Type 98:

World Class PLA Armor

Type 98

The Type 98 was first fielded in 1996.  Some observers identified it as the Type 96 at that time but now the vehicle is reffered to as Type 98.  The reason for this is unclear, perhaps the Type 96 was a prototype or maybe it's a PLA deception ploy.  Either way the Type 98 represents the best tank the PRC can field in quantity at this time.  It is a development of the Type 90/MBT 2000 project and possesses a wealth of both innovative and borrowed features.  It's main gun appears to be the standard russian 2A46M 125mm smoothbore type (possibly 2A46C).  AT-11 type tube launched ATGM capability is possible but I doubt the tank is configured for it.  Mounts are in place on production models for the attachment of explosive reactive armor (ERA).  The most interesting feature of this tank is its roof-mounted countermeasures suite.  The large box mounted on the let rear turret roof

Early Production Type 98

Type 98 Firing Main Gun

detects optics viewing the tank by their reflection and emits a blinding laser at the optics dazzling or destroying them.  The implications for anyone looking through these optics is obvious.  The pole with a dome on it in the center of the turret roof is reportedly a laser warning receiver.  Interestingly the receiver has the secondary function of allowing laser-based communication between tanks.  Whether this is transmitted through the aforementioned blinder or the tank's laser rangefinder is unclear, I suspect the former. The standard Type 67T 7.62mm coaxial MG and W-85 12.7mm AAMG are also mounted. It is reported to have thermal main gun sights. -Desperado6

Type 98 in 50th Anniversary Parade 1999

Type 98 Countermeasures

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Type 98  in High Desert