NORINCO Type 80 / Type 85 / Type 88

The history of NORINCO Type 80/Type 85/Type 88

The Chinese Army's (MBT) Type 80 MBT is an evolution of its Type 59/69 MBT, which itself was a product of the very successful Soviet-era T-54A lineup. Changes to the Type 80 compared to the Type 69 include a new elongated hull design and composite armour as well as the Type 79 MBT series turret system with its L7-based 105mm main gun. The Fire Control System (FCS) (with laser rangefinder) was derived from the Type 69-II, while the side steel skirts protected critical upper landing gear components (which were exposed on the Type 69). The crew is still four people - driver, commander, gunner and loader - while auxiliary weapons include a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun on the turret and a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun (HMG) on top of the turret.

Smoke grenade launchers are mounted in two rows of four launchers along the sides of the front turret.

The

Type 80 became the Chinese Army's first premium "second generation" tank, with manufacturing being taken over by local defense contractor China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO).

The Type 80 has an operating weight of 38 tons, a total length of 9.3 meters, a width of 3.4 meters and a height of 2.3 meters. Power is provided by a single 12150L-7BW diesel engine located in the rear of the fuselage, enabling the vehicle to reach a top speed of 60 km/h and a range of up to 430 km (the latter can be extended by installing fuel tanks). Above the rear fuselage ). The vehicle places the driver in the front left, with the remaining three crew members in the powered turret.

Carry 44 105mm shells. The landing gear includes six dual tire wheels to the track side, rear drive sprockets and front track idlers. Snorkeling allows for an amphibian tour. The torsion bar suspension system common to all modern Soviet/Chinese tanks facilitates overland travel.

The Type 80 was further developed into a number of recognized variants, including the Type 80-I, an export version with a round cast steel turret housing a slightly different 105mm main gun. The Model 80-II features an upgraded Fire Control System (FCS), NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection kit and more internal storage space.

The Type 80 has not been in service with China since 2005.

The Model 85 is another branch of the Model 80 series, combining the Model 80/88 design with a welded steel turret. The series includes Type 85-I, Type II, modernized Type IIM and Type 85-III.

The Type 85-III features an all-new 1,000 hp engine that increases performance and supports Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) modules for enhanced protection against more modern battlefield threats. The FCS has been improved/updated and thermal night vision goggles are standard equipment.

Type 88 is used to represent the Chinese indigenous army version of the Type 80. Early forms show round Soviet-style cast-steel turrets. The Model 88A is the Model 80-I for outlets and uses a slightly different 105mm mount. The Type 88B is the Type 80-II of the Chinese Army.

Type 88C is Type 85-III for local operation. This form features a corner welded turret and a more powerful 125mm main gun in a three-person crew configuration and autoloader.

An improved FCS and rangefinder are also part of the equipment, as well as full stabilization of the main gun to fire on the move.

The Type 80 series of tanks is currently (2020) used by China (Type 88A/B), Pakistan (Type 85), Sudan (Type 85-II-M known as "Al Bashier") and Uganda (Type 85-II- M). As many as 3,000 may have been produced.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

44x105mm projectile.

500x12.7mm ammo.

2,250x7.62mm ammo.

8 x Smoke Grenade.

Changes