ZTZ88A - Revision history

U38088265: /* Ammunition */

2024-07-29T21:22:08Z

‎Ammunition

U79942984: Added description of BTM1

2024-07-28T21:05:36Z

Added description of BTM1

U38088265: /* Ammunition */

2024-06-22T15:12:32Z

‎Ammunition

U4656018: Updated description

2024-03-17T20:17:00Z

Updated description

U22067555: /* Machine guns */ Updated

2023-12-18T01:23:08Z

‎Machine guns: Updated

U41531792: /* Main armament */

2023-11-24T02:16:48Z

‎Main armament

U38088265: /* Machine guns */ Updated

2023-07-09T12:11:50Z

‎Machine guns: Updated

U44629479: Added About template

2023-06-16T11:56:29Z

Added About template

U44629479: /* Ammunition */ Converted to transclusion

2023-02-09T18:53:06Z

‎Ammunition: Converted to transclusion

U38088265: /* Ammunition */ Updated

2022-10-05T22:09:41Z

‎Ammunition: Updated

@@ Line 105: / Line 105: @@
 The Type 83 HESH is another story. It is a common HESH found on NATO vehicles - a solid hit on vehicles can trigger a lethal post-penetration effect, but the results of HESH is mixed. It generates a wide cone of shrapnel but the effects tend to be rather shallow or inconsistent. It is still possible to snipe stationary vehicles hiding behind cover with Type 83 HESH in some cases so bring some if desired - the laser rangefinder will certainly help with this.
-The BTM1 SAP shell is an interesting option returning from the [[ZTZ59D1]]. It can't be said to have high penetration by Rank VI standards (and currently doesn't benefit from the ZPL94 cannon's increased muzzle velocity), but its instant-knockout ability can be entertaining for attacks of opportunity, especially when using the ZTZ88A's good mobility and gun handling compared to previous Chinese tanks.
+The BTM1 SAP shell is an interesting option returning from the [[ZTZ59D1]]. It can't be said to have high penetration by Rank VI standards (and doesn't benefit from the ZPL94 cannon's increased muzzle velocity), but its instant-knockout ability can be entertaining for attacks of opportunity, especially when using the ZTZ88A's good mobility and gun handling compared to previous Chinese tanks.
 The last round available is Type 83 APDS, which is actually an APFSDS round. Thanks to the longer barrel of the ZPL94, the overall penetration is slightly higher than M111/DM23 APFSDS at 351 mm point-blank; this is the go-to shell for the ZTZ88A. It might not have the highest penetration at its tier, especially compared to the [[PTL02]] and [[PTZ89]], but it can still hit enemies hard. There are a few opponents to watch out for in uptiers: the British [[Chieftain Mk 10]] and [[Challenger Mk.2]]/[[Challenger Mk.3|Mk.3]] have tough turrets, and the Soviet [[T-72A]] (when spaded), [[T-72AV (TURMS-T)]], [[T-64B]], and [[T-72B]] have tough turret and UFP armour that the ZTZ88A cannot penetrate without aiming for weak spots.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:05, 28 July 2024
Line 104:		Line 104:

	The Type 83 HESH is another story. It is a common HESH found on NATO vehicles - a solid hit on vehicles can trigger a lethal post-penetration effect, but the results of HESH is mixed. It generates a wide cone of shrapnel but the effects tend to be rather shallow or inconsistent. It is still possible to snipe stationary vehicles hiding behind cover with Type 83 HESH in some cases so bring some if desired - the laser rangefinder will certainly help with this.		The Type 83 HESH is another story. It is a common HESH found on NATO vehicles - a solid hit on vehicles can trigger a lethal post-penetration effect, but the results of HESH is mixed. It generates a wide cone of shrapnel but the effects tend to be rather shallow or inconsistent. It is still possible to snipe stationary vehicles hiding behind cover with Type 83 HESH in some cases so bring some if desired - the laser rangefinder will certainly help with this.
		+
		+	The BTM1 SAP shell is an interesting option returning from the [[ZTZ59D1]]. It can't be said to have high penetration by Rank VI standards (and currently doesn't benefit from the ZPL94 cannon's increased muzzle velocity), but its instant-knockout ability can be entertaining for attacks of opportunity, especially when using the ZTZ88A's good mobility and gun handling compared to previous Chinese tanks.

	The last round available is Type 83 APDS, which is actually an APFSDS round. Thanks to the longer barrel of the ZPL94, the overall penetration is slightly higher than M111/DM23 APFSDS at 351 mm point-blank; this is the go-to shell for the ZTZ88A. It might not have the highest penetration at its tier, especially compared to the [[PTL02]] and [[PTZ89]], but it can still hit enemies hard. There are a few opponents to watch out for in uptiers: the British [[Chieftain Mk 10]] and [[Challenger Mk.2]]/[[Challenger Mk.3\|Mk.3]] have tough turrets, and the Soviet [[T-72A]] (when spaded), [[T-72AV (TURMS-T)]], [[T-64B]], and [[T-72B]] have tough turret and UFP armour that the ZTZ88A cannot penetrate without aiming for weak spots.		The last round available is Type 83 APDS, which is actually an APFSDS round. Thanks to the longer barrel of the ZPL94, the overall penetration is slightly higher than M111/DM23 APFSDS at 351 mm point-blank; this is the go-to shell for the ZTZ88A. It might not have the highest penetration at its tier, especially compared to the [[PTL02]] and [[PTZ89]], but it can still hit enemies hard. There are a few opponents to watch out for in uptiers: the British [[Chieftain Mk 10]] and [[Challenger Mk.2]]/[[Challenger Mk.3\|Mk.3]] have tough turrets, and the Soviet [[T-72A]] (when spaded), [[T-72AV (TURMS-T)]], [[T-64B]], and [[T-72B]] have tough turret and UFP armour that the ZTZ88A cannot penetrate without aiming for weak spots.

@@ Line 95: / Line 95: @@
 ==== Ammunition ====
-{{:ZPL94 (105 mm)/Ammunition|Type-83 HEAT, DTB-1, Type-83 HESH, Type-83 APDS}}
+{{:ZPL94 (105 mm)/Ammunition|Type-83 HEAT, DTB-1, Type-83 HESH, BTM1, Type-83 APDS}}
 The ZTZ88A offers a range of shells at the player's disposal, and players who already own the [[T-69 II G]] will be very familiar with them as both tanks share the same shells.

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (88A式主战坦克, coded WZ122G) is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]].
+The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (88A式主战坦克, coded WZ122G) is the 2nd revision of the ZTZ88 MBT in late-1990s; by the time of Mainland China's economic reform and military modernization, PLAGF has dire need for a new MBT before the future [[ZTZ99 (Family)|ZTZ99]] series (Project 784) made into commission. To replace the fleet of ZTZ59 derivatives and utilize the imported 105 mm cannon production line, the Fifth Ministry of Machine Building reused the design of WZ1225 during the Project 122 development from 1970s and built the first Chinese MBT known as the ZTZ80; after around a decade of further development on FCS and better powerplant thanks to the BK122 (Type 85) series, these equipment were soon installed onto the ZTZ80 platform and renamed as the ZTZ88. The A variant replaced the original ZPL83 with a new, longer ZPL94 105 mm cannon and experimented with an applique composite armor pack as the evaluation for future PLAGF composite armor; although deemed obsolete by its introduction by late-1990s with ZTZ99 and ZTZ96 ready for commission, some 700 tanks were built alongside with its base model, ZTZ88B and been seen as late as the 2020s Sino-Indo LAC confrontation.
-An attempt of the PLAGF to modernize from the previous masses of [[ZTZ59 (Family)|ZTZ59]] medium tanks, the ZTZ88A offers a superior engine, slightly better hull protection thanks to a new hull, and better firepower with a long barrel 105 mm gun, making it a more mobile alternative to previous tanks while retaining decent armour and a powerful cannon. It can be considered a stepping stone between the [[T-69 II G]] and the more modern [[ZTZ96]], having a cast turret and armament resembling the former and a chassis similar to the latter.
+Introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]] as a threshold between the ZTZ59/69 series and future ZTZ96 series, ZTZ88A introduced a better FCS, a long barrel 105 mm cannon, as well as new powerplant which would inherit to the future ZTZ96 series; with the experimental applique composite armor and improved mobility over any T-54 family, although it lacks the flexibility of NATO MBTs or the kinetic protection of Soviet MBTs, the tank will come as a lead-in training vehicle for future PLAGF MBTs.
 == General info ==

@@ Line 128: / Line 128: @@
 {{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 <!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
-{{main|Type 54 (12.7 mm)|SGMT (7.62 mm)}}
+{{main|Type 54 (12.7 mm)|Type 59 (7.62 mm)}}
-The ZTZ88A still uses the same machine guns from the obsolete T-54s despite its introduction date in the early 1990s. The Type 54 (DShK) is still sufficient to gun down strafing aircraft/helicopters or lighter vehicles but suffers from a small 50 round belt capacity, while the SGMT is only good for harassing enemies or sometimes targeting exposed crews.
+The ZTZ88A still uses the same machine guns from the obsolete T-54s despite its introduction date in the early 1990s. The Type 54 (DShK) is still sufficient to gun down strafing aircraft/helicopters or lighter vehicles but suffers from a small 50 round belt capacity, while the Type 59 (SGMT) is only good for harassing enemies or sometimes targeting exposed crews.
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
@@ Line 143: / Line 143: @@
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 |-
-! colspan="5" | [[SGMT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm SGMT]]
+! colspan="5" | [[Type 59 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm Type 59]]
 |-
 ! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal

@@ Line 76: / Line 76: @@
 {{main|ZPL94 (105 mm)}}
-The introduction of the Royal Ordnance 105 mm L7 cannon marked the transformation of PLAGF from Warsaw Pact armaments to Western ones. The ZPL94 mounted on the ZTZ88A has one of the longest barrels in the L7 family, giving it a higher muzzle velocity over its Western counterparts. In addition, the ZPL94 reloads more quickly than the [[ZTZ59D1]]'s Type 83 cannon by about 1 second. While it still doesn't reload quite as quickly as NATO tanks, the gap is significantly smaller.
+The introduction of the Royal Ordnance 105 mm L7 cannon marked the transformation of PLAGF from Warsaw Pact armaments to Western ones. The ZPL94 mounted on the ZTZ88A has one of the longest barrels in the L7 family, giving it a higher muzzle velocity over its Western counterparts. While ZTZ88A still doesn't reload quite as quickly as NATO tanks, the gap is significantly smaller.
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"

@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 {{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.'' -->
 At first glance, the ZTZ88A still resembles a T-54 or its Chinese domestic counterpart, ZTZ59, but with a closer look at its hull, players will find that it is a new design. The UFP is more angled than the T-54's (67° vs 60°), so the base protection is slightly better than that of the T-54/T-62. Furthermore, thanks to the advancement in composite armour in China, it is also the first Chinese vehicle to be equipped with composite armour as an applique on UFP. Compared to similar hull armour seen on the Soviet [[T-55AM-1]] and [[T-62M-1]], the ZTZ88A has less chemical protection (around 380-420 mm) and 105 mm HEATFS may sometimes be able to damage the driver and fuel tanks towards the lower portion of the UFP. Angling the hull slightly can help mitigate this. Surprisingly, it has better kinetic protection than its Soviet contemporaries: the UFP can resist APFSDS rounds with less than around 180 mm of 60° penetration, so some US and Soviet offerings like 100 mm 3BM25, 105 mm M735, and even 125 mm 3BM15 are blocked. Unfortunately the ubiquitous 105 mm DM23/M111 round used by the [[Leopard A1A1]] for example will penetrate with few issues, but still, the ZTZ88A has one of the most protected hulls at its tier.
 The side armour was reduced to 60 mm, so do be aware of any vehicles with autocannons - at the tier, most autocannons have APDS or APFSDS at their disposal. The side skirts can help somewhat at angles.
 The turret, on the other hand, is poorly protected comparing to the hull. It is very similar to previous Soviet/Chinese dome-shaped turret designs with only slightly greater thickness. Unlike the [[ZTZ59D1]] and [[T-69 II G]], the ZTZ88A's turret does not have any ERA coverage, leaving it extremely vulnerable to stock HEATFS rounds as well as ATGMs, which are all commonly found at this tier. Thus the uncovered steel armour cannot provide much protection, if any, against ammunitions like APFSDS or HEATFS. Tanks that mainly use chemical rounds are especially more threatening, such as [[M551]] and [[BMP-1 (Family)|BMP-1]].
@@ Line 60: / Line 60: @@
 {{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 <!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 Thanks to improvements during the early 1980s, the ZTZ88A is equipped with a NORINCO 12150ZL engine with 730 hp, the same as the succeeding [[ZTZ96]], and the chassis has a new suspension offering a smoother ride. The 10% increase in weight compared to the [[ZTZ59D1]] is more than compensated by the 40% increase in engine power. This gives the ZTZ88A a vast improvement in power-weight ratio to about 19.0 hp/ton and thus better a top speed at 57 km/h compared to its predecessors. Although it is not quite as fast as NATO counterparts at similar tier, it is certainly a very welcome improvement. For comparison, the [[Leopard A1A1]] has about 19.6 hp/ton, the [[T-62M-1]] has about 16.4 hp/ton, and the [[M60A1 RISE (P)]] only has 14.1 hp/ton. Thanks to the improved horsepower, the ZTZ88A has a considerably faster hull traverse comparing to older tanks like the ZTZ59D1, which is helpful to angle the hull quickly or to wiggle through tight spaces.
 The reverse speed however is slightly better at a -9 km/h, it might sound nowhere fast enough like its more agile foes (e.g. [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1]], [[AMX-30 (Family)|AMX-30]], etc.), but it's at least some improvement over the T-54 family. This can be quite risky, meaning that the player must think carefully before peeking out of a cover/hill.
 {{tankMobility|abMinHp=1131|rbMinHp=646}}
@@ Line 128: / Line 128: @@
 {{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 <!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
-{{main|DShK (12.7 mm)|SGMT (7.62 mm)}}
+{{main|Type 54 (12.7 mm)|SGMT (7.62 mm)}}
-The ZTZ88A still uses the same machine guns from the obsolete T-54s despite its introduction date in the early 1990s. The DShK is still sufficient to gun down strafing aircraft/helicopters or lighter vehicles but suffers from a small 50 round belt capacity, while the SGMT is only good for harassing enemies or sometimes targeting exposed crews.
+The ZTZ88A still uses the same machine guns from the obsolete T-54s despite its introduction date in the early 1990s. The Type 54 (DShK) is still sufficient to gun down strafing aircraft/helicopters or lighter vehicles but suffers from a small 50 round belt capacity, while the SGMT is only good for harassing enemies or sometimes targeting exposed crews.
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 |-
-! colspan="5" | [[DShK (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm DShK]]
+! colspan="5" | [[Type 54 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Type 54]]
 |-
 ! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 |-
-| Pintle || 500 (50) || 600 || -5°/+60° || ±180°
+| Pintle || 500 (50) || 600 || -4°/+82° || ±180°
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 147: / Line 147: @@
 ! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 |-
-| Coaxial || 2,500 (250) || 600 || N/A || N/A
+| Coaxial || 2,500 (250) || 600 || - || -
 |-
 |}

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:56, 16 June 2023
Line 1:		Line 1:
		+	{{About
		+	\| about = Chinese medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
		+	\| usage = the other version
		+	\| link = ZTZ88B
		+	}}
	{{Specs-Card		{{Specs-Card
	\|code=cn_ztz_88a		\|code=cn_ztz_88a

@@ Line 114: / Line 114: @@
 ! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 ! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
-! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
+! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>mass (kg)
 ! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 ! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
-! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
+! rowspan="2" | Explosive mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 ! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 |-
@@ Line 124: / Line 124: @@
 | Type-83 HEAT || HEATFS || 1,200 || 11 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 1,270 || 65° || 72° || 77°
 |-
-| DTB-1 || HE-VT* || 825 || 16.2 || 0 || 0.1 || 1,660 || 79° || 80° || 81°
+| Type-83 HESH || HESH || 750 || 11.2 || 0.1 || 4 || 4,310 || 73° || 77° || 80°
 |-
-| Type-83 HESH || HESH || 750 || 15 || 0.1 || 4 || 4,310 || 73° || 77° || 80°
+| Type-83 APDS || APFSDS || 1,500 || 4.2 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 |-
-| Type-83 APDS || APFSDS || 1,500 || 3.79 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
+|}
 |-
 |}