I was told the some of the older Type 59 is going to be retired, while most will received upgrade package new engine, gun and gun-fired missiles capability, upgrade fire-control system, and an add of armor package would could atleast stop a LAW and low-calibre AP round. It would be use mainly as a direct troop fire-support artillery system more then an MBT.
errors of the past.
- Thread starter utelore
- Start date
Nethappy, I understand the sensitivity of this issue. Just be careful not to get yourself into any trouble when you try to get information. I know PLA has a very strict policy towards current serviceman using Internet, so probably no hope to get those tank men here. However, if you do know any retired PLA tank man, ask him to join our forum.
It is interesting to know that Type 59 will remain in service as fire-support artillery weapon. I've heard this from some other sources before. I've also noted that there was a report about Type 59 tanks in a PLA artillery unit, not armoured unit.
It is interesting to know that Type 59 will remain in service as fire-support artillery weapon. I've heard this from some other sources before. I've also noted that there was a report about Type 59 tanks in a PLA artillery unit, not armoured unit.
Nethappy said:
I know and I'll becareful, anyway I will only write sensitive info while i am in Hong Kong. Just to be safe 
:china:
I see what I can do, but it really hard to get retired PLA serviceman to join the form cos it either they where 2nd class troops, or to old (stubborn & patriotic and dun know how to use the net)
More info:
All Type 59/69/79 left in service after the final number been decide are going be refited with enhance communication package which would further enhance it fire support capabilites and allow it to fire it missile from well hidden position with the laser aimed by light infantry. Which would futher increase the survivability of the tank as it wouldn't give away the tank postion.
:china: I see what I can do, but it really hard to get retired PLA serviceman to join the form cos it either they where 2nd class troops, or to old (stubborn & patriotic and dun know how to use the net)
More info:
All Type 59/69/79 left in service after the final number been decide are going be refited with enhance communication package which would further enhance it fire support capabilites and allow it to fire it missile from well hidden position with the laser aimed by light infantry. Which would futher increase the survivability of the tank as it wouldn't give away the tank postion.
It makes sense to me. After all, the PLA hasn't got the funding to replace all of its Type 59/69 right now. By converting those tanks into mobile weapon launch platforms, those tanks will remain in service for at least another decade. Also, it is unlikely that the PLA will have a large scale land battle with a lot of tanks involved. So those upgraded Type 59/69 should be able to handle small scale regional conflicts.
Apparently I would told that the PLA is developing somekind of flare launcher for it tank, to defence itself against anti tank missile and the technology is develop of the figther system. How much is true I am not sure, but it does seem interesting.
Anyway, I can confirm with everyone that the PLA has Gun-launched missile operational, as I have seem them with my own eyes.
Anyway, I can confirm with everyone that the PLA has Gun-launched missile operational, as I have seem them with my own eyes.
I hate to ask a silly question, but I have often wondered about these gun launched missiles.
I assume they are wire guided, if so is there not a risk of the wire damaging the barrel and effecting the tanks ability to fire a traditional tank round?
I assume they are wire guided, if so is there not a risk of the wire damaging the barrel and effecting the tanks ability to fire a traditional tank round?
Well guy I cam up with something really interesting.
I was having lunch with a officer the other day, he said some really intersting thing. The PLA seem to have falling in love with it composite armour and spending a lot of $$$ on it. Anyway, the Type 59/69 are being tested with thin layer of composite armor protect important area, to try a improve protection without increase the overall cost to much.
Anyway, all the Type 59/69 are finally fitted with the composite it would improve there protect vrs heat round at lease. Anyway, I got another week and I am finish with the 99 project.
I was having lunch with a officer the other day, he said some really intersting thing. The PLA seem to have falling in love with it composite armour and spending a lot of $$$ on it. Anyway, the Type 59/69 are being tested with thin layer of composite armor protect important area, to try a improve protection without increase the overall cost to much.
Anyway, all the Type 59/69 are finally fitted with the composite it would improve there protect vrs heat round at lease. Anyway, I got another week and I am finish with the 99 project.
Yes, composite is the way to go. I have seen the ballistic skirts made of composite on a M1 Abrams that were hit by 155mm deck guns. The round did not penetrate the skirts and the tank was still operational. This test took place back in the late 80s at the Aberdeen proving grounds. So yes I think around 3 inch of ADVANCED composite armour would make the older PRC tanks able to survive most man portable antitank weapons with little problem...cheers ute.
Yes.. 3 inch of the kind composite armour the PLA is using would be enough to defend most man portable antitank weapons. As most man portable antitank weapons use Heat or EFP warheads which the composite armour work most effective. As the heat from the Heat jet or EFP pentrate the Armour it would create the most intense chain reaction with the rubber and therefore creating a larger area for the warhead to pentrate. Nevertheless it really depend on the weight. My best guess is that the Composite armour would only be covering the forward arc of the tank.