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G’day lads, I’m here to suggest a rather…obscure vehicle from China around the 90’s, which would be the ZTZ-98 9910 Prototype!
Description:
Spoiler
The ZTZ-98, also known as the Type 98, is a Chinese third-generation main battle tank developed by Norinco. Initially produced in limited quantities, it served as a forerunner to the more advanced ZTZ-99 series. The ZTZ-98 is equipped with a 125mm smoothbore gun that uses an autoloader, capable of firing various types of ammunition such as armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS), high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT), and high-explosive (HE) rounds. It is powered by a 1200 horsepower diesel engine, which provides substantial mobility. The tank’s armor includes composite and modular components, offering enhanced protection against contemporary threats. Additionally, the ZTZ-98 features advanced fire control systems, including a laser rangefinder and thermal imaging, which enable effective targeting in diverse conditions. This model eventually evolved into the ZTZ-99, incorporating further advancements in firepower, protection, and mobility. Difference between this ZTZ-98 and the normal ones it that it features MANPAD’s :)
History:
Spoiler
The ZTZ-98 tank’s development began in 1970, inspired by the T-64 and T-72 tanks. After the Cultural Revolution, it became evident that Chinese tanks were outdated compared to NATO and Soviet tanks. In 1977, the Central Military Commission Science and Technological Development Committee initiated a new strategy for tank development.
By 1979, the first prototypes, WZ1226 and WZ1226F2, were created with 120mm guns and German diesel engines. In 1981, China decided to continue with its 3rd generation MBT project, and the ZTZ-80 was designated as a 2nd generation tank. The WZ1224, WZ1226, and WZ1226F2 served as testbeds for the 3rd generation MBT.
In 1984, two designs were proposed: one based on the T-72 and another influenced by the Merkava series. The T-72-based design was chosen, featuring a 125mm cannon and a three-man crew. By 1986, the tank was included in the “Seventh Five-Year Plan” and was set to become a significant part of the armed forces after 2000.
The first contract for the “Third Generation Main Battle Tank (Phase I)” was signed in 1989, and by 1990, the 617th Factory produced the first tank of the third generation. In 1992, four more vehicles were produced with enhanced frontal protection and new turret designs. By 1994, the fire control system was finalized, and prototypes underwent various tests.
In 1996, the first ZTZ-98 was handed over, and by 1998, the tank met all requirements and was approved for Low-Rate Initial Production. The ZTZ-98 was unveiled on October 1, 1999, during the PRC 50th Anniversary parade. By 2001, the design of the “Type 98 Improved” (ZTZ-99 Phase I) was nearly complete, and full series production was ordered, concluding the ZTZ-98 development story. The ZTZ-98 I’m suggesting was allegedly made during 1993, where the turrets were tested and made for the ZTZ-98.
Armaments:
Spoiler
ZPT-98 125mm (smoothbore) cannon with a 5-6 second cycle rate
1 Type-85 12.7mm machinegun
1 Type-59 7.62mm machinegun
1 QJG-02 14.5mm machine gun (Prototype only)
2 Red Tassel-5 MANPAD’s (more commonly known as HN-5. Cannot discover what variant it is tho)
YG-B/some sort of anti-laser system
10 smoke grenade launchers
Specifications:
Spoiler
The ZTZ-98 is around 11m in length, 3,4m in width and 2m with height. It’s around 50 tons heavy, and has a 1200hp engine, giving it 21.8HP/T, making it go up to 65km/h on roads. In terms of armour, considering that its pretty much a “prototype of the ZTZ-99”, it would most likely have a little less armour compared to the normal ZTZ-99, and of course if you have eyes, you can see that it doesn’t have any ERA at all, thus not only making its “internal” armour worse, but also external, or in this case, it has no external armour such as ERA.
Sources:
Spoiler
Type 98 Tank | Chinese Main Battle Tank | Full development history
https://www.reddit.com/r/Warthunder/comments/qodmaf/gaijin_please_ztz98_main_battle_tank_radical/
ZTZ-98 Main Battle Tank » Mirageswar.com – военно-исторические журналы, моделизм и миниатюра
https://en.topwar.ru/5371-osnovnoy-boevoy-tank-kitaya-tip-99-ztz99.html
Chinas has upgraded its home-made Type 98 main battle tank with MANPADS air defense missile.
Thanks a lot for reading! If you have any extra information, because this prototype is quite obscure, then feel free to share them in the replies! As always, have a good day :)