In China, in the 70s, they tried to improve the characteristics of the existing fleet of armored vehicles. For example, a photo of an unknown experimental tank appeared on the Network. Presumably this is some kind of medium Type 59 or its further development-Type 69.
Unknown Chinese Type 59/69 MBT variant pic.twitter.com/LJ47RZ3Sdc
— Caesar (@Ninja998998) July 23, 2021
At the same time, some experts believe that we have an upgraded version of the Type 62, also known as the WZ-131, developed back in the late 50s.
Its combat weight is 20,500 kg. The maximum thickness of the armor is 50 mm. Armament includes an 85-mm cannon, paired 7.62-mm and 12.7-mm anti-aircraft machine guns.
The engine power is 430 hp. The maximum speed on the highway is 70 km / h. The power reserve is 450 km. The crew is 4 people. The tank was exported to many countries and took part in combat operations.
The presented armored vehicle differs from the basic model by a significantly modified chassis, which uses design solutions used on American light tanks. This is the presence of new track belts, five support rollers of small diameter and three support rollers from each side. A new more powerful engine has also been introduced, but the exhaust pipes are now brought to the right side.
The gun, apparently, remained the same, but its length was increased. The gunner received a laser rangefinder and a night infrared sight with a floodlight.
Judging by the fact that the tank never entered mass production, it failed the tests carried out, and the production of the Type 62 with minor updates continued until the end of the 80s.
Alexey Brusilov
