- Yes
- No
The labeling of Type 59-I in the image is incorrect; it is actually a Type 69-II that underwent subsequent modifications.
Introduce:
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This tank is equipped with a Type 69-II 100mm rifled gun, which was newly developed by China in April 1981 based on the Type 59 100mm rifled gun and the Type 69 100mm smoothbore gun in response to the requirements of foreign trade users. A prototype was produced and subjected to various tests in June 1981, with small-batch production commencing in 1982. The gun barrel, recoil mechanism, and elevation gear of this gun are identical to those of the Type 59 100mm rifled tank gun, and the barrel can withstand the high chamber pressure (387.56MPa) generated when firing armor-piercing discarding sabot (APDS) projectiles. The cradle, breech shield, and other components are basically the same as those of the Type 69 100mm smoothbore tank gun.
The gun is compatible with tungsten-core APDS projectiles, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) projectiles, and high-explosive (HE) projectiles, and is not interchangeable with the ammunition used by the Soviet T-55 tank gun. It is equipped with a simplified fire control system with automatic ballistic computing, as well as infrared night vision and aiming devices.
The hull underwent numerous improvements based on the Type 69 tank, such as the addition of an NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection system, an automatic fire extinguishing system, a thermal smoke generation system, and rubber side skirts. Additionally, the performance of the communication, transmission, and control systems was enhanced.
It is equipped with a 426 kW 12150L-7BW diesel engine. However, when fitted with composite armor, the engine’s output horsepower is somewhat inadequate to meet the demand.
Parameter:
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Country of origin: China
Number of members: 4 people
Main armament: Type 69-II 100mm rifled gun
Spare ammunition: 44
Secondary armament: 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun
Spare ammo: 500
Secondary Armament: 7.62mm Coaxial Machine Gun
Spare ammo: 3000
Engine: 12150L-7BW
Engine type: 12V water-cooled diesel
Engine power rating: 426 kW
Engine speed: 2000 rpm
Transmission type: fixed shaft mechanical type
Forward/Reverse: 5/1
Pitch angle: -5~+18°
Artillery shell information and data:
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(DTW2-100)
(Type 1959 100mm Tungsten Alloy APFSDS)
(Type 1959）
calibre：100mm
Shell weight: 3.44kg
Shell length:472mm
Armour piercing part length: 424mm
Armour piercing part diameter: 36mm
Tungsten core shell length: 77mm
Tungsten core shell diameter: 24mm
Tungsten core shell weight: 1kg
Tungsten core shell material: Tungsten alloy
Initial velocity: 1435m/s
Photo:
Sources:
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[59式中型坦克_百度百科 (baidu.com)](https://baike.baidu.com/item/59式中型坦克?
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Citations:
[1]中国第一坦克系列的发展——59式中型坦克型号演变和变型车[J].宁夏科技,2003(02):4-15.
[1]钟柏.中国100毫米、105毫米穿甲弹[J].军事展望，2001(09):26–27.
[1]吴哲仁.虎啸东方——中国59式到88式主战坦克的技术发展[J].国际展望,2004(14):24-31.