They look like the same model tank to me, the 99A. I thought we have only seen the 99A2 as a prototype with a much bigger turret, or thicker add on armor. While the original 99 is the model with the chunky laser dazzler.
New Type98/99 MBT thread
- Thread starter Dongfeng
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They look like the same model tank to me, the 99A. I thought we have only seen the 99A2 as a prototype with a much bigger turret, or thicker add on armor. While the original 99 is the model with the chunky laser dazzler.
The ZTZ-96A was sent to the Biathlon both times, in 2014 and 2015. As long as Russia continues with the T-72B3M and issues T-72B3s to other participants, China will continue with the 96A. If Russia decides to up the ante with the T-90, China will probably send ZTZ-99s.
They are the same vehicle. The correct designation for that vehicle is ZTZ-99A. However, there are two different variants of the ZTZ-99 so some observers are tempted to call one the ZTZ-99, the other ZTZ-99A, and the actual ZTZ-99A in the pictures above, the ZTZ-99A2.
Chinese BBS usually refer to the later version of the two ZTZ-99 variants as the 99改 and the ZTZ-99A (or informally A2) as the 99大改. They respectively mean, 99 improved and 99 greatly improved.
Alternatively, they refer to the earlier 99 variant as the 99一期, the later 99 variant as 99二期, and the 99A as 99三期. They respectively mean, 99 first edition, 99 second edition, 99 third edition.
SinoSoldier
Colonel
Yes, the VT-4 surely isn't in the same league as the ZTZ-99A, but it might compete with the basic ZTZ-99 (it certainly seems more capable than the ZTZ-96A).
Can somebody do a quick comparison between the basic ZTZ-99 and the VT-4? What does the VT-4 have that ZTZ-99 doesn't?
Short answer is the VT-4 puts the later model Type-99 turret on the Type-99A chassis. The only equipment, which I'm sure is optional, that has not been seen on PLA Type-99's or -99A's is a RWS for the turret top machine gun.
