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The Type 98G Tank is a Chinese 3rd Generation Main Battle Tank and is the upgraded model of the earlier Type 98 Tank. The “G” stands for 改 “Gai” which translated to English means changed. The original Type 98 Tank was built-in limited numbers and would eventually be matured into the 3rd Generation Type 99 Main Battle Tank series currently in service with the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army. The Type 99 also uses the armor systems introduced on the Type 98G.

 Type 98G Tank Upgrades

type-98-tank-upgrades

Type 98 Tank Upgraded Explosive Reactive Armor marked out

The principal upgrade of the Type 98G Tank was the introduction of a new Explosive Reactive Armor. It has retained the Type 98 Tank composite and modular armor but now been fitted with additional protection in the form of ERA bricks mounted across the hull front.

In addition ERA bricks have been mounted on the front and sides of the turret modular armor giving the vehicle a distinct wedge shape. This ERA upgrade was kept on for the Type 99 Tank also in PLA service.

The type 98 and Type 98G tank can be identified from the Type 99 Tank, by the raised dome section between the Commanders and Gunners hatches. This dome is not present on the Type 99.

Other improvements included the standardization of adding the JD-3 Active Protection System behind the Gunners hatch on the turret rear.

The Driver located centrally in the hull front (the Type 96 Tank series is located on the left side of the hull) also received a new sighting device.

Type 98G Tank Firepower

Type 98G Tank

Type 98G Tank

The Type 98G uses the same ZPT-98, a 125mm calibre Length 50 smoothbore main gun. It can fire a range of 125mm APFSDS-T, HEAT and Frag-HE-T rounds and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles.

The Type 98G uses a carousel-style autoloader which holds 22 rounds, with the remaining 20 stored in the hull. Secondary weapons are a 7.62mm Coaxial Machine Gun and 12.7mm MG on the Commanders Cupola.

The Gunner has a modern Fire Control System, consisting of a laser range finder, atmospheric sensors and targeting computer, with a dual channel day and night sight. The Commander has an Independent Sight that only appears to have a single day channel. The main gun is stabilized for firing on the move.

Type 98G Tank Operators

China: A 2008 US Military paper on the Chinese Military states that 200 Type 98 and Type 99 tanks are in PLA service. Janes stated in 2006 that only 80 Type 98 had been built. An up upgraded version designated the Type 98G Tank (G Chinese “improved”) has also been produced (mistakenly called Type 99 on some Western publications).

Type 98G Tank Specifications

Firepower
Main Gun 125mm, calibre Length 50 smoothbore
Elevation -6 to +14
Secondary Weapons x1 coaxial 7.62mm MG, x1 12.7mm MG
Ammunition Storage x42 125mm, x2,000 7.62mm, x300 12.7mm
Mobility
Engine WD396 turbocharged 1200hp Diesel
Transmission Manual
Top Road Speed 65 km/h ?
Road Range 500 km (650km with external tanks)
Fuel Capacity 1000 Litres
Vertical Obstacle 0.85m
Water Capability 1.4m (5m with Snorkel)
Trench Crossing 3m
Gradient 60%
Side Slope 40%
Dimensions
Length Gun Forward 10.92m
Length Hull ?
Width
3.37m
Height 2.4m (roof top)
Ground Clearance 0.47m
Weight 50,000+kg aka 50+ tonne combat
Protection
NBC Protected Yes
Armor Type Steel/Composite/Modular/Explosive Reactive Armor
Active Protection Systems Yes

References:

125mm main gun:

ZPT-98 https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZPT-98坦克炮

ZPT-98 http://www.areamilitar.net/directorio/CAN.aspx?nn=351

Type 96 Tank 2C46M-1 http://xw.qq.com/cmsid/2016062802137400 and http://www.xilu.com/zhuanti_179880.html