 days
- 2500 Golden Eagles
- Pre-order bonus: unique “Bared fangs” title
- Pre-order bonus: unique “Sarkastodon” decal
- 69.99
- Store
Facing the need of operating tanks in high-altitude environments and growing requirements, the Chinese military determined that the existing variants of ZTZ96 are becoming less effective on the modern and ever evolving battlefield. On top of that, several issues surfaced during the Tank Biathlon in 2014. An attempt to improve the mobility performance of ZTZ96A failed, as a result, China started to conceive a more comprehensively upgraded variant of ZTZ96, called ZTZ96B.
Drawing from past experience, ZTZ96B was heavily redesigned, firepower was increased to the level of the ZTZ99A by installing a modernized 125 mm tank gun, enabling the use of modern ammunition.
Despite the short development cycle, due to the change of requirements as well as military doctrines, ZTZ96B was not put into mass production. Only a few dozen entered service, and were mainly used to participate in Tank Biathlon.
In the late 2010s, the Iraqi army expressed interest in the tank. Based on the ZTZ96B, NORINCO developed an export version, the VT-2B, which featured a remote-controlled weapon station in place of the anti-aircraft machine gun. However, despite passing tests, Iraq ultimately declined to purchase this vehicle.
Introducing the ZTZ96B!
The upcoming War Thunder major update brings a very unique tank to rank VII of the Chinese ground forces tree, combining all the key advantages of the 96 and 99 series MBTs! Today we present the ZTZ96B, an effective and well-balanced MBT capable of handling any task in battle. Pre-orders for this vehicle have gone live today, where you can get yourself some neat pre-order bonuses. Let’s check it out!
Let’s firstly take compare this vehicle! Ultimately, the ZTZ96B is a modernization of the ZTZ96A main battle tank, featuring a new turret which still houses a large carousel-type autoloader. It does however feature a modernized gun and electronics. The ammunition complement now includes new types of ammunition, the highly effective DTC10-125 APFSDS round with over half a meter of penetration, and a tandem ATGM!
The ZTZ96B comes in with FY-4 explosive reactive armor blocks The ZTZ96B’s main advantage over its predecessor however is its improved mobility. It features a new engine and transmission that not only improve the tank’s overall mobility, but also addresses the issue of its slow reverse speed!
That’s it for this one! The ZTZ96B is an excellent, versatile MBT with great combat performance. Pre-order before the update’s release and you’ll receive the tank itself, a unique decal and title, days of Premium, and a supply of Golden Eagles!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.
