Type 63

Type 63

␗M18 GMC

Type 62

Type 63

␗M18 GMC

Type 62

China

IV Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
6.3	6.3	6.3

Class:

Light tank

Research:63 000

Purchase:200 000

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Description

The Type 63 is a rank IV Chinese light tank with a battle rating of 6.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.91 "Night Vision".

General info

Survivability and 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.

Mobility

Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forward and backwards.

Armaments

Main armament

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: {{main|Name of the weapon}}. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Advise about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.

Additional armament

Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.

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.

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:

• Same 85mm gun as the Type 62, more powerful and less frustrating to use than that of the preceding PT-76
• Has access to 300mm penetration HEAT-FS, excellent for the battle rating
• 4 crew members
• Improved mobility from the PT-76
• Can scout and assist with repairs

Cons:

• No stabilizer, firing on the move or on water is difficult
• Very thin armor, turret armor is even worse than the PT-76
• Slow turret traverse and elevation/depression speeds
• Slow reload
• No night vision devices
• May be confused for the PT-76 at a glance

History

The Soviet Union delivered PT-76 tanks to the People's Republic of China in the 1950s. Their light weight and amphibious capability were appreciated by the PLA, and in 1958 an order was placed for the development of an indigenous vehicle in the same vein. While resembling the PT-76, the Type 63 tanks featured notable differences, such as a new engine, a relocated driver's station, and a new turret with an 85mm gun. Overall dimensions were slightly enlarged for extra flotation.

The improved Type 63-I variant boasted a more powerful engine. Additional upgrades were developed over the years, and in the late 1990s the ultimate Type 63A variant entered service, featuring a new turret, a 105mm gun, and modern fire control systems.

Media

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

See also

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• reference to the series of the vehicles;
• links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

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• topic on the official game forum;
• encyclopedia page on the tank;
• other literature.