ZTZ88
Export: Type 80
Overview
ZTZ88B
Chinese ZTZ88B main battle tank on parade. Note the late model turret with shorter barrel 105mm rifled gun.
Source: Chinese internet -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Type 88 (domestic model)
Myanmar
Description
Introduction
The ZTZ88 is a late Cold War era main battle tank of Chinese origin. It is also known as the Type 88 or as the Type 80, which is actually the export variant that never reached series production. The ZTZ88 is the end result of about a decade of making prototypes combining Western technologies with indigenous Type 59 lineage production capabilities.
Design
The ZTZ88 is a transitional design. It is the first Chinese main battle tank using a new hull design with six smaller roadwheels. On the other hand it is the last series production main battle tank in the world using a dome shaped cast turret. The combination of these features give the ZTZ88 a distinctive look. Less visible is the use of many Western technologies. These include a 105mm NATO standard rifled gun, laser range finder and ballistic computer and a new type of transmission.
Firepower
The main armament consists of the 105mm Type 83 rifled gun on the ZTZ88B, which is nearly identical to the NATO standard 105mm L7. The ZTZ88A features the longer barrel Type 83-I, which has a higher muzzle velocity. Compared to the older Type 59 with 100mm guns the firepower is much improved. Mainly due to using more modern ammunition types. Compared to the Type 59-II and Type 79 tanks that already use the 105mm gun the improvement lies in the use of a modern fire control system. This new system uses stabilized roof mounted sights, a laser range finder and a ballistic computer. Rate of fire is 7 rpm. Up to 13 rpm is reported using a new assisted loading mechanism. Ammunition types include APFSDS, HEAT, HE-Frag and a gun-launched anti-tank guided missile derived from the Soviet Bastion. A total of 44 shells are carried. A 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and 12.7mm heavy machine gun are fitted as well.
Protection
The protection level of the ZTZ88 is very similar to the previous Type 79. The welded hull armor is practically nearly identical. The cast turret is slightly improved since one of the weak spots is removed. The cut-out for the gunner's sight on the left side of the main gun has been removed in favor of roof mounted sights. The ZTZ88 can be fitted with the same FY-series ERA modules on the turret cheeks as used on the Type 59D and other upgrade packages. These do not seem to be in Chinese service, but are present on models used by Myanmar.
Mobility
The ZTZ88 has good mobility on roads and in the field. The maximum speed is somewhat limited at 57 km/h. Two optional fuel drums at the rear allow for an increased operational range. The 730 hp engine is of a nearly similar type as used on the Type 79, while the transmission has been upgraded to a planetary type. Compared to older Type 59 models the dash speed and average speed in the field are significantly improved. When fitted with a snorkel water up to a depth of 5 meters can be traversed.
Users
The ZTZ88 was acquired by China with about 800 vehicles produced. The ZTZ88 was an interim type until the introduction of the more capable ZTZ96. For less than a decade the ZTZ88 was China's most capable main battle tank. In the early 2000's it was quickly relegated to second-line units. About 230 ex-Chinese vehicles were acquired by Myanmar. Several hundred remain in Chinese service and seem to be active participants in military exercises held in 2019 and 2021.
Variants
ZTZ88
Pre-production vehicles in PLA service. These feature the new six wheel chassis and a Type 79 turret. Produced in limited numbers and used in testing. Possibly updated with newer turrets at a later stage.
ZTZ88B
Main production model with new turret with roof mounted digital fire control system. Armed with the standard length 105mm Type 83 rifled main gun. A form of assisted loading reportedly increases the rate of fire.
ZTZ88A
Most capable variant of the ZTZ88. Although development started earlier, a string of issues introduced caused a later introduction date than the ZTZ88B. The ZTZ88A is very similar to ZTZ88B, but is fitted with the long barrel 105mm Type 83-I rifled gun.
Details
Media
ZTZ88A
Chinese ZTZ88A main battle tanks seen in 2019. Note the six roadwheels and long barrel 105mm rifled gun.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
ZTZ88B
A row of Chinese army ZTZ88B main battle tanks.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
ZTZ88A
Chinese ZTZ88A main battle tank in the field. Note the late model turret with long barrel 105mm rifled gun.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Subcomponents
105mm Royal Ordnance L7
The ZTZ88B is armed with the Type 83 main gun, which is a local production version of the British designed 105mm L7 rifled gun. The ZTZ88A is armed with the longer barrel 105mm Type 83-I variant.
Norinco QJC88
Many ZTZ88 are armed with the 12.7mm QJC88 heavy machine gun.
Related articles
Type 59D
The Type 59D is an upgrade of the older Type 59 tank using many components similar to those used on the ZTZ88. Both types of tank look rather similar.