Pakistan to acquire China's VT-4 Main Battle Tank

[sorcerer]

Pakistan would like to test the new Chinese MBT-3000 VT4 main battle tank

Wednesday, November 5, 2014 09:31 AM

According to Kanwa Defense Review, Pakistan is looking forward to testing the new MBT-3000 (also called VT4 for the export version) main battle tank designed by China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) based in Beijing. According NORINCO, the MBT-3000 is the latest technology of main battle tank especially designed to meet the challenge of high-tech warfare.

Unlike the older AL-Khalid or MBT-2000, the MBT-3000 is motorized with a 1300 horsepower diesel engine manufactured in China. This is slightly more powerful than the engine currently used by the Type 99G, the most advanced main battle tank used by the People's Liberation Army, with 1280hp. The MBT-3000 developed for the overseas market is indeed the most powerful tank made in China.

The main armament of the MBT-3000 consists of smoothbore gun fitted with a thermal sleeve and fume extractor. It is fed by an automatic loader which holds a total of 22 projectiles and charges which can be loaded at the rate of eight per minute. In addition, the tank is equipped with a set of guided weapons, allowing use of a guided missile with a range of up to 5 km.

The turret is in the centre and is of all-welded steel armour construction to which a layer of composite armour has been added over the frontal arc. To increase the body side protection, the MBT-3000 can be fitted with with explosive reactive armour (ERA). Stowage baskets are mounted to the rear and each side of the turret.

The MBT-3000 is equipped with a stabilised fire control including second-generation cooled thermal imager sights for the commander and gunner. The tank is also fitted with laser range finder.


Source:Pakistan would like to test the new Chinese MBT-3000 VT4 main battle tank 0511141 - Army Recognition


@pmaitra, @Kunal Biswas, @Bhadra, @cobra commando and all others

 

[sorcerer]

MBT- 3000

Description

The MBT-3000 also named VT4 for the export version is a new generation of main battle tank designed and manufactured by the Chinese Defense Company NORINCO. According NORINCO, the MBT-3000 is the latest technology of main battle tank especially designed to meet the challenge of high-tech warfare. Its overall performance and combat capability are among the most advanced main battle tanks in the world. The MBT-3000 was unveiled for the first time to the public at the International Defense Exhibition Eurosatory in June 2012. In August, Norinco treated diplomats, military officials and defense contractors from 44 countries to a demonstration of its latest tank designed for export, state media reported. The MBT-3000 not only costs almost $3 million less than its American rival, an automatic loader for the main gun allows it operate with three crew members instead of four. At the defense Exhibition AAD 2014 in Pretoria, Namibia's deputy defense minister has showed interest for the new Chinese main battle tank.


Technical Data

Armament
The main armament of the MBT-3000 consists of smoothbore gun fitted with a thermal sleeve and fume extractor. It is fed by an automatic loader which holds a total of 22 projectiles and charges which can be loaded at the rate of eight per minute. The MBT-3000 can carry a total of thirty eight rounds of main ammunition. Types of separate loading ammunition that can be fired by the 125 mm smoothbore gun include kinetic energy penetrator, high explosive squash head and high explosive anti-tank warhead. The Mounted coaxial to the right of the main armament is a 7.62 mm machine gun, while mounted on the commander's cupola is a remotely weapon station armed with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, for engaging ground and aerial targets. Mounted either rear side of the turret is a bank of six electrically operated smoke grenade launchers which fire forwards. In addition, the tank is equipped with a set of guided weapons, allowing use of a guided missile with a range of up to 5 km.

Design and protection
The overall layout of the MBT-3000 is conventional with the driver's compartment at the front, fighting compartment in the centre and power pack at the rear. The MBT-3000 has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver. The driver is seated in the centre and has a single-piece hatch cover that lifts and swings to the right and in front of this are three day periscopes, the centre one of which can be replaced by a passive periscope for driving at night. The commander is seated on the right and the gunner is seated on the left with both provided with single-piece roof hatches and vision devices. The turret is in the centre and is of all-welded steel armour construction to which a layer of composite armour has been added over the frontal arc. To increase the body side protection, the MBT-3000 can be fitted with with explosive reactive armour (ERA). Stowage baskets are mounted to the rear and each side of the turret.

Mobility
The MBT-3000 is motorized with water-cooled turbocharged electronic-controlled diesel engine developing 1,300 hp. Suspension is of the torsion bar type with hydraulic shock absorbers and either side consists of six large dual rubber-tyred roadwheels with the drive sprocket at the front, idler at the rear and track return rollers. To extend the operational range of the MBT-3000, two additional diesel fuel drums can be mounted externally at the rear. The 52-tonnes MBT-300 can run a maximum road speed of 70 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 500 km. The MBT-3000 can ford a depth of 4 to 5 m with preparation and a trench of 2.7m. The tank can climb a gradient of 60% and a vertical obstacle of 1.2m maximum.

Accessories
The MBT-3000 is equipped with a stabilised fire control including second-generation cooled thermal imager sights for the commander and gunner. The tank is also fitted with laser range finder. The tank commander position is fitted with a roof-mounted stabilized panoramic sight that allows a target to be acquired and then handed over to the gunner for engagement. Standard equipment of the MBT-3000 includes collective NBC protection system, IFF (Identification, friend or foe), GL5 active protection system, fire extinguisher feature, air-conditioning system and explosion suppression system. The active protection system is linked to laser threat warning with smoke shell launchers. The driver position is also equipped with a rear camera and monitor fitted for whilst driving in reverse.


Specifications

Armament
One 125mm smoothbore gun, one 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and one 12.7mm remotely weapon station

Country users
-

Designer Country
China Norinco

Accessories
collective NBC protection system, IFF (Identification, friend or foe), GL5 active protection system, fire extinguisher feature, air-conditioning system and explosion suppression system.

Crew
3

Armor
Improved composite armour for hull nose and the front part of the turret. Reactive armour can be fitted to each side of the tank.

Weight
52,000 kg

Speed
70 km/h

Range
500 km

Dimensions

Lenght: 10.10 m; Width: 3.50 m; Height: 2.40 m


http://www.armyrecognition.com/chin...a_sheet_specifications_pictures_video_uk.html

 

[sorcerer]

Self delete- duplicate

 

[JBH22]

The thread deserve a picture. Looks like a rip off of the Abrams tank.

MBT-3000 Main Battle Tank | Military-Today.com

 

[Illusive]

The thread deserve a picture. Looks like a rip off of the Abrams tank.

MBT-3000 Main Battle Tank | Military-Today.com

I think its the dessert camo, otherwise M1 is a beast.

 

[hit&run]

At the end of the day Pakistan needs balls to use these Chinese toys against India. Neither China nor Pakistan or both together can grow the balls. All they can do is suck each other's tits, exchange pleasantries and live in their own fantasy to make India compromise on its stand, one day.

 

[Ray]

The VT4 main battle tank occupied the center of the pavilion. Liu Song, the deputy general manager of Norinco's R&D department said that the tank is set to be a major export for China. The tank was first unveiled at a defense expo in France, at that time it was referred to as the Main Battle Tank 3000 (MBT-3000), but it has now been renamed the VT4.

Liu said that one of the biggest improvements in the VT4 is that it is now constructed with 100% Chinese components, a 12,000 horse-power propulsion system and an automatic transmission. Previously a Russian media outlet stated that China had exported Al-Khalid or MBT-2000 tanks to Pakistan, which had performed well, but as they used Ukrainian engines, China was forced by Ukraine to pull out of a deal in the South American market. Liu said China's VT4 has resolved this issue, as its indigenous propulsion system is effective and stable. Its fire control system employs a digital imaging system and the speed at which the charge travels has also been accelerated.

Besides the three main features of defense, speed, and firepower, the VT4 also features the incorporation of digital and internet technology. In front of the head of the tank team, for example, is an integrated display terminal. This is no ordinary terminal. It not only displays the amount of fuel and ammunition remaining, but can receive commands from remote locations, transmit the location of friendly tanks and provide information on the enemy.

Also on display at the expo are caterpillar infantry fighting vehicles, wheeled tank destroyers and other armored vehicles, all of which incorporate digital and internet technology. Even if they get out of their vehicles, infantry can carry the hand-held terminals on the battlefield.

SNAFU!: Future Threat Armor. VT4 Main Battle Tank (formerly MBT-3000).

 

[sorcerer]

Any side by side comparison of other MBTs with this.
I understand that machines dont fight wars, but it is the men behind the machines..But still...

 

[Bhadra]

The latest version of the MBT-3000, which is also known as the VT-4, has composite armour over the frontal arc. Officials have also revealed that the side skirts are made of rigid composite armour to which explosive reactive armour (ERA) can be added.

When first revealed, the MBT-3000 was fitted with a simple roof-mounted 12.7 mm machine gun. The latest version is fitted with a new low profile roof-mounted remote weapon station (RWS), again armed with a 12.7 mm MG. This is operated by the tank commander and as well as having an anti-aircraft capability, could prove useful in urban operations.

Chinese sources have also said that the MBT-3000 can be fitted with an active defence system - designated the GL5 - but it has not been confirmed if this is a hard kill or a soft kill ADS.

Officials have also confirmed that the gun control equipment (GCE) is all electric, and images broadcast by Chinese state television show that the stabilised 125 mm smooth bore gun is fed by a horizontal automatic loader that loads the projectile first and then the charge.

The MBT-3000 made its international debut in June 2012 at the Eurosatory defence exhibition in Paris. As well as the MBT-3000, Norinco now offers the MBT-2000 - which has a combat weight of 48 tonnes - and the VT2, which has a combat weight of 42 tonnes.

At Eurosatory Norinco officials described the MBT-3000 as the company's most advanced MBT offered on the export market to date, pointing to the fact that it is fully digitised, air conditioned, and fitted with an over-pressure NBC system and an inertial navigation/global positioning system.

Norinco reveals new features on MBT-3000 - IHS Jane's 360

 

[LETHALFORCE]

Any side by side comparison of other MBTs with this.
I understand that machines dont fight wars, but it is the men behind the machines..But still...

I don't know if this would compare to an old t-72? Chinese weapons never have accurate details
Mostly propaganda.

 

[sorcerer]

^^
Yes sir, Thats true. Cuz even I tried google and it churned out Zilch..nada...nuddin..
Cuz PRC knows it aint worth boasting or the spotlight would expose it beeg time like the J-31..

 

[Bhadra]

The only thing is that it is 40 ton machine which will be faster than 60 ton Arjuns..

 

[sorcerer]

^^
Good, that means they can run back faster from Indian aggression . . A good requirement for Pakistan mil.

 

[ghost]

@militarysta sir,

Which one has the better armor,design etc between Norinco VT4 MBT-3000 MBT vs Arjun mk2.

Norinco VT4 MBT-3000 MBT

Arjun mk 2

 

[sorcerer]

^^
Cant help but say: One thing I found in most PRC systems is the lack of perfection and attention to details in the finish of their products.

I saw a pic of j-31 that had dents on its sides,(will see if I can dig it up). I thought its not much of a deal anyway.

I mean the difference in quality of finish is quiet clear when you compare it along side the fighters from Boeing or Lockhead.

Now when I saw the pic of the tank, I feel the same about it, the lack of perfection visible for a common man's eyes.

Dont know if thats one way of PRC's cost cutting.

 

[Hari Sud]

Guys, compare it Arjun-2.

Chinese claim a lot more than they can deliver. Remember what the Chinese Admiral said about their J-31 stealth fighter, which previously they were touting it to be better than F-22. The Admiral stripped the faithful propaganda out of it, called it less than perfect.

I wish Pakistan acquire some of these, then Arjun -2 could blow holes into it, in the battle.

 

[militarysta]

@militarysta sir,
Which one has the better armor,design etc between Norinco VT4 MBT-3000 MBT vs Arjun mk2.

Chineese tanks are overestimeted a lot. So don't wory.
And more - I seriously see no resons to buy by Pak. VT-4 while they own Al Chalid-2 ill be better in any aspetcs.

IMHO even T-90S Bishma is dedly enemy for VT-4, so all is OK.

 

[sorcerer]

Chinese weapons winning battle for int'l market



Effective, affordable armaments prove popular with developing countries

Chinese-made armaments have become increasingly popular in the international market, according to an industry insider. (suspense)

"We have observed several successive years of good revenue from the export of our products, and the sales figures keep rising year-on-year, "Liu Song, deputy general manager of research and development at China North Industries Corp, popularly abbreviated as Norinco, told China Daily at the 10th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition. The show, which closed on Sunday, was held in Zhuhai, Guangdong province.

As the export wing of China North Industries Group Corp, the country's biggest developer and maker of land armaments, Liu's company brought to the exhibition 44 weapons in six categories, including armored vehicles,anti-tank missiles and multiple rocket launchers.

"Our exhibits cover almost all weapons an army would probably need," Liu said. "We came here with two goals: showing the achievement of technological innovation made by China's ground weapon industry, and making more people know our products."

Having retained traditional clients in South Asia and Middle East regions, Norinco has been successful in winning new buyers in Africa and South America, according to Liu.

"The demand for our products from emerging markets continues to expand, and now a lot of foreign armies are coming to us," Liu said. Here fused to reveal details such as buyers' identities and sales volume, citing the company's confidentiality policy.

Among the exhibits Norinco displayed at the show, the VT-4 main battle tank, was arguably the biggest star.

Formerly designated as MBT-3000, the tank features superb mobility and strong firepower as well as a cutting-edge data exchange network, Liu said.

According to Western military publications, the VT-4 is equipped with an electronic-controlled diesel engine with 1,200 horsepower, giving the tank a cruise speed of 68 kilo-meters per hour. Its main gun is a 125-mm smoothbore that can fire various shells, including a kinetic energy penetrator and high explosive anti-tank warhead. In addition, it can also fire anti-tank missiles with a maximum range of 5,000meters.

"It has an advanced fire-control system, a new-type active protection system and a state-of-the-art fully automatic transmission device," he said. "In addition, the inter-unit network connects commanders of tanks and armored vehicles under a combat group, enabling them to share battlefield data in real time."

The VT-4 can compete with any first-class tank used by Western militaries such as the United States' M1A2 Abrams and Germany's Leopard 2A6, Liu said, adding that Russia's T-90 is no match for the Chinese tank in terms of technology.:der:


Other weapons Norinco highlighted at the show included the PLZ-52, a new-generation, 155 mm self-propelled howitzer whose predecessor sold well in the Middle East, and the HJ-12 anti-tank missile, which has fire-and-forget capability and can even hit a helicopter flying at slow speed.

"Many of our products were specifically designed for the overseas market. Their capabilities are as good as those of Western weapons, but the prices are much more competitive," Liu said.:blah:

Anthony Cordesman, a national security analyst at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Bloomberg: "The Chinese systems are simply cheaper, they are reliable and they are tailored to the conditions of developing countries. As the systems get more sophisticated, they will under-cut Europe and the US and compete with Russia."

During a promotion in August in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, diplomats, military officials and defense contractors from 44 countries were given a field performance by Norinco's VT-4 tanks and combat vehicles.

"Several countries have expressed interest in the VT-4 after their officials saw the tank display, and we are negotiating with them on this matter," Liu said.

Chinese weapons winning battle for int'l market - People's Daily Online (Ps: Chinese source)


Nobody can match the arrogant propaganda of PRC!!! kinda feels like reading an article from NoKo.

 

[Kunal Biswas]

VT-4 has same design issues as its previous predecessor, No significant changes either ..

 

[J20!]

VT-4 has same design issues as its previous predecessor, No significant changes either ..

Design issues? Care to elaborate on your point with credible sources?


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