Type 80 Series:

Third Modernization Realized

Type 88B at 50th Anniversary Parade

The Type 80 tank represents a real upgrade in PLA armor.  The most noticeable change is the redesigned hull, with its addition of a sixth roadwheel and turbocharged 730hp diesel engine.  The driver has been moved to the front left of the hull.  The 105mm rifled gun fires standard NATO ammo (as does the Type 59-II and Type 79).  Whereas the Type 59, 69, and 79 could all swim with a nylon curtain system installed, the Type 80 is capable of fording rivers up to 6m deep.  A fire surpression system is also installed as standard equipment.  The primary variants are as follows:   Type 80: New engine and hull with US style roadwheels.  External laser rangefinder.   Type 80-I: Laser rangefinder and sights integrated into one unit and placed on top of the turret allowing for armor mods to front of turret.  Incorporates Built-In-Test (BIT) system for rapid identification of malfunctions.   Type 80-II: New automotive enhancements, a lens protective system for the sights, and NBC overpressure system.   Type 80-IIA: Developed for Pakistan, same as Type 80-II but has new Simfire training system developed by UK Weston firm.   Type 80-IIM: Same as Type 80-IIA but for PLA use.   Type 80-III: Type 80-IIM with 125mm 2A46C gun installed for test purposes.   Type 88B: Not sure why the departure from the Type 80 sequence but this tank is all Type 80.  The road wheels appear to be different and it is reported to have an upgraded fire control system.

Type 80

Type 80

Type 80-II

-Desperado6

Return To Main

Return To Army

Return To Tanks

Type 80-IIA