The Type 98/99 was originally based on the T-72, but later evolved into an entirely new design incorporating both indigenous and foreign technologies.
中国98/99式本来以T-72为基础，但是稍后进展进入到一种完全地新设计之内，整合本国和国外技术。

The Type 98 (also known as ZTZ-98) is the PLA’s third generation indigenous main battle tank (MBT). Its batch production variant is Type 98G (also known as ZTZ-99 or Type 99). The tank was developed by Beijing-based China North Vehicle Research Institute (NEVORI, also known as 201 Institute) and manufactured by Inner Mongolia No.1 Machinery (Group) Co., Ltd (also known as 617 Factory) of Baotou, Inner Mongolia. A small number of the Type 99 is now in service with the PLA.

98式(也即是ZTZ-98)是PLA第三代本国自行研制的主战坦克（MBT）。它的批量生产改型是98G式(也即是 ZTZ-99或099式)。坦克由北京-基地中国北方车辆研究所(NEVORI，也即是201所) 发展和由内蒙古第一机械 (集团)公司制造(也即是617工厂)。少量的99式现在PLA 服役中。

 

PROGRAMME
计划

 

China’s effort to develop a new generation indigenous MBT as a rival to the Soviet T-72 began in the late 1970s. The initial design was based on the German Leopard 2. In March 1979, the 201 Institute and 617 Factory introduced the first prototype codenamed 1224 tank. The tank was fitted with a 120mm smoothbore main gun and German-built MB8V331TC41 diesel engine. Later the design team introduced the improved 1226 and 1226F2 prototype tanks. All these prototypes showed characteristics of Western tank design such as welded turret in contrast to the traditional Soviet half-egg-shape cast turret.

中国努力发展一种新一代本国生产的主战坦克（MBT）被看做前苏联T-72主战坦克的一个对手，在1970年后期开始。开始设计以德国豹-2为基础。在1979年3月，201 所和617工厂推出了第一辆原型被命名为1224坦克。坦克配备有一个120毫米滑膛主炮和德国制造的 MB8V331TC41柴油发动机。稍后设计团队推出了改良的1226和1226 F2原型坦克。所有的这些原型显示西方坦克炮塔设计例如焊接炮塔，一改中国传统的苏联半卵形铸造炮塔设计。

 

After the plan to purchase the Leopard 2 tank from Germany was cancelled un 1981, the third-generation indigenous tank programme was finally given go ahead. However, the development soon went to a halt as the design team split into two sides with totally different perspectives. One side suggested a rather unconventional, if not revolutionary, design with Western-style 120mm smoothbore gun, gas turbine engine, and front-mounted engine layout similar to that of the Israeli Merkava. The other side supported a less radical design based on the Soviet T-72 hull, with a 125mm main gun and Western-designed diesel engine.

在1981年从德国购买豹-2坦克计划被取消之后，第三代本国制造坦克计划被最后批准进行。然而，当设计组分裂成完全地不同的两种远景设计时发展停止。一方提出宁可非传统，革命性的西方样式120毫米滑膛炮，燃气轮机，前置发动机布局，类似以色列Merkava；另一方支持基于苏联T-72外形一个比较不冒进设计，使用125毫米主炮和西方设计的柴油发动机。

 

As a result of the dispute, the programme made little progress until 1984, when the PLA leaders clearly showed their support to the less risky proposal to develop the new tank on the basis of the T-72. Zhu Yusheng was appointed as the chief designer of the new tank and the programme finally went into full scale development. In 1986 the third-generation tank project was officially approved by the Central Military Commission (CMC) and the State Council. In Spring 1989 the PLA signed the contract with China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), the parent company of 201 Institute and 617 Factory, to develop and build the third generation MBT.

由于争论，计划表现进展很小直到1984年，当PLA官员清楚地表示他们支持较小风险建议去基于T-72发展新坦克。朱Yusheng被任命为新坦克主设计师和计划最后进入全尺寸发展。在1986年第三代坦克计划正式地被中央军事委员会(CMC)和国外院批准了。在1989年春季PLA 向中国北方工业公司（NORINCO），201所和617工厂的母公司，签署合同发展和制造第三代主战坦克（MBT）。

The Type 98 prototype which did not enter production. The V-shape wave fence on the front hull armour and road wheels indicate strong Russian T-72 influence.
没有进入生产的98式原型。V-形波浪板前车体装甲上和负重轮显示强烈的俄国T-72影响力。

A Type 98 prototype undergoing tests in the snow forest in north-eastern China. Note the slightly damaged, but not penetrated front armour on the turret after being hit by anti-tank weapons. The armour package of the Type 98 is of modular design, enabling damaged sections to be replaced or upgrades installed throughout service life. Explosive reactive armour (ERA) can be fitted if required.
一辆98式原型在中国东北雪地森林经受测试。注意那些轻微损害，被反坦克武器打击之后但是没有穿透炮塔前装甲。98式装甲组件是模块化设计，允许受损的部分被代替或者在整个有效寿命期内升级安装。如果必需，能安装爆炸反应装甲（ERA）。

In early 1990, 617 Factory completed the first three experimental prototype tanks. Based on the initial test results, the design proposal was further optimised. In 1993, 617 Factory built additional four prototypes, which were tested between 1995 and 1996. In December 1996, four prototype tanks were handed to the PLA for extensive evaluation and tests. The design of the tank was finalised in 1996 and the tank was officially designed Type 98 (also known as ZTZ-98). A small number (less than 10) of the Type 98 was delivered to the PLA in 1999 to take part in the military parade held in Beijing to celebrate the country’s 50th anniversary.

在1990年早期，617工厂完成了第一批三辆实验原型坦克。基于初期试验结果，设计提议是进一步的确定最佳特性。在1993年，617工厂制造附加的四辆原型，在1995年和1996年之间被测试。在1996年12月，四辆原型坦克交到PLA用于广泛的评估和测试。坦克的设计在 1996年结束和坦克被正式地命名为98式(也即是ZTZ-98)。少量的98式在1999年被交付到PLA参加在北京举行的国庆第50周年阅兵仪式。

A PLA Type 99 main battle tank. The prototype variant Type 98 did not enter batch production. Instead, the design team started to work on a new version with improved protections and reliability performance, named Type 98G or Type 99. The most distinctive feature on the Type 99 is the Leopard 2 A6-style additional reinforcement to the turret frontal armour. In late 2001, the first batch of 40 Type 99s were delivered to the PLA. However, its expensive unit cost makes it unlikely to be equipped in a significant number.
一辆PLA 99式主战坦克。基本型98式没有进入批量生产。改为，设计组开始工作设计一种新的型号改进保护和可靠性能。产生98G式（较迟重新命为99式或ZTZ-99），以豹-2A6风格为特色，对炮塔前装甲增加强化，在2001年被首次展示。第一批40辆99式在2001年根据传闻被交付到PLA。然而，由于昂贵的单位成本不太可能大量装备。

 

The basic variant Type 98 did not enter batch production. Instead, the design team started to work on a new version with improved protections and reliability performance. The resulting Type 98G (later renamed to Type 99 or ZTZ-99), featuring a Leopard 2 A6-style additional reinforcement to the turret frontal armour, was first revealed in 2001. The first batch of 40 Type 99s were reportedly delivered to the PLA in 2001. The latest Internet photo confirmed that the tank is now in service with 38th Group Army in Beijing Military Region and 39th Group Army in Shenyang Military Region. 

基本型98式没有进入批量生产。改为，设计组开始工作设计一种新的型号改进保护和可靠性能。产生98G式( 较迟重新命为99式或ZTZ-99)，以豹-2A6风格为特色，对炮塔前装甲增加强化，在2001年被首次展示。第一批40辆99式在2001年根据传闻被交付到PLA。最近的英特网相片确认坦克是在北京军区的第38集团军和沈阳军区第39集团军服役中。 

The latest Internet source photo confirmed that the Type 99 is now in operational service with the PLA. They are likely to be deployed in mixture with Type 96 and Type 88B main battle tanks.
最近的英特网源相片确认99式目前在PLA的操作服役中。可能与96式和88 B式主战坦克混合部署。

 

The PLA Type 99s in exercise. As well as featuring improved firepower and protection, the Type 98/99 is also equipped with a computerised onboard information processing system consisting of navigation (Inertia/GPS), fire-control and real-time battlefield information display.

在演习中的PLA 99式。改良火力和保护，98/99式也被安装一部车载计算机信息处理系统，包括导航（惯性/全球定位系统）、火控和实时战场信息显示装置。

 

DESIGN FEATURES
设计特点

 

The design of the Type 98/99 shows both Russian T-72 and Western tank influence. The hull is similar to that of the T-72, but is about one metre longer. The hull comprises three sections: 1) the driving compartment at the front, 2) the fighting section in the centre, and 3) the engine at the rear of the vehicle. The turret of the tank is sloped to increase protection.

 

The driver’s compartment is equipped with three observation periscopes, one of which has night vision input with a range of 200m. Two headlights are located on the front armour of the hull. The turret is located in the centre of the vehicle. The rear of the turret of the Type 98 is surrounded by storage racks which provides additional protections against HEAT projectiles, but this has been removed on the Type 99. On the Type 99 there is a additional reinforcement to the turret frontal and lateral armour with externally mounted add-on armour modules and explosive reaction armour (ERA) plates.

驾驶区安装三个观测潜望镜，其中一个是夜视型有效距离200米。二个前灯位于前车体装甲上。炮塔位于坦克中心。98式的炮塔后面被存放架围绕提供对抗“反坦克高爆”（HEAT）的增加保护，但是这已经在99式上被取消。在99式那里额外增强炮塔前部和两侧装甲，增加外挂装甲模块和爆炸反应装甲(ERA)。

 

The Type 98/99 lacks protections some common protection features of Western tanks such as armour bulkheads to separate the crew compartment from the fuel tanks and rounds, and the top panels designed to blow outwards in case of explosion. This might lead to low survivability in real combat according to the experience of the 1991 Gulf War.

 

Suspension is of the conventional torsion bar type. There are six rubber-tyred roadwheels and three track return rollers on each side of the vehicle. The track and road wheels are protected by rubber skirts.

悬挂采用传统的扭力杆型。在坦克的每侧有六个橡胶轮箍负重轮和三个履带托带轮。履带和负重轮被橡胶裙衬保护。

 

ARMAMENT
武器

 

The tank carries the Russian 9M119 Refleks (NATO codename: AT-11 Sniper) anti-tank guided missile system which is fired from the 125mm main gun. The range of the missile is 100m to 4,000m. The system is intended to engage tanks fitted with ERA (Explosive Reactive Armour) as well as low-flying air targets such as helicopters, at a range of up to 5km. China has been producing the 9M119 missile locally under license since the late 1990s.

 

The tank is fitted with a 125mm automatic smoothbore gun with thermal sleeve. In contrast to the early reports which claimed that the gun was a licensed copy of the Russian 2A46, it is actually an indigenous design, though the automatic loader is believed to be Russian origin.

 

The mina gun can fire between 8 rounds/minute using autoloader and 1~2 rounds/minutes with manual loading. Loading is hydro-mechanical with 41 rounds are carried in the vehicle. The gun fires separate loading projectiles which have semi-combustible cartridge case and sabot. Ammunition includes armour piercing fin stabilised discarding sabot rounds (APFSDS), high explosive anti-tank rounds (HEAT), and high explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG).

 

Secondary weapons include a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a 12.7mm air defence machine gun mounted on the commander's cupola. Each side of the turret has a 76mm Type 84 five-barrel smoke grenade launchers.

次武器包括7.62毫米同轴机枪和在指挥官顶舱口安装的一挺12.7毫米防空机枪。炮塔的每侧有一具76毫米84型五管烟榴弹发射器。

 

FIRE CONTROL AND OBSERVATION

 

Fire accuracy is attained by the laser rangefinder, wind sensor, ballistic computer, and thermal barrel sleeve. Dual axis stabilisation ensures effective firing on the move. The commander is has six periscopes and a stabilised panoramic sight. Both the commander and gunner have roof-mounted stabilised sights fitted with day/thermal channels, a laser rangefinder and an auto tracker facility. The commander has a display showing the gunner's thermal sight, enabling the commander to fire the main gun. The Thermal Imaging System (TIS) with cooled detector using processing in the element (SPRITE) technology has magnification x11.4 narrow field of view and x5 wide field of view.

 

The Type 98 is also fitted with a compuerised onboard information processing system, which can collect information from vehicle navigation (Inertia/GPS), observation systems and sensors, process it in the computer and display it on the commander's display, giving the ability of real-time command and beyond-vision-range target engaging.

98式在车载计算机中配备有信息处理系统程序，能集合来自车辆导航(惯性/全球定位系统)、观测系统和传感器的信息。计算机处理后在指挥官的显示装置上显示，提供实时指令和超视距目标交战的能力。 

 

PROTECTION
保护

 

The turret and hull are of all-welded steel armour construction. A layer of composite armour has been added to the front arc. The armour package is of modular design, enabling damaged sections to be replaced or upgrades installed throughout service life. The Type 99 is fitted with explosive reactive armour (ERA). There are five smoke grenade launchers on each side of the turret. Additional smoke can be generated by injecting diesel fuel in to the engine's exhaust.

炮塔和车体是全部-焊接钢板装甲制造。一个复合装甲层被增加到前弧。装甲组件采用模块化设计，允许受损的部分被代替或者在整个有效寿命期内升级安装。99式 配备有爆炸反应装甲（ERA）。在炮塔的每侧上有五个烟榴弹发射器。附加的烟幕装置能通过向发动机排气管喷洒柴油燃料生成。

 

ACTIVE LASER COUNTERMEASURES 

 

The Type 98 features an JD-3 integrated laser rangefinder/warning/self-defence device. Unlike contemporary Russian active tank self-defence systems such as Drozd, Drozd-2, and Arena, which launch projectiles to disable or "shoot-down" incoming anti-tank missiles and projectiles, the Chinese system apparently uses a high-powered laser to directly attack the enemy weapon's optics and gunner.

 

The system includes what appears to be a laser warning receiver (LWR - the dome-shaped device on the turret roof behind the commander's position), that warns the crew that their tank is being illuminated by an enemy range-finding or weapon-guidance laser. The turret of the tank can then be traversed to face the direction of the enemy threat, and the laser self-defence weapon (LSDW - the box-shaped device on the turret roof behind the gunner's position), can be employed against the source of the enemy laser. 

 

The procedure of the laser weapon would first use a low-powered beam to locate the optics of the enemy weapon. Once the enemy weapon was located, the power level of the laser would be immediately and dramatically increased. Such an attack would disable the guidance optics of the enemy weapon and/or damage the eyesight of the enemy gunner.

 

The available photos of the Type 98 have also confirmed that the laser weapon can be elevated to a higher angle than the tank's main gun, indicating that the engagement of attack helicopters is possible. In addition, the laser device could also be used for communications between friend tanks.

中国98式可得到的相片也已经确认激光武器能升高到高角超过坦克的主炮，表明能够与攻击直升飞机交战。 除此之外，激光装置也可以用于友军坦克之间的通信。

 

PROPULSION

 

The basic variant Type 98 is powered by a 150HB liquid cooled, turbocharged 1,200hp diesel derived from the Germany MB871ka501 diesel technology. At its current battle weight of 52t, this gives a power-to-weight ratio of about 23.54 hp/t. The maximum speed by road is 70km/h. Acceleration from 0 speed to 32km/h only takes 12 seconds. The transmission provides seven forward and one reverse gears.

 

The improved Type 99 is fitted with an enhanced version 1,500hp diesel. The maximum speed by road is 80km/h and 60km/h cross country.

 

SPECIFICATIONS
规格

 

Crew: 3 

Weight: 52t

Engine: 1,200hp (Type 98) or 1,500hp (Type 99) liquid cooled diesel

Transmission: Mechanical, planetary

Track: Metallic with RMSh, with rubber-tyred road wheels

Suspension: Torsion bar

Radio: Receive/transmit, telephone, laser communications

Dimension: Length: 11.00m; Height: 2.20m; Width: 3.40m

Ground Pressure: N/A

Cruising Range: 450km, or 600km with external tanks

Speed: Max road 70~80km/h; max off-road 60km/h; average cross-country 35km/h; max swim N/A

Fording Depths: 5m with snorkel

Main Gun: Indigenous 125mm smoothbore 

Rate of Fire: 8 rounds/min (autoloader), 1~2 r/min (manual load) 

Elevation/Depression: N/A

Auxiliary Weapon: One coaxial 7.62mm machine gun; one 12.7mm air-defence machine gun

Fire Control: Laser rangefinder input, onboard computer, wind sensor, and control panel

 

乘员： 3 名

重量： 52 吨

发动机： 1,200 马力(98式)或 1,500 马力(99式) 水冷柴油发动机

传动： 机械、行星

履带： 金属使用RMSh，采用橡胶-轮箍负重轮

悬挂： 扭力杆

无线电： 接收/传送、电话、激光通信

尺寸： 长度，11.00 米；高度，2.20 米；宽度， 3.40 米

接地压力： N/A

行程： 450 公里，或使用外部油箱600 公里

速度： 最大道路速度 70~80 公里/小时；最大越野速度 60 公里/小时；平均越野速度35 公里/小时；最大浮渡速度 N/A

涉水深度： 使用通气管 5 米

主炮： 本国自行研制的 125 毫米滑膛炮

射速： 8 发/分钟(自动装弹机)；1~2 发/分钟(手动装弹)

俯角/仰角：N/A

附加武器： 一挺同轴 7.62 毫米机枪；一挺 12.7 毫米防空机枪

火控： 激光测距仪输入，车载计算机，风传感器和控制面板