In China, light floating tanks of the Type 63A (ZTZ-63A) are gradually being abandoned. Currently, they are operated only in the battalions of four formations and, according to various estimates, their number is unlikely to exceed a hundred pieces.
"Sixty-third" in its original form appeared almost 60 years ago. In addition to the People's Liberation Army of China, they were quite actively involved in Vietnam during the war of liberation from the American occupation, then in Cambodia. They were also supplied to North Korea.
In the late 90s, the Type 63 became obsolete, so it was decided to carry out a radical modernization.
Instead of the old hemispherical tower, a new one was installed, angular in shape, welded from flat armor plates.
The previously used 85-mm gun was replaced with a 105-mm rifled low-pulse gun with 45 rounds of ammunition. It was reported that it was now possible to fire laser - guided anti-tank missiles launched through the barrel. Their maximum range was 5,000 m.
The installed fire control system was equipped with a laser rangefinder and a non-luminous night sight. There were also 7.62-mm and 12.7-mm machine guns.
The engine power is 500 hp. The maximum speed on the highway can reach 60 km / h, and when forcing water obstacles-12-15 km / h. The combat weight of 22 tons. Crew - 4 people.
It is expected that all Type 63A will be completely replaced by more modern ZTD-05s in the near future.
Alexey Moiseev
