Type 69 Series:

Not So Great Leap Forward

Type 69-II

Very similar in appearance, the Type 69 was an attempt to further update the Type 59.  Innovations included a new engine rated at 570hp and a new 100mm smoothbore gun of dubious value on the original Type 69.  This new gun is identifiable by the bore evacuator slightly set back from the muzzle.  It suffered from velocity problems and a replacement introduced after only 150-200 were produced.  Here are the principal variants:   Type 69: New engine, laser rangefinder, and smoothbore gun. aka WZ121   Type 69-I: IR searchlights modeled on soviet Luna system and collective NBC system added.   Type 69-II: The most common of the series, reverted to same 100mm D-10T2S rifled gun as Type 59-I, incorporated the Tank Simplified Fire Control System (TSFCS) 2-axis stabilizer and full active IR sights.  Distinguishable from Type 59-I by a small bulge on the rear engine plate for the cooling fan.  also mounts headlights in pairs on the fenders instead of the glacis.   Type 69-IIC: Command version with     additional radio and long aerial.  Has tube welded to the turret top for the antenna and two large stowage boxes on the rear hull, one of which has a field phone. Export customers of the Type 69 include Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Myanmar, Pakistan, Thailand, and Zimbabwe. -Desperado6

Type 69-I

Type69-II

Iraqi Type 69-II with Norinco LRF

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Iraqi Type 69-II