Type 69 Main Battle Tank
The Type 69 main battle tank is a Chinese copy of the Soviet T-55 tank and an improved version of the Type 59 main battle tank, with improvements in gunnery and automotive areas. It is a relatively inexpensive and easy to operate tank but it is of an outdated design by modern standards. The interior is cramped and can be difficult to operate in. The 36-ton Type 69 main battle tank has improved armor, a gun stabilizer, a fire control system including a laser range finder, infrared searchlights, and a 105mm smooth-bore gun. This series was first seen in public in 1982. This tank lays its own smoke screen by injecting diesel fuel into its exhaust pipes on the left side of the hull. It has a 12.7mm machine gun and a long barreled 100mm gun with an externally mounted laser range finder above it. A large infrared search light is located above and to the right of the gun.The Type 69 II MBT Command Tank Type B which is fitted with additional radio sets for the command and control function at Regimental level.
Type 69 tanks are employed in countries in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. It has been used in combat by both sides during the 1980's Iran-Iraq war; by the Iraqi Army in the 1991 Gulf War and by the Sri Lankan Army.
Specifications
LENGTH 20 FT 4IN WIDTH 10 FT 8IN HEIGHT 9 FT 2 IN WEIGHT 39 TON RANGE 273 MILES SPEED 31 MPH CREW 3 ARMAMENT 1 x 100mm smoothbore gun 1 x 7.62mm MG coaxial 1 x 7.62mm MG bow mounted 1 x 12.7mm anti-aircraft MG
