This report addresses fundamental mechanical discrepancies and research hurdles affecting the ZTZ-96, ZTZ-99, ZTZ-99A, and VT-4 series. These issues are backed by technical evidence in the following community threads: Discussion on ZTZ99A Model Errors and Comprehensive Analysis of Chinese MBT Armor Bugs.
1. Missing Volumetric Trunnion
It is a basic fact of tank construction that a 125mm smoothbore gun cannot “float” within a turret. The gun must be anchored by a massive steel trunnion block to support the weight of the barrel, house the stabilizer assembly, and absorb the violent recoil forces of high-pressure rounds.
A 15-20cm rod or thin plate (as is the case in-game currently) is physically incapable of withstanding millions of Newtons of recoil pressure or maintaining precise stabilization during movement. This is a universal engineering requirement for any functional MBT and does not require sensitive sourcing.
The tank must have a trunnion to function. This should be modeled as a placeholder volumetric block (300mm+) until more precise information is found, following the precedent set for other nations’ modern MBTs (e.g., T-80 and T-90 series).
2. Standardized Reload & Balancing Logic
The developers have previously stated that autoloader speeds are treated as a balancing parameter, rather than a strictly historical one (I.E. planned “buffs” to autoloader speeds on previous dev server builds which were cancelled after community backlash).
The Chinese autoloader is a modern evolution of the original carousel, with observed cycle times of 6.0–6.5 seconds.
Given the extreme model inaccuracies due to lack of proper information (missing trunnions, under-modeled 50mm side armor, etc.), implementing a 6.5s reload buff is a logical step to offset these severe survival penalties and the “double penalty” China currently faces.
3. Tech Tree Reorganization: Mainland vs. Export
The current research path is jarring and illogical, forcing players to jump from the VT-4 (Export) to the WZ1001 (Mainland Prototype of ZTZ-99A) and back to the VT-4A1 (Export). This “ping-pong” progression should be split to create a cleaner flow:
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Mainland Branch (Domestic PLA):
- ZTZ-99A \rightarrow WZ1001(E) LCT (Foldered): The WZ1001 is a side-grade prototype of the 99A. Foldering them reflects their relationship as prototype-to-production versions, similar to the existing ZTZ-99 Phase II and Phase III folder.
- NEW: ZTZ-99B (12.7): A modernized ZTZ-99A with native Hard-Kill APS and reinforced armor, giving the mainland line a proper 12.7 top-tier MBT, and standardise APS across both tech tree branches.
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Export Branch (International):
- VT-4 \rightarrow VT-4A1: A dedicated path for export-specific modernization.
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Light Tank Branch:
- ZBD-04A \rightarrow NEW: ZTQ-15 (Type 15): The light tree currently hits a dead end at the ZBD-04A (10.0). Adding the ZTQ-15 provides a top-tier scout with hydropneumatic suspension to solve the nation’s historical gun depression issues, as well as give them a proper light after BR 10.0, especially since the vehicle has visual similarities with the M10 Booker
4. Summary of Proposed Adjustments
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Implement a 300mm+ volumetric trunnion placeholder, as is the precedent for nearly all other tech trees currently in-game.
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Standardize the reload to 6.5 seconds.
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Folder the WZ1001 (As a prototype of 99A) under the ZTZ-99A, add the ZTZ-99B and bridge the light tank gap with the addition of the ZTQ-15.
Disclaimer: This report does not seek to prove new historical issues beyond those already spotted by the community. It serves to raise awareness of existing problems and provide Quality of Life (QoL) suggestions for the Chinese player base.
- Yes
- No