VT2

Main battle tank



The Chinese VT2 main battle tank is intended for export customers
Entered service ?
Crew 3 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight 42.8 t
Length (gun forward) 10.49 m
Hull length ~ 6.3 m
Width 3.4 m
Height 2.34 m
Armament
Main gun 125-mm smoothbore
ATGW ?
Machine guns 1 x 7.62-mm, 1 x 12.7-mm
Elevation range - 6 to + 19 degrees
Traverse range 360 degrees
Ammunition load
Main gun 40 rounds
ATGW ?
Machine guns ?
Mobility
Engine diesel
Engine power 800 hp
Maximum road speed 57 km/h
Range 500 km
Maneuverability
Gradient 60%
Side slope 40%
Vertical step 0.8 m
Trench 2.7 m
Fording 1.4 m
Fording (with preparation) 5 m



The VT2 main battle tank is an export version of theType 96G, which is in service with Chinese army. It was revealed in 2012.

This tank is not as sophisticated as Western, or even Russian designs. However it uses proven technology and is cost-effective. The VT2 is mainly aimed at developing countries. It can be considered as a cheaper and inferior alternative to the VT-1.

Hull and turret of this tank is of welded steel construction with a layer of composite armor. Also there are modular add-on explosive reactive armor blocks. The VT2 is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems. It seems that this tank is fitted with countermeasures system, similar to the Russian Shtora-1.

The VT2 is armed with a 125-mm smoothbore gun. The gun is fed by an automatic loader. Both the gun and autoloader were copied from the Soviet T-72. It is assumed that this tank is capable of launching anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary munitions. A total of 40 rounds are carried.

Fire control system of this tank incorporates IR and laser rangefinder, combined with automatic target tracker. The VT2 can engage moving targets, while on the move. It is claimed that it has a high first round hit probability against stationary and moving targets, while the tank is firing on the move.

This MBT is also armed with coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and roof-mounted 12.7-mm machine gun.

The VT2 has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.

It seems that the VT2 tank is powered by an uprated 12150L7BW engine, developing 800 hp. Engine is coupled to a manual transmission. External fuel tanks can be fitted for extended range. With special kit this tank fords water obstacles up to 5 m deep.