Type 98

   In 1996 a small batch of these MBTs were handed over to the Chinese Army for trials and evaluation. Tests were completed in 1998. These MBTs were first publicly revealed in 1999 during the national day parade, however the Type 98 did not entered operational service with the PLA. Sometimes it is referred as the ZTZ98.

   The Type 98 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 MBT. It has a maximum rate of fire of 8 rounds per minute. The Type 98 is capable of launching anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary projectiles. It is compatible with the Russian AT-11 Sniper. China manufactures these missiles under license. These missiles can be used when the tank is stationary and can also target low-flying helicopters. Their maximum range of fire is 4 - 5 km.

   Secondary armament is similar to all Chinese MBTs and consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and another 12.7-mm machine gun, mounted on top of the roof.

   The Type 98 main battle tank has an all-welded hull and turret. It's armor protection was improved over the previous Chinese MBTs. Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression system. It is worth mentioning, that the Type 98 is fitted with active laser protection system. It uses a high-powered laser to disrupt missile guidance signal, disable observation optics and damages eyesight of enemy gunner.

   Chassis of the Type 98 tank closely resembles that of the T-72. Vehicle is powered by a diesel engine, developing 1 200 hp.

   A further improved variant, the Type 99, fitted with explosive reactive armor, improved thermal imager, more powerful diesel engine, was revealed in 2000. This improved variant was selected for production.