Type 63 light tank
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Type 63A | |
|---|---|
 Type 63As during an amphibious exercise |
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| Type | Light amphibious tank |
| Place of origin | China |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 22 tonnes |
| Length | 9.6 m |
| Width | 3.2 m |
| Height | 3 m |
| Crew | 4 |
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|
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| Primary armament |
105 mm gun |
| Secondary armament |
7.62 mm coaxial machine gun 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun |
| Engine | 12-cylinder turbocharged diesel 580hp |
| Suspension | torsion bar |
| Operational range |
N/A |
| Speed | Road: 64 km/h Off-road: 30 km/h Max swim: 14 km/h |
Contents |
[edit] Type 63
The Norinco Type 63 is a Chinese light amphibious tank. First fielded in 1963, it is in many ways a relation to the earlier Russian PT-76. The weapons array consists of an 85 mm main gun, a 7.62 mm machine gun (coaxial to main gun) and a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft MG. It has a crew of 4 and is powered by a 12-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine generating 400 bhp at 2,000 rpm which gives it a top speed of 64 km/h and a range of 370 km. Like the PT-76 it is propelled in the water by two water jets, one in each side of the hull, with the jet exits at the rear of the tank.
[edit] Type 63A
Because of continuing tension with Taiwan, the PRC felt the need to upgrade its fleet of amphibious tanks. The original Type 63 was rapidly becoming obsolete and incapable of facing modern tanks, so a new version was designed, called the Type 63A. This version features a redesigned hull, a new engine and improved fire control giving it the capacity to shoot on the move. A significant feature is the new turret fitted with a 105 mm rifled main gun, similar to those on PLA main battle tanks. It can fire all types of modern tank rounds, such as APFSDS, HEAT and HE and possibly anti-tank missiles. Additionally, it has better seakeeping qualities than its predecessor, with an improved snorkel fitting and two extra floating tanks that provide better stability. It entered service in 1997, and is now in use with the People's Liberation Army Marine Corps and with other amphibious units stationed near the Taiwan straits.
[edit] Operational use
The Type 63 was exported to Pakistan, Myanmar, North Korea and Vietnam. It saw action during the final phases of the Vietnam war and during the Sino-Vietnamese War. By all accounts, the design proved rugged and reliable.
China currently has an estimated 1,200 of both types, though many of these may be old Type 63s kept in mothballs.
