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Land ForcesChina

Type 79 (Type 69-III)

Main battle tankFielded 1982Pending verification
Land ForcesCHN
Length 6.24 m
Identification silhouette. Not drawn to scale between entries.
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeMain battle tank
Date of introduction1982
ProliferationOrigin country only
ManufacturerFirst Inner Mongolia Machinery Factory (Inner Mongolia First Machinery Group Corporation)Med[1]
Crew4Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Length6.24 m20 ftMed[1]
Width3.31 m11 ftMed[1]
Height2.4 m8 ftMed[1]
Combat weight37.5 tMed[1]
Automotive performance
EngineModel 12150L-7BWMed[1]
Engine power730 hpMed[1]
Cruising range430 km267 mi · 232 nmiMed[1]
Max road speed50 km/h31 mph · 27 ktMed[1]
Fording depthUnprepared: .8m; Prepared: 1.4m; With Snorkel: 5mMed[1]
Protection
Hull Armor303 mmMed[1]
Applique ArmorCapableMed[1]
Explosive reactive armorCapableMed[1]
NBC ProtectionOverpressure systemMed[1]
Smoke Equipment4 x electronic launchers on each side of the turretMed[1]
Armament
Elevation-4 degrees to 18 degreesMed[1]
Main armamentType 83-1, 105 mmMed[1]
Secondary armament1 x PK 7.62mm General-Purpose Machine Gun; 1 x Type 54 (DShKM)Med[1]
Fire control
Computerized FCSBallistic ComputerMed[1]
Thermal Sight Tank CommanderYesMed[1]
Thermal Sight GunnerYesMed[1]
Range FinderLaserMed[1]
Variants
Type 79-IThis designation was given to the late production vehicles that were equipped with a more powerful 730 hp diesel engine.[1]
Type 79-IIThis is an improved variant that has been reportedly fitted with a new fire-control system, which has the laser rangefinder integrated into the gunner's sight, rather than mounted externally over the 105-mm gun. An expor[1]
Summary

The Type 79 is a Chinese main battle tank (MBT) having the same hull and turret as the earlier Type 59 /69 MBT but a different chassis. It is also designated the Type 69 -III. Development of the Type 69-II, the Type 79 is said to have improved firepower, fire control, night-vision, and communications equipment.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
China
Sources
  1. Type 79 (Type 69-III) Chinese Main Battle Tank (MBT), U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import