VT-4 (tank)

The VT4 main battle tank (Chinese: VT-4主战坦克 ), also known as the MBT3000, is a Chinese third generation main battle tank built by Norinco for overseas export. It is an upgraded variant of the MBT2000 (VT-1) and the latest tank model from the Type 90-II tank family.^[1]

Development

The MBT-3000 (industrial designation) project began development in 2009 as a cooperation of First Inner Mongolia Machinery Factory and other companies.^[1] It was based on the Type 90-II and outfitted with a locally produced powerplant. The MBT-3000 concept debuted at the 2012 Eurosatory.^[2] The tank was subsequently shown at the 2014 Norinco Armor Day^[3] and the tenth China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition as the VT-4. It has yet to enter mass production.

Design

The VT-4 uses technology from the Type 99A currently fielded by the People's Liberation Army.^[1]

Armament

The VT-4 has a 125mm smoothbore cannon capable of firing APFSDS, HESH, HEAT and HE rounds and guided missiles. There is also a remote weapon station on the turret armed with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. The fire control system has hunter-killer capabilities, laser rangefinder, panoramic sight, and a third generation thermal imaging system.^[1]

Protection

The tank appears to have composite and explosive reactive armor.^[2] The turret front has wedge shaped armor and the hull sides have armored sideskirts. The tank is equipped with an active protection system designated GL5, defensive grenade launchers, and a laser warning device. It is unknown if the active protection system is a soft-kill or hard-kill system.^[1][4] The vehicle also has an IFF system, NBC protection, explosion suppression system, fire extinguishing system, and air conditioning.^[5]

Mobility

According to Norinco, the VT-4 uses a locally produced 1,300 hp diesel engine with torsion bar suspension and an integrated hydraulic transmission system.^{[1][4][6][7][8]} Steering and acceleration is handled by a steering wheel and automatic gear transmission.^[1]

Command and control

The tank is also integrated with digital communications systems for tank-tank communication and communication between commanders.^[1]

Operators

Current operators

 Thailand

• The Royal Thai Army has signed an agreement with China to procure the VT-4 main battle tank. The deal features an initial 28 units, with deliveries expected to commence before the end of 2016 and conclude within two years. The deal, thought to be valued at about USD150 million,^[9][10] includes an option to buy a further 153 vehicles.^[11]

Potential operators

 Peru

• Has been offered 100 VT-4 by China.^[12]

 Iraq

• According to Chinese media, Iraq purchased an unknown number of VT4 systems. ^[13]

See also

• List of main battle tanks by country

References

External links

• CCTV news footage of VT-4 driving past obstacles

Chinese modern AFVs
Main battle tanks	Gongchen (modified Type 97 Chi-Ha)x T-34x IS-2x Type 59 Type 59G Type 62x Type 62G Type 69/79x Type 88x Type 96/A Type 99 Type 99A
Export MBTs	Type 85x Type 90x MBT2000 VT1A VT2 VT4
amphibious tanks	Type 63 Type 63A ZTD-05 VN16
Infantry fighting vehicles	YW307 Type 91 ZBD-97 ZBD-04 ZBD-05 ZBD-04A ZBL08 VN1 VN18 VN11 VN12
APCs	Type 63 Type 77 ZSD-85 ZSD-89 ZSD-90 ZSL-92 VN2 ZFB-05 ZBL09 ZBD-08
SPGs	Type 85 PLZ07A PLZ07B PLL-05 Type 83 SPH ZBL09 SPH ZBL09 Mortar PLZ-45 PLZ-89 PLZ-52 PLZ-05 PLZ-04
Tank destroyer	PTZ-89 ZBL09 tank destroyer ST1
MRLs	Type 63 Type 81 Type 82 Type 83 Type 90 Type 90A Type 90B WM-40 WM-80 SR-4 PR50 AR3 A100 A200 A300 WS-1 WS-2 WS-3 WS-6 WS-15 WS-22 WS-32 WS-33 WS-35 WS-43 WS-63 SR-5 SY300 SY400 Weishi
SPAAG	LD2000 PGZ-95 PGZ-04A CS/SA5 SWS2
Wheeled assault guns	ZBL09 assault gun ST1
Prototypes	WZ-111 Type 98 WZ-132 WZ-122 59-16 Type 80
Note: x = retired from service or has ceased development