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Land ForcesChina

ZTS-63A (Type 63A)

Amphibious light tankFielded 1997Pending verification
Land ForcesCHN
ZTS-63A (Type 63A)
Photo: Thehistorianisaac · CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeAmphibious light tank
Date of introduction1997
ProliferationAt least 6 countries
Crew4Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Width3.2 m10 ftMed[1]
Height3.2 m10 ftMed[1]
Weight22 tMed[1]
Automotive performance
EngineModel 12150-LMed[1]
Engine power581 hpMed[1]
Max road speed75 km/h47 mph · 40 ktMed[1]
Cross-country speed70 km/h43 mph · 38 ktMed[1]
Swim speed14 km/h9 mph · 8 ktMed[1]
SuspensionTorsion BarMed[1]
Fording depthAmphibiousMed[1]
Protection
Armor TypeAll-welded steelMed[1]
Hull ArmorSteel armor, 25mm thickMed[1]
Turret ArmorSteel armor, 25mm thickMed[1]
Applique ArmorAvailableMed[1]
Explosive reactive armorYesMed[1]
Active Protection SystemYesMed[1]
NBC ProtectionYesMed[1]
Smoke EquipmentYes, Four smoke-grenade launchers are mounted on each side of the turretMed[1]
Armament
Maximum elevation+18 degMed[1]
Minimum elevation-5 degMed[1]
Main armament1 x ZTS63A (Type 83) 105mm Rifle Gun, 105 mmMed[1]
Secondary armament1 x 7.62mm General-Purpose Machine Gun; 1 x W-85 (QJC88) 12.7mm Heavy Machine GunMed[1]
Fire control
Computerized FCSYes, believed to be the same FCS that is installed on Type 80 tanksMed[1]
Thermal Sight Tank CommanderYesMed[1]
Thermal Sight GunnerYesMed[1]
Main Gun StabilizationYes, stabilized in both axes to improve accuracyMed[1]
Laser RangefinderYesMed[1]
Variants
Type 63A1The Type 63AI is a slightly modified version of the Type 63A, which is designed to increase the protection of the vehicle against cumulative projectiles.[1]
Type 63-IIThe Type 63-II is an improved version of the Type 63-I, which benefitted from the addition of a laser rangefinder above the main gun.[1]
Type 89The Type 89 is an SPH based on the hull of the Type 77 APC. It is designed to provide indirect – as well as direct – fire support.[1]
GLM 122The GLM122 is based on the Chinese Type 77 APC and is modified to carry and deploy a trackway in support of amphibious landings.[1]
Weapons and payload options · 3Confidence · Source
Armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) i44 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
38 rounds total any 105mm Combination
Muzzle velocity
1,530 m/s
Armor penetration
150 mm
HE-MP-T: High-Explosive Multi-Purpose Tracer tank cartridge44 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
38 rounds total any 105mm Combination
Muzzle velocity
800 m/s
Armor penetration
180 mm
Projectile weight
13.6 kg
HESH-T (HEP-T): High-Explosive Squash-Head Tracer tank cartr44 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
38 rounds total any 105mm Combination
Muzzle velocity
731 m/s
Armor penetration
Yes
Projectile weight
INA
Summary

The ZTS-63A (Type 63A) Chinese Amphibious Light Tank was specially designed to suit the needs of the marines.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
ChinaCambodiaNorth KoreaSudanTanzaniaVenezuela
Sources
  1. ZTS-63A (Type 63A) Chinese Amphibious Light Tank, U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-23 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import
  • 2026-10-10 Added photo (CC0)