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Type 63A light tank

The Type 63A (ZTS-63A) is a lightly armored amphibious developed by for for marine and riverine operations, featuring a boat-like , a 105 mm rifled gun as its primary armament, and the ability to swim at speeds up to 28 km/h while being launched from ships 5-7 km offshore. Introduced in 1997 as a modernization of the earlier Type 63 amphibious , the Type 63A was designed to address the limitations of its predecessor, including improved engine power, fire control systems, and overall amphibious performance to support (PLA) and naval infantry missions, such as potential assaults on or river crossings in southeastern . Over 300 units were delivered to the PLA by 2000, with approximately 400 units produced for Chinese forces as of the early 2010s, and exports or transfers have included deliveries to , , , , and (five units). The tank measures 7.15 m in length, 3.2 m in width, and 2.52 m in height (to turret top), with a combat weight of 18.4-20 tons and a crew of four: commander, gunner, loader, and driver. Its hull incorporates additional flotation cells, three water inlets per side for stability, and twin rear water jets for propulsion in water, enabling a maximum road speed of 64 km/h, a cross-country speed of 28 km/h, and a swimming range of 120 km. Powered by a 400-581 hp diesel engine, it offers a power-to-weight ratio of about 26.4 hp/tonne and an operational range of 370 km on roads or 340 km cross-country, with fording depths up to 1.4 m unprepared or 5 m with a snorkel. Armament consists of a stabilized 105 mm rifled gun capable of firing armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds, (HEAT) projectiles, and laser-guided anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) with a range of 4,000-5,000 m; it carries 45-47 rounds for the main gun. Secondary weapons include a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun, a 7.62 mm , and a bow-mounted 7.62 mm . The fire-control system features , a imager with 2,100 m detection range, , and computerized targeting for firing on the move, enhanced by GPS/ navigation. Protection is provided by welded armor 11-14 mm thick on the and composite modular panels on the , offering resistance to , shell splinters, and some anti-tank weapons but limited defense against main battle tanks. The suspension uses six road wheels per side with torsion bars for rough terrain mobility, and the design includes mine-resistant features and countermeasures against speedboats. While effective for amphibious reconnaissance and support roles, the Type 63A has largely been supplemented by the heavier ZTD-05 in active PLA service and is now used primarily for training or reserves.

Background and Development

Origins and Requirements

The Type 63 amphibious light tank was introduced in 1963 as the first amphibious tank fully developed and produced in China, drawing heavily on the Soviet PT-76 design for its chassis while incorporating a domestically produced turret. Development began in 1958 at China's Military Engineering Institute and No. 60 Research Institute, motivated by the People's Liberation Army (PLA)'s need for vehicles capable of river crossings and beach landings to support infantry operations in water-rich southern regions, particularly amid Cold War tensions including the 1958 Second Taiwan Strait Crisis. The tank entered service in 1964 with PLA units in southern regions, emphasizing its role in rapid deployment and amphibious assaults during that era. By the 1980s and 1990s, operational experience revealed significant limitations in the Type 63, such as its outdated 85 mm gun offering insufficient firepower against evolving threats, thin armor vulnerable to modern anti-tank weapons, and amphibious shortcomings including poor stability and low water speed that hindered effective riverine maneuvers. These deficiencies became particularly evident as the shifted toward more mechanized warfare doctrines requiring versatile support for infantry in complex terrains like wetlands and inland waterways. In the early 1990s, the articulated specific requirements for an upgraded to address these gaps, prioritizing enhanced firepower through a 105 mm gun, superior mobility on land and water, and integrated fire control systems to enable precise engagement while supporting mechanized forces in amphibious and rapid deployment scenarios. initiated the modernization effort around this time, opting to preserve the original amphibious hull's proven buoyancy and shape while overhauling internal components for better performance, culminating in the Type 63A's development.

Upgrade Program and Production

The upgrade program for the Type 63 light tank was initiated by in the early to modernize the aging platform, which suffered from limited firepower and outdated fire control compared to contemporary threats. Development efforts focused on enhancing amphibious capabilities and combat effectiveness without a complete redesign, resulting in the first Type 63A prototypes emerging in the mid-. Production commenced in 1997, with the vehicle entering () service that year under the industrial designation WZ213. Key engineering modifications included the adoption of an enlarged welded mounting a stabilized 105 mm rifled gun, an upgraded 580 hp for improved , and a computerized incorporating rangefinders, , and ballistic computation for on-the-move firing. These changes were integrated into the existing boat-like , with enhancements to waterjet and auxiliary flotation to boost swimming speed to 28 km/h. The program emphasized cost-effective upgrades, leveraging proven components to extend the Type 63's service life for inland river and lake operations. Testing phases validated the upgrades through extensive amphibious trials on Chinese inland waterways, confirming reliable water mobility and integration of the new systems. By 2000, over 300 Type 63A units had been delivered to PLA marine and riverine forces, with total production estimated at approximately 300-400 vehicles through the early 2000s. Manufacturing was handled by facilities, building on established production lines for light armored vehicles. The Type 63A's certification for full PLA operational use was achieved by 2000, marking a successful incremental modernization effort.

Design Features

General Characteristics

The Type 63A features a combat weight of 20 tonnes, making it suitable for rapid deployment in amphibious and support roles. Its overall dimensions include a length of 7.3 with the gun forward, a width of 3.2 , a of 2.6 to the top, and a ground clearance of 0.45 , which contribute to its low silhouette and maneuverability across varied terrain. The vehicle accommodates a of four members: , , loader, and , with the internal arrangement designed for efficient operation during combined land and water missions. The employs welded in a flat, boat-shaped configuration to enhance , incorporating sealed compartments that separate the , fuel, and ammunition storage to improve survivability against impacts or fires. Two auxiliary water-jet units are integrated into the rear for powered , enabling effective amphibious transitions without detailed mechanics. The is augmented with additional integrated flotation cells at the front and rear for enhanced . Armor protection consists of rolled homogeneous plating 10-14 mm thick on the , sufficient to defend against small arms fire and shell splinters but offering limited resistance to dedicated anti-tank threats. Internally, the layout includes storage for 45 rounds of main gun in dedicated bins, positioned to minimize risks during while maintaining accessibility for the loader.

Armament and Munitions

The primary armament of the Type 63A light tank is a 105 mm rifled gun, designated as the ZPL-94 or a similar variant derived from guns used on Type 59D and Type 88 main battle tanks, mounted in a new welded turret. This gun features reduced recoil mechanisms to maintain stability during amphibious operations and is capable of firing armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS), high-explosive (HE), and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) projectiles, with representative APFSDS rounds achieving penetration of up to 650 mm of rolled homogeneous steel armor at typical engagement ranges. The main gun has an effective direct-fire range of approximately 2,000 m against armored targets or reinforced bunkers and supports a combat rate of fire of 6-8 rounds per minute, reflecting standard performance for Chinese 105 mm rifled tank guns. A key firepower enhancement is the integration of gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), specifically the GP105 wire-guided or beam-riding missile, compatible with the 105 mm gun and based on Russian technology. These missiles feature tandem warheads designed to defeat explosive reactive armor, with an engagement range of 4,000-5,000 m and a hit probability exceeding 90% against stationary targets, including low-flying helicopters. The Type 63A carries 45 rounds total for the main gun, including 8-10 ATGMs, stored in the bustle and with improved loader-assist mechanisms to facilitate manual reloading under combat conditions. Secondary armament consists of a 12.7 mm QJC-88 mounted on the roof for anti-aircraft and roles, along with a 7.62 mm Type 86 for close-range defense. The QJC-88 typically carries around 300-500 rounds, while the coaxial Type 86 is supplied with approximately 2,000 rounds, enabling sustained engagement of and light vehicles. Unlike the original Type 63's unstabilized 85 mm gun, the Type 63A's armament benefits from two-plane stabilization, allowing accurate fire on the move—a significant upgrade for amphibious and dynamic battlefield scenarios.

Protection Systems

The Type 63A features lightweight armor constructed from welded rolled homogeneous plates, with hull thicknesses varying from 10 mm on the rear, top, and bottom to 14 mm on the and 11 mm on the front upper plate, offering equivalent to STANAG Level 1-2 against 12.7 mm rounds and artillery fragments but vulnerable to heavier anti-tank threats. The turret incorporates additional composite modules on the forward and side faces over a base, providing resistance to fire, shell splinters, and limited against 20 mm fire, though it remains inadequate against main battle tank APFSDS or munitions. Compared to the original Type 63, the Type 63A includes upgrades such as enlarged side skirt caissons that cover half the drivetrain for added spaced armor protection against shaped-charge warheads, along with improved welding techniques and spall liners to mitigate internal fragmentation from penetrating hits. Later variants like the Type 63A-I further enhance this with optional explosive reactive armor (ERA) kits on the hull and turret to counter RPGs and ATGMs, though base models rely on passive measures. Defensive countermeasures on the Type 63A consist of eight launchers (four per side on the ) capable of deploying obscurant grenades for evasion, as well as an protection system featuring overpressure filtration to shield the crew from chemical, biological, and radiological agents. Crew safety is supported by systems in the fighting and engine compartments, liners throughout the interior, and multiple escape hatches designed for rapid egress, including during amphibious operations. Despite these features, the Type 63A's protection remains limited, with thin roof armor (10 mm) making it susceptible to top-attack munitions and drones, while the flat-bottomed hull lacks V-shaped mine deflection, offering minimal resistance to improvised explosive devices or mines. Overall, its defenses prioritize amphibious mobility over heavy combat survivability, rendering it akin to an armored personnel carrier in vulnerability to modern anti-armor systems.

Mobility and Propulsion

The Type 63A is powered by a 581 horsepower (433 kW) 12V150L-2 series , which delivers a of 26.4 horsepower per . This enhanced significantly improves the vehicle's overall compared to its predecessor, enabling rapid deployment in diverse terrains. The features a transmission with five forward gears and one reverse gear, paired with a consisting of six wheels per side. On land, the tank achieves a maximum speed of 75 km/h and an operational range of 400 km, supported by its fuel capacity and efficient power output. Amphibious operations represent a core strength of the Type 63A, facilitated by its flat, boat-like augmented with additional integrated flotation cells at the front and rear for enhanced . Propulsion in water is provided by two rear-mounted water jets, allowing a maximum speed of 28 km/h and an operational range exceeding 120 km. The design includes three water inlets per side for propulsion support, enabling the to be launched from amphibious ships 5–7 km offshore and navigate to shore effectively. Due to its fully amphibious configuration, the Type 63A has unlimited fording depth and can cross vertical obstacles up to 0.87 m high and trenches up to 2.9 m wide, making it well-suited for river-crossing and littoral maneuvers.

Fire Control and Sensors

The Type 63A light tank features a modernized digital computerized (FCS) that incorporates a ballistic computer, enabling accurate target engagement in various conditions, including while the vehicle is moving on land or . This system integrates inputs from the commander's sight and gunner's to compute firing solutions rapidly, supporting the 105 mm rifled gun's stabilization for on-the-move firing. Sighting equipment includes an integrated commander's with for up to several kilometers, providing the FCS with precise range data. The is equipped with an image-stabilized daylight sight that can be fitted with passive or an optional thermal imager, offering detection ranges suitable for nocturnal operations. These sights provide 360-degree traversal for both the and , allowing and targeting. The can search for new threats while the engages, providing hunter-killer capability as an over earlier Type 63 models. Navigation is supported by a satellite positioning system compatible with GPS and , which aids in all-weather positioning and refines ballistic calculations during amphibious maneuvers. Communication systems consist of an A-220A external radio for coordination with other units and an A-221A internal for crew interaction, facilitating basic networked operations through a battlefield management terminal. Compared to the original Type 63, the Type 63A's FCS introduces full gun stabilization across two axes and independent sighting channels, replacing the older light-spot system with digital processing for improved accuracy and the addition of thermal imaging options. However, the tank lacks an and relies solely on passive electro-optical sensors for threat detection and fire control, limiting its defensive capabilities against advanced anti-tank threats.

Variants and Derivatives

Standard Type 63A

The standard Type 63A, designated WZ213 or ZTS-63A, was the initial production variant of China's upgraded amphibious , developed by to replace the aging Type 63 in river-crossing and inland waterway operations. This baseline model featured a 105mm rifled providing enhanced firepower over its predecessor through stabilized firing of conventional rounds such as APFSDS, , and HE, as well as laser-guided anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). It incorporated a basic digital with a commander’s sight including and a gunner’s sight with passive , enabling stabilized shooting on land and in water. The powerplant was a 581 diesel engine, delivering improved mobility with a suitable for amphibious assaults. Entering service in 2000, the Type 63A was primarily assigned to the Marine Corps and Army amphibious units for coastal and riverine maneuvers. Total production across variants ran from 1997 onward, with approximately 300-400 units manufactured. Compared to earlier prototypes, the standard production model introduced refinements such as a more efficient water-jet propulsion system with two rear-mounted jets for water speeds up to 14 km/h, along with standardized armor kits for better protection against small arms and fragments. Additionally, early units offered optional flotation screens to enhance during offshore launches up to 7 km from shore.

Improved Models

The improved models of the Type 63A light tank build on the baseline design by incorporating enhancements to protection, firepower, and sensor systems, primarily through sub-variants developed in the early 2000s. These upgrades were driven by the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) need for better amphibious versatility and anti-armor capabilities in littoral and riverine environments. The Type 63A-1 (WZ213-1 or ZTS63A-1), introduced around 2005, features upgraded thermal imaging sights integrated into the fire-control system, offering detection and identification ranges up to 2,100 meters in low-visibility conditions. Structural modifications include a lengthened bow for improved hydrodynamics and enlarged side skirts for track protection, along with attachment points for explosive reactive armor (ERA) on the frontal hull and turret. The Type 63A-2 (WZ213-2 or ZTS63A-2), refined around 2008, further bolsters survivability with applique armor blocks added to the and , providing incremental resistance to kinetic penetrators and shaped-charge warheads. These models share advancements such as a digital fire-control computer and enhanced (nuclear, biological, chemical) filtration systems for crew protection during contaminated operations. The Type 03P serves as an export-oriented variant with simplified electronics and a modified and to suit foreign operators, though remained limited without confirmed sales. The Type 63AG is another export variant featuring an improved , , and fire control systems. Overall, and new of these improved models supplemented the PLA's amphibious forces, with the total series around 300-400 units.

Related Developments

The Type 63A served as a foundational platform influencing subsequent amphibious vehicle designs, particularly the ZTD-05 amphibious assault vehicle developed in the early . The ZTD-05 shares conceptual elements with the Type 63A, such as the emphasis on rapid beach-landing capabilities and the incorporation of a 105 mm low-recoil gun derived from similar armament systems, but features significant enhancements including for speeds up to 40 km/h and an aluminum alloy hull for improved buoyancy and wave resistance. This evolution addressed the Type 63A's limitations, like its slower water speed of around 15 km/h, positioning the ZTD-05 as the primary successor for Marine Corps operations. Export efforts involving the Type 63A included modifications to its for potential international markets, culminating in confirmed deliveries to in 2012-2013, where 24 units were supplied to bolster the Tanzania People's Defence Force's amphibious capabilities. These vehicles, adapted for export with standard enhancements to the fire control and propulsion systems, represented one of the few documented foreign sales of the platform, though broader marketing prototypes did not result in additional widespread adoption. By the mid-2010s, active development of the Type 63A had effectively ceased, with production and upgrades phased out in favor of more advanced infantry fighting vehicles like the ZTD-05 family. As of the early , remaining Type 63A units—estimated at fewer than 100—were limited to select formations, marking the platform's transition to legacy status amid broader modernization efforts.

Operational Service

Introduction and Deployment

The Type 63A light tank, an upgraded amphibious vehicle developed by to replace the aging Type 63, was officially adopted by the (PLA) around 2000 following initial fielding in 1997. It was first deployed to the 1st Marine Brigade of the PLA Navy Marine Corps and amphibious mechanized divisions, enhancing their capabilities for rapid river and coastal operations. This adoption addressed the need for modernized light armor in scenarios involving inland waterways and potential cross-strait contingencies. By 2000, over 300 Type 63A units had been delivered to and Corps units, with concentrations in the eastern ( Military Region) and southern ( Military Region) theater commands to support operations near the . These allocations prioritized amphibious divisions and marine brigades, enabling integrated assaults with improved buoyancy and water propulsion systems. Logistical support was established through maintenance depots linked to production facilities, ensuring spare parts availability and sustainment for the vehicle's and welded turret components. Integration into training began shortly after adoption, with specialized amphibious exercises commencing in 2001 that included river-crossing maneuvers in the and deltas. These drills focused on coordinating Type 63A tanks with and , building proficiency in multi-domain operations. Initial evaluations from units highlighted the tank's superior mobility on water (up to 14 km/h) and land compared to predecessors, though feedback noted vulnerabilities in armor protection against modern threats, prompting subsequent variant upgrades for enhanced ballistic resilience.

Combat and Training Use

The Type 63A light tank has seen extensive use in () training exercises focused on amphibious operations, particularly simulating beach assaults and riverine maneuvers. In a 2019 beach raid drill conducted by an army brigade of the 73rd Group Army in Province, Type 63A tanks advanced to shore in formation to practice over-the-beach landings as part of first-wave assault tactics. These exercises, including landing and movement drills observed in April 2021 by the 14th Amphibious Brigade under the same group army, emphasize battalion-level amphibious skills from March to October annually, highlighting the tank's role in supporting rapid water-to-land transitions. In non-combat operational roles, the Type 63A has supported rapid reaction forces in maritime environments, including refueling at sea to extend its range for extended patrols. In 2020, units demonstrated this capability with Type 63A tanks receiving fuel from support vessels, enabling sustained operations up to 5-7 km offshore, suitable for border areas and activities. Its amphibious design, with enhanced buoyancy and water jets, facilitates such missions without requiring heavy logistical support. The Type 63A has no confirmed record of direct combat involvement, though it has been deployed in readiness postures for security operations, such as potential patrols leveraging its sea-state capabilities. Performance evaluations in exercises underscore its effectiveness for and support in amphibious scenarios, where it provides mobile firepower during initial landings. However, its thin armor renders it vulnerable in simulated anti-tank engagements, often necessitating combined-arms protection from or air assets. Doctrinally, the Type 63A has transitioned from a primary amphibious to a supplementary support role within ground forces, as heavier main battle tanks like the Type 99 assume frontline dominance in mechanized operations. This evolution reflects broader reforms emphasizing combined-arms integration and airmobile tactics over traditional beach s, with the aging Type 63A facing potential retirement in favor of newer platforms.

Replacement and Legacy

The replacement of the Type 63A light tank in () service began in the mid-2000s with the introduction of the ZTD-05 amphibious assault vehicle, which adopted similar amphibious principles but featured enhanced capabilities including a 105mm rifled gun and improved armor protection. The ZTD-05 entered service around 2006, marking the start of a phased transition as part of broader modernization efforts. By 2021, the Type 63A had been largely abandoned in frontline units, with operations limited to battalions in four formations (estimated fewer than 100 units), and most active units retired or refurbished for reserve roles by the early 2020s. As of 2024, approximately 80 units continue in limited Marine Corps service. The Type 63A's legacy endures in the evolution of amphibious armored doctrine, influencing the design of subsequent light vehicles by emphasizing rapid river-crossing and in littoral operations. Approximately 200-300 units are estimated to remain preserved in storage for potential second-line duties, underscoring their role in contingency planning. Its advancements in fire control systems (FCS) and (ATGM) integration, including compatibility with wire-guided munitions, were carried forward to platforms like the ZBL-08 wheeled , enhancing precision targeting in modern formations. Confirmed exports of the Type 63A include deliveries to (at least five units in 2014), , , and reports to and , though on a limited scale compared to domestic use and facing competition from upgraded Russian variants in .

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