Difference between revisions of "ZTZ88B"

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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.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}'''(Chinese: ZTZ88B式主战坦克; industry code WZ122E) is one of the WZ122 family of MBT and the first mass-produced variant of the ZTZ80/88 series. The WZ122 series has to trace back to [[Object 122MT "MC"|Object 122]] (or by its code 122) when Chinese engineers joined a campaign to develop new armored vehicles for PLAGF during late-1960s to early-1970s; although the program was canceled after route changes, one of its prototypes, WZ1225 made it into PLAGF evaluation and later designated as the new PLAGF 2nd generation MBT, thus retained its industry code: WZ122. The tank was first manufactured as the ZTZ80-I for evaluation, as the 3rd generation MBT (Project 784; later renamed WZ123 and ZTZ99) was still in development and the need for new MBTs before the new tanks completed their development, ZTZ80-I fused the hull of ZTZ85 and the turret of ZTZ80-I later joined PLAGF as the ZTZ88B and was first shown during 50th National Day Parade.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (Chinese: ZTZ88B式主战坦克; industry code WZ122E) belongs to the WZ122 family of MBTs and is the first mass-produced variant of the ZTZ80/88 series. The WZ122 series traces back to the [[Object 122MT "MC"|Object 122]], which emerged after Chinese engineers embarked on a campaign to develop new armoured vehicles for the PLAGF in the late 1960s to early 1970s. Although the program was canceled after direction changes, one of its prototypes, WZ1225, made it to PLAGF evaluation and was later designated as the PLAGF's new 2nd generation MBT, retaining its industry code WZ122. The tank was first manufactured as the ZTZ80-I for evaluation, and with a need for new MBTs and the 3rd generation MBT (Project 784; later renamed WZ123 and ZTZ99) still being in development, the a fusion of the hull of the ZTZ85 and the turret of the ZTZ80-I later joined the PLAGF as the ZTZ88B and was first shown during 50th National Day Parade.
  
−
Introduced in [[Update "La Royale"]] as one of the Chinese MBT line-up, the design recalls many similarities to its successor, ZTZ88A with a longer 105 mm cannon; which oddly comes behind ZTZ88B alphabetically. For players who suffered from the rather slow turret traverse speed and top speed of previous ZTZ59/69 series, ZTZ88B now enjoys better gun laying system and equipped with commander override for the gun, as well as experimental applique armor for extra protection against both kinetic and chemical shells; along side with a new 730 hp engine for better mobility in both direction, ZTZ88B makes a good training vehicle to later PLAGF MBTs.  
+
Introduced in [[Update "La Royale"]], the design shares many similarities with its successor, [[ZTZ88A]], with a longer 105 mm cannon. For players who struggled with the rather slow turret traverse speed and top speed of the previous ZTZ59/69 series, the ZTZ88B now enjoys a better gun laying system , as well as experimental applique armour for extra protection against both kinetic and chemical shells. Alongside a new 730 hp engine for better mobility in both directions, the ZTZ88B makes a good training vehicle for later PLAGF MBTs.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
If players see this tank from afar, they might find a tank that looks exactly like another T-54/55 or Type 59/69 family; but once they fired upon the target or get closer, they will find some significant differences. First, their shot might not penetrate the UFP of ZTZ88B thanks to the (experimental) applique armor and main armor at 68° (versus 60° on T-54 series); secondly, it has 6 road wheels and intergraded FCS channel (daytime, night, LRF) on the left side of turret. The applique armor might not have the best protection against chemical shells versus its Soviet counterparts (T-62M-1 or T-55AM series), however, some short-rod APFSDS even at higher caliber at its tier could score nothing on the UFP (which could provide at most 360 mm RHA equivalent).
+
When viewed from a distance, players may mistake the ZTZ88B for another tank in the T-54/55 or Type 59/69 family due to its similar appearance. However, upon firing on or approaching the target, they will notice several significant differences. Firstly, their shots may fail to penetrate the UFP of the ZTZ88B, thanks to its applique armour and the main armour angled at 68° (compared to 60° on the T-54 series). Secondly, the ZTZ88B features 6 road wheels and an integrated FCS channel (for daytime, night, and laser rangefinding) on the left side of the turret. While the applique armour may not provide the best protection against chemical shells compared to its Soviet counterparts (such as the [[T-62M-1]] or [[T-55 (Family)|T-55AM]] series), even some short-rod APFSDS shells at higher calibres might fail to penetrate the UFP, which offers up to 360 mm RHA equivalent protection.
  
−
But it was also ZTZ88B which marked the reduced side armor of PLAGF tanks: instead of the 80 mm on previous tanks, it has reduced to 60 mm; this gives more chance to autocannons with even APHE shell to penetrate the sides with ease; although the skirt could migrate some penetration, in most cases, any flanking autocannons will have no problem tearing down ZTZ88B. Sometimes angling might help, but do not expect it could literary immune to them.  
+
However, the ZTZ88B also marks a reduction in side armour for PLAGF tanks. Instead of the 80 mm found on previous tanks, the side armour has been reduced to 60 mm. This makes it more vulnerable to autocannons, which can easily penetrate the sides even with APHE shells. Although the skirt armour may mitigate some of the penetration, in most cases, flanking autocannons will have no trouble dealing with the ZTZ88B. While angling the tank might provide some protection, it should not be relied upon as a foolproof defense.
  
−
Another flaw goes to the turret with full CHA armor; while it retained the oval shape turret of Warsaw Pact/ early Chinese designs, at its tier where APFSDS and HEAT are commonplace, they will have no problem penetrating the turret from any angle, causing fatal damages to the crew or turret compartment and effectively disabling ZTZ88B for their own good. So be extra careful on where the turret should turn - sometimes slight angling could bounce some oncoming shots and leaving chances to return-fire. Do remember the crew of 4 and tank's compartments are tightly packed near the center-mass of the tank, chances are the crew will either be knocked-out by penetrated shots and its shrapnel, or by fuel/ammunition detonation onboard.
+
Another weakness lies in the turret, which features full CHA armour. Despite retaining the oval-shaped turret reminiscent of Warsaw Pact and early Chinese designs, at its tier where APFSDS and HEAT shells are common, they will have no trouble penetrating the turret from any angle, causing fatal damage to the crew or turret compartment and effectively disabling the ZTZ88B. Therefore, caution must be exercised when deciding the direction to turn the turret. Sometimes slight angling might help deflect some incoming shots, allowing for a chance to return fire. It is important to remember that the crew of 4 and the tank's compartments are tightly packed near the center of mass. As a result, the crew is susceptible to being knocked out by penetrating shots and their shrapnel or by fuel or ammunition detonation.
  
 
'''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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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Hull || 100 + 20 mm (68°) ''Upper'' <br> 80 m (51°) ''Lower'' || 60 mm ''Top'' <br> 50 mm ''Bottom'' || 45 mm (4°) || 30 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Turret || 200 - 300 mm ''Turret front'' (Volumetric)<br> 70 - 400 mm ''Gun mantlet'' (Volumetric) || 100 - 200 mm (Volumetric) || 60 - 70 mm (Volumetric) || 30 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
+
| Cupola || 80 mm || 80 mm || 80 mm || 30 mm
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Composite Armour !! Frontal Effective Protection
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 100 mm ''Kinetic'' / 100 mm ''Chemical''
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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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.'' -->
−
Thanks to the development efforts of Chinese engineers, ZTZ88 series shared the same NORINCO 12V150ZLC engine with 730 hp output; although it is nowhere close to NATO counterparts, it was already a vast improvement to Soviet tanks at its BR, giving it more flexibility on assaults as this could push the tank at up to 57 km/h while having faster acceleration. While the transmission has been upgraded to a planetary gear one, the gear ratio for reverse/first gear is not very satisficing and only gives around 9 km/h reverse speed; in case for a retreat, this could be a major problem as enemy tanks will have no problem chasing ZTZ88B.
+
The ZTZ88 series shares the same NORINCO 12V150ZLC engine with 730 hp output. Although it is not comparable to NATO counterparts, it is a vast improvement over Soviet tanks at its BR, giving the tank more flexibility on assaults as it can push the tank to up to 57 km/h while having faster acceleration. While the transmission has been upgraded to a planetary gear system, the gear ratio for reverse/first gear is not very satisfactory and only gives around 9 km/h reverse speed. In the event of a retreat, this limitation could pose a major problem, as enemy tanks will have no trouble pursuing the ZTZ88B.
  
−
{{tankMobility}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,131|rbMinHp=646}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{main|88B-105T (105 mm)}}
 
{{main|88B-105T (105 mm)}}
  
−
ZTZ88B retained the same caliber yet different named gun to previous ZTZ59D1; although it is named a 88B-105T, the ballistic performance is totally identical on both guns while the major differences go to the turret traverse speed and reload rate. While ZTZ59 series suffered from a slow, hand-cranked like turret and ZTZ69 is slight better, ZTZ88B introduced hydraulic drive for the turret and finally boost its rotation speed to at least 12°/s - a welcomed improvement but still lags behind most NATO tanks of its tier; while the reload rate is at below 10 seconds, not as quickly as NATO tanks with spacious turret, the ammunition by themselves are still sufficient to take down most enemies it might face, but be extra careful on later Soviet MBTs with autoloaders and composite armor. Also it's better to plan ahead and turn the turret to expected points where enemies will show up- ZTZ88B doesn't have the reaction time for a sudden attack.
+
The ZTZ88B retains the same calibre gun as the previous ZTZ59D1, although it is designated as the 88B-105T. Despite the different name, the ballistic performance of both guns is identical. The main differences lie in the turret traverse speed and reload rate: while the ZTZ59 series suffers from a slow, hand-cranked turret, and the ZTZ69 improves upon this to some extent, the ZTZ88B introduces a hydraulic drive for the turret, significantly increasing its rotation speed to 20°/s. While this improvement is welcomed, it still lags behind most NATO tanks of its tier. The reload rate is below 10 seconds, which is not as quick as NATO tanks with spacious turrets. Nevertheless, the ammunition available is still sufficient to take down most encountered enemies. However, caution should be exercised when facing later Soviet MBTs equipped with autoloaders and composite armour. It is advisable to plan ahead and position the turret in anticipation of enemies since the ZTZ88B lacks the reaction time for sudden attacks.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 45 || rowspan="2" | -4°/+18° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 45 || rowspan="2" | -4°/+18° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 19.0 || 26.4 || 32.0 || 35.4 || 37.6 || rowspan="2" | 9.75 || rowspan="2" | 8.63 || rowspan="2" | 7.95 || rowspan="2" | 7.50
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 11.9 || 14.0 || 17.0 || 18.8 || 20.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{main|Type 54 (12.7 mm)|Type 86 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|Type 54 (12.7 mm)|Type 86 (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
Like most Chinese tanks before late 1990s, it retained the Type 54 (DShK) by the commander hatch while the co-axial MG was replaced by Type 86 (PKT); while the ammo pool on the Type 54 is rather low, its caliber can certainly cause some problems for low-flying helicopters or lightly-armored targets.
+
Like most Chinese tanks before the late 1990s, the ZTZ88B equips the Type 54 (DShK) by the commander hatch while the coaxial MG was replaced by Type 86 (PKT). While the ammo pool on the Type 54 is rather low, its calibre can certainly cause some problems for low-flying helicopters or lightly armoured targets.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Pintle||500 (50)||600||-5°/+60°||±180°
+
| Pintle || 500 (50) || 600 || -4°/+82° || ±180°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Coaxial||2,500 (250)||600||N/A||N/A
+
| Coaxial || 2,500 (250) || 700 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
Although ZTZ88B still appears to be a T-54/Type 59 derivative from its oval shape turret and hull design, but when players hear the similar engine sound to a T-72 and the gun has heat sleeves, as well as seeing the composite applique armor on the front, ZTZ88B will become the tank that will hit them hard.
 +
 
 +
One of the most distinctive differences is the main cannon - instead of 100 mm cannon, Chinese upgraded their fleet of medium tanks/MBTs with 105 mm L7 equivalents since 1980s; ZTZ88B is no exception. Thanks to the advances of technology in 1980s (albeit lagging behind mainstreams), the turret traverse speed and penetration of types of ammunitions is vastly improved than earlier PLAGF tanks; the shells on ZTZ88B is identical to its tech-tree predecessor ZTZ59D1 though, but now it has better reaction time than the latter while still enjoys most of the FCS features minus the TVD channel, so players will have to rely on their naked eyes to seek for enemy targets, 8x is suitable for engages at around 800m, but fixed magnification also means lesser flexibility at close-quarter brawling or long-range sniping. The other distinctive feature is the engine, there can be occasions that enemy players hear a very unpleasing engine sound from the V-46 used on T-72 or 12V150ZLC/D on ZTZ96(A), but when they see the source of sound, they will be surprised by the source - 12V150ZLC diesel engine on ZTZ88 series. Thanks to upgrades to the production of diesel engines, the engine which was based on V-54 now has similar horsepower of the early series T-72 at 730 hp, a vast improvement from any T-54/62 series and now pushes the tank faster.
 +
 
 +
While having improvements onboard, there are still some flaws in terms of protection and flexibility; the design of ZTZ88B still retains the iconic, casted oval turret with similar protection of Type 59, it might be enough for full-caliber kinetic shells from lower tier, but APFSDS or HEATFS is more than enough to penetrate and disable the turret at once, possibly knocking out crews at the turret. This is also the first Chinese tank to have reduced side armor to 60 mm, autocannons even with only full-caliber shells can very likely penetrate the sides with ease during a sudden strike. And in case for a retreat for whatever reason, due to the transmission limits, the fastest it can go in reverse is only at 9 km/h, so plan ahead for where you should appear; not over-extending is a good way to increase overall survivability while still contribute to the team by stalling enemy team or even push them back.
 +
 
 +
Overall, ZTZ88B offers a mobile and flexible options for Chinese tech tree players from the ROCA M60A3TTS with inferior mobility; while its introduction by 1990s meant being obsolete at the time, it can still be a good training tank for future PLAGF tanks.
  
 
=== 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".'' -->
 
<!-- ''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:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
 
* Improved gun handling and reload rate to previous tanks
 
* Improved gun handling and reload rate to previous tanks
−
* Commander override leaves the opportunity for a revenge shot on enemies
 
 
* Vastly improved mobility to T-54/55 series
 
* Vastly improved mobility to T-54/55 series
−
* Composite applique armor for extra protection
+
* Composite applique armour on UFP for extra protection
 
* Accurate licensed L7 gun
 
* Accurate licensed L7 gun
−
 
−
*
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
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* Tightly packed interior and crew layout
 
* Tightly packed interior and crew layout
 
* Lacks TVD for faster target acquisition
 
* Lacks TVD for faster target acquisition
−
* Relatively slow reverse rate to NATO counterparts
+
* Relatively slow reverse rate to NATO counterparts
−
 
 
−
*
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_ztz_88b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 165: Line 177:
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
* [[Object 122MT "MC"]] - The nominal ancestor of WZ122 series MBT
 
* [[Object 122MT "MC"]] - The nominal ancestor of WZ122 series MBT
 
* [[ZTZ88A]] (WZ122G) - ZTZ88 with longer ZPL94 cannon
 
* [[ZTZ88A]] (WZ122G) - ZTZ88 with longer ZPL94 cannon
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* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Norinco}}
 
{{China medium tanks}}
 
{{China medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 21:54, 29 May 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the Chinese medium tank ZTZ88B. For the other version, see ZTZ88A.
ZTZ88B
cn_ztz_88b.png
GarageImage ZTZ88B.jpg
ZTZ88B
China flag.png China
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.0 9.0 9.0
Class:
Research:160 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:450 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The ZhuangJia Tanke ZhuZhan 88B (Chinese: ZTZ88B式主战坦克; industry code WZ122E) belongs to the WZ122 family of MBTs and is the first mass-produced variant of the ZTZ80/88 series. The WZ122 series traces back to the Object 122, which emerged after Chinese engineers embarked on a campaign to develop new armoured vehicles for the PLAGF in the late 1960s to early 1970s. Although the program was canceled after direction changes, one of its prototypes, WZ1225, made it to PLAGF evaluation and was later designated as the PLAGF's new 2nd generation MBT, retaining its industry code WZ122. The tank was first manufactured as the ZTZ80-I for evaluation, and with a need for new MBTs and the 3rd generation MBT (Project 784; later renamed WZ123 and ZTZ99) still being in development, the a fusion of the hull of the ZTZ85 and the turret of the ZTZ80-I later joined the PLAGF as the ZTZ88B and was first shown during 50th National Day Parade.

Introduced in Update "La Royale", the design shares many similarities with its successor, ZTZ88A, with a longer 105 mm cannon. For players who struggled with the rather slow turret traverse speed and top speed of the previous ZTZ59/69 series, the ZTZ88B now enjoys a better gun laying system , as well as experimental applique armour for extra protection against both kinetic and chemical shells. Alongside a new 730 hp engine for better mobility in both directions, the ZTZ88B makes a good training vehicle for later PLAGF MBTs.

General info

Survivability and armour

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
Armourfront / side / back
Hull100 / 60 / 45
Turret220 / 155 / 65
Crew4 people
Visibility75 %

When viewed from a distance, players may mistake the ZTZ88B for another tank in the T-54/55 or Type 59/69 family due to its similar appearance. However, upon firing on or approaching the target, they will notice several significant differences. Firstly, their shots may fail to penetrate the UFP of the ZTZ88B, thanks to its applique armour and the main armour angled at 68° (compared to 60° on the T-54 series). Secondly, the ZTZ88B features 6 road wheels and an integrated FCS channel (for daytime, night, and laser rangefinding) on the left side of the turret. While the applique armour may not provide the best protection against chemical shells compared to its Soviet counterparts (such as the T-62M-1 or T-55AM series), even some short-rod APFSDS shells at higher calibres might fail to penetrate the UFP, which offers up to 360 mm RHA equivalent protection.

However, the ZTZ88B also marks a reduction in side armour for PLAGF tanks. Instead of the 80 mm found on previous tanks, the side armour has been reduced to 60 mm. This makes it more vulnerable to autocannons, which can easily penetrate the sides even with APHE shells. Although the skirt armour may mitigate some of the penetration, in most cases, flanking autocannons will have no trouble dealing with the ZTZ88B. While angling the tank might provide some protection, it should not be relied upon as a foolproof defense.

Another weakness lies in the turret, which features full CHA armour. Despite retaining the oval-shaped turret reminiscent of Warsaw Pact and early Chinese designs, at its tier where APFSDS and HEAT shells are common, they will have no trouble penetrating the turret from any angle, causing fatal damage to the crew or turret compartment and effectively disabling the ZTZ88B. Therefore, caution must be exercised when deciding the direction to turn the turret. Sometimes slight angling might help deflect some incoming shots, allowing for a chance to return fire. It is important to remember that the crew of 4 and the tank's compartments are tightly packed near the center of mass. As a result, the crew is susceptible to being knocked out by penetrating shots and their shrapnel or by fuel or ammunition detonation.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 100 + 20 mm (68°) Upper
80 m (51°) Lower 		60 mm Top
50 mm Bottom 		45 mm (4°) 30 mm
Turret 200 - 300 mm Turret front (Volumetric)
70 - 400 mm Gun mantlet (Volumetric) 		100 - 200 mm (Volumetric) 60 - 70 mm (Volumetric) 30 mm
Cupola 80 mm 80 mm 80 mm 30 mm
Composite Armour Frontal Effective Protection
Hull 100 mm Kinetic / 100 mm Chemical

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB64 / 10 km/h
RB and SB58 / 9 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight38.5 t
Engine power
AB1 393 hp
RB and SB730 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB36.2 hp/t
RB and SB19.0 hp/t

The ZTZ88 series shares the same NORINCO 12V150ZLC engine with 730 hp output. Although it is not comparable to NATO counterparts, it is a vast improvement over Soviet tanks at its BR, giving the tank more flexibility on assaults as it can push the tank to up to 57 km/h while having faster acceleration. While the transmission has been upgraded to a planetary gear system, the gear ratio for reverse/first gear is not very satisfactory and only gives around 9 km/h reverse speed. In the event of a retreat, this limitation could pose a major problem, as enemy tanks will have no trouble pursuing the ZTZ88B.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 64 10 38.5 1,131 1,393 29.38 36.18
Realistic 58 9 646 730 16.78 18.96

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 189 → 6 094 Sl icon.png
RB4 341 → 6 316 Sl icon.png
SB5 374 → 7 819 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications134 400 Rp icon.png
225 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training130 000 Sl icon.png
Experts450 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 000 Ge icon.png
Research Aces890 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
140 / 200 / 230 % Sl icon.png
214 / 214 / 214 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
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Brake System
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Filters
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Transmission
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Engine
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Improved Parts
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Improved FPE
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Crew Replenishment
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Smoke grenade
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ESS
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Horizontal Drive
Research:
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105mm_TYPE83_HESH_ammo_pack
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Adjustment of Fire
Research:
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Laser rangefinder
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Elevation Mechanism
Research:
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105mm_china_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
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Artillery Support
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Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder

Main armament

105 mm 88B-105T cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition45 rounds
First-order23 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
9.7 → 7.5 s
Vertical guidance-4° / 18°
Main article: 88B-105T (105 mm)

The ZTZ88B retains the same calibre gun as the previous ZTZ59D1, although it is designated as the 88B-105T. Despite the different name, the ballistic performance of both guns is identical. The main differences lie in the turret traverse speed and reload rate: while the ZTZ59 series suffers from a slow, hand-cranked turret, and the ZTZ69 improves upon this to some extent, the ZTZ88B introduces a hydraulic drive for the turret, significantly increasing its rotation speed to 20°/s. While this improvement is welcomed, it still lags behind most NATO tanks of its tier. The reload rate is below 10 seconds, which is not as quick as NATO tanks with spacious turrets. Nevertheless, the ammunition available is still sufficient to take down most encountered enemies. However, caution should be exercised when facing later Soviet MBTs equipped with autoloaders and composite armour. It is advisable to plan ahead and position the turret in anticipation of enemies since the ZTZ88B lacks the reaction time for sudden attacks.

105 mm 88B-105T Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 45 -4°/+18° ±180° Two-plane 19.0 26.4 32.0 35.4 37.6 9.75 8.63 7.95 7.50
Realistic 11.9 14.0 17.0 18.8 20.0

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
Type-83 HEAT HEATFS 400 400 400 400 400 400
Type-83 HESH HESH 127 127 127 127 127 127
Type-83 APDS APFSDS 337 335 330 322 314 306
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%
Type-83 HEAT HEATFS 1,174 11 0.05 0.1 1.27 65° 72° 77°
Type-83 HESH HESH 732 11.2 0.1 4 4.31 73° 77° 80°
Type-83 APDS APFSDS 1,455 4.2 - - - 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
45 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Machine guns

12.7 mm Type 54 machine gun
Ammunition500 rounds
Belt capacity50 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Vertical guidance-4° / 82°
7.62 mm Type 86 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition2 500 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate700 shots/min
Main articles: Type 54 (12.7 mm), Type 86 (7.62 mm)

Like most Chinese tanks before the late 1990s, the ZTZ88B equips the Type 54 (DShK) by the commander hatch while the coaxial MG was replaced by Type 86 (PKT). While the ammo pool on the Type 54 is rather low, its calibre can certainly cause some problems for low-flying helicopters or lightly armoured targets.

12.7 mm Type 54
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 500 (50) 600 -4°/+82° ±180°
7.62 mm Type 86
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 2,500 (250) 700 - -

Usage in battles

Although ZTZ88B still appears to be a T-54/Type 59 derivative from its oval shape turret and hull design, but when players hear the similar engine sound to a T-72 and the gun has heat sleeves, as well as seeing the composite applique armor on the front, ZTZ88B will become the tank that will hit them hard.

One of the most distinctive differences is the main cannon - instead of 100 mm cannon, Chinese upgraded their fleet of medium tanks/MBTs with 105 mm L7 equivalents since 1980s; ZTZ88B is no exception. Thanks to the advances of technology in 1980s (albeit lagging behind mainstreams), the turret traverse speed and penetration of types of ammunitions is vastly improved than earlier PLAGF tanks; the shells on ZTZ88B is identical to its tech-tree predecessor ZTZ59D1 though, but now it has better reaction time than the latter while still enjoys most of the FCS features minus the TVD channel, so players will have to rely on their naked eyes to seek for enemy targets, 8x is suitable for engages at around 800m, but fixed magnification also means lesser flexibility at close-quarter brawling or long-range sniping. The other distinctive feature is the engine, there can be occasions that enemy players hear a very unpleasing engine sound from the V-46 used on T-72 or 12V150ZLC/D on ZTZ96(A), but when they see the source of sound, they will be surprised by the source - 12V150ZLC diesel engine on ZTZ88 series. Thanks to upgrades to the production of diesel engines, the engine which was based on V-54 now has similar horsepower of the early series T-72 at 730 hp, a vast improvement from any T-54/62 series and now pushes the tank faster.

While having improvements onboard, there are still some flaws in terms of protection and flexibility; the design of ZTZ88B still retains the iconic, casted oval turret with similar protection of Type 59, it might be enough for full-caliber kinetic shells from lower tier, but APFSDS or HEATFS is more than enough to penetrate and disable the turret at once, possibly knocking out crews at the turret. This is also the first Chinese tank to have reduced side armor to 60 mm, autocannons even with only full-caliber shells can very likely penetrate the sides with ease during a sudden strike. And in case for a retreat for whatever reason, due to the transmission limits, the fastest it can go in reverse is only at 9 km/h, so plan ahead for where you should appear; not over-extending is a good way to increase overall survivability while still contribute to the team by stalling enemy team or even push them back.

Overall, ZTZ88B offers a mobile and flexible options for Chinese tech tree players from the ROCA M60A3TTS with inferior mobility; while its introduction by 1990s meant being obsolete at the time, it can still be a good training tank for future PLAGF tanks.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Improved gun handling and reload rate to previous tanks
  • Vastly improved mobility to T-54/55 series
  • Composite applique armour on UFP for extra protection
  • Accurate licensed L7 gun

Cons:

  • The turret has no ERA protection, unlike ZTZ59D1
  • Fixed 8x gunner optics channel, embarrassing at both short and long range engagements
  • Tightly packed interior and crew layout
  • Lacks TVD for faster target acquisition
  • Relatively slow reverse rate to NATO counterparts

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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Skins

See also

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


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

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