Power is no from a 1,500 horsepower turbocharged diesel unit. This mark carried an relocated driver's hatch (centered in the hull from front-left), enhanced Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) support through its main gun, an active protection system / laser warning receiver to increase crew and systems survivability, support for 3rd Generation ERA blocks, and remodeled, enlarged turret with applique armor and sharper angles. This variant was established back in 2003 and tested in 2007 until operationally fielded in 2011. The first production forms were marked simply as Type 99, Type 99A1, or Type 99G and showcased applique armor at the wedge-shaped turret, added a modern thermal sighting device, mated the engine to a semi-automatic gearbox, and supported 3rd Generation Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) blocks for enhanced survivability.Īn improved model, the Type 99A, was publically revealed in the 2015 Victory Day Parade. Prototypes were powered by a 1,200 horsepower diesel engine. The pilot vehicle of the Type 99 carried the designation of Project 9910 and industrial designation of WZ-123. The Type 98G then formally became the 'Type 99' when introduced in 2001.ĭespite this, the Type 96 remains the primary fighting tank of PLA forces due to costs in running, maintaining, and repairing the Type 99 series.

Meanwhile the Type 90 (Type 90-II) was used to form the Pakistani Army's Al-Khalid series while this same mark was known domestically to the Chinese Army under the designation of 'Type 98' and its improved form became the 'Type 98G'. The Type 88 was further evolved to become the 'Type 96' of 1997 in service. At this point, the 'Type 80' had evolved into the export 'Type 85' and the domestic 'Type 88'. The Type 99 was born from work undertaken by Chinese engineers to design, develop, and produce a wholly Chinese tank.

The Type 99 entered frontline service with Chinese forces in 2001 and represents a 3rd Generation MBT design. The Type 99 represents a major Chinese break from the previous heavy reliance on Soviet-Russian tank design influence - bringing the nation on par with global counterparts. To date (2020), total production from NORINCO has reached beyond 1,000 units, replacing many of China's aged, outgoing Cold War-era designs in circulation. The Type 99 was first unveiled in 1999 and was a showpiece of the October 1999 National Day Parade. The Type 99 is a relatively new addition to the armored corps of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China.

Modern chinese tanks era