Type 99 (China)

Type 99 (China)

Weight: 54 tons; Length: 11.0m

Width: 3.4m; Height: 2.2m

Crew: 3

Primary Armament: 125mm smooth bore gun with autoloader

Operational Range: 600km; Speed: 80 km/h on road and 60 km/h cross country

The Type 99, also known as ZTZ-99 and WZ-123, is a 3rd generation main battle tank (MBT) operated by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA). The Type 99, a more advanced spin-off of the Type 98G, features both Russian and Western influences in its design and technology. The Type 99, currently the most advanced MBT fielded by China, is manufactured in a limited number due to its high cost compared to the more economical Type 96. The Type 99, made to rival other modern tanks, was unveiled in 2000 and came into service in 2001. The Type 99 is the primary variant of the Type 99 series, and the latest in trial is the Type 99KM. One Type 99 is worth about 17 million yuan (US$2.5 million).