Difference between revisions of "Type 69"

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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].
  
−
At first glance, the Type 69 looks reminiscent of the preceding [[Type 59]]. Closer inspection reveals it to be quite an interesting tank. It can be visual differentiated from similar vehicles by the placement of the IR spotlight directly above the gun mantlet (Soviet tanks place the spotlight off to the side), a laser rangefinder next to it, and a unique fume extractor located near the tip of the barrel. It can be thought of as a cross between the Soviet [[T-55A]] and [[T-62]]. Like the former, it boasts improved mobility and gun handling from the original Type 59/T-54, and like the latter, it has a smoothbore gun firing HEAT-FS and APFSDS rounds. As the product of the PRC's first foray into indigenous technologies, it also boasts night vision, stabilizer, and laser rangefinder systems.
+
At first glance, the Type 69 looks reminiscent of the preceding [[Type 59]]. Closer inspection reveals it to be quite an interesting tank. It can be visually differentiated from similar vehicles by the placement of the IR spotlight directly above the gun mantlet (Soviet tanks place the spotlight off to the side), a laser rangefinder next to it, and a unique fume extractor located near the tip of the barrel. It can be thought of as a cross between the Soviet [[T-55A]] and [[T-62]]. Like the former, it boasts improved mobility and gun handling from the original Type 59/T-54, and like the latter, it has a smoothbore gun firing HEAT-FS and APFSDS rounds. As the product of the PRC's first foray into indigenous technologies, it also boasts night vision, stabilizer, and laser rangefinder systems.
  
−
Players coming from the [[Type 59]] will appreciate many of the Type 69's improvements, no longer having to deal with a glacial turret rotation speed, single plane stabilizer, and lack of night vision. However, its firepower is a sidegrade at best. Both tanks can use the Type 1973 HEAT-FS, but while the Type 59 could use APHE rounds like the BR-412D for instant knockouts against lightly armored tanks like the [[Leopard 1]], the Type 69 has a poor-quality APFSDS round instead. No miracles should be expected from its gun.
+
Players coming from the [[Type 59]] will appreciate many of the Type 69's improvements, no longer having to deal with a glacial turret rotation speed, single plane stabilizer, and lack of night vision. However, its firepower is a sidegrade at best. Both tanks can use HEAT-FS, but while the Type 59 could use APHE rounds for instant knockouts against lightly armored tanks like the [[Leopard 1]], the Type 69 has a poor-quality APFSDS round instead. No miracles should be expected from its gun.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 16: Line 16:
  
 
The armor layout of the Type 69 is virtually identical to the [[Type 59]] and [[T-54 (1951)]], with a rounded turret made of cast homogeneous armor and a highly sloped front glacis. While the frontal protection is good in terms of raw values, the Type 69 will face many tanks with powerful subcaliber/HEAT rounds that can penetrate its armor with ease. That said, it confers some resistance to the APHE rounds fired by contemporary Soviet tanks like the T-54/55.
 
The armor layout of the Type 69 is virtually identical to the [[Type 59]] and [[T-54 (1951)]], with a rounded turret made of cast homogeneous armor and a highly sloped front glacis. While the frontal protection is good in terms of raw values, the Type 69 will face many tanks with powerful subcaliber/HEAT rounds that can penetrate its armor with ease. That said, it confers some resistance to the APHE rounds fired by contemporary Soviet tanks like the T-54/55.
 +
 +
Post-penetration survivability is not optimal as the interior of the tank is cramped and plenty of loose ammunition is stored in the turret and fighting compartment. However, the Type 69 has a "wet" ammo rack next to the driver, which is more resistant to detonation by HEAT rounds.
 +
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret roof)
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Gun mantlet)
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
!Armour
 +
!Front
 +
!Sides
 +
!Rear
 +
!Roof
 +
|-
 +
|Hull
 +
|100 mm (60°) ''Front glacis'' <br>100 mm (54°) ''Lower glacis''
 +
|80 mm
 +
|45 mm (16°) ''Upper'' <br>30 mm (72°) ''Lower''
 +
|30 mm ''Front''<br>20 mm ''Back''
 +
|-
 +
|Turret
 +
|160 mm (14-39°) ''Turret front'' <br>200 mm (4-78°) ''Gun mantlet''
 +
|115 mm (45-50°) ''Upper''<br>155 mm (10-30°) ''Lower''
 +
|65 mm (9-35°)
 +
|30 mm
 +
|}
 +
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 +
* Suspensions wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
Line 26: Line 57:
 
<!--''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. Advise about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
 
<!--''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. Advise about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
 
{{main|Type 69 (100 mm)}}
 
{{main|Type 69 (100 mm)}}
−
 
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
The Type 69 is armed with a 100mm Type 69 smoothbore cannon equipped with a two-plane stabilizer, capable of firing APFSDS, HEAT-FS, and HE rounds.
+
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | [[Type 69 (100 mm)|100 mm Type 69]]
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="3" | 44 || -4°/+17° || ±180° || Two-plane
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 +
|-
 +
! style="width:4em" |Mode
 +
! style="width:4em" |Stock
 +
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 +
|-
 +
| ''Arcade'' ||???||???||???||???||???
 +
|-
 +
| ''Realistic'' ||???||???||???||???||???
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 +
|-
 +
|11.1||???||???||8.5
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
The Type 69 is armed with a 100 mm Type 69 smoothbore cannon equipped with a two-plane stabilizer, capable of firing APFSDS, HEAT-FS, and HE rounds. It reloads 0.1 seconds quicker than the Type 59's rifled gun but this is a negligible improvement.
  
 
===== Ammunition =====
 
===== Ammunition =====
Line 77: Line 141:
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
The Type 69's stock rounds are the 1-72-85 APFSDS and the 1-71-74 HE. The APFSDS was at one point the worst round of its type in War Thunder; 220 mm of flat penetration at 10 meters is worse than many AP/APHE rounds. The [[AUBL/74 HVG]]'s 60 mm APFSDS penetrates more despite having a much lower caliber! It also suffers noticeable dropoff at long distances. However the angled penetration is surprisingly good, topping out at 127 mm @ 60 degrees. For comparison, the T-55A's 3BM25 APFSDS round has far superior flat penetration (up to 335 mm) but only has slightly higher angled penetration (up to 129 mm @ 60 degrees) than the 1-72-85. Penetration aside, it has a good muzzle velocity of 1505 m/s and the post-penetration damage is decent, being an improvement over typical APDS rounds.
 +
 +
The 1-71-74 HE shell is weak and should be ignored. It has a low explosive content and might be able to cause hull-breaks on light targets, but not consistently. Any vehicle with more than paper-thin armor will be immune to it.
 +
 +
The unlockable Type 1973 HEAT-FS is a Tier 1 modification. Familiar to Type 59 users, it has the same penetration performance as the T-55A's 3BK17M HEAT-FS with a lower TNT equivalent and a slightly lower muzzle velocity. 390 mm of flat penetration at any distance is impressive and will slice through almost all tanks lacking special armor types (spaced, reactive, composite). While it lacks the high velocity of the APFSDS and can be detonated by bushes or fences, the HEAT-FS is still good for dealing with heavy targets that the APFSDS can't penetrate. It has slightly less explosive mass than the HE shell but is more consistent at hull-breaking due to its ability to damage internal modules.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
<!--''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.''-->
 
<!--''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.''-->
−
{{main|SGMT (7.62 mm)}}
+
{{main|DShK (12.7 mm)|SGMT (7.62 mm)}}
  
 
A 7.62mm SGMT machine gun is mounted coaxially with the main gun and a 12.7 DShK heavy machine gun is mounted on the loader's cupola.
 
A 7.62mm SGMT machine gun is mounted coaxially with the main gun and a 12.7 DShK heavy machine gun is mounted on the loader's cupola.
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | [[DShK (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm DShK]]
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" | 250 (50) || 600 || -10°/+60° || ±180°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | [[SGMT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm SGMT]]
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" | 3,500 (250) || 600 || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
The DShK is useful against enemy helicopters if they get too close. It can also penetrate lightly armored targets like certain SPAAs or light tanks.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== 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).''-->
 
<!--''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).''-->
  
−
The Type 69 is somewhat paradoxical. Its laser rangefinder and smoothbore cannon may suggest that it is a good sniper, but the terrible penetration of its 1-72-85 APFSDS (worse than many APHE rounds), which also drops off significantly with range, can make this difficult against moderately or heavily armored opponents at longer distances. Meanwhile its two-plane stabilizer, improved engine, and faster turret rotation speed are more suitable for an offensive role, though it lacks the APHE enjoyed by the comparable [[T-55A]] for instant knockouts.  
+
The Type 69 is somewhat paradoxical. Its laser rangefinder and smoothbore cannon may suggest that it is a good sniper, but the poor penetration of its 1-72-85 APFSDS makes it difficult to pick off well-protected targets from afar. Meanwhile its two-plane stabilizer, improved engine, and faster turret rotation speed are more suitable for an offensive role, though it lacks the APHE enjoyed by the comparable [[T-55A]] for instant knockouts.  
  
−
Terrible APFSDS is still APFSDS, and it enjoys better angled performance and post-penetration damage than many APDS rounds commonly used at its rank. It is effective against lightly armored opponents like the [[Leopard I]] and can still be used against enemy T-55s or T-62s when fired at the upper glacis at closer distances. When fighting more resilient targets, such as those that are hull down with good turret armor, the Type 1973 HEAT-FS is a better choice. Very similar in performance to the T-55A's 3BK17M (slightly lower muzzle velocity and TNT equivalent), it can penetrate virtually any opponent not equipped with composite or reactive armor. While not as easy to use as the APFSDS due to its lower velocity and propensity for detonating on bushes/fences, its high penetration and ability to hull-break light targets are very welcome. Finally, a 1-71-74 HE round is available, but with only 1.3 kg of TNT and 17mm of penetration, it is ineffective against all but the most lightly armored vehicles. It is better to take the HEAT-FS instead since it is far more useful and almost as good for hull breaking.
+
Terrible APFSDS is still APFSDS, and it does the job against against lightly armored opponents like the [[Leopard I]] and [[AMX-30]]. For US or Soviet medium tanks, shooting the hull can work at closer distances. When fighting more resilient targets, such as those that are hull down with good turret armor, the Type 1973 HEAT-FS is a better choice. Take advantage of the laser rangefinder to accurately deliver the HEAT-FS rounds at long distances.
  
−
It should be noted that the post-penetration damage of the APFSDS and HEAT-FS are somewhat punctual, so effort should be taken to aim for ammo racks or catch as many crew members as possible in the line of fire. This is especially important since the Type 69's reload is rather sluggish and a crippled target could retreat or retaliate before a follow up shot is ready.
+
The post-penetration damage of the APFSDS and HEAT-FS are somewhat punctual, so effort should be taken to aim for ammo racks or catch as many crew members as possible in the line of fire. This is especially important since the Type 69's reload is rather sluggish and a damaged target could retreat or retaliate before a follow up shot is ready.
  
 
Mobility wise, the Type 69 is about the same as the [[T-55A]]. While not agonizing, it certainly won't be the first tank to arrive on the battlefield. Note that the reverse speed of -7 km/h is rather poor and it lacks neutral steering, so be careful about overextending.
 
Mobility wise, the Type 69 is about the same as the [[T-55A]]. While not agonizing, it certainly won't be the first tank to arrive on the battlefield. Note that the reverse speed of -7 km/h is rather poor and it lacks neutral steering, so be careful about overextending.
  
−
Overall the Type 69 is a versatile tank, having tools for most situations at hand and no major weaknesses, though conversely it is not exceptional in any regard. It is best used as a flexible combatant, capable of flanking, pushing aggressively, or sniping when the situation needs it as long as the appropriate ammunition is chosen for the situation. Caution should be paid to its substandard mobility and sometimes finicky ammunition.
+
Overall the Type 69 is a versatile tank, having tools for most situations at hand and no major weaknesses, though conversely it is not exceptional in any regard. It is best used as a flexible combatant, capable of flanking, pushing aggressively, or sniping as the situation demands. Stay close to teammates and avoid engaging multiple opponents at the same time. Caution should be paid to its substandard mobility, slow reload, and sometimes finicky ammunition.
 +
 
 +
=== Modules ===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
!Tier
 +
! colspan="2" |Mobility
 +
!Protection
 +
! colspan="3" |Firepower
 +
|-
 +
|I
 +
|Tracks
 +
|
 +
|Parts
 +
|Horizontal Drive
 +
|Type 1973 HEAT-FS
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|II
 +
|Suspension
 +
|Brake System
 +
|FPE
 +
|Adjustment of Fire
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|III
 +
|Filters
 +
|
 +
|Crew Replenishment
 +
|Elevation Mechanism
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|IV
 +
|Transmission
 +
|Engine
 +
|
 +
|Artillery Support
 +
|Laser rangefinder
 +
|NVD
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 110: Line 252:
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
* APFSDS has abysmal penetration
+
* APFSDS has abysmal flat penetration for its caliber
 
* Does not have access to APHE
 
* Does not have access to APHE
 
* Armour is identical to the Type 59, does not hold up very well at its rank
 
* Armour is identical to the Type 59, does not hold up very well at its rank
 
* Not particularly mobile
 
* Not particularly mobile
 
* Somewhat long reload
 
* Somewhat long reload
 +
* No sources of smoke available
 
* Can be confused for Soviet tanks at a quick glance
 
* Can be confused for Soviet tanks at a quick glance
  
Line 124: Line 267:
 
After the capture of [[Т-62_545_(China)| a Soviet T-62]], the latest Soviet technology was examined, copied, and implemented into the Type 69, creating the Type 69-I variant. During this time the smoothbore gun was found to be rather unsatisfactory, and Type 69 tanks in Chinese service were often refitted with the same 100mm rifled gun as the Type 59. Further development continued through the 1980s, culminating in the Type 79 series, which incorporated a new 105mm gun and numerous Western technologies.
 
After the capture of [[Т-62_545_(China)| a Soviet T-62]], the latest Soviet technology was examined, copied, and implemented into the Type 69, creating the Type 69-I variant. During this time the smoothbore gun was found to be rather unsatisfactory, and Type 69 tanks in Chinese service were often refitted with the same 100mm rifled gun as the Type 59. Further development continued through the 1980s, culminating in the Type 79 series, which incorporated a new 105mm gun and numerous Western technologies.
  
−
The Type 69 series saw relatively limited service with the PLA but were more popular on the export market, purchased by countries such as Thailand, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Modified Type 69 tanks were still in the inventory of the Iraqi Army during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, though by this point they were no match for modern MBTs.
+
The Type 69 series saw relatively limited service with the PLA but were more popular on the export market, purchased by countries such as Thailand, [[T-69 II G|Bangladesh]], and Myanmar. Modified Type 69 tanks were still in the inventory of the Iraqi Army during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, though by this point they were no match for modern MBTs.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 130: Line 273:
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''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.''-->
 +
 
 +
[[T-69 II G]] - export variant to Bangladesh
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Revision as of 23:54, 27 June 2020

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
Type 69
cn_type_69.png
Type 69
China flag.png China
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
8.0 8.0 8.0
Class:
Research:61 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:340 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage Type 69.jpg


The Type 69 is a rank V Chinese medium tank with a battle rating of 8.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.91 "Night Vision".

At first glance, the Type 69 looks reminiscent of the preceding Type 59. Closer inspection reveals it to be quite an interesting tank. It can be visually differentiated from similar vehicles by the placement of the IR spotlight directly above the gun mantlet (Soviet tanks place the spotlight off to the side), a laser rangefinder next to it, and a unique fume extractor located near the tip of the barrel. It can be thought of as a cross between the Soviet T-55A and T-62. Like the former, it boasts improved mobility and gun handling from the original Type 59/T-54, and like the latter, it has a smoothbore gun firing HEAT-FS and APFSDS rounds. As the product of the PRC's first foray into indigenous technologies, it also boasts night vision, stabilizer, and laser rangefinder systems.

Players coming from the Type 59 will appreciate many of the Type 69's improvements, no longer having to deal with a glacial turret rotation speed, single plane stabilizer, and lack of night vision. However, its firepower is a sidegrade at best. Both tanks can use HEAT-FS, but while the Type 59 could use APHE rounds for instant knockouts against lightly armored tanks like the Leopard 1, the Type 69 has a poor-quality APFSDS round instead. No miracles should be expected from its gun.

General info

Survivability and armour

The armor layout of the Type 69 is virtually identical to the Type 59 and T-54 (1951), with a rounded turret made of cast homogeneous armor and a highly sloped front glacis. While the frontal protection is good in terms of raw values, the Type 69 will face many tanks with powerful subcaliber/HEAT rounds that can penetrate its armor with ease. That said, it confers some resistance to the APHE rounds fired by contemporary Soviet tanks like the T-54/55.

Post-penetration survivability is not optimal as the interior of the tank is cramped and plenty of loose ammunition is stored in the turret and fighting compartment. However, the Type 69 has a "wet" ammo rack next to the driver, which is more resistant to detonation by HEAT rounds.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret roof)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Gun mantlet)
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 100 mm (60°) Front glacis
100 mm (54°) Lower glacis 		80 mm 45 mm (16°) Upper
30 mm (72°) Lower 		30 mm Front
20 mm Back
Turret 160 mm (14-39°) Turret front
200 mm (4-78°) Gun mantlet 		115 mm (45-50°) Upper
155 mm (10-30°) Lower 		65 mm (9-35°) 30 mm

Notes:

  • Suspensions wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick

Mobility

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 56 9 36.5 899 1,107 24.63 30.33
Realistic 51 8 513 580 14.05 15.89

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: Type 69 (100 mm)
100 mm Type 69
Capacity Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance 		Stabilizer
44 -4°/+17° ±180° Two-plane
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade ??? ??? ??? ??? ???
Realistic ??? ??? ??? ??? ???
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
11.1 ??? ??? 8.5

The Type 69 is armed with a 100 mm Type 69 smoothbore cannon equipped with a two-plane stabilizer, capable of firing APFSDS, HEAT-FS, and HE rounds. It reloads 0.1 seconds quicker than the Type 59's rifled gun but this is a negligible improvement.

Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration in mm @ 0° Angle of Attack
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
1-72-85 APFSDS 220 213 193 173 156 140
Type 1973 HEATFS 390 390 390 390 390 390
1-71-74 HE 17 17 17 17 17 17
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
in m/s 		Projectile
Mass in kg 		Fuse delay

in m:

Fuse sensitivity

in mm:

Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent): 		Normalization At 30°
from horizontal: 		Ricochet:
0% 50% 100%
1-72-85 APFSDS 1,505 4.7 N/A N/A N/A  ??? 76° 77° 78°
Type 1973 HEATFS 1,000 10.05 0.0 0.1 1180 +0° 65° 72° 75°
1-71-74 HE 900 15.00 0.1 0.5 1300 +0° 79° 80° 81°

The Type 69's stock rounds are the 1-72-85 APFSDS and the 1-71-74 HE. The APFSDS was at one point the worst round of its type in War Thunder; 220 mm of flat penetration at 10 meters is worse than many AP/APHE rounds. The AUBL/74 HVG's 60 mm APFSDS penetrates more despite having a much lower caliber! It also suffers noticeable dropoff at long distances. However the angled penetration is surprisingly good, topping out at 127 mm @ 60 degrees. For comparison, the T-55A's 3BM25 APFSDS round has far superior flat penetration (up to 335 mm) but only has slightly higher angled penetration (up to 129 mm @ 60 degrees) than the 1-72-85. Penetration aside, it has a good muzzle velocity of 1505 m/s and the post-penetration damage is decent, being an improvement over typical APDS rounds.

The 1-71-74 HE shell is weak and should be ignored. It has a low explosive content and might be able to cause hull-breaks on light targets, but not consistently. Any vehicle with more than paper-thin armor will be immune to it.

The unlockable Type 1973 HEAT-FS is a Tier 1 modification. Familiar to Type 59 users, it has the same penetration performance as the T-55A's 3BK17M HEAT-FS with a lower TNT equivalent and a slightly lower muzzle velocity. 390 mm of flat penetration at any distance is impressive and will slice through almost all tanks lacking special armor types (spaced, reactive, composite). While it lacks the high velocity of the APFSDS and can be detonated by bushes or fences, the HEAT-FS is still good for dealing with heavy targets that the APFSDS can't penetrate. It has slightly less explosive mass than the HE shell but is more consistent at hull-breaking due to its ability to damage internal modules.

Machine guns

Main articles: DShK (12.7 mm), SGMT (7.62 mm)

A 7.62mm SGMT machine gun is mounted coaxially with the main gun and a 12.7 DShK heavy machine gun is mounted on the loader's cupola.

12.7 mm DShK
Pintle mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute) 		Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
250 (50) 600 -10°/+60° ±180°
7.62 mm SGMT
Coaxial mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute) 		Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
3,500 (250) 600 N/A N/A

The DShK is useful against enemy helicopters if they get too close. It can also penetrate lightly armored targets like certain SPAAs or light tanks.

Usage in battles

The Type 69 is somewhat paradoxical. Its laser rangefinder and smoothbore cannon may suggest that it is a good sniper, but the poor penetration of its 1-72-85 APFSDS makes it difficult to pick off well-protected targets from afar. Meanwhile its two-plane stabilizer, improved engine, and faster turret rotation speed are more suitable for an offensive role, though it lacks the APHE enjoyed by the comparable T-55A for instant knockouts.

Terrible APFSDS is still APFSDS, and it does the job against against lightly armored opponents like the Leopard I and AMX-30. For US or Soviet medium tanks, shooting the hull can work at closer distances. When fighting more resilient targets, such as those that are hull down with good turret armor, the Type 1973 HEAT-FS is a better choice. Take advantage of the laser rangefinder to accurately deliver the HEAT-FS rounds at long distances.

The post-penetration damage of the APFSDS and HEAT-FS are somewhat punctual, so effort should be taken to aim for ammo racks or catch as many crew members as possible in the line of fire. This is especially important since the Type 69's reload is rather sluggish and a damaged target could retreat or retaliate before a follow up shot is ready.

Mobility wise, the Type 69 is about the same as the T-55A. While not agonizing, it certainly won't be the first tank to arrive on the battlefield. Note that the reverse speed of -7 km/h is rather poor and it lacks neutral steering, so be careful about overextending.

Overall the Type 69 is a versatile tank, having tools for most situations at hand and no major weaknesses, though conversely it is not exceptional in any regard. It is best used as a flexible combatant, capable of flanking, pushing aggressively, or sniping as the situation demands. Stay close to teammates and avoid engaging multiple opponents at the same time. Caution should be paid to its substandard mobility, slow reload, and sometimes finicky ammunition.

Modules

Tier Mobility Protection Firepower
I Tracks Parts Horizontal Drive Type 1973 HEAT-FS
II Suspension Brake System FPE Adjustment of Fire
III Filters Crew Replenishment Elevation Mechanism
IV Transmission Engine Artillery Support Laser rangefinder NVD

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • One of the earliest tanks in the game with APFSDS rounds
  • APFSDS comes stock
  • Has a two-plane stabilizer
  • Access to night vision and a laser rangefinder
  • Improved engine, turret rotation speed, and ammunition capacity compared to the Type 59
  • Top mounted heavy machine gun is useful against aircraft
  • Wet ammo storage

Cons:

  • APFSDS has abysmal flat penetration for its caliber
  • Does not have access to APHE
  • Armour is identical to the Type 59, does not hold up very well at its rank
  • Not particularly mobile
  • Somewhat long reload
  • No sources of smoke available
  • Can be confused for Soviet tanks at a quick glance

History

After the Sino-Soviet split, the People's Republic of China was no longer able to receive military technical help from the Soviet Union. The Type 59, a licensed copy of the T-54A, was the the most advanced medium tank available to the PLA, but after a few years it became apparent that upgrades were necessary to keep up with the rapidly advancing technology of the time. The PLA ordered the development of a new "Type 69" tank in 1963 and the first prototype was manufactured in 1966; however, the beginning of the Cultural Revolution in 1966 and the ensuing purges impeded further development of the tank. The early Type 69 featured a smoothbore cannon, IR searchlight, laser rangefinder, and a new engine.

After the capture of a Soviet T-62, the latest Soviet technology was examined, copied, and implemented into the Type 69, creating the Type 69-I variant. During this time the smoothbore gun was found to be rather unsatisfactory, and Type 69 tanks in Chinese service were often refitted with the same 100mm rifled gun as the Type 59. Further development continued through the 1980s, culminating in the Type 79 series, which incorporated a new 105mm gun and numerous Western technologies.

The Type 69 series saw relatively limited service with the PLA but were more popular on the export market, purchased by countries such as Thailand, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Modified Type 69 tanks were still in the inventory of the Iraqi Army during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, though by this point they were no match for modern MBTs.

Media

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

See also

T-69 II G - export variant to Bangladesh

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the tank;
  • 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

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