PLA Next Generation Main Battle Tank

[serse]

Notice type99b carry additional antenna,it incorporate net centric info system .i recalled nine years ago,reported that pla is developing military internet.one type 59 tank was used as test bed,it carry 3 or 4 whip antenna

 

[LuzinskiJ]

Someone please make a quick summary of this episode, supposedly theres information on Type 99B and Type 100 tanks.

Curtesy of Gemini: (Moderator please delete if this summarization is not acceptable).

This video showcases the advanced capabilities and live-fire tests of China's modern main battle tanks and armored defense systems.

Key Highlights of the Video​

The video covers the latest advancements in Chinese tank technology, including:

• 99B Main Battle Tank (MBT): The latest in the 99 series, the 99B features enhanced information and communication systems for real-time data sharing and remote control during high-speed maneuvers [
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  ]. It is designed with reinforced battlefield awareness and uses remote weapon stations (RWS) and 360-degree optical/infrared sensors for all-weather observation and targeting [
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  ].
• 99A MBT Firepower Demonstration: The 99A, China's first true digital main battle tank, demonstrates its capability to launch anti-tank missiles from its main gun for long-range, precision strikes [
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  ]. A live-fire test shows its armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) round penetrating ten layers of steel plate, causing molten steel to fly upon impact [
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  ].
• Light Tank Combat Demonstration: The new light tank (with a 105mm rifled gun) is significantly lighter than the 99A but boasts a high-performance engine that maintains power, which helps solve issues with high-altitude operation [
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  ]. Its 105mm gun can destroy reinforced concrete fortifications up to 1.5 meters thick [
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  ].
• GL6 Active Protection System (APS) Interception Test: The GL6 hard-kill system uses four radars and two rotating turrets for 360-degree defense against anti-tank threats [
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  ]. The tests show successful interception of:
  • A ground-launched anti-tank rocket [
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    ].
  • A rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fired from a drone, simulating a top-attack threat [
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    ].
  • Simultaneous threats—two rockets fired in quick succession from both a drone and the ground—demonstrating its multi-plane, multi-level interception capability [
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    ].
• Future "100" Tank Concept: This next-generation concept is a "milestone" in PLA equipment development [
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  ]. Its design includes a combination of active and passive defense, integrated communications, and a redesigned turret with irregular shapes to increase defense [
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  ]. It may feature an unmanned turret and a smaller main gun to carry more ammunition [
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  ].
• Manned-Unmanned Teaming: The VT5 light tank is shown carrying a multi-rotor drone to act as the crew's "eyes," providing an overhead perspective and enhancing battlefield awareness [
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  ]. The video concludes by showcasing the new armored "Three Musketeers" system for the international market, which includes the manned VT-4 MBT, an unmanned combat vehicle, and the VN-20 infantry fighting vehicle, highlighting a modern, highly efficient combined arms approach [
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  ].

 

[PLAN Otaku]

Someone please make a quick summary of this episode, supposedly theres information on Type 99B and Type 100 tanks.

In the video, the narrator mentioned that 99B is well suited to operate in high altitude environment. There may be some truth in the rumors that the engine also got an upgrade over 99A.

 

[The Observer]

In the video, the narrator mentioned that 99B is well suited to operate in high altitude environment. There may be some truth in the rumors that the engine also got an upgrade over 99A.

Maybe the 99B engine got a 2nd stage turbo/supercharger for high altitude operation? That's the technical solution used by ww2 piston engine fighters, which needs all the power they can get at high altitude.

 

[Maikeru]

Is 99B an upgrade of existing 99A or new builds, or both? If an upgrade, will it also apply to OG 99s?

 

[wssth0306]

Is 99B an upgrade of existing 99A or new builds, or both? If an upgrade, will it also apply to OG 99s?

Both probably, as a upgrade package and an new build.
But it looks major enough that the upgrade package need to be done at the factory, my understanding is that the power pack is different to imporve reliability and a full sensor and comand&control upgrade, that proberbly is not a small change that can be done in a repair shop at a brigade.
In any case PLA armored unit is not on a war time production rush , my guess is that new off the line 99B and Type 100 going to units with 99A , and the 99A going to return to the factory to be upgraded and then go the units with type 96.
Since the intention of phasing out the type 96 , 96A is pretty clear by this point , otherwise we would see a major adoptaion of 96B.

 

[Tomboy]

Since the intention of phasing out the type 96 , 96A is pretty clear by this point , otherwise we would see a major adoptaion of 96B.

96B isn't even in service, what are you talking about?

 

[wssth0306]

96B isn't even in service, what are you talking about?

That my point ,if PLA wanted to continue with the Type 96 , they would and could have done so by now ,96B showed up in 2016 and 99A in 2014, followed by Type 15 in 2018.
Since than we have seen more Type 15 and 99A then any Type 96,so the logical conclusion is Type 96 is probably to be a legacy program that is been phased out by.

 

[alanch90]

Both probably, as a upgrade package and an new build.
But it looks major enough that the upgrade package need to be done at the factory, my understanding is that the power pack is different to imporve reliability and a full sensor and comand&control upgrade, that proberbly is not a small change that can be done in a repair shop at a brigade.
In any case PLA armored unit is not on a war time production rush , my guess is that new off the line 99B and Type 100 going to units with 99A , and the 99A going to return to the factory to be upgraded and then go the units with type 96.
Since the intention of phasing out the type 96 , 96A is pretty clear by this point , otherwise we would see a major adoptaion of 96B.

That my point ,if PLA wanted to continue with the Type 96 , they would and could have done so by now ,96B showed up in 2016 and 99A in 2014, followed by Type 15 in 2018.
Since than we have seen more Type 15 and 99A then any Type 96,so the logical conclusion is Type 96 is probably to be a legacy program that is been phased out by.

Though most probably Type 96 won´t be replaced by Type 99 but rather Type 100.