- Yes
- No
The WZ-122-2 currently available in the game is the later variant planned to be equipped with a missile launcher. However, the focus of today’s introduction is the early prototype of the WZ-122-2, which did not feature a missile launcher. This vehicle could effectively fill a gap in the Chinese lineup at battle rating 8.3.
In the 1960s, with the successive emergence of second-generation tanks, the field of tank technology experienced a significant leap in development. This posed a serious challenge to China’s research and development of new combat vehicles at the time. By the late 1960s, the Chinese armored forces proposed the development of a second-generation tank. The main technical requirements set forth were: a new large-caliber gun capable of countering any existing or potential medium/heavy tanks; a substantially increased ammunition load capable of firing rounds with combustible cartridge cases; and the installation of advanced equipment such as rangefinders, dual-axis stabilizers, and night vision devices to improve first-shot hit probability. Additionally, requirements included reducing the overall combat weight; installing a compact, high-power, low-fuel-consumption engine capable of using multiple fuel types, paired with a reliable, easy-to-operate transmission and running gear; rationalizing armor thickness distribution, improving armor materials, and enhancing ballistic resistance; optimizing the tank’s external profile while actively researching defensive measures against special anti-tank munitions; implementing collective protection against nuclear and chemical weapons; improving component reliability to facilitate operation, maintenance, and reduce upkeep workload; and adding noise reduction devices to improve crew working conditions as much as possible.
Following the 1969 Zhenbao Island Incident, which exposed China’s lack of tanks capable of effectively countering the Soviet T-62, the development pace for a new tank accelerated. On February 4, 1970, the armored forces and the Fifth Ministry of Machine Building jointly established the “Leadership Group for the Campaign on Five New Types of Vehicles.” The 122 medium tank was one of these five new vehicles. Development of the WZ-122 medium tank began in March 1970. The first prototype, designated WZ-122-1 , was completed on September 25, 1970. However, as the “Tri-Liquid” technology was not yet mature, by the end of 1970, the tank’s development shifted toward employing conventional, proven technologies such as mechanical transmission, torsion bar suspension, and mechanical controls. In January 1971, the assembly of two WZ-122-2 “Tri-Mechanical” prototypes was completed. These “Tri-Mechanical” prototypes underwent approximately 3,000 kilometers of testing within China from 1971 to 1973. While the test results were generally favorable, they also revealed certain technical and component issues. Due to these problems, the 122 “Tri-Mechanical” prototype ultimately did not enter mass production.
Only 2 were manufactured。According to currently available public photographs, at least one WZ-122-2 was tested without an anti-tank missile launcher installed. This prototype is now displayed at a Chinese military park, while the whereabouts of the other vehicle remain unknown.
Spoiler
The early variant of the 122 medium tank “Tri-Mechanical,” aside from not being equipped with an anti-tank missile launcher, shares the same technical performance as the in-game WZ-122-2.
Crew: 4 personnel
Combat weight: 37.5 tons
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Dimensions：9.52 meters (L) × 3.28 meters (W) × 2.25 meters (H)
*Hull Armor: 100mm (front) / 80mm (sides) / 45mm (rear)
*Turret Armor: 200mm (front) / 165mm (sides) / 65mm (rear) -
Max speed: 55 km/h (road), 45 km/h (off-road)
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 12.7 kW/ton
Ground Pressure: 72 kPa
Maximum Speed: 55 km/h
Maximum Range: 500 km -
Main Armament Caliber/Type:
120 mm smoothbore tank gun
12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun
7.62 mm coaxial machine gun -
Ammunition Load:
120 mm rounds: 40 rounds
7.62 mm machine gun rounds: 3,000 rounds
12.7 mm machine gun rounds: 500 rounds
Armor Type (Hull/Turret):Steel armor plates / Cast steel armor
- Fire Control System
The tank is equipped with an advanced automatic lead computing fire control system. This system includes a combined day sight/active infrared night sight/laser rangefinder, a ballistic computer, and a dual-axis stabilizer.
Mounting provision for missiles.