Type 96 tank

Also known as ZTZ-96, Type 88C, WZ122D

Chinese second generation main battle tank

Key facts

Type: Main battle tank
Place of origin: China
In service: 1997–present
Used by: See Operators
Manufacturer: First Inner Mongolia Machinery Factory
Number span no built: 2,500+
Mass: Type 96: 41 tonnes , Type 96A: 42.8 tonnes , Type 96B: 43 tonnes
Length: 6.33 m
Width: 3.45 m
Height: 2.30 m
Armor: Type 96: Composite armor (Steel & Ceramic Aluminum Titanate with Fibreglass Cloth) Type 96A: Modular applique armor on the turret and FY-4 ERA plates on hull front
Main armament: Type 88C/ZPT-98 125 mm smoothbore gun, capable of firing ATGMs and depleted uranium rounds

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Article

The Type 96 (Chinese: 96式; pinyin: Jiǔliù shì) or ZTZ96 is a Chinese second generation main battle tank (MBT). The final evolution of the Type 88 design, the Type 96 entered service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in 1997. The later variants of the Type 96 are currently in PLA service together with China's third generation MBT, the Type 99.

History