Type 62

   The Type 62 light tank was developed in early 1960s. The first prototype was finished in 1962 and production commenced the next year. It was intended for Chinese ground units, deployed in mountain and river regions, also for naval infantry units. Around 800 of these light tanks were built. Chinese army decommissioned these light tanks in 2011 after nearly 50 years of service. The Type 62 remains operational with Albania, Bangladesh, Congo, Mali, North Korea, Sudan, Tanzania, Vietnam and Zaire.

   In early 1960s Chinese engineers had no experience developing tanks. The Type 62 is virtually a scaled-down Type 59 medium tank, which in turn is a copy of Soviet T-54. The Type 62 was also fitted with a smaller 85-mm gun instead of the 100-mm gun. It also had simplified equipment to reduce dimensions and weight.

   Armor of the Type 62 light tank is relatively thin. It protects only from small arms bullets and artillery splinters. These tanks were fitted with automatic fire extinguishing system, but lacked NBC protection system. Combat experience showed that the Type 62 tanks are highly vulnerable on the battlefield to all anti-tank weapons.

   Vehicle is fitted with a non-stabilized 85-mm rifled gun. A total of 47 rounds for the main gun are carried. Maximum range of effective fire is only 1 200 meters. Accuracy of the Type 62 is poor as it lacks fire control system or night vision equipment. Only simple optical sights are used for aiming. Late production models were fitted with laser rangefinders.

   Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun, ranging 7.62-mm MG and 12.7-mm MG mounted on top of the roof.

   The Type 62 has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.

   Vehicle is powered by 12150L-3 diesel engine, developing 430 horsepower. The same engine is used on the Type 59 medium tank, but was derated from 520 hp.

   Variants

   Type 62-I is an upgraded variant of the Type 62. This upgrade was applied in early 1980s and a total of 33 improvements were made. Vehicles were fitted with protection racks and side skirts. Protective shield was added to the roof mounted 12.7-mm machine gun. Laser rangefinder was added for better accuracy. Most of Chinese Type 62 tanks were upgraded to this standard;

   Type 62G is a most recent upgrade, featuring new welded turret and fitted with explosive reactive armor;

   GJT 211 armored earthmover, based on the Type 62 chassis.