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NORINCO Type 63 SPAAG

1963 COLD WAR MODERN

History

The Type 63 is a tracked self-propelled air defense system manufactured by China North Industries. The system consists of a Soviet-era 37mm twin-barreled towed Type 55/M1939 anti-aircraft gun assembly mounted on the hull of the famous T-34/85 medium tank.

The Soviet Type 55 dates back to 1939 and was widely used during World War II (as was the T-34 medium tank). This weapon was widely used by many Soviet allies.

Due to the characteristics of the 37mm shell and the artillery's ability to fire repeatedly, the artillery proved to be equally effective in anti-tank roles to a certain extent. In Chinese inventory, the Type 55 weapon system is known as the "Type 63" and hence the vehicle, while the T-34 tanks are known as the "Type 58" when produced locally.

The design of the Type 63 is characterized by its boxy, faceted, open-topped turret. The turret has full 360 degree rotation and limited gun sweep (this is done manually). The turret is centered on the top of the hull, which itself is a direct replica of the T-34/85 medium tank series and retains its rear engine location and five wheels arranged on the track side. The sides and front of the hull are significantly sloped to provide basic ballistic protection.

Bow-mounted machine guns add limited infantry defense. The standard crew consists of 6 people, including the driver and vehicle commander, as well as the gunner and loader to manage the fire/reload functions housed in the hull and turret. The guns are fed from a five-round magazine container, which makes reloading a regular operation for rapid-fire guns. The total weight of the car is reported to be 35 tons, and with the tall body and turret, it is almost 10 feet tall. Power is provided by a single 12-cylinder, 580-horsepower turbodiesel engine, and the body is suspended on a Christie suspension system.

The range is 190 miles and the top speed is 34 mph.

The Type 63 is no longer in service with the Chinese military and is being abandoned in favor of a more modern and advanced air defense system. The Type 63 was also used by North and South Vietnam (the latter through limited capture examples), where it served during the Vietnam War and remained in service after the conflict.

By modern standards, the Type 63 is a relic, unable to counter aircraft with a manual altitude function. Its 37mm shells are also relatively useless against modern MBT types.