Difference between revisions of "ZTZ99-II"

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{{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.'' -->
Like the [[T-80U]], the ZTZ99 uses both composite armor and advanced ERA with kinetic protection. Composite armor is present on the turret cheeks and on the upper glacis; it is unremarkable by itself, but the areas with full coverage of both composite armor and FY-4 ERA are even capable of resisting the [[Leopard 2A6]]'s DM53 APFSDS. Unfortunately, these areas are limited to the turret cheeks and lower portion of the upper glacis.  
+
Like the [[T-80U]], the ZTZ99 uses both composite armour and advanced ERA with kinetic protection. Composite armour is present on the turret cheeks and on the upper glacis; it is unremarkable by itself, but the areas with full coverage of both composite armour and FY-4 ERA are even capable of resisting the [[Leopard 2A6]]'s DM53 APFSDS. Unfortunately, these areas are limited to the turret cheeks and lower portion of the upper glacis. Interestingly, the ERA is resistant to tandem charge warheads, which allows it to withstand ATGMs that other ERA equipped vehicles can't.  
  
There are plenty of weak spots on the hull. First, the lower glacis has no composite armor or ERA whatsoever and can be penetrated by practically anything, and it also is proportionally larger than on Soviet MBTs. Penetrating shots there have a large chance of detonating the ammo in the autoloader and destroying the tank. The upper glacis composite armor is modeled with a curiously large cutout for the driver's optics, as on the Soviet T-64/72 series, and even the FY-4 ERA there is not enough to save it from powerful APFSDS. Some small portions of the upper glacis are not covered by ERA either.  
+
There are plenty of weak spots on the hull. First, the lower glacis has no composite armour or ERA whatsoever and can be penetrated by practically anything, and it also is proportionally larger than on Soviet MBTs. Penetrating shots there have a large chance of detonating the ammo in the autoloader and destroying the tank. The upper glacis composite armour is modeled with a curiously large cutout for the driver's optics, as on the Soviet T-64/72 series, and even the FY-4 ERA there is not enough to save it from powerful APFSDS. Some small portions of the upper glacis are not covered by ERA either.  
  
The turret has its fair share of weak spots as well. The gun mantlet area has no composite armor and penetrating shots will usually take out the gun breech and possibly a crew member. There is a cutout in the ERA array on the left cheek to allow the driver to enter and exit the tank that reduces the protection there. Lastly, this vehicle is an early production ZTZ99 that features a round, cast steel "forehead" on top of the turret, merging into the gunner and commander cupolas. This forehead has inadequate protection against APFSDS rounds and penetrating shots might take out the gunner or commander. Since no ammunition is stored in the turret, frontal turret penetrations will likely only take out one crew member at a time.
+
The turret has its fair share of weak spots as well. The gun mantlet area has no composite armour and penetrating shots will usually take out the gun breech and possibly a crew member. There is a cutout in the ERA array on the left cheek to allow the driver to enter and exit the tank that reduces the protection there. Lastly, this vehicle is an early production ZTZ99 that features a round, cast steel "forehead" on top of the turret, merging into the gunner and commander cupolas. This forehead has inadequate protection against APFSDS rounds and penetrating shots might take out the gunner or commander. Since no ammunition is stored in the turret, frontal turret penetrations will likely only take out one crew member at a time.
  
The ZTZ99 does not have any ERA on the hull sides and the base hull side armor of 50 mm is thinner than Soviet MBTs, so be careful of IFVs with autocannons. Successful hits to the side will usually total the tank, either detonating the ammo racks or knocking out the turret crew.
+
The ZTZ99 does not have any ERA on the hull sides and the base hull side armour of 50 mm is thinner than Soviet MBTs, so be careful of IFVs with autocannons. Successful hits to the side will usually total the tank, either detonating the ammo racks or knocking out the turret crew.
  
The ZTZ99's armor protection has enough gaps that it can be considered "trolly" as opposed to "well-protected", but the areas that are well-protected are very strong. It's best to stay at long range and utilize the ZTZ99's low profile in conjunction with cover to make it difficult for enemies to hit the weak spots. Putting some bushes near the driver's hatch or gun mantlet might help. Remember that ERA is destroyed upon absorbing fire and the composite armor alone does not have sufficient protection for a top-tier vehicle.
+
The ZTZ99's armour protection has enough gaps that it can be considered "trolly" as opposed to "well-protected", but the areas that are well-protected are very strong. It's best to stay at long range and utilize the ZTZ99's low profile in conjunction with cover to make it difficult for enemies to hit the weak spots. Putting some bushes near the driver's hatch or gun mantlet might help. Remember that ERA is destroyed upon absorbing fire and the composite armour alone does not have sufficient protection for a top-tier vehicle.
  
 
As a last note, an active protection system is physically modeled on the left side of the turret roof, but it is currently not implemented in War Thunder. The ZTZ99 does not have the capability to spoof ATGMs like the [[T-90A]].
 
As a last note, an active protection system is physically modeled on the left side of the turret roof, but it is currently not implemented in War Thunder. The ZTZ99 does not have the capability to spoof ATGMs like the [[T-90A]].
  
'''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  
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
 
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
 
 
 
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
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|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
 
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
 
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
+
<!--Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1860|rbMinHp=1061}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1860|rbMinHp=1061}}
  
The ZTZ99's mobility is below average for a top tier vehicle. The power-to-weight ratio is only better than the [[Challenger 2]] and is comparable to the [[Ariete PSO]]. It is quite fast in a straight line and across rough terrain, but it does not have neutral steering and the reverse speed of 5 km/h is truly abysmal. The ZTZ99 can get into battle reasonably quickly but does not excel at flanking and will struggle to retreat from sticky situations.
+
The ZTZ99's mobility is below average for a top tier vehicle. The power-to-weight ratio is only better than the [[Challenger 2]] and is comparable to the [[Ariete PSO]]. Though it is quite fast in a straight line, it does need a considerable long time to pick up speed especially when stock or across rough terrain. It also does not have neutral steering, and the reverse speed of 5 km/h is truly abysmal. The ZTZ99 can get into battle reasonably quickly but does not excel at flanking and will struggle to retreat from sticky situations.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 39 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+13° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 28.6 || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | 7.50 || rowspan="2" | 7.50 || rowspan="2" | 7.50 || rowspan="2" | 7.50
+
| rowspan="2" | 39 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+13° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 28.6 ||39.5||48.0||53.1||56.5|| rowspan="2" | 7.50 || rowspan="2" | 7.50 || rowspan="2" | 7.50 || rowspan="2" | 7.50
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
| 17.9 || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 17.9 ||21.0||25.5||28.2||30.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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Reload time aside, the ZTZ99's firepower is good. Most of its ammunition selections are identical to the ZTZ96 series.
 
Reload time aside, the ZTZ99's firepower is good. Most of its ammunition selections are identical to the ZTZ96 series.
  
The stock DTP-125 HEAT-FS round has the typical penetration of 480 mm shared by Western MBTs with 120 mm guns, but this is not enough to deal with tanks with composite armor, which are the norm at the ZTZ99's battle rating. The post-penetration damage is also disappointing. Only use it as an interim shell before APFSDS is unlocked. It is capable of hull-breaking light targets like SPAAs and light tanks, so keep an eye out for those.
+
The stock DTP-125 HEAT-FS round has the typical penetration of 480 mm shared by Western MBTs with 120 mm guns, but this is not enough to deal with tanks with composite armour, which are the norm at the ZTZ99's battle rating. The post-penetration damage is also disappointing. Only use it as an interim shell before APFSDS is unlocked. It is capable of hull-breaking light targets like SPAAs and light tanks, so keep an eye out for those.
  
 
The stock DTB-125 HE shell is once again the strongest of any top-tier MBT. It can actually cause more damage than the HEAT-FS round if fired at turret rings, hull roofs, and turret cupolas. The first two may detonate ammo racks stored in the hull (commonplace for the Leopard 2 series, for example) or at least cripple the target through damage to the turret drive, driver, and gun barrel. Hitting the commander's cupola or optics is difficult but has the potential to one-shot even the toughest MBTs like the [[Leopard 2A6]]. It helps to keep a few HE rounds around even after APFSDS is unlocked, as they excel at hull-breaking light targets.
 
The stock DTB-125 HE shell is once again the strongest of any top-tier MBT. It can actually cause more damage than the HEAT-FS round if fired at turret rings, hull roofs, and turret cupolas. The first two may detonate ammo racks stored in the hull (commonplace for the Leopard 2 series, for example) or at least cripple the target through damage to the turret drive, driver, and gun barrel. Hitting the commander's cupola or optics is difficult but has the potential to one-shot even the toughest MBTs like the [[Leopard 2A6]]. It helps to keep a few HE rounds around even after APFSDS is unlocked, as they excel at hull-breaking light targets.
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The 125-I APFSDS round is a Tier 1 modification. Though it first appeared on the 9.3 [[ZTZ96]], it is still a decent option for the ZTZ99 and eases the stock grind considerably. It has very similar flat penetration and superior angled penetration to the top 3BM42 "Mango" round used by the [[T-80U]] and can penetrate most tanks through at least the lower front plate and gun breech.
 
The 125-I APFSDS round is a Tier 1 modification. Though it first appeared on the 9.3 [[ZTZ96]], it is still a decent option for the ZTZ99 and eases the stock grind considerably. It has very similar flat penetration and superior angled penetration to the top 3BM42 "Mango" round used by the [[T-80U]] and can penetrate most tanks through at least the lower front plate and gun breech.
  
Waiting at Tier 4 is the DTW-125 APFSDS round. It is highly lethal and very similar in performance to the Leclerc's OFL 120 F1, having high flat and angled penetration. The performance is not sufficient to break through the turret cheeks of heavily armored MBTs like the [[M1A2 Abrams]], [[Leopard 2A5]]/[[Leopard 2A6|2A6]], and [[Challenger 2]], but other MBTs may be vulnerable. It will comfortably penetrate any tank's hull armor and the higher mass compared to the 125-I round produces somewhat more spalling.
+
Waiting at Tier 4 is the DTW-125 APFSDS round. It is highly lethal and very similar in performance to the Leclerc's OFL 120 F1, having high flat and angled penetration. The performance is not sufficient to break through the turret cheeks of heavily armoured MBTs like the [[M1A2 Abrams]], [[Leopard 2A5]]/[[Leopard 2A6|2A6]], and [[Challenger 2]], but other MBTs may be vulnerable. It will comfortably penetrate any tank's hull armour and the higher mass compared to the 125-I round produces somewhat more spalling.
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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Unlike top Soviet MBTs, the ZTZ99 does not have access to gun-launched ATGMs, making it more difficult to swat helicopters or low-flying aircraft from the sky. Stay within the coverage of friendly SPAA vehicles like the [[ZPRK 2S6|Tunguska]] if possible, and if no support is available, use the smoke grenades and engine smoke system to hide.
 
Unlike top Soviet MBTs, the ZTZ99 does not have access to gun-launched ATGMs, making it more difficult to swat helicopters or low-flying aircraft from the sky. Stay within the coverage of friendly SPAA vehicles like the [[ZPRK 2S6|Tunguska]] if possible, and if no support is available, use the smoke grenades and engine smoke system to hide.
 
As of [[Update "Hot Tracks"]], it is important to remember that the ZTZ99 currently has no supporting ground lineup. The most competent backup tank is the [[ZTZ96A]] with decent firepower and thermal sights, but that is a whole battle rating lower and suffers at top tier due to its inadequate mobility and armor. SPAA is sorely lacking since the most advanced option is the [[WZ305]], which does not have a radar and has worn out its welcome against supersonic jets with air-to-ground missiles. Consider stocking up on backup vehicles for the ZTZ99. For close air support, options include the [[F-104G (China)|F-104G]], [[Q-5A]], and [[F-100A (China)|F-100A]], but be aware that top tier battlefields are often strewn with SAMs and other potent SPAA vehicles.
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Powerful firepower: has access to high-penetrating APFSDS with great velocity and damage
+
* Powerful firepower:  
* DTW-125 APFSDS is more powerful than any Soviet offering
+
** Has access to high-penetrating APFSDS with great velocity and damage
* Nice frontal protection: sturdy turret cheeks and upper front plate, can resist common shells such as DM53
+
** DTW-125 APFSDS is more powerful than any Soviet offering
* HE shell is currently the most powerful available to any high-rank MBT, can cripple or outright destroy enemies with a good shot
+
** HE shell is currently the most powerful available to any high-rank MBT, can cripple or outright destroy enemies with a good shot
 +
** High resolution thermal sights for both commander and gunner give it some advantage in poor visibility conditions
 +
** Autoloader reloads the cannon even when putting out fires or replacing crew members
 +
** Roof-mounted heavy machine gun is useful against low-flying aircraft and light targets
 +
* Good armour:
 +
** Nice frontal protection: sturdy turret cheeks and upper front plate, can resist common shells
 +
** ERA is immune to tandem-charged warheads
 
* Low profile
 
* Low profile
* ERA is immune to tandem-charged warheads
 
* Roof-mounted heavy machine gun is useful against aircraft and light targets
 
* Thermal sights for both commander and gunner give it some advantages in poor visibility conditions
 
* Autoloader reloads the cannon even when putting out fires or replacing crew members
 
 
* Has a laser warning receiver
 
* Has a laser warning receiver
* Improved mobility over predecessor ZTZ96
+
* Improved mobility over preceding ZTZ96A with faster acceleration and higher top speed
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Has a huge driver's weakspot that can be penetrated by pretty much any gun
+
* Large weakspots:
* Right side of the gun mantlet (when facing the ZTZ99) only has a thin armour sheet rather than ERA protection, lowering its thickness significantly
+
** Has a huge driver's weak spot that can be penetrated by pretty much any gun
* Lower plate is very weak, with penetrating shells killing crew or exploding ammo
+
** Weak gun mantlet, very easy to disable gun breech
* Ineffectual reverse speed of only -4 km/h, which can usually get the player killed
+
** Right side of the gun mantlet (when facing the ZTZ99) only has thin armour sheet rather than ERA, lowering its thickness significantly
* Below average gun depression of -5° limits its capacity in hilly environments
+
** Lower plate is very weak, with penetrating shells killing crew or exploding ammo
 +
* Poor mobility:
 +
** Ineffectual reverse speed of only -5 km/h, makes it difficult to reverse and repair or escape dangerous situations
 +
** Due to the long hull, hull traverse speed is slow especially when stock or on loose surfaces
 +
* Turret ERA offers low KE protection
 
* Only 3 crew members
 
* Only 3 crew members
* No ATGM capability, unlike the T-64B and T-72B
+
* Poor gun depression of -5° limits its capacity in hilly environments
* Relatively slow reload of 7.5 seconds compared to other MBT
+
* No ATGM capability, unlike similar Soviet tanks
* Turret ERA give very low KE protection
+
* Relatively slow reload of 7.5 seconds compared to other MBTs
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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;Skins
 
;Skins
 +
 
[https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=china&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=cn_ztz_99 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
[https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=china&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=cn_ztz_99 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  

Revision as of 06:55, 23 March 2021

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
ZTZ99-II
cn_ztz_99.png
GarageImage ZTZ99-II.jpg
ZTZ99-II
AB RB SB
10.7 10.7 10.7
Class:
Research:300 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:830 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The ZhuangJia Tanke ZhuZhan 99 Stage II is a rank VII Chinese medium tank with a battle rating of 10.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "Hot Tracks".

Also known as the Type 99, the ZTZ99 is perhaps the most famous Chinese main battle tank. It looks similar to the ZTZ96A at a quick glance, with similar "arrowhead" ERA arrays on the front turret, but the dimensions are larger and the hull layout is more similar to the Soviet T-72. The ZTZ99 boasts great firepower, good protection, excellent thermal sights, and improved engine power in addition to nifty features like a laser warning system and thermal sights for the commander. Notable weaknesses include substandard mobility, slow reload, numerous weak spots, and the lack of a supporting lineup, but these are not new to Chinese tankers in War Thunder. The ZTZ99 presents an iconic and long-awaited tank to cap off the PLA ground forces line.

General info

Survivability and armour

ERA
Effective action against the cumulative ammunition
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
LWS
Notifies about the vehicle's exposure to laser emissions
Armourfront / side / back
Hull80 / 50 / 45
Turret220 / 45 / 35
Crew3 people
Visibility75 %

Like the T-80U, the ZTZ99 uses both composite armour and advanced ERA with kinetic protection. Composite armour is present on the turret cheeks and on the upper glacis; it is unremarkable by itself, but the areas with full coverage of both composite armour and FY-4 ERA are even capable of resisting the Leopard 2A6's DM53 APFSDS. Unfortunately, these areas are limited to the turret cheeks and lower portion of the upper glacis. Interestingly, the ERA is resistant to tandem charge warheads, which allows it to withstand ATGMs that other ERA equipped vehicles can't.

There are plenty of weak spots on the hull. First, the lower glacis has no composite armour or ERA whatsoever and can be penetrated by practically anything, and it also is proportionally larger than on Soviet MBTs. Penetrating shots there have a large chance of detonating the ammo in the autoloader and destroying the tank. The upper glacis composite armour is modeled with a curiously large cutout for the driver's optics, as on the Soviet T-64/72 series, and even the FY-4 ERA there is not enough to save it from powerful APFSDS. Some small portions of the upper glacis are not covered by ERA either.

The turret has its fair share of weak spots as well. The gun mantlet area has no composite armour and penetrating shots will usually take out the gun breech and possibly a crew member. There is a cutout in the ERA array on the left cheek to allow the driver to enter and exit the tank that reduces the protection there. Lastly, this vehicle is an early production ZTZ99 that features a round, cast steel "forehead" on top of the turret, merging into the gunner and commander cupolas. This forehead has inadequate protection against APFSDS rounds and penetrating shots might take out the gunner or commander. Since no ammunition is stored in the turret, frontal turret penetrations will likely only take out one crew member at a time.

The ZTZ99 does not have any ERA on the hull sides and the base hull side armour of 50 mm is thinner than Soviet MBTs, so be careful of IFVs with autocannons. Successful hits to the side will usually total the tank, either detonating the ammo racks or knocking out the turret crew.

The ZTZ99's armour protection has enough gaps that it can be considered "trolly" as opposed to "well-protected", but the areas that are well-protected are very strong. It's best to stay at long range and utilize the ZTZ99's low profile in conjunction with cover to make it difficult for enemies to hit the weak spots. Putting some bushes near the driver's hatch or gun mantlet might help. Remember that ERA is destroyed upon absorbing fire and the composite armour alone does not have sufficient protection for a top-tier vehicle.

As a last note, an active protection system is physically modeled on the left side of the turret roof, but it is currently not implemented in War Thunder. The ZTZ99 does not have the capability to spoof ATGMs like the T-90A.


Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB73 / 6 km/h
RB and SB65 / 5 km/h
Number of gears7 forward
1 back
Weight51.0 t
Engine power
AB2 290 hp
RB and SB1 200 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB44.9 hp/t
RB and SB23.5 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 73 6 51 1860 2,290 36.47 44.9
Realistic 65 5 1061 1,200 20.8 23.53

The ZTZ99's mobility is below average for a top tier vehicle. The power-to-weight ratio is only better than the Challenger 2 and is comparable to the Ariete PSO. Though it is quite fast in a straight line, it does need a considerable long time to pick up speed especially when stock or across rough terrain. It also does not have neutral steering, and the reverse speed of 5 km/h is truly abysmal. The ZTZ99 can get into battle reasonably quickly but does not excel at flanking and will struggle to retreat from sticky situations.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 216 → 6 657 Sl icon.png
RB4 147 → 6 548 Sl icon.png
SB4 878 → 7 702 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications243 500 Rp icon.png
408 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 900 Ge icon.png
Crew training240 000 Sl icon.png
Experts830 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 140 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 200 / 230 % Sl icon.png
238 / 238 / 238 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement cn.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
125mm_china_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods counterMeasures.png
LWS/LR
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
125mm_china_ATGM_ammo_pack
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
125mm_china_DTW_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
125mm_china_HE_VT_ammo_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Autoloader
Automatically feeds projectiles into the breech. The speed does not depend on the skills of the loader
Ammunition39 rounds
First-order22 rounds
Reload7.1 s
Vertical guidance-6° / 14°
Main article: ZPT98 (125 mm)

The ZPT98 cannon is a 125 mm cannon with an autoloader, much like the 2A46 cannon used by the T-72 or the Type 88C cannon used by the ZTZ96, but it is 50 calibers long instead of 48. The reload speed of 7.5 seconds is the slowest of any top-rank vehicle, so destroying or crippling enemies in one shot is important. The gun handling is the same as the ZTZ96 series, being slightly better than most Soviet MBTs barring the T-72B3 but still lower than most Western MBTs.

125 mm ZPT98 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 39 -5°/+13° ±180° Two-plane 28.6 39.5 48.0 53.1 56.5 7.50 7.50 7.50 7.50
Realistic 17.9 21.0 25.5 28.2 30.0

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
DTP-125 HEATFS 480 480 480 480 480 480
DTB-125 HE 45 45 45 45 45 45
125-I APFSDS 466 464 458 450 442 434
DTW-125 APFSDS 568 566 558 549 538 529
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
Mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
DTP-125 HEATFS 905 18 0.05 0.1 2,190 65° 72° 77°
DTB-125 HE 850 23 0.00 0.1 5,460 79° 80° 81°
125-I APFSDS 1730 4.02 N/A N/A N/A 78° 80° 81°
DTW-125 APFSDS 1730 4.83 N/A N/A N/A 78° 80° 81°

Reload time aside, the ZTZ99's firepower is good. Most of its ammunition selections are identical to the ZTZ96 series.

The stock DTP-125 HEAT-FS round has the typical penetration of 480 mm shared by Western MBTs with 120 mm guns, but this is not enough to deal with tanks with composite armour, which are the norm at the ZTZ99's battle rating. The post-penetration damage is also disappointing. Only use it as an interim shell before APFSDS is unlocked. It is capable of hull-breaking light targets like SPAAs and light tanks, so keep an eye out for those.

The stock DTB-125 HE shell is once again the strongest of any top-tier MBT. It can actually cause more damage than the HEAT-FS round if fired at turret rings, hull roofs, and turret cupolas. The first two may detonate ammo racks stored in the hull (commonplace for the Leopard 2 series, for example) or at least cripple the target through damage to the turret drive, driver, and gun barrel. Hitting the commander's cupola or optics is difficult but has the potential to one-shot even the toughest MBTs like the Leopard 2A6. It helps to keep a few HE rounds around even after APFSDS is unlocked, as they excel at hull-breaking light targets.

The 125-I APFSDS round is a Tier 1 modification. Though it first appeared on the 9.3 ZTZ96, it is still a decent option for the ZTZ99 and eases the stock grind considerably. It has very similar flat penetration and superior angled penetration to the top 3BM42 "Mango" round used by the T-80U and can penetrate most tanks through at least the lower front plate and gun breech.

Waiting at Tier 4 is the DTW-125 APFSDS round. It is highly lethal and very similar in performance to the Leclerc's OFL 120 F1, having high flat and angled penetration. The performance is not sufficient to break through the turret cheeks of heavily armoured MBTs like the M1A2 Abrams, Leopard 2A5/2A6, and Challenger 2, but other MBTs may be vulnerable. It will comfortably penetrate any tank's hull armour and the higher mass compared to the 125-I round produces somewhat more spalling.

Ammo racks

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

Machine guns

Ammunition600 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reload5.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Vertical guidance-6° / 85°
Ammunition2 500 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reload8.0 s
Fire rate700 shots/min
12.7 mm QJC88A
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 500 (150) 700 -5°/+60° ±180°
7.62 mm Type 86
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 2500 (250) 700 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The ZTZ99's main weaknesses are poor mobility characteristics and inconsistent protection, so to mitigate these, it is best used as a sniper or midfielder. Carefully move up to positions that offer cover and a good view. Once in position, the ZTZ99's strengths can be put to good use. The laser warning system and high-quality thermal sights for the commander give the ZTZ99 a large degree of situational awareness, allowing enemies to be spotted and engaged quickly. Try to attack enemies from a distance and while they are in the open; in this situation they will have difficulty targeting the weak points of the ZTZ99 while the ZTZ99 typically only needs to shoot their hull when using the top DTW-125 APFSDS. Be aware of the slow reload, which is up to 50% slower than other top MBTs. If a target is still capable of returning fire after being hit (e.g. gunner, gun breech, turret drive are intact), it might be better to move to cover and wait for teammates to distract or attack them. Move up when the coast is clear but do not overextend, it is difficult to back out from a bad position due to the bad reverse speed and in the meantime enemies can fire plenty of shots at the ZTZ99.

Unlike top Soviet MBTs, the ZTZ99 does not have access to gun-launched ATGMs, making it more difficult to swat helicopters or low-flying aircraft from the sky. Stay within the coverage of friendly SPAA vehicles like the Tunguska if possible, and if no support is available, use the smoke grenades and engine smoke system to hide.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful firepower:
    • Has access to high-penetrating APFSDS with great velocity and damage
    • DTW-125 APFSDS is more powerful than any Soviet offering
    • HE shell is currently the most powerful available to any high-rank MBT, can cripple or outright destroy enemies with a good shot
    • High resolution thermal sights for both commander and gunner give it some advantage in poor visibility conditions
    • Autoloader reloads the cannon even when putting out fires or replacing crew members
    • Roof-mounted heavy machine gun is useful against low-flying aircraft and light targets
  • Good armour:
    • Nice frontal protection: sturdy turret cheeks and upper front plate, can resist common shells
    • ERA is immune to tandem-charged warheads
  • Low profile
  • Has a laser warning receiver
  • Improved mobility over preceding ZTZ96A with faster acceleration and higher top speed

Cons:

  • Large weakspots:
    • Has a huge driver's weak spot that can be penetrated by pretty much any gun
    • Weak gun mantlet, very easy to disable gun breech
    • Right side of the gun mantlet (when facing the ZTZ99) only has thin armour sheet rather than ERA, lowering its thickness significantly
    • Lower plate is very weak, with penetrating shells killing crew or exploding ammo
  • Poor mobility:
    • Ineffectual reverse speed of only -5 km/h, makes it difficult to reverse and repair or escape dangerous situations
    • Due to the long hull, hull traverse speed is slow especially when stock or on loose surfaces
  • Turret ERA offers low KE protection
  • Only 3 crew members
  • Poor gun depression of -5° limits its capacity in hilly environments
  • No ATGM capability, unlike similar Soviet tanks
  • Relatively slow reload of 7.5 seconds compared to other MBTs

History

Devblog

Development of the ZTZ99 began in the mid 1980s, with Chinese engineers starting work on a new advanced main battle tank to replace the existing vehicles in service at the time. After examining possible design proposals, the engineers decided to proceed with a design similar to that of the Soviet T-72 tank.

By 1991, the first prototype of the vehicle was constructed and demonstrated to high-ranking officials, followed by the construction of additional prototypes in the following year. In the early to mid 1990s, the prototypes underwent testing and were continuously improved over time. In the late 1990's, further pre-production prototypes were built and transferred to the army for final testing.

The ZTZ99 was first shown off to the public as part of the military parade commemorating the 50th anniversary of the People's Republic of China in October 1999. Soon after, the ZTZ99 was officially adopted for service with the PLA in late 2000.

Several years after its first introduction to service, the ZTZ99 received an upgrade package, allowing the vehicle to be fitted with additional FY-4 ERA, thus bolstering its protection significantly. Although initially intended to become China's primary MBT, the high cost hindered large-scale production, resulting in only about 500 vehicles being manufactured. However, due to the tank's advanced design and relatively small numbers, ZTZ99s are exclusively employed by China's elite armoured units.

The ZTZ99 remained in production until the early 2010s, before production capacities were allocated to the more advanced ZTZ99A - a highly modernized variant of the ZTZ99.

Media

Skins

Skins and camouflages for the ZTZ99-II from live.warthunder.com.

Images
Videos

See also

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;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


China medium tanks
ZTZ59  Type 59 · ZTZ59A · ZTZ59D1
ZTZ69  Type 69 · Type 69-IIa · T-69 II G
ZTZ88/96  ZTZ88A · ZTZ88B
  ZTZ96 · ZTZ96A · ZTZ96A (P)
ZTZ99  ZTZ99-II · ZTZ99-III
ZTZ99A  ZTZ99A · WZ1001(E) LCT
Export series  MBT2000 · VT-4A1
ROC  CM11
Other  Т-34-85 Gai · Object 122MT "MC"
Japan  ␗Chi-Ha · ␗Chi-Ha Kai
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