Type 59

The Type 59 was nothing more than a Chinese copy of the Soviet T-54 main
battle tank.

Designation: Type 59
Classification Type: Main Battle Tank
Contractor: NORINCO (China North Industries Corporation) - China
Country of Origin: China
Initial Year of Service: 1959

The NORINCO-produced Type 59 was actually based on the purchase and
subsequent local licensed production of the Soviet T-54 main battle tank
(just redesignated as the Type 59 in Chinese service). The system, at least
externally, was identical to the Soviet-era design though the inner workings
were customized to Chinese specifications.

The Type 59 was fielded with a 100mm main gun with later models being seen
with a laser rangefinder mounted atop the gun. Both commander and loader
were given cupola positions with the loader operating the heavy caliber
12.7mm anti-aircraft gun mounted in the turret. The commander was also given
a smaller caliber 7.62mm machine gun for anti-personnel use. Still another
7.62mm machine gun was mounted in a fixed forward coaxial position, this one
operated by the gunner. The driver sat front left and some ready-to-use
ammunition was sported to his right. Smoke could be generated by introducing
raw diesel fuel into the exhaust, thusly no smoke grenades are mounted.

The Type 59 chassis produced a series of variants, showing off the
versatility of the base system. Variants included improved Type 59 models,
armored recovery vehicles and models featuring explosive reactive armor for
added crew protection. The system has seen extensive export service to many
countries in the Middle East and the periphery.

Variants:
Type 59 - Original production model of Soviet T-54 MBT. Also available in
105mm main gun upgrade.
T-72Z / Safir 74 - Iranian variant
Type 59 - Air defense vehicle with twin-35mm guns.
Type 59-I - Late production model designation; laser-range finder; revised
fire control system.
Type 59-II - Upgunned 105mm main gun variant; 58hp diesel engine; two-axis
gun stabilization.
Type 59 ARV - Armored Recovery Vehicle

Specifications: Type 59
Dimensions:
Length: 29.53ft (9.00m)
Width:10.73ft (3.27m)
Height: 8.50ft (2.59m)
Performance:
Speed: 28mph (45km/h)
Range: 267miles (430km)

Structure:
Accommodation: 4
Weight: 39.7 US Short Tons (36,000kg)
Systems:
NBC Protection: None
Nightvision: Yes - Infra-red for driver, gunner and commander
Power:
Engine(s): 1 x Model 12150L V-12 Liguid-cooled diesel generating 520 hp at
2,000rpm.

Armament & Ammunition:

1 x 100mm main gun
1 x 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun
1 x 7.62mm coaxial machine gun
1 x 7.62mm machine gun

Ammunition:
34 x 100mm projectiles
200 x 12.7mm ammunition
3,500 x 7.62mm ammunition