China has started exporting VT-2 main battle tanks to Africa. Two such combat vehicles, painted in colorful camouflage, were seen last Thursday at a military equipment show dedicated to the sixtieth anniversary of Tanzania's independence. They were taken on car trawls through the stadium of the country's largest city - Dar es Salaam.
The VT-2 is an export version of the Type 96A. This tank participated in Tank biathlon competitions and in joint Russian-Chinese exercises.
As with other heavy tracked armored vehicles from the Middle Kingdom, a 125-mm smoothbore cannon is used as weapons on it. This is a modified copy of the Soviet gun adopted for armament in the 70s. There is a loading machine that holds 22 shots. The rate of fire is eight rounds per minute. There is a paired 7.62 mm machine gun.
A 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun, serviced by the commander, is also openly installed on the tower.
Sighting equipment with a thermal imaging channel allows the gunner-operator to use weapons day and night.
The commander may, if necessary, fire from standard means of destruction.
The tank has a multi-layered booking of the front part of the hull and turret, reinforced with modular dynamic protection.
According to some reports, the engine power has been increased to 800 hp. The maximum speed on the highway can reach up to 65 km / h. The power reserve for fuel with spare fuel tanks is 600 km. Combat weight - 42800 kg. Crew - 3 people.
It is not yet known exactly how many VT-2s have been purchased. The Tanzanian ground Forces are armed with 15 medium-sized modernized Type 59G, as well as 25 light Type 62 manufactured by China.
Alexey Moiseev
