Difference between revisions of "ZTZ88B"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Visual (beta)Wikitext
(→‎Machine guns)
(Adding description, Pros/cons and firepower of the tank; later editions pending)
Line 6: Line 6:
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "La Royale"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}'''(Chinese: ZTZ88B式主战坦克; industry code WZ122E) is one of the WZ122 family of MBT and the first mass-produced variant of the ZTZ80/88 series. The WZ122 series has to trace back to [[Object 122MT "MC"|Object 122]] (or by its code 122) when Chinese engineers joined a campaign to develop new armored vehicles for PLAGF during late-1960s to early-1970s; although the program was canceled after route changes, one of its prototypes, WZ1225 made it into PLAGF evaluation and later designated as the new PLAGF 2nd generation MBT, thus retained its industry code: WZ122. The tank was first manufactured as the ZTZ80-I for evaluation, as the 3rd generation MBT (Project 784; later renamed WZ123 and ZTZ99) was still in development and the need for new MBTs before the new tanks completed their development, ZTZ80-I fused the hull of ZTZ85 and the turret of ZTZ80-I later joined PLAGF as the ZTZ88B and was first shown during 50th National Day Parade.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "La Royale"]] as one of the Chinese MBT line-up, the design recalls many similarities to its successor, ZTZ88A with a longer 105 mm cannon; which oddly comes behind ZTZ88B alphabetically. For players who suffered from the rather slow turret traverse speed and top speed of previous ZTZ59/69 series, ZTZ88B now enjoys better gun laying system and equipped with commander override for the gun, as well as experimental applique armor for extra protection against both kinetic and chemical shells; along side with a new 730 hp engine for better mobility in both direction, ZTZ88B makes a good training vehicle to later PLAGF MBTs.  
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 12: Line 14:
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
−
''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
If players see this tank from afar, they might find a tank that looks exactly like another T-54/55 or Type 59/69 family; but once they fired upon the target or get closer, they will find some significant differences. First, their shot might not penetrate the UFP of ZTZ88B thanks to the (experimental) applique armor and main armor at 68° (versus 60° on T-54 series); secondly, it has 6 road wheels and intergraded FCS channel (daytime, night, LRF) on the left side of turret. The applique armor might not have the best protection against chemical shells versus its Soviet counterparts (T-62M-1 or T-55AM series), however, some short-rod APFSDS even at higher caliber at its tier could score nothing on the UFP (which could provide at most 360 mm RHA equivalent).
 +
 
 +
But it was also ZTZ88B which marked the reduced side armor of PLAGF tanks: instead of the 80 mm on previous tanks, it has reduced to 60 mm; this gives more chance to autocannons with even APHE shell to penetrate the sides with ease; although the skirt could migrate some penetration, in most cases, any flanking autocannons will have no problem tearing down ZTZ88B. Sometimes angling might help, but do not expect it could literary immune to them.
 +
 
 +
Another flaw goes to the turret with full CHA armor; while it retained the oval shape turret of Warsaw Pact/ early Chinese designs, at its tier where APFSDS and HEAT are commonplace, they will have no problem penetrating the turret from any angle, causing fatal damages to the crew or turret compartment and effectively disabling ZTZ88B for their own good. So be extra careful on where the turret should turn - sometimes slight angling could bounce some oncoming shots and leaving chances to return-fire. Do remember the crew of 4 and tank's compartments are tightly packed near the center-mass of the tank, chances are the crew will either be knocked-out by penetrated shots and its shrapnel, or by fuel/ammunition detonation onboard.
  
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
Line 36: Line 42:
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''
+
Thanks to the development efforts of Chinese engineers, ZTZ88 series shared the same NORINCO 12V150ZLC engine with 730 hp output; although it is nowhere close to NATO counterparts, it was already a vast improvement to Soviet tanks at its BR, giving it more flexibility on assaults as this could push the tank at up to 57 km/h while having faster acceleration. While the transmission has been upgraded to a planetary gear one, the gear ratio for reverse/first gear is not very satisficing and only gives around 9 km/h reverse speed; in case for a retreat, this could be a major problem as enemy tanks will have no problem chasing ZTZ88B.
  
 
{{tankMobility}}
 
{{tankMobility}}
Line 50: Line 56:
 
{{main|88B-105T (105 mm)}}
 
{{main|88B-105T (105 mm)}}
  
−
''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
+
ZTZ88B retained the same caliber yet different named gun to previous ZTZ59D1; although it is named a 88B-105T, the ballistic performance is totally identical on both guns while the major differences go to the turret traverse speed and reload rate. While ZTZ59 series suffered from a slow, hand-cranked like turret and ZTZ69 is slight better, ZTZ88B introduced hydraulic drive for the turret and finally boost its rotation speed to at least 12°/s - a welcomed improvement but still lags behind most NATO tanks of its tier; while the reload rate is at below 10 seconds, not as quickly as NATO tanks with spacious turret, the ammunition by themselves are still sufficient to take down most enemies it might face, but be extra careful on later Soviet MBTs with autoloaders and composite armor. Also it's better to plan ahead and turn the turret to expected points where enemies will show up- ZTZ88B doesn't have the reaction time for a sudden attack.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
Line 95: Line 101:
 
{{main|Type 54 (12.7 mm)|Type 86 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|Type 54 (12.7 mm)|Type 86 (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''
+
Like most Chinese tanks before late 1990s, it retained the Type 54 (DShK) by the commander hatch while the co-axial MG was replaced by Type 86 (PKT); while the ammo pool on the Type 54 is rather low, its caliber can certainly cause some problems for low-flying helicopters or lightly-armored targets.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
Line 103: Line 109:
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
|Pintle||500 (50)||600||-5°/+60°||±180°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 112: Line 118:
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
|Coaxial||2,500 (250)||600||N/A||N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 122: Line 128:
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
+
'''Pros:'''
 +
 
 +
* Improved gun handling and reload rate to previous tanks
 +
* Commander override leaves the opportunity for a revenge shot on enemies
 +
* Vastly improved mobility to T-54/55 series
 +
* Composite applique armor for extra protection
 +
* Accurate licensed L7 gun
  
−
'''Pros:'''
 
 
*
 
*
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
 +
* The turret has no ERA protection, unlike ZTZ59D1
 +
* Fixed 8x gunner optics channel, embarrassing at both short and long range engagements
 +
* Tightly packed interior and crew layout
 +
* Lacks TVD for faster target acquisition
 +
* Relatively slow reverse rate to NATO counterparts 
 +
 
*
 
*
  
Line 142: Line 160:
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
* [[Object 122MT "MC"]] - The nominal ancestor of WZ122 series MBT
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
* [[ZTZ88A]] (WZ122G) - ZTZ88 with longer ZPL94 cannon
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 151: Line 168:
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 
{{China medium tanks}}
 
{{China medium tanks}}

Revision as of 20:24, 15 June 2023

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
ZTZ88B
cn_ztz_88b.png
GarageImage ZTZ88B.jpg
ZTZ88B
China flag.png China
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.0 9.0 9.0
Class:
Research:160 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:450 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The ZhuangJia Tanke ZhuZhan 88B(Chinese: ZTZ88B式主战坦克; industry code WZ122E) is one of the WZ122 family of MBT and the first mass-produced variant of the ZTZ80/88 series. The WZ122 series has to trace back to Object 122 (or by its code 122) when Chinese engineers joined a campaign to develop new armored vehicles for PLAGF during late-1960s to early-1970s; although the program was canceled after route changes, one of its prototypes, WZ1225 made it into PLAGF evaluation and later designated as the new PLAGF 2nd generation MBT, thus retained its industry code: WZ122. The tank was first manufactured as the ZTZ80-I for evaluation, as the 3rd generation MBT (Project 784; later renamed WZ123 and ZTZ99) was still in development and the need for new MBTs before the new tanks completed their development, ZTZ80-I fused the hull of ZTZ85 and the turret of ZTZ80-I later joined PLAGF as the ZTZ88B and was first shown during 50th National Day Parade.

Introduced in Update "La Royale" as one of the Chinese MBT line-up, the design recalls many similarities to its successor, ZTZ88A with a longer 105 mm cannon; which oddly comes behind ZTZ88B alphabetically. For players who suffered from the rather slow turret traverse speed and top speed of previous ZTZ59/69 series, ZTZ88B now enjoys better gun laying system and equipped with commander override for the gun, as well as experimental applique armor for extra protection against both kinetic and chemical shells; along side with a new 730 hp engine for better mobility in both direction, ZTZ88B makes a good training vehicle to later PLAGF MBTs.

General info

Survivability and armour

Composite armour
Balanced protection against all types of ammunition
Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
ESS
Creation of a smoke screen in the direction of movement of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull100 / 60 / 45
Turret220 / 155 / 65
Crew4 people
Visibility75 %

If players see this tank from afar, they might find a tank that looks exactly like another T-54/55 or Type 59/69 family; but once they fired upon the target or get closer, they will find some significant differences. First, their shot might not penetrate the UFP of ZTZ88B thanks to the (experimental) applique armor and main armor at 68° (versus 60° on T-54 series); secondly, it has 6 road wheels and intergraded FCS channel (daytime, night, LRF) on the left side of turret. The applique armor might not have the best protection against chemical shells versus its Soviet counterparts (T-62M-1 or T-55AM series), however, some short-rod APFSDS even at higher caliber at its tier could score nothing on the UFP (which could provide at most 360 mm RHA equivalent).

But it was also ZTZ88B which marked the reduced side armor of PLAGF tanks: instead of the 80 mm on previous tanks, it has reduced to 60 mm; this gives more chance to autocannons with even APHE shell to penetrate the sides with ease; although the skirt could migrate some penetration, in most cases, any flanking autocannons will have no problem tearing down ZTZ88B. Sometimes angling might help, but do not expect it could literary immune to them.

Another flaw goes to the turret with full CHA armor; while it retained the oval shape turret of Warsaw Pact/ early Chinese designs, at its tier where APFSDS and HEAT are commonplace, they will have no problem penetrating the turret from any angle, causing fatal damages to the crew or turret compartment and effectively disabling ZTZ88B for their own good. So be extra careful on where the turret should turn - sometimes slight angling could bounce some oncoming shots and leaving chances to return-fire. Do remember the crew of 4 and tank's compartments are tightly packed near the center-mass of the tank, chances are the crew will either be knocked-out by penetrated shots and its shrapnel, or by fuel/ammunition detonation onboard.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull ___ mm ___ mm Top
___ mm Bottom 		___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Turret ___ - ___ mm Turret front
___ mm Gun mantlet 		___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Cupola ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB64 / 10 km/h
RB and SB58 / 9 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight38.5 t
Engine power
AB1 393 hp
RB and SB730 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB36.2 hp/t
RB and SB19.0 hp/t

Thanks to the development efforts of Chinese engineers, ZTZ88 series shared the same NORINCO 12V150ZLC engine with 730 hp output; although it is nowhere close to NATO counterparts, it was already a vast improvement to Soviet tanks at its BR, giving it more flexibility on assaults as this could push the tank at up to 57 km/h while having faster acceleration. While the transmission has been upgraded to a planetary gear one, the gear ratio for reverse/first gear is not very satisficing and only gives around 9 km/h reverse speed; in case for a retreat, this could be a major problem as enemy tanks will have no problem chasing ZTZ88B.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 64 10 38.5 _,___ 1,393 __.__ 36.18
Realistic 58 9 _,___ 730 __.__ 18.96

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 189 → 6 094 Sl icon.png
RB4 341 → 6 316 Sl icon.png
SB5 374 → 7 819 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications134 400 Rp icon.png
225 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training130 000 Sl icon.png
Experts450 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 000 Ge icon.png
Research Aces890 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
140 / 200 / 230 % Sl icon.png
214 / 214 / 214 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
560 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
560 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement cn.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
560 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_TYPE83_HESH_ammo_pack
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_china_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
560 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder

Main armament

105 mm 88B-105T cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition45 rounds
First-order23 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
9.7 → 7.5 s
Vertical guidance-4° / 18°
Main article: 88B-105T (105 mm)

ZTZ88B retained the same caliber yet different named gun to previous ZTZ59D1; although it is named a 88B-105T, the ballistic performance is totally identical on both guns while the major differences go to the turret traverse speed and reload rate. While ZTZ59 series suffered from a slow, hand-cranked like turret and ZTZ69 is slight better, ZTZ88B introduced hydraulic drive for the turret and finally boost its rotation speed to at least 12°/s - a welcomed improvement but still lags behind most NATO tanks of its tier; while the reload rate is at below 10 seconds, not as quickly as NATO tanks with spacious turret, the ammunition by themselves are still sufficient to take down most enemies it might face, but be extra careful on later Soviet MBTs with autoloaders and composite armor. Also it's better to plan ahead and turn the turret to expected points where enemies will show up- ZTZ88B doesn't have the reaction time for a sudden attack.

105 mm 88B-105T Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 45 -4°/+18° ±180° Two-plane __._ __._ __._ __._ __._ _.__ _.__ _.__ _.__
Realistic __._ __._ __._ __._ __._

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
Type-83 HEAT HEATFS 400 400 400 400 400 400
Type-83 HESH HESH 127 127 127 127 127 127
Type-83 APDS APFSDS 337 335 330 322 314 306
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Type-83 HEAT HEATFS 1,174 11 0.05 0.1 1.27 65° 72° 77°
Type-83 HESH HESH 732 11.2 0.1 4 4.31 73° 77° 80°
Type-83 APDS APFSDS 1,455 4.2 - - - 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
45 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Machine guns

12.7 mm Type 54 machine gun
Ammunition500 rounds
Belt capacity50 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Vertical guidance-4° / 82°
7.62 mm Type 86 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition2 500 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate700 shots/min
Main articles: Type 54 (12.7 mm), Type 86 (7.62 mm)

Like most Chinese tanks before late 1990s, it retained the Type 54 (DShK) by the commander hatch while the co-axial MG was replaced by Type 86 (PKT); while the ammo pool on the Type 54 is rather low, its caliber can certainly cause some problems for low-flying helicopters or lightly-armored targets.

12.7 mm Type 54
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 500 (50) 600 -5°/+60° ±180°
7.62 mm Type 86
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 2,500 (250) 600 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Improved gun handling and reload rate to previous tanks
  • Commander override leaves the opportunity for a revenge shot on enemies
  • Vastly improved mobility to T-54/55 series
  • Composite applique armor for extra protection
  • Accurate licensed L7 gun

Cons:

  • The turret has no ERA protection, unlike ZTZ59D1
  • Fixed 8x gunner optics channel, embarrassing at both short and long range engagements
  • Tightly packed interior and crew layout
  • Lacks TVD for faster target acquisition
  • Relatively slow reverse rate to NATO counterparts

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


China medium tanks
ZTZ59  Type 59 · ZTZ59A · ZTZ59D1
ZTZ69  Type 69 · Type 69-IIa
ZTZ88/96  ZTZ88A · ZTZ88B
  ZTZ96 · ZTZ96A · ZTZ96A (P)
ZTZ99  ZTZ99-II · ZTZ99-III
ZTZ99A  ZTZ99A · WZ1001(E) LCT
Export series  MBT-2000 · VT4A1
ROC  CM11
Other  Т-34-85 Gai · Object 122MT "MC"
Bangladesh  T-69 II G
Japan  ␗Chi-Ha · ␗Chi-Ha Kai
Pakistan  Al-Khalid-I
USA  ␗M4A4 · ␗M4A4 (1st PTG) · ␗M4A1 (75) W · ␗M48A1 · ␗M60A3 TTS
USSR  ␗T-34 (1943) · ␗Т-34-85 (S-53) · T-34-85 No.215 · Т-62 №545

Retrieved from "https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=ZTZ88B&oldid=164475"