China demonstrates stability of Type 15 tank gun.

China’s Type 15 tank recently participated in a challenge aiming at demonstrating its very high accuracy and stability.

Type 15 light tank in a live demonstration at China AirShow, Zhuhai, in November 2018 (Picture source: Army Recognition)

For this challenge, a Type 15 tank had to hold a 30-mm shell, which weighs 400 grams and is 160 mm long, on the tip of its main gun and accelerate to a speed of 40 km/h while also making turns and treading through uneven terrains, Weihutang, a column on military affairs affiliated with China Central Television (CCTV), reported on Monday, Feb.3. The shell did not fall off during the challenge, according to the report, meaning the tank gun was very stable and always pointed at its target despite the heavy movement of the tank. Amazing, indeed…

The Type 15 tank, also named VT-5 or ZTQ-15, is a third-generation lightweight battle tank designed and manufactured by NORINCO (China North Industries Corporation). It is a replacement for the antiquated Type 62 light tank introduced in 1963. The VT5 was unveiled to the public during the Zhuhai AirShow in November 2016. According to NORINCO engineers, the VT5 was developed for the export market.

On December 27, 2018, the spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense Wu Qian announced that the new Type 15 lightweight tank was commissioned by China's army. It made its public debut during China’s National Day military parade on October 1, 2019. As a lightweight tank, it is significantly lighter than the Type 96 and Type 99A. The VT5 has a weight from 33 to 36 tons depending on the armor fitted to the tank. With this weight, the tank offers more mobility than a standard main battle tank offering the same level of firepower. The power-to-weight ratio is between 27 and 30 hp/ton depending on the armor package. This tank can be used in mountain areas and operate on terrains that are inaccessible to standard main battle tanks which a weight of around 50 tons like the ZTZ99. Last January, some Type 15 tanks were deployed in the plateau areas of Tibet. A Type 15 tank has also been seen in jungle camouflage, which indicates the tank could be used in China’s mountainous southern areas.

The Type 15 or ZTQ-15, The Type 15's 105mm rifled gun is superior to the 105mm gun (Type 94) fitted on Type 88 and Type 59 tanks. When firing 105 mm armor-piercing shells, it is capable to effectively penetrate the main battle tanks in service in various countries and regions located south and southwest of China. Type 15 features good battlefield awareness, strong information capabilities and high maneuverability.