Difference between revisions of "MBT-2000"

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== Description ==
 
== 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''', currently known as VT-1 in NORINCO catalogue, is an export MBT solution by NORINCO as the result of Sino-Pakistan Type 90-II program since 2001. After helping Pakistan to built their domestic tank maintenance and overhaul factory (now Heavy Industries Taxila), the menacing T-72S fleet in India became a major threat of Pakistan, thus they seek for the help from Mainland China which was developing new MBTs as well; the new MBT would have to follow the requirements from Pakistan while NORINCO design and manufacture the tank accordingly. Thanks to the improving relationships with western powers, NORINCO also acquired German engines and transmissions for their prototypes; the new BK1871 prototype was approved by Pakistan and was set as the foundation of the new MBT. The agreement was signed in 1990 and thus earning the name of Type 90 (-II was added to avoid confusion with JGSDF's Type 90); although there were plans to use NATO powerplants and transmission, after the political complications both at Mainland China and Pakistan, Type 90 would have to source the power pack from Ukraine (6TD from T-80UD which was also imported by Pakistan). The 3rd Type 90-II prototype was approved as the Type 90-IIM; with domestic FY-series ERA and AC unit for crew comfort installed, the new MBT, now under the name of MBT-2000 was finalized in 2000 and first shown in Abu Dhabi IDEX 2001 as the new export product of NORINCO. MBT-2000 is still listed on catalogue with revised designs and equipment for future battlefield.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', known as the Al-Khalid in Pakistan, is an export MBT solution by NORINCO as a result of the Sino-Pakistan Type 90-II program in 2001. The menacing T-72S fleet in India was becoming a major threat to Pakistan, thus they sought for the help of Mainland China which was developing new MBTs as well. The new MBT would follow the requirements from Pakistan, while NORINCO would design and manufacture the tank accordingly. Thanks to improving relations with western powers, NORINCO acquired German engines and transmissions for their prototypes; the new BK1871 prototype was approved by Pakistan and was set as the foundation of the new MBT. The agreement was signed in 1990 and thus earned the name of Type 90 (-II was added to avoid confusion with the JGSDF's Type 90). Although there were plans to use NATO powerplants and transmissions, after political complications in both China and Pakistan, the Type 90-II would source the power pack from Ukraine (6TD from T-80UD which was also imported by Pakistan). The 3rd Type 90-II prototype was approved as the Type 90-IIM; with domestic FY-series ERA and AC unit for crew comfort installed. The new MBT, now under the name of MBT2000, was finalized in 2000 and first shown in Abu Dhabi IDEX 2001 as a new export product of NORINCO. The MBT2000 is still listed on the catalogue with revised designs and equipment for future battlefields alongside with its high-end counterpart, [[VT-4A1]].
  
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Introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]] and belongs to the NORINCO export vehicle family, MBT-2000 broke the curse of tanks using Warsaw-Pact powerplant and transmissions: not only it has the forward speed of a T-80UD, it also has an unpreceded reverse speed and neutral steering capabilities on most Eastern Bloc MBTs. The tank featured identical firepower to T-72 equivalents while having more advanced FCS and a chassis with design influence from western tanks; while the protection is relatively inferior to its Chinese cousins (namely ZTZ96A with FY-4 ERA), the great mobility and sufficient firepower can lead the tank to victory.
+
Introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]], the MBT2000 breaks the trend of tanks using Warsaw-Pact powerplants and transmissions in the Chinese ground tree: not only does it have the forward speed of a T-80UD, it also has an unprecedented reverse speed and neutral steering capabilities compared to most Eastern Bloc MBTs. The tank features identical firepower to its T-72 equivalents, while having more advanced FCS and a chassis with design influence from western tanks. While the protection is relatively inferior to its Chinese cousins (namely the [[ZTZ96A]] with FY-4 ERA), the great mobility and sufficient firepower can lead the tank to victory.
−
 
 
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<small>''Note: HIT and NORINCO are both eligible for the production of MBT-2000, where those Pakistan-exclusive tanks are known as Al-Khalid and those produced by NORINCO as VT-1.''</small>
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
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The overall design philosophy of MBT-2000 departed from the conventional Eastern-Bloc/Chinese design in terms of the chassis - instead of having a well-sloped hull at around 68°, it has a design similar to Leopard 2 which has extended UFP for better protection. But in this case, MBT-2000 also retained a relatively low profile like Eastern-Bloc tanks while having a welded turret. Aside from the the standard protections on tank, this was in fact the first production Chinese tank with ERA installed on the hull and turret (FY-2) with both KE and CE protection against respective threats; although the extended UFP might be more familiar to NATO players, MBT-2000 doesn't have the best capability defending itself at higher tiers due to the low KE protection from the FY-2 ERA, this intensifies as the LFP is also relatively large and makes it vulnerable to oncoming shots. Another note is that the problem of casted gun mantle still haunts MBT-2000 and future Chinese tanks, any penetrated shots would very likely disable the gun system to certain extent, sometimes even detonation of ammunition stored behind the crew.
+
The overall design philosophy of the MBT2000 departs from the conventional Eastern-Bloc/Chinese design in terms of the chassis - instead of having a well-sloped hull at around 68°, it has a design similar to the Leopard 2 which has extended UFP for better protection. However, the MBT2000 also retains a relatively low profile like Eastern-Bloc tanks while having a welded turret. Aside from the standard protections on the tank, the MBT2000 also has FY-2 ERA installed on the hull and turret which provides both KE and CE protection. Although the extended UFP might be more familiar to NATO players, MBT2000 doesn't have the best capability defending itself at higher tiers due to the low KE protection from the FY-2 ERA, this intensifies as the LFP is also relatively large and makes it vulnerable to oncoming shots. Another note is that the problem of the cast gun mantlet still haunts the MBT2000 and future Chinese tanks, any penetrated shots would very likely disable the gun system to certain extent, sometimes even detonation of ammunition stored behind the crew.
  
−
The internal layout is more or less the continuation of Chinese design philosophy, the crew of 3 with a driver on the centerline of tank and side fuel tanks next to the driver, as well as the AZ-172 inspired autoloader makes MBT-2000 feel like a oversized ZTZ96 to some extent; in most cases, due to the internal layout and aforementioned protection, penetrated shots will very likely take out the driver right away; while fuel explosions, crew knock-down and the worst case possible - complete kill due to ammunition detonation are always types of death sentences to the tank.
+
The internal layout is more or less the continuation of Chinese design philosophy, the crew of 3 with a driver on the centerline of tank and side fuel tanks next to the driver, as well as the AZ-172 inspired autoloader makes MBT2000 feel like a oversized ZTZ96 to some extent; in most cases, due to the internal layout and aforementioned protection, penetrating shots will very likely take out the driver right away, while fuel explosions, crew knock-out, and ammunition detonation can be relatively common experiences.
  
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
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The most uncommon feature of MBT-2000 is the powerpack. There are stereotype that Eastern Bloc-made transmissions could only go forward but not in reverse (due to the need to rescue friendly tanks or itself), but thanks to the addition of a side-transmission designed by Ukrainian designers, the Kharkov 6TD-2 powerpack not only can push the tank at up to 69 km/h, it can also go reverse at -31 km/h and neutral steering like NATO tanks, vastly improving its flexibility on battlefield.
+
The most uncommon feature of MBT2000 is the powerpack. There are stereotypes that Eastern Bloc-made transmissions could only go forward but not in reverse (due to the need to rescue friendly tanks or itself), but thanks to the addition of a side-transmission designed by Ukrainian designers, the Kharkov 6TD-2 powerpack can not only push the tank at up to 69 km/h, it can also reverse at -31 km/h and has neutral steering like NATO tanks, vastly improving its flexibility on the battlefield.
  
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{{tankMobility}}
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,860|rbMinHp=1,061}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{main|ZPT98 (125 mm)}}
 
{{main|ZPT98 (125 mm)}}
  
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As MBT-2000 was finalized by late-1990s and for the need for better firepower, it uses Chinese equivalent of 125 mm smoothbore cannon with an AZ-172 style autoloader; the overall handling of the gun would be identical to post-ZTZ96/99 MBTs before domestic electric drive gun layer could enter service, while the horizontal traverse is sufficient, be extra careful when crossing terrains as the vertical traverse is rather slow.  
+
As the MBT2000 was finalized in the late 1990s and needed better firepower, it uses the Chinese equivalent of the 125 mm smoothbore cannon with an AZ-172 style autoloader. The overall handling of the gun is identical to post-ZTZ96/99 MBTs before the domestic electric drive gun layer entered service. While the horizontal traverse is sufficient, be extra careful when crossing terrain as the vertical traverse is rather slow.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 49 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+14° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 28.56 || 39.53 || 48 || 53.08 || 56.47 || rowspan="2" | 7.1
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| rowspan="2" | 49 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+14° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 28.6 || 39.5 || 48.0 || 53.1 || 56.5 || rowspan="2" | 7.10
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 17.85 || 21 || 25.5 || 28.2 || 30
+
| 17.9 || 21.0 || 25.5 || 28.2 || 30.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{{:ZPT98 (125 mm)/Ammunition|DTP-125, DTB-125, 125-I, DTB12-125}}'''DTP-125, HEAT-FS, Stock''' - DTP-125 has been a long-time friend to Chinese 125 mm gun and one of the stock shells for the MBT-2000; like many HEATFS of its tier, due to ERA and composite armor are commonplace at its tier, hitting enemies from the front would very like be fruitless. So if opting for HEATFS to take out enemies, make sure to aim for non-ERA/composite covered parts or by flanking enemies if possible; remembering where their ammunition located can earn players a quick kill against enemies. It is still a versatile shell to have against all types of ground target.
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{{:ZPT98 (125 mm)/Ammunition|DTP-125, DTB-125, 125-I, DTC10-125, DTB12-125}}
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 +
'''DTP-125, HEAT-FS, Stock''' - DTP-125 has been a long-time friend to the Chinese 125 mm gun and is one of the stock shells for the MBT2000; like many HEATFS of its tier, due to ERA and composite armour being commonplace at its tier, hitting enemies from the front would very likely be fruitless. So if opting for HEATFS to take out enemies, make sure to aim for non-ERA/composite covered parts or by flanking enemies if possible; remembering where their ammunition is located can earn players a quick kill against enemies. It is still a versatile shell to have against all types of ground target.
 +
 
 +
'''DTB-125, HE-FS, Stock''' - DTB-125 is also available as the other stock shell; HEFS can serve as a makeshift anti-tank shell by hitting enemy optics or top plates with low protection and possibly triggering overpressure, dooming the crew and internal compartments of enemy vehicles. This also enables the tank to do "top-down" attacks against tanks behind cover, notably NATO tanks with higher profile and CITV. Thanks to the high explosive content, it is also a better option to knock-out light vehicles right away than the HEATFS.
  
−
'''DTB-125, HE-FS, Stock''' - DTB-125 is also available as the other stock shell; like suggested by Chinese thesis, HEFS could in fact serve as a makeshift anti-tank shell to hit enemy optics or top plates with low protection and possibly trigger overpressure, dooming the crew and internal compartments of enemy vehicles. This also enables the tank to do "top-down" attacks against tanks behind cover, notably NATO tanks with higher profile and CITV. Thanks to the high explosive content, it is also a better option to knock-out light vehicles right away than the HEATFS.
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'''125-I, APFSDS, Tier I''' - 125-I (aka '''一期弹''' or officially, the '''一步弹'''; Phrase/Stage I ammunition) has already been a familiar APFSDS for Chinese MBTs with 125 mm gun, players from ZTZ96 series can soon get on hand with the APFSDS with its good ballistic performance and penetration (the highest for 125 mm APFSDS <500 mm penetration), helping players to go through the stock stages; aim for different weak spots accordingly if facing higher-tier NATO/Warsaw-Pact tanks.
  
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'''125-I, APFSDS, Tier III''' - 125-I (aka 一期弹; Stage 1 ammunition) is the only kinetic shell for the tank and would be the ammo of choice for MBT-2000 once researched. The higher mass and velocity of 125-I makes it quite easy to hit long-range target while retaining sufficient penetration to do extensive damage to internal compartments, this might not have the highest penetration at higher tiers, but well-placed shots on where the enemy crew is sitting or going for the ammunition is always a good way to send enemy tanks to their kingdom come.
+
'''DTC10-125, APFSDS, Tier IV''' - as the main APFSDS of PLAGF and one of the highest-penetration (non-DU) export APFSDS for 125 mm guns, DTC10-125 (aka '''三期弹''' or officially, the '''三步弹'''; Phrase/Stage III ammunition; DTC10E when export) can make sure it can also utilize its very high velocity to defeat most enemies it face without problem, this also enables MBT2000 to defeat more advanced MBTs at higher-tier even at long range.
  
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'''DTB12-125, HE-FS (VT), Tier IV''' - Unlike Soviet/Russian HE-FS with timed fuse, DTB12 is currently the only HE-VT for its caliber; not only it can still be used as "anti-tank" shells like its stock counterpart albeit at lesser explosive content, enemy aircrafts will have to face a 125 mm makeshift AA gun with 7 m triggering radius - it is never a good idea getting hit by such a huge shell.
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'''DTB12-125, HE-FS (VT), Tier IV''' - Unlike Soviet/Russian HE-FS with timed fuse, DTB12 is currently the only HE-VT for its calibre; not only can it still be used as "anti-tank" shells like its stock counterpart albeit with lesser explosive content, enemy aircraft will have to face a 125 mm makeshift AA gun with 7 m trigger radius - it is never a good idea getting hit by such a huge shell.
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
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!7th<br>rack empty
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!8th<br>rack empty
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!9th<br>rack empty
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!10th<br>rack empty
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!11th<br>rack empty
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''49''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''49''' || 48&nbsp;''(+1)'' || 45&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 42&nbsp;''(+7)'' || 38 ''(+11)'' || 35&nbsp;''(+14)'' || 32 ''(+17)'' || 29 ''(+20)'' || 25 ''(+24)'' || 24 ''(+25)'' || 23 ''(+26)'' || 1 ''(+48)''|| No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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Unlike PLAGF or Warsaw-Pact tanks, due to the demand from first-party (Pakistan) and their need to defeat the steel current from intended enemies, MBT2000 can carry up to 49 shells and its propellant charges, the highest among any MBTs in-game; but for most cases, 23 shells (including the preloaded shell in breech) is more than enough to defeat enemies with provisions of missed/non-lethal shots.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
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{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|QJC88A (12.7 mm)|Type 86 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|QJC88A (12.7 mm)|Type 86 (7.62 mm)}}
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Pintle
+
| Pintle || 750 (150) || 600 || -6°/+85° || ±180°
−
| 750 (150) || 600 || __° || __°
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial
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| Coaxial || 4,000 (250) || 700 || - || -
−
| 4,000 (250) || 700 ||| N/A || N/A
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
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''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
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To put MBT2000 among its Chinese cousins or Eastern Bloc competitors, if these tanks are literary tractors, MBT2000 can be said as a Bugatti among these tanks in terms of mobility. It offers a very different approach from earlier Chinese design and now has equivalent mobility to some NATO MBTs albeit having lesser engine power, not only it has the top speed of a T-80U, it also has neutral steering and unprecedented reverse speed on any Warsaw-Pact/PLAGF tanks at its era (-31 km/h, equivalent to Leopard 2A4); this enables MBT2000 as a flanker to enemy defense lines, but players still have to take extra caution on its protection and not being hit as much as possible.
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Players usually compare MBT2000 with its fellow Chinese domestic MBT, ZTZ96A; they do indeed have some similarities in terms of overall firepower and FCS, which could be said is pretty identical. When it comes to the protection though, the duo take different approach in terms of the hull design - MBT2000 extended the LFP while having a similar layout UFP like Type 90 covered with FY-2 ERA; while ZTZ96A still opted for traditional, well-sloped armour layout with FY-4 ERA. In most cases, lower tier shells will have problem penetrating the UFP, especially HEATFS due to the high CE protection of FY-2; kinetic shells will be another story though as most shells with >410 mm penetration is enough to penetrate some areas on the UFP at 500 m, let alone the larger UFP, it can still protect itself from autocannons though unlike ZTZ96A. The turret itself is another story - it has over 600 mm RHA even without FY-2, tanks even at higher tier will have hard time penetrating the turret; still, the long-lasting flaw on mantlet still haunts the MBT2000, it might still be enough to stop 105 mm shells, anything beyond this caliber have no major problem penetrating it up front especially at close range, which is extremely fatal for the tank as this will very likely disable the gun and knock-out one of the turret crew at once, so be cautious on close quarters. Internally, it looks very similar to tanks with Russian-style carousel autoloader but thanks to the small yet powerful powerpack, MBT2000 now has 49 shells at disposal (PLAGF tanks usually has around 40 rounds); for players who has the need for some reserve ammo in case on multiple misses or non-lethal hits, this is a good news; but this will not be a good news for the crew though as the crew is now literary surrounded by ammunition even to their back by the turret - any penetrated shots that lands on ammunition equals to the death sentence of the tank, and would very likely cause a jack-in-the-box effect and the turret turns into a rocket-for-two, flying tens or even hundreds of meters away from where the hull once existed.
 +
 
 +
With these in mind, MBT2000 can still be used aggressively as a flanker instead of spearhead of team, the 6TD-2 engine pack and its 25 hp/t ratio can make sure it accelerates way faster than most of their tracked counterparts, faster the tank goes to top speed, the better to gain advantage positions and start to pound on enemy team. Thanks to the development of GP125 and the export of DTC10-125 (as DTC10E), MBT2000 will have no trouble penetrating most MBTs it will face at its tier, sometimes even at higher tiers; the 3x-10x optics with 1st generation TVD also gives it the flexibility to spot enemies with large FoV, as long as players pay extra caution and make assumptions on where the enemy would appear, they can extend the service life of MBT2000 vastly, but beware when crossing complicated terrains as the gun has insufficient vertical traverse to react in time. It can still take some shots from enemy if they didn't aim carefully, always utilize the excellent mobility of MBT2000 to move around for opportunities and thanks to the reverse speed, as long as the powerplant and driver is operable, it can retreat to cover as fast as possible, making it more forgiving than its domestic or Eastern Bloc counterparts.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->'''Pros:'''
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<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
−
* Excellent mobility  
+
'''Pros:'''
 +
 
 +
* Excellent mobility
 
** 6TD-2 powerpack with high engine output
 
** 6TD-2 powerpack with high engine output
 
** Additional side-transmissions enables "neutral steering" albeit being single-flow transmission
 
** Additional side-transmissions enables "neutral steering" albeit being single-flow transmission
 
** -31 km/h reverse speed to get away from danger
 
** -31 km/h reverse speed to get away from danger
−
* Devastating firepower with varieties of ammunition
+
* Devastating firepower with varieties of high-penetration ammunition at its tier
−
* Optics with variable magnification for different engagement ranges
+
* Optics with variable magnification and large FoV for different engagement ranges
 
* TVD sights for faster target acquisition
 
* TVD sights for faster target acquisition
 
* Commander override and CITV for last-ditch retaliation
 
* Commander override and CITV for last-ditch retaliation
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* Inconsistent protection
 
* Inconsistent protection
−
** The cast gun mantle still haunts the turret protection
+
** The cast gun mantlet still haunts the turret protection
 
** Overall lesser hull protection than ZTZ96A due to ERA selection and large LFP
 
** Overall lesser hull protection than ZTZ96A due to ERA selection and large LFP
 
* Slow gun vertical traverse
 
* Slow gun vertical traverse
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== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
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''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
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Date back to the previous Project 122 medium tanks by early 1970s, there were at least 5 different designs from different designers with different features; although Chinese engineers were very ambitious on their designs with some uncertified technologies, when the decade between 1978 to 1988 where Mainland China has improved relationship with western powers, the engineers saw one of the most advanced MBT at the time: Leopard 2 with unimaginable mobility for the engineers at the time. Although failed attempts to introduce either Leopard 2 or its powerplant, thanks to the Project 784 (WZ123; the future ZTZ99) and the debates of powerplant for the tank, Datong Diesel Engine Plant introduced MTU 8V331TC-41 and its production line from West Germany, the engineers put together a prototype: WZ1224 with the aforementioned engine. Another prototype with a hydraulic transmission known as WZ1226 was also built as part of the restarted Project 122 MBT; these were the beginnings of the future MBT2000.
 +
 
 +
Soon in 1985, the introduction of Renk LSG3000 transmission enabled the engineers to built yet another prototype known as BK1850, later BK1851 with ZTZ80 (WZ122) chassis and new welded turret. Eventually, the real ancestor of MBT2000 - BK1871 with provisions of foreign equipment for export purpose including additional imports of powerplants from France and Great Britain. This was also the real beginning of steering wheel for drivers instead of brake handles as BK1871 successfully persuaded opposing engineers why western tanks and their potential customers opted for this design for "driving experiences"; after a demonstration of its mock-up in 1990 to Pakistan Armed Force officers who seek for comparable MBT against the future Indian T-72S fleet, the Sino-Pakistani MBT2000 (Type 90-II) started its struggle to completion. But before the completion of MBT2000, Type 85-IIAP was also selected as the placeholder tank to be produced in Pakistan by Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), which would become the ancestor of ZTZ96 series.
 +
 
 +
NORINCO revised their design of turret and FCS with the latest possible technologies from Mainland China including carousel autoloader for the 125 mm smoothbore cannon, ISFCS-212B image-stabilized FCS and provision for CITV; the Type 90-II P1 tank with domestic powerplant and German transmission arrived at Pakistan in May 1991 and been demonstrated until 1994 when Germany banned the sale of LSG3000 as the result of 1993 arms embargo to Mainland China (proposed by US after 1989 national-wide riots and suppressions) almost put an end to the project. A country then comes into the eyes of the two countries: Ukraine. To fill the gap of MBTs, Chinese and Serbian (ex-Yugoslavian) engineers proposed the Type 85-III with a Yugoslavian V-46-TK 1000 hp engine and domestic transmission, while Ukrainian brought up the most elite MBT of ex-Soviet Union: T-80UD with Kharkov 6TD engine pack; due to the unreliable performance of the joint-developed powerplant, Pakistan opted for 320 T-80UD against the future [[Bhishma TWMP|T-90S]] fleet in India. While the Type 85-III bit the dust, the duo of China and Pakistan found the 6TD engine pack rather reliable while maintaining high enough engine output (at 1000 hp) at such a small size (almost half of CV12), Ukraine also proposed for future upgrades on these T-80UDs to the latest T-84 standards with the new 6TD-2 power pack at 1200 hp output; while the engineers expressed that this would be a good alternative to western equivalents while maintaining a less complicated logistic, Chinese engineers delivered the P2 prototype with Perkins CV12 engine (also proposed for Wärtsilä V8X SACM) and Renk ESM500 transmission, as well as P4 with NATO 120 mm gun and German power pack, but the 1998 nuclear test eliminated any possibilities to import NATO equipment to Pakistan (another arms embargo for Pakistan). Thus the P3 with 6TD-2 power pack became the approved design as the Type 90-IIM; after redesigning the engine bay, additions of AC units and FY-2 ERA, the MBT2000 debuted in Abu Dhabi IDEX 2001 as the new export product produced by NORINCO, while the version manufactured from CKD or SKD kits would be called Al-Khalid. While having successful commission in Pakistan with more than 750 tanks in service by 2021, they were also exported to Myanmar, Morocco and Bangladesh; making it one of the most successful NORINCO defense product at present.<ref>[https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV18W4y1i7Vn/?spm_id_from=333.337.search-card.all.click&vd_source=82cc7469000a9aa5b9002bcfdd50c1ed "The Chinese Export Tank that Frustrates Russian: Development History of MBT2000/VT1 Al-Khalid"]by Topper-螺蛳粉斯基; a video on Bilibili that introduced the development of MBT2000</ref>
 +
 
 +
Future MBT2000 manufactured in Mainland China will use completely domestic equipment from NORINCO subsidies including 12V150HB deviated engine and CH series transmission, as well as upgraded FCS; while the hull design will also be inherited to the future VT4 MBT.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
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''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
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;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_mbt2000 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
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''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* [[wt:en/news/8412-development-mbt-2000-the-star-of-the-east-en|[Devblog] MBT-2000: The Star of the East]]
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* ''other literature.''
 
  
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{{TankManufacturer Norinco}}
 
{{China medium tanks}}
 
{{China medium tanks}}
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<references />

Latest revision as of 17:51, 13 May 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
MBT-2000
cn_mbt2000.png
GarageImage MBT-2000.jpg
MBT-2000
China flag.png China
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
11.0 11.0 11.0
Class:
Research:300 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:830 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The MBT-2000, known as the Al-Khalid in Pakistan, is an export MBT solution by NORINCO as a result of the Sino-Pakistan Type 90-II program in 2001. The menacing T-72S fleet in India was becoming a major threat to Pakistan, thus they sought for the help of Mainland China which was developing new MBTs as well. The new MBT would follow the requirements from Pakistan, while NORINCO would design and manufacture the tank accordingly. Thanks to improving relations with western powers, NORINCO acquired German engines and transmissions for their prototypes; the new BK1871 prototype was approved by Pakistan and was set as the foundation of the new MBT. The agreement was signed in 1990 and thus earned the name of Type 90 (-II was added to avoid confusion with the JGSDF's Type 90). Although there were plans to use NATO powerplants and transmissions, after political complications in both China and Pakistan, the Type 90-II would source the power pack from Ukraine (6TD from T-80UD which was also imported by Pakistan). The 3rd Type 90-II prototype was approved as the Type 90-IIM; with domestic FY-series ERA and AC unit for crew comfort installed. The new MBT, now under the name of MBT2000, was finalized in 2000 and first shown in Abu Dhabi IDEX 2001 as a new export product of NORINCO. The MBT2000 is still listed on the catalogue with revised designs and equipment for future battlefields alongside with its high-end counterpart, VT-4A1.

Introduced in Update "Sons of Attila", the MBT2000 breaks the trend of tanks using Warsaw-Pact powerplants and transmissions in the Chinese ground tree: not only does it have the forward speed of a T-80UD, it also has an unprecedented reverse speed and neutral steering capabilities compared to most Eastern Bloc MBTs. The tank features identical firepower to its T-72 equivalents, while having more advanced FCS and a chassis with design influence from western tanks. While the protection is relatively inferior to its Chinese cousins (namely the ZTZ96A with FY-4 ERA), the great mobility and sufficient firepower can lead the tank to victory.

General info

Survivability and armour

ERA
Effective action against the cumulative ammunition
Composite armour
Balanced protection against all types of ammunition
Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
ESS
Creation of a smoke screen in the direction of movement of the vehicle
Self-entrenching equipment
Creation of ramparts and trenches in soft ground
Armourfront / side / back
Hull100 / 50 / 45
Turret220 / 50 / 20
Crew3 people
Visibility75 %

The overall design philosophy of the MBT2000 departs from the conventional Eastern-Bloc/Chinese design in terms of the chassis - instead of having a well-sloped hull at around 68°, it has a design similar to the Leopard 2 which has extended UFP for better protection. However, the MBT2000 also retains a relatively low profile like Eastern-Bloc tanks while having a welded turret. Aside from the standard protections on the tank, the MBT2000 also has FY-2 ERA installed on the hull and turret which provides both KE and CE protection. Although the extended UFP might be more familiar to NATO players, MBT2000 doesn't have the best capability defending itself at higher tiers due to the low KE protection from the FY-2 ERA, this intensifies as the LFP is also relatively large and makes it vulnerable to oncoming shots. Another note is that the problem of the cast gun mantlet still haunts the MBT2000 and future Chinese tanks, any penetrated shots would very likely disable the gun system to certain extent, sometimes even detonation of ammunition stored behind the crew.

The internal layout is more or less the continuation of Chinese design philosophy, the crew of 3 with a driver on the centerline of tank and side fuel tanks next to the driver, as well as the AZ-172 inspired autoloader makes MBT2000 feel like a oversized ZTZ96 to some extent; in most cases, due to the internal layout and aforementioned protection, penetrating shots will very likely take out the driver right away, while fuel explosions, crew knock-out, and ammunition detonation can be relatively common experiences.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull ___ mm ___ mm Top
___ mm Bottom 		___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Turret ___ - ___ mm Turret front
___ mm Gun mantlet 		___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Cupola ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB78 / 36 km/h
RB and SB71 / 32 km/h
Number of gears7 forward
4 back
Weight48.0 t
Engine power
AB2 290 hp
RB and SB1 200 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB47.7 hp/t
RB and SB25.0 hp/t

The most uncommon feature of MBT2000 is the powerpack. There are stereotypes that Eastern Bloc-made transmissions could only go forward but not in reverse (due to the need to rescue friendly tanks or itself), but thanks to the addition of a side-transmission designed by Ukrainian designers, the Kharkov 6TD-2 powerpack can not only push the tank at up to 69 km/h, it can also reverse at -31 km/h and has neutral steering like NATO tanks, vastly improving its flexibility on the battlefield.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 78 36 48 1,860 2,290 38.75 47.71
Realistic 71 32 1,061 1,200 22.1 25

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 056 → 6 639 Sl icon.png
RB3 990 → 6 531 Sl icon.png
SB4 693 → 7 682 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications246 900 Rp icon.png
413 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 900 Ge icon.png
Crew training240 000 Sl icon.png
Experts830 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 140 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 200 / 230 % Sl icon.png
238 / 238 / 238 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods dozer blade.png
Dozer Blade
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement cn.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
125mm_china_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
125mm_china_DTW_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
125mm_china_HE_VT_ammo_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

125 mm ZPT98 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Autoloader
Automatically feeds projectiles into the breech. The speed does not depend on the skills of the loader
Ammunition49 rounds
First-order22 rounds
Reload7.1 s
Vertical guidance-6° / 14°
Main article: ZPT98 (125 mm)

As the MBT2000 was finalized in the late 1990s and needed better firepower, it uses the Chinese equivalent of the 125 mm smoothbore cannon with an AZ-172 style autoloader. The overall handling of the gun is identical to post-ZTZ96/99 MBTs before the domestic electric drive gun layer entered service. While the horizontal traverse is sufficient, be extra careful when crossing terrain as the vertical traverse is rather slow.

125 mm ZPT98 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Autoloader
Arcade 49 -6°/+14° ±180° Two-plane 28.6 39.5 48.0 53.1 56.5 7.10
Realistic 17.9 21.0 25.5 28.2 30.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
DTP-125 HEATFS 480 480 480 480 480 480
DTB-125 HE 45 45 45 45 45 45
125-I APFSDS 466 464 458 450 442 434
DTC10-125 APFSDS 577 575 566 555 544 533
DTB12-125 HE-VT* 43 43 43 43 43 43
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
DTP-125 HEATFS 905 18 0.05 0.1 2.62 65° 72° 77°
DTB-125 HE 850 23 0.3 0.1 5.46 79° 80° 81°
125-I APFSDS 1,730 4.02 - - - 78° 80° 81°
DTC10-125 APFSDS 1,770 4.85 - - - 78° 80° 81°
Proximity-fused shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Arming
distance (m) 		Trigger
radius (m) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
DTB12-125 HE-VT* 850 23.2 0.3 0.1 500 7 5.3 79° 80° 81°

DTP-125, HEAT-FS, Stock - DTP-125 has been a long-time friend to the Chinese 125 mm gun and is one of the stock shells for the MBT2000; like many HEATFS of its tier, due to ERA and composite armour being commonplace at its tier, hitting enemies from the front would very likely be fruitless. So if opting for HEATFS to take out enemies, make sure to aim for non-ERA/composite covered parts or by flanking enemies if possible; remembering where their ammunition is located can earn players a quick kill against enemies. It is still a versatile shell to have against all types of ground target.

DTB-125, HE-FS, Stock - DTB-125 is also available as the other stock shell; HEFS can serve as a makeshift anti-tank shell by hitting enemy optics or top plates with low protection and possibly triggering overpressure, dooming the crew and internal compartments of enemy vehicles. This also enables the tank to do "top-down" attacks against tanks behind cover, notably NATO tanks with higher profile and CITV. Thanks to the high explosive content, it is also a better option to knock-out light vehicles right away than the HEATFS.

125-I, APFSDS, Tier I - 125-I (aka 一期弹 or officially, the 一步弹; Phrase/Stage I ammunition) has already been a familiar APFSDS for Chinese MBTs with 125 mm gun, players from ZTZ96 series can soon get on hand with the APFSDS with its good ballistic performance and penetration (the highest for 125 mm APFSDS <500 mm penetration), helping players to go through the stock stages; aim for different weak spots accordingly if facing higher-tier NATO/Warsaw-Pact tanks.

DTC10-125, APFSDS, Tier IV - as the main APFSDS of PLAGF and one of the highest-penetration (non-DU) export APFSDS for 125 mm guns, DTC10-125 (aka 三期弹 or officially, the 三步弹; Phrase/Stage III ammunition; DTC10E when export) can make sure it can also utilize its very high velocity to defeat most enemies it face without problem, this also enables MBT2000 to defeat more advanced MBTs at higher-tier even at long range.

DTB12-125, HE-FS (VT), Tier IV - Unlike Soviet/Russian HE-FS with timed fuse, DTB12 is currently the only HE-VT for its calibre; not only can it still be used as "anti-tank" shells like its stock counterpart albeit with lesser explosive content, enemy aircraft will have to face a 125 mm makeshift AA gun with 7 m trigger radius - it is never a good idea getting hit by such a huge shell.

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty 		9th
rack empty 		10th
rack empty 		11th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
49 48 (+1) 45 (+4) 42 (+7) 38 (+11) 35 (+14) 32 (+17) 29 (+20) 25 (+24) 24 (+25) 23 (+26) 1 (+48) No

Unlike PLAGF or Warsaw-Pact tanks, due to the demand from first-party (Pakistan) and their need to defeat the steel current from intended enemies, MBT2000 can carry up to 49 shells and its propellant charges, the highest among any MBTs in-game; but for most cases, 23 shells (including the preloaded shell in breech) is more than enough to defeat enemies with provisions of missed/non-lethal shots.

Machine guns

12.7 mm QJC88A machine gun
Ammunition750 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reload5.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Vertical guidance-6° / 85°
7.62 mm Type 86 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition4 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reload8.0 s
Fire rate700 shots/min
Main articles: QJC88A (12.7 mm), Type 86 (7.62 mm)
12.7 mm QJC88A
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 750 (150) 600 -6°/+85° ±180°
7.62 mm Type 86
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,000 (250) 700 - -

Usage in battles

To put MBT2000 among its Chinese cousins or Eastern Bloc competitors, if these tanks are literary tractors, MBT2000 can be said as a Bugatti among these tanks in terms of mobility. It offers a very different approach from earlier Chinese design and now has equivalent mobility to some NATO MBTs albeit having lesser engine power, not only it has the top speed of a T-80U, it also has neutral steering and unprecedented reverse speed on any Warsaw-Pact/PLAGF tanks at its era (-31 km/h, equivalent to Leopard 2A4); this enables MBT2000 as a flanker to enemy defense lines, but players still have to take extra caution on its protection and not being hit as much as possible.

Players usually compare MBT2000 with its fellow Chinese domestic MBT, ZTZ96A; they do indeed have some similarities in terms of overall firepower and FCS, which could be said is pretty identical. When it comes to the protection though, the duo take different approach in terms of the hull design - MBT2000 extended the LFP while having a similar layout UFP like Type 90 covered with FY-2 ERA; while ZTZ96A still opted for traditional, well-sloped armour layout with FY-4 ERA. In most cases, lower tier shells will have problem penetrating the UFP, especially HEATFS due to the high CE protection of FY-2; kinetic shells will be another story though as most shells with >410 mm penetration is enough to penetrate some areas on the UFP at 500 m, let alone the larger UFP, it can still protect itself from autocannons though unlike ZTZ96A. The turret itself is another story - it has over 600 mm RHA even without FY-2, tanks even at higher tier will have hard time penetrating the turret; still, the long-lasting flaw on mantlet still haunts the MBT2000, it might still be enough to stop 105 mm shells, anything beyond this caliber have no major problem penetrating it up front especially at close range, which is extremely fatal for the tank as this will very likely disable the gun and knock-out one of the turret crew at once, so be cautious on close quarters. Internally, it looks very similar to tanks with Russian-style carousel autoloader but thanks to the small yet powerful powerpack, MBT2000 now has 49 shells at disposal (PLAGF tanks usually has around 40 rounds); for players who has the need for some reserve ammo in case on multiple misses or non-lethal hits, this is a good news; but this will not be a good news for the crew though as the crew is now literary surrounded by ammunition even to their back by the turret - any penetrated shots that lands on ammunition equals to the death sentence of the tank, and would very likely cause a jack-in-the-box effect and the turret turns into a rocket-for-two, flying tens or even hundreds of meters away from where the hull once existed.

With these in mind, MBT2000 can still be used aggressively as a flanker instead of spearhead of team, the 6TD-2 engine pack and its 25 hp/t ratio can make sure it accelerates way faster than most of their tracked counterparts, faster the tank goes to top speed, the better to gain advantage positions and start to pound on enemy team. Thanks to the development of GP125 and the export of DTC10-125 (as DTC10E), MBT2000 will have no trouble penetrating most MBTs it will face at its tier, sometimes even at higher tiers; the 3x-10x optics with 1st generation TVD also gives it the flexibility to spot enemies with large FoV, as long as players pay extra caution and make assumptions on where the enemy would appear, they can extend the service life of MBT2000 vastly, but beware when crossing complicated terrains as the gun has insufficient vertical traverse to react in time. It can still take some shots from enemy if they didn't aim carefully, always utilize the excellent mobility of MBT2000 to move around for opportunities and thanks to the reverse speed, as long as the powerplant and driver is operable, it can retreat to cover as fast as possible, making it more forgiving than its domestic or Eastern Bloc counterparts.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent mobility
    • 6TD-2 powerpack with high engine output
    • Additional side-transmissions enables "neutral steering" albeit being single-flow transmission
    • -31 km/h reverse speed to get away from danger
  • Devastating firepower with varieties of high-penetration ammunition at its tier
  • Optics with variable magnification and large FoV for different engagement ranges
  • TVD sights for faster target acquisition
  • Commander override and CITV for last-ditch retaliation
  • Thick turret protection

Cons:

  • Inconsistent protection
    • The cast gun mantlet still haunts the turret protection
    • Overall lesser hull protection than ZTZ96A due to ERA selection and large LFP
  • Slow gun vertical traverse
  • Rear arc of fire is restricted by the elevated engine deck
  • Inferior TVD than Chinese domestic MBTs with only Gen 1 TVD available
  • Rather cramped compartment and crew layout
  • Infamous autoloader with relatively slow fixed reload rate and high chance of detonation once hit

History

Date back to the previous Project 122 medium tanks by early 1970s, there were at least 5 different designs from different designers with different features; although Chinese engineers were very ambitious on their designs with some uncertified technologies, when the decade between 1978 to 1988 where Mainland China has improved relationship with western powers, the engineers saw one of the most advanced MBT at the time: Leopard 2 with unimaginable mobility for the engineers at the time. Although failed attempts to introduce either Leopard 2 or its powerplant, thanks to the Project 784 (WZ123; the future ZTZ99) and the debates of powerplant for the tank, Datong Diesel Engine Plant introduced MTU 8V331TC-41 and its production line from West Germany, the engineers put together a prototype: WZ1224 with the aforementioned engine. Another prototype with a hydraulic transmission known as WZ1226 was also built as part of the restarted Project 122 MBT; these were the beginnings of the future MBT2000.

Soon in 1985, the introduction of Renk LSG3000 transmission enabled the engineers to built yet another prototype known as BK1850, later BK1851 with ZTZ80 (WZ122) chassis and new welded turret. Eventually, the real ancestor of MBT2000 - BK1871 with provisions of foreign equipment for export purpose including additional imports of powerplants from France and Great Britain. This was also the real beginning of steering wheel for drivers instead of brake handles as BK1871 successfully persuaded opposing engineers why western tanks and their potential customers opted for this design for "driving experiences"; after a demonstration of its mock-up in 1990 to Pakistan Armed Force officers who seek for comparable MBT against the future Indian T-72S fleet, the Sino-Pakistani MBT2000 (Type 90-II) started its struggle to completion. But before the completion of MBT2000, Type 85-IIAP was also selected as the placeholder tank to be produced in Pakistan by Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), which would become the ancestor of ZTZ96 series.

NORINCO revised their design of turret and FCS with the latest possible technologies from Mainland China including carousel autoloader for the 125 mm smoothbore cannon, ISFCS-212B image-stabilized FCS and provision for CITV; the Type 90-II P1 tank with domestic powerplant and German transmission arrived at Pakistan in May 1991 and been demonstrated until 1994 when Germany banned the sale of LSG3000 as the result of 1993 arms embargo to Mainland China (proposed by US after 1989 national-wide riots and suppressions) almost put an end to the project. A country then comes into the eyes of the two countries: Ukraine. To fill the gap of MBTs, Chinese and Serbian (ex-Yugoslavian) engineers proposed the Type 85-III with a Yugoslavian V-46-TK 1000 hp engine and domestic transmission, while Ukrainian brought up the most elite MBT of ex-Soviet Union: T-80UD with Kharkov 6TD engine pack; due to the unreliable performance of the joint-developed powerplant, Pakistan opted for 320 T-80UD against the future T-90S fleet in India. While the Type 85-III bit the dust, the duo of China and Pakistan found the 6TD engine pack rather reliable while maintaining high enough engine output (at 1000 hp) at such a small size (almost half of CV12), Ukraine also proposed for future upgrades on these T-80UDs to the latest T-84 standards with the new 6TD-2 power pack at 1200 hp output; while the engineers expressed that this would be a good alternative to western equivalents while maintaining a less complicated logistic, Chinese engineers delivered the P2 prototype with Perkins CV12 engine (also proposed for Wärtsilä V8X SACM) and Renk ESM500 transmission, as well as P4 with NATO 120 mm gun and German power pack, but the 1998 nuclear test eliminated any possibilities to import NATO equipment to Pakistan (another arms embargo for Pakistan). Thus the P3 with 6TD-2 power pack became the approved design as the Type 90-IIM; after redesigning the engine bay, additions of AC units and FY-2 ERA, the MBT2000 debuted in Abu Dhabi IDEX 2001 as the new export product produced by NORINCO, while the version manufactured from CKD or SKD kits would be called Al-Khalid. While having successful commission in Pakistan with more than 750 tanks in service by 2021, they were also exported to Myanmar, Morocco and Bangladesh; making it one of the most successful NORINCO defense product at present.[1]

Future MBT2000 manufactured in Mainland China will use completely domestic equipment from NORINCO subsidies including 12V150HB deviated engine and CH series transmission, as well as upgraded FCS; while the hull design will also be inherited to the future VT4 MBT.

Media

Skins

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Norinco (China North Industries Corporation)
Light AFV/IFV 
WZ501  ZBD86¹
WZ131  ▂Type 62 · Type 62
WZ211  Type 63 · ZTS63
WZ502  ZBD04A
MBT 
WZ120  Type 59¹ · ZTZ59A · ZTZ59D1
WZ121  Type 69
WZ122  ZTZ88B · ZTZ88A · ZTZ96 · ZTZ96A · ZTZ96A (P)
WZ123  ZTZ99-II · ZTZ99-III
WZ1001  WZ1001(E) LCT · ZTZ99A
Tank Destroyers  AFT09 · PTL02 · PTZ89 · ZLT11
SPH  PLZ83
SPAA  ZSD63/PG87² · PGZ09 · PGZ04A
Export 
WZ121  Type 69-IIa · T-69 II G
MBT2000  MBT-2000 · Al-Khalid-I
MBT3000  VT4A1
Other  WMA301 · WZ305
  ¹ License production / Reverse engineered · ² Field modifications

China medium tanks
ZTZ59  Type 59 · ZTZ59A · ZTZ59D1
ZTZ69  Type 69 · Type 69-IIa
ZTZ88/96  ZTZ88A · ZTZ88B
  ZTZ96 · ZTZ96A · ZTZ96A (P)
ZTZ99  ZTZ99-II · ZTZ99-III
ZTZ99A  ZTZ99A · WZ1001(E) LCT
Export series  MBT-2000 · VT4A1
ROC  CM11
Other  Т-34-85 Gai · Object 122MT "MC"
Bangladesh  T-69 II G
Japan  ␗Chi-Ha · ␗Chi-Ha Kai
Pakistan  Al-Khalid-I
USA  ␗M4A4 · ␗M4A4 (1st PTG) · ␗M4A1 (75) W · ␗M48A1 · ␗M60A3 TTS
USSR  ␗T-34 (1943) · ␗Т-34-85 (S-53) · T-34-85 No.215 · Т-62 №545

  1. ↑ "The Chinese Export Tank that Frustrates Russian: Development History of MBT2000/VT1 Al-Khalid"by Topper-螺蛳粉斯基; a video on Bilibili that introduced the development of MBT2000
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