Type 96

   The Type 96 Main Battle Tank (MBT) was developed from the Type 85-III, which was mainly aimed at the export market. The Type 96 has some minor modifications. Sometimes it is referred as the the Type 88C or ZTZ96. It entered service with Chinese army in 1997. It replaced in production the previous Type 88 MBT. Production of the original Type 96 ceased in 2005. It is estimated that over 1 500 of these main battle tanks were built. Other sources claim, that 2 000-2 500 of these tanks were produced. Currently it is a mainstay of the China's MBT fleet. These tanks are being gradually upgraded. The only export customer of this tank is Sudan.

   The Type 96 MBT is armed with a fully-stabilized 125 mm smoothbore gun, fitted with an autoloader. Both the gun and autoloader were copied from the Soviet T-72. This main battle tank might be compatible with the Russian AT-11 Sniper gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles, or its Chinese copy. Maximum rate of fire is 6-8 rounds per minute. A total of 42 rounds are carried.

   The tank is fitted with new computerized fire control system. It incorporates laser rangefinder and automatic target tracker. This MBT can engage moving targets accurately, while on the move. It has a high first round hit probability against stationary and moving targets, while the tank is firing on the move. Fire control system of this tank is superior to those, used by the Soviet T-72 series tanks. The Type 96 is also fitted with a night vision system with image intensifier.

   Secondary armament is similar to all Russian and Chinese tanks. It consists of coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, mounted on top of the roof.

   The Type 96 has steel and composite armor. Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

   The Chinese Type 96 tank is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 1 000 hp. It seems that tanks exported to Sudan are powered by the older and less powerful engine of the Type 85 tank, developing 730 hp. Engine and transmission are built in one module for easier servicing and maintenance. It can be replaced within 40 minutes in field conditions. The Type 96 has got steel tracks with optional rubber pads. This main battle tank has a maximum road range of 400 km, which is extended to 600 km by adding external fuel tanks. Vehicle can be fitted with a deep wading kit.

Variants

   Type 96G (also referred as Type 96A). It is an upgraded version of the Type 96, fitted with explosive reactive armor and thermal imaging system for all-weather, day/night operation. It was revealed in 2006. It is believed that upgraded vehicles approach the Type 99 in terms of protection, firepower and mobility. Weight of upgraded MBT increased to 42.8 t. All Type 96 tanks might be upgraded to this standard. This tank is also proposed for export customers as the VT2B. In 2016 a new version of the Type 96G emerged, which is most likely to be fitted with a new engine.

   VT2 is an export version of the baseline Type 96, fitted new turret. This MBT was proposed to various countries. It seems that this variant is fitted with passive countermeasures system, similar to a Russian Shtora-1. It reduces the chance of being hit by anti-tank guided missiles with semi-automatic guidance.

   VT2B is an improved export version. It can be seen as an export version of the Type 96G. It has a roof-mounted remotely-controlled weapon station, armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun, and some other improvements.

   Type 96B is a further upgraded Chinese army version. It is fitted with a roof-mounted remotely controlled weapon station, armed with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun.

   GCZ-110 armored engineer and recovery vehicle.

   GCZ-112 armored engineer vehicle.

   GSL-133 minefield breaching vehicle.

   VME-120-40 armored recovery vehicle. It was specially designed to support the Type 96 tanks. It has a stretched hull with an added road wheel.