China not too long ago revealed the most recent improve of its Kind-99 essential battle tank, often called the ZTZ-99B, that includes the superior GL-XX APS system, which incorporates 2 APS projectile launchers and 4 APS fireplace management radars. This announcement was shared on the X account @Nickatgreat1220, together with a photograph capturing the transport of what was described as “the most recent addition to the Chinese language military’s arsenal.” The supply highlighted the similarity of the launchers to a newly introduced APS system, providing a second close-up picture for comparability.
The ZTZ-99B represents an evolution of the unique ZTZ-99, developed by Norinco. It boasts a 125 mm smoothbore gun able to firing each anti-tank guided missiles and customary projectiles. Enhanced with new dynamic safety [ERA] and an energetic safety system [APS] that features the GL-XX system with its 2 APS launchers and 4 fireplace management radar items, the tank gives strong protection in opposition to up to date threats. Its armor, a mixture of metal and composite supplies, offers substantial safety.
Powering the ZTZ-99B is a 1,500-horsepower diesel engine that permits a high pace of roughly 80 km/h on roads. A sophisticated fireplace management system, that includes a laser rangefinder and a thermal digicam, ensures precision concentrating on in each day and night time circumstances. The tank accommodates a three-person crew: a commander, a gunner, and a driver-engineer.
The ZTZ-99B includes a highly effective diesel engine, however its important weight presents challenges in upkeep and logistics in comparison with lighter tanks. This implies extra sources are wanted for repairs, and it struggles with mobility in excessive environments like deserts or mountainous areas. When in comparison with China’s extra frequent fashions, such because the ZTZ-96, the ZTZ-99B incurs greater upkeep and assist prices, impacting its operational flexibility over the long run.
Its superior Explosive Reactive Armor [ERA] was designed to counter each cumulative and kinetic projectiles. This armor contains particular modules that detonate upon influence, decreasing the effectiveness of incoming penetrative threats. The tank additionally boasts the GL-XX Lively Safety System [APS], outfitted with two launchers to intercept threats akin to anti-tank missiles. The system detects threats and robotically fires counter-missiles to neutralize them earlier than they will influence the tank.
Moreover, the ZTZ-99B is outfitted with a complicated fireplace management radar system comprising 4 energetic radars. These work along side the APS, offering 360-degree protection and fast knowledge processing capabilities for detecting and monitoring incoming threats. This setup ensures a swift response to a number of assaults whereas additionally aiding the tank’s fireplace management system for exact concentrating on and real-time weapon steerage.
The ZTZ-99 essential battle tank, developed within the Nineties by Norinco, was a part of China’s efforts to modernize its Individuals’s Liberation Military. Coming into manufacturing in 2001, this tank was crafted to switch older fashions in China’s navy lineup. A standout competitor, the ZTZ-99 was designed to rival trendy Western and Russian tanks, boasting enhanced armor, highly effective armament, and superior electronics.
At present, manufacturing of the ZTZ-99 is estimated to be round 600 to 700 items. Its excessive price and upkeep complexity have restricted its manufacturing, particularly when in comparison with extra generally produced Chinese language fashions just like the ZTZ-96. Future manufacturing is predicted to remain targeted on upgrading present items relatively than rolling out important new batches.
As for its operational historical past, the ZTZ-99 has principally been showcased throughout navy parades and workouts of the Individuals’s Liberation Military. Whereas it hasn’t seen precise fight, the tank stays a strategic asset in China’s protection and deterrence plans. Though its worldwide and fight presence is minimal, the ZTZ-99 performs a vital position in bolstering China’s armored capabilities.
The ZTZ-99B, when in comparison with different trendy tanks just like the Russian T-14 Armata and the American M1A2 Abrams, gives a strong mixture of superior energetic safety and highly effective firepower. Nevertheless, it falls quick in sure areas, akin to the extent of electronics and autonomous methods. The T-14, for example, has a sophisticated unmanned turret and the next diploma of automation. Whereas the ZTZ-99B’s armament is on par with the M1A2, the Abrams boasts higher mobility on difficult terrain and a superior built-in command and management system.
In the case of exports, the ZTZ-99B faces some hurdles as a consequence of its excessive price and complicated upkeep necessities, making it much less interesting to international locations with smaller protection budgets. But, China has successfully exported extra inexpensive variants just like the ZTZ-96, that are well-suited for worldwide markets. In the end, the ZTZ-99B is primarily designed to fulfill the wants of the Chinese language navy relatively than for international distribution.
***
Observe us in all places and at any time. BulgarianMilitary.com has responsive design and you may open the web page from any laptop, cellular gadgets or internet browsers. For extra up-to-date information, observe our Google Information, YouTube, Reddit, LinkedIn, Twitter and Fb pages. Our requirements: Manifesto & moral ideas.
