Difference between revisions of "Type 59"

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{{About
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| about = Chinese medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other uses
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| link = Type 59 (Disambiguation)
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}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=cn_type_59
 
|code=cn_type_59
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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}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (Chinese: [ZTZ]59式中型坦克; industry code WZ120) is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]] alongside the initial Chinese tech-tree.
 +
 
 +
Production of the Type 59, a licence-built Soviet T-54A (Ob'yekt 137G), started in 1958 and was the first domestically produced medium tank in the People's Republic of China and the cornerstone of the PLAGF for more than 4 decades. Although there were plans to build a [[T-34-85 Gai|domestic T-34-85]], with all necessary parts ready for production, the Project 156 and the subsequent transfer of the T-54A's schematics put an end to these plans. The newly built Factory 617 (now NORINCO Inner Mongolia First Machinery Works) assembled 32 T-54As from CKD parts while they were producing the required parts for what would be known as the Type 59 after the year of its certification. Due to the Sino-Soviet split, the People's Republic of China had to wait another few years to truly start mass production of the tank with completely domestic parts; these tanks subsequently received different upgrades including a new FCS and main cannon in the 1980s, a further modernization in the 1990s improved protection. The Type 59s were eventually replaced by new domestic tanks during the first 20 years of the 21st Century, and now serve as reserve tanks or shooting-range targets for new PLAGF weapons.
  
−
The Type 59 holds the distinction of being the first tank to be domestically manufactured by the People's Republic of China. It is a famous part of the PLA's Cold War tank inventory, saw service with many countries, and set the stage for many later developments.
+
It is a famous part of the PLA's Cold War tank inventory, saw service with many countries, and set the stage for many later developments. While basically a licence‑produced version of the Soviet T-54A, in part because of the simplified construction, the Type 59 looks very much like the [[T-54 (1951)]]. The most noticeable differences are the fume extractor at the tip of the gun barrel and the different road wheels, similar to the T-55A. Internally, the Type 59 differs from the T-54 by having a single-plane stabilizer and a different ammunition selection.
  
−
A somewhat simplified, licensed produced version of the Soviet T-54A, the Type 59 looks very much like the [[T-54 (1951)]]. The most noticeable differences are the fume extractor on the tip of the gun barrel and the different roadwheels, similar to the T-55A. Internally, the Type 59 differs from the T-54 by having a single-plane stabilizer and a different ammunition selection. It helps to get accustomed to this grandfather of Chinese tanks, as the later [[Type 69]], [[ZTZ59D1]], and [[T-69 II G]] are its descendants and handle similarly.
+
It helps to get accustomed to this grandfather of Chinese tanks, as the later [[Type 69]], [[ZTZ59D1]], and [[T-69 II G]] are its descendants and handle similarly.
  
−
Succeeding the Type 59 is the [[Type 69]], which improves on the Type 59 in many areas and has a new smoothbore cannon.
+
Succeeding the Type 59 is the [[Type 69]], which improves on the Type 59 in many areas except its new, yet disappointing smoothbore cannon.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
{{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.'' -->
  
−
The armor layout of the Type 59 is identical to the T-54 (1951), having a rounded, egg-shaped turret with a highly sloped upper glacis. The armor is not bad per se, but most of its opponents use powerful APDS, APFSDS, or HEAT-FS rounds that can go right through it, an issue made worse by the fact that the Type 59 currently has a higher battle rating than the T-54. While it is mostly immune to APHE rounds from the front, few vehicles use them at its rank, and those that do are typically from the Soviet Union and unlikely to face the Type 59 in Realistic Battles. The full-caliber AP shells fired by the [[M103]]'s 120 mm gun can penetrate the Type 59's hull armor quite easily.
+
The armour layout of the Type 59 is identical to the T-54 (1951), having a rounded, egg-shaped turret with a highly sloped upper glacis. The armour is not bad per se, but most of its opponents use powerful APDS, APFSDS, or HEATFS rounds that can go right through it. While it is mostly immune to APHE rounds from the front, few vehicles use them at its rank. The full-calibre AP shots fired by the [[M103]]'s 120 mm gun can penetrate the Type 59's hull armour quite easily. However, the Type 59 is very resistant to autocannon fire. Most infantry fighting vehicles will not be able to penetrate its frontal armour, and the hull's 80 mm strong sides can block many APDS rounds if fired from a certain distance and angle.
  
−
Post-penetration survivability is questionable. Ammunition is scattered around the tank and none of the ammo racks are protected. The interior of the tank is cramped and penetrating hits are likely to take out multiple crew members. When the gun is pointed forward, the driver, gunner, and commander are all lined up for an easy one-shot kill.
+
Post-penetration survivability is doubtful. The ammunition is scattered throughout the tank and none of the ammunition racks are well protected. The interior of the tank is cramped and penetrating hits are likely to take out multiple crew members. When the gun is pointed forward, the driver, gunner, and commander are all lined up for an easy one-shot kill.
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
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{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
!Armour
+
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
−
!Front
 
−
!Sides
 
−
!Rear
 
−
!Roof
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Hull
+
| Hull || 100 mm (60°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 100 mm (54°) ''Lower glacis'' || 80 mm || 45 mm (16°) ''Upper'' <br> 30 mm (72°) ''Lower'' || 30 mm ''Front'' <br> 20 mm ''Back''
−
|100 mm (60°) ''Front glacis'' <br>100 mm (54°) ''Lower glacis''
 
−
|80 mm
 
−
|45 mm (16°) ''Upper'' <br>30 mm (72°) ''Lower''
 
−
|30 mm ''Front''<br>20 mm ''Back''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Turret
+
| Turret || 160 mm (14-39°) ''Turret front'' <br>200 mm (4-78°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 115 mm (45-50°) ''Upper'' <br> 155 mm (10-30°) ''Lower'' || 65 mm (9-35°) || 30 mm
−
|160 mm (14-39°) ''Turret front'' <br>200 mm (4-78°) ''Gun mantlet''
 
−
|115 mm (45-50°) ''Upper''<br>155 mm (10-30°) ''Lower''
 
−
|65 mm (9-35°)
 
−
|30 mm
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 806|rbMinHp= 460}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 806|rbMinHp= 460}}
  
−
The mobility of the Type 59 is the same as the T-54, decent to good but not the best. The top speed will only be reached on paved surfaces. The wide tracks make for fairly good off-road capability. The tank cannot turn in place and the reverse speed of -7 km/h leaves much to be desired. Speedy MBTs like the [[Leopard I]] will easily outrun the Type 59, though it can keep up with the [[M60]] and is still faster than the [[Centurion Mk 10]].
+
The mobility of the Type 59 is the same as the T-54, above average but not excellent. While top speed will only be reached on paved surfaces, the wide tracks make for fairly good off-road capability. The tank cannot neutral steer and the reverse speed of -7 km/h leaves much to be desired. Speedy MBTs like the [[Leopard I]] will easily outrun the Type 59, though it can keep up with the [[M60]] and is still faster than the [[Centurion Mk 10]].
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{main|Type 59 (100 mm)}}
 
{{main|Type 59 (100 mm)}}
  
−
The Type 59 cannon is identical to the original Soviet D-10T used by the [[T-54 (1951)]] aside from its stabilizer and different choice of ammunition. The turret rotation speed is very poor, making it hard to respond to ambushes and proving to be a liability in urban combat. The vertical stabilizer allows the Type 59 to shoot accurately when driving under 40 km/h. The reload is quite slow and the average medium tank at the Type 59's battle rating will reload around 2 seconds quicker.
+
The Type 59 cannon is identical to the original Soviet D-10T used on the [[T-54 (1951)]] aside from its stabilizer and different choice of ammunition. The turret rotation speed is very slow, making it hard to respond to ambushes and fighting in close quarters. The vertical stabilizer allows the Type 59 to shoot accurately when driving under 40 km/h. The reload is quite slow, the average medium tank at the Type 59's battle rating will reload around 2 seconds quicker.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 34 || rowspan="2" | -4°/+17° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Vertical || 9.52 || 13.18 || 16.00 || 17.69 || 18.82 || rowspan="2" | 11.05 || rowspan="2" | 9.78 || rowspan="2" | 9.01 || rowspan="2" | 8.50
+
| rowspan="2" | 34 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+18° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Vertical|up to 40 km/h}} || 9.5 || 13.2 || 16.0 || 17.7 || 18.8 || rowspan="2" | 9.75 || rowspan="2" | 8.62 || rowspan="2" | 7.95 || rowspan="2" | 7.50
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 5.95 || 7.00 || 8.50 || 9.40 || 10.00
+
| 5.9 || 7.0 || 8.5 || 9.4 || 10.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:Type 59 (100 mm)/Ammunition|BR-412, BR-412B, BR-412D, BR-412P, Type 1959 APDS, Type 1973 HEAT-FS, OF-412}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-412 || APHE || 218 || 213 || 192 || 169 || 148 || 130
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-412B || APHEBC || 218 || 214 || 195 || 173 || 154 || 137
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-412D || APCBC || 239 || 236 || 223 || 207 || 192 || 178
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-412P || APCR || 224 || 216 || 186 || 153 || 127 || 105
 
−
|- 
 
−
| Type 1959 || APDS || 299 || 298 || 291 || 272 || 253 || 249
 
−
|-
 
−
| Type 1973 || HEATFS || 390 || 390 || 390 || 390 || 390 || 390
 
−
|-
 
−
| OF-412 || HE || 19 || 19 || 19 || 19 || 19 || 19
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-412 || APHE || 895 || 15.9 || 1.2 || 19 || 100.1 || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-412B || APHEBC || 895 || 15.9 || 1.2 || 19 || 100.1 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-412D || APCBC || 887 || 15.9 || 1.2 || 19 || 93.94 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-412P || APCR || 1,050 || 8.53 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
 
−
|- 
 
−
| Type 1959 || APDS || 1,432 || 3.18 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 75° || 78° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Type 1973 || HEATFS || 1,000 || 10.05 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 1,180 || 65° || 72° || 77°
 
−
|-
 
−
| OF-412 || HE || 880 || 15.2 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 1,460 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
The Type 59 has many ammunition types to choose from. The stock round is the BR-412 APHE. An uncapped shell, its performance is rather substandard for its rank and it might have difficulties against angled armor or at long distances. The BR-412B APHEBC round is slightly better at a distance and the BR-412D APCBC round is the best of the AP shells overall. These shells are best used against lightly armored tanks like the [[Leopard I]] and [[AMX-30 (1972)|AMX-30]]. Light tanks and SPAAs are also good targets, but some may have extremely thin armor that will not trigger the fuse.
+
The Type 59 has many ammunition types to choose from. The stock round is the BR-412 APHE. An uncapped shell, its performance is rather substandard for its rank, and it might have difficulties against angled armour or at long distances. The BR-412B APHEBC round is slightly better at a distance, and the BR-412D APCBC round is the best of the AP shells overall. These shells are best used against lightly armoured tanks like the [[Leopard I]], which can be knocked out in a single shot. Light tanks and SPAAs are also good targets, but some may have extremely thin armour that will not trigger the fuse.
  
−
The BR-412P APCR shell is currently modeled as having less penetration than the BR-412D round, so it is completely useless and should not be taken.
+
The BR-412P APCR shell is currently modelled as having less penetration than the BR-412D round, so it is completely useless and should not be taken.
  
−
The Type 1959 APDS has identical penetration to the Soviet 3BM-8 APDS round with minor differences in the weight and muzzle velocity. The performance is generally comparable to the DM13 APDS. It has a high muzzle velocity and is thus the easiest to use at long distance, but the post-penetration damage is somewhat underwhelming.
+
The Type 1959 is a hard-alloy APDS with a compact nose pad, giving it superior flat penetration and inferior angled penetration in comparison to the 3BM8, which has a heavy tungsten alloy penetrator and a wide nose pad. 361 mm of flat penetration at point-blank is quite impressive, but with only slightly over 100 mm of 60° penetration, it will have difficulties penetrating the hull armour of heavy tanks, or even other members of the T-54 family if they are slightly angled. The APDS is a sound projectile with a high muzzle velocity and is well suited for medium to long-range engagements. Most tanks can be disabled by firing at their turrets or gun mantlets, and they can be destroyed with other projectiles if necessary.
  
−
The Type 1973 HEAT-FS has the same penetration as the T-55A's 3BK-5M HEAT-FS round. The muzzle velocity and weight are between the 3BK-5M and 3BK-5, but it has about 260 fewer grams of TNT equivalent due to the different filler. In practice, there is not a significant difference, and the HEAT-FS boasts the highest penetration out of all of the Type 59's rounds, going clean through almost any tank not equipped with composite armor or ERA. It is also capable of causing hull-breaks on light tanks and SPAAs. Unfortunately, the fuse is very sensitive and will trigger on bushes and fences.
+
The Type 1973 HEAT-FS has the same penetration as the T-55A's 3BK-5M HEATFS round. The muzzle velocity and weight are between the 3BK-5M and 3BK-5, but it has about 260 fewer grams of TNT equivalent due to the different filler. In practice, there is not a significant difference, and the HEAT-FS boasts the highest penetration out of all the Type 59's rounds, going clean through almost any tank not equipped with composite armour or ERA. It is also capable of triggering overpressure on light tanks and SPAAs occasionally. Unfortunately, the fuse is very sensitive and will trigger on bushes and fences.
  
−
The OF-412 HE shell only has 26 mm of penetration and is of limited utility. It is not large enough to cause any notable damage to MBTs, and while it can cause hull-breaks, so can the HEAT-FS.  
+
The OF-412 HE shell only has 26 mm of penetration and is of limited use. It is not large enough to cause any notable damage to MBTs, and while it can cause overpressure damage, so can the HEATFS.
  
 
Note that the Type 59 does not have access to the 3D3 smoke shell from the T-54 (1951).
 
Note that the Type 59 does not have access to the 3D3 smoke shell from the T-54 (1951).
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
[[File:Ammoracks_T-54_(1951).png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the T-54 (1951) (identical).]]
+
[[File:Ammoracks_T-54_(1951).png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the T-54 (1951) (identical).]]
−
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.11.0.71''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''34''' || 33&nbsp;''(+1)'' || 28&nbsp;''(+6)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+10)'' || 22&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+13)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+33)'' || No
+
| '''34''' || 33&nbsp;''(+1)'' || 28&nbsp;''(+6)'' || 24&nbsp;''(+10)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+13)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+33)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
Notes:
+
'''Notes''':
  
−
* Turret empty: 28&nbsp;''(+6)'' shells.
+
* Shells are modelled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
−
* Last rack only: 21&nbsp;''(+13)'' shells.
+
* Rack 6 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 20 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
 +
* This rack is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is 6 - 1 - 2 - etc. until 5.
 +
* Full reload speed will be realized as long as shells are available in the ready rack 6. If the ready rack is empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
 +
* Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-5 into rack 6. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.
 +
* If you pack 28&nbsp;''(+6)'' shells, it will keep the turret empty of ammo.
 +
* If you pack 21&nbsp;''(+13)'' shells, it will keep most of the hull empty of ammo.
  
−
The ammunition storage of the Type 59 is not exactly safe, but to be fair, this applies to many contemporary tanks. Spare rounds are littered around the turret and fighting compartment, and there is a large rack next to the driver. It's best to take fewer rounds to at least clear out the turret. Carrying 21 rounds or fewer will completely empty the fighting compartment, which helps to prevent side-aspect shots from being instantly fatal.
+
The ammunition storage of the Type 59 is not exactly fail-safe, but this is true for many contemporary tanks. Spare ammunition is scattered around the turret and fighting compartment, and there is a large rack next to the driver. It is most sensible to not be carrying the maximum possible amount of ammunition in order to at least keep the turret empty. If 21 rounds or fewer are carried along, the fighting compartment will be emptied except for the first stage ammo rack, which helps to ensure that shots into the side are not immediately fatal.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 
{{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|DShK (12.7 mm)|SGMT (7.62 mm)}}
+
{{main|Type 54 (12.7 mm)|Type 59 (7.62 mm)}}
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[DShK (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm DShK]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[Type 54 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Type 54]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Pintle || 250 (50) || 600 || -10°/+60° || ±180°
+
| Pintle || 500 (50) || 600 || -4°/+82° || ±180°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[SGMT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm SGMT]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[Type 59 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm Type 59]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 3,500 (250) || 600 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 3,000 (250) || 600 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
 
 
−
The Type 59 is best used similarly to the original T-54. The mobility is decent, but the turret rotation speed and gun elevation speed are quite agonizing. For those not used to this vehicle, it is better not to rush straight into the combat zone. Instead, stay behind other teammates, keep an eye on the surroundings, and anticipate where enemies may appear. The vertical stabilizer, an oddity for a high-tier vehicle, is effective up to around 40 km/h, which is a major step up from the familiar vertical stabilizers used by the M4 Sherman family and practically equivalent to two-plane stabilizer under most circumstances; the Type 59 will typically only exceed 40 km/h when driving downhill or on roads. Still, the crippling gun handling makes high-speed shooting risky since the turret will struggle with the rapid aim adjustments required. The stabilizer is a significant advantage when fighting unstabilized tanks since the gun does not need to settle before an accurate shot. Keep the gun pointed towards possible enemy positions and remember to turn the hull as well as the turret when rapid adjustments in aim are needed.
 
  
−
Helicopters start to become common around the Type 59's battle rating and can be a major threat if equipped with rockets or ATGMs. The Type 59 has limited options for offense or defense against helicopters since it has poor gun handling and no smoke grenades. The APDS might be able to take out very inattentive helicopter pilots with good aim and a healthy dose of luck. If they get closer, the heavy machine gun may be able to destroy or scare off unarmored helicopters. When all else fails, hide behind buildings or among trees
+
The Type 59 is best used similarly to the original T-54. The vehicle's mobility is decent, but the turret's rotation speed and the gun's inclination's velocity are really bothering. For those not used to this vehicle, it is better not to rush straight into the combat zone. Instead, stay behind other teammates, keep an eye on the surroundings, and anticipate where enemies may appear. The vertical stabilizer, an oddity for a high-tier vehicle, is effective up to around 40 km/h, which is a major step up from the familiar vertical stabilizers used by the M4 Sherman family and practically equivalent to two-plane stabilizer under most circumstances since the Type 59 will typically only exceed 40 km/h when driving downhill or on roads. Still, the mediocre gun handling makes high-speed shooting risky, since the turret will struggle with the rapid aim adjustments required. The stabilizer is a significant advantage when fighting unstabilized tanks, since the gun does not need to settle before an accurate shot. The gun should be kept pointed towards possible enemy positions and when rapid adjustments in aim are needed, both the hull and the turret should be turned.
  
−
Stay close to teammates if possible. The slow reload and poor gun handling make dealing with multiple enemies or flankers a difficult task without backup. A fast light tank, SPAA, or armored car can circle around the Type 59 faster than it can react. It helps to bind the cupola mounted heavy machine gun to a separate key in case this happens; the DShK rotates fairly quickly and will rip through the sides of light targets like the [[AUBL/74 HVG]] with ease. If a healthy distance is maintained, the Type 59 has an easier time coping with its poor gun handling.
+
Helicopters start to become common around the Type 59's battle rating and can be a major threat if equipped with rockets or ATGMs. The Type 59 has limited options for offence or defence against helicopters since it has poor gun handling and no smoke grenades. The APDS may possess the capability to eliminate helicopter pilots who exhibit inattention under the right circumstances. If they get closer, the heavy machine gun may be able to destroy or scare off unarmoured helicopters. If all else fails, shelter should be sought behind buildings or among trees.
  
−
Pay attention to the battlefield and identify enemy tanks ahead of time. This allows the gun to be wrangled into position and the appropriate choice of ammunition to be selected. Thinly armored enemies should typically be targeted with the APCBC round. Scoring one-shot kills is very helpful for the Type 59 since the slow reload makes follow-up shots risky. It is worth remembering that although the [[OF-40]], [[STB-1]], and [[Leopard A1A1]] look very similar to the [[Leopard I]], they are significantly more resistant to conventional rounds from the front. Shoot the OF-40 in the lower glacis, the STB-1 in the upper glacis (close to the turret ring) or gun mantlet, and the A1A1 in the hull.
+
The slow reload speed, poor gun control, and the presence of more manoeuvrable adversaries on the battlefield necessitate coordination with the team. It helps to bind the cupola mounted heavy machine gun to a separate key, the Type 54 HMG rotates fairly quickly and will rip through the sides of light targets like the [[AUBL/74 HVG]] with ease. If a healthy distance is maintained, the Type 59 has an easier time coping with its poor gun handling.
  
−
Tanks with good protection as often seen in US, British, and Soviet models should be dealt with using APDS or HEAT-FS if sideshots are not possible. HEAT-FS is typically the better option since it has higher penetration and can be used to hull-break light targets in a pinch, but APDS is easier to aim at long distances (especially important since the Type 59 has no dedicated rangefinder) and cannot be stopped by ERA. Take some of both, perhaps more APDS on large maps. Aim for crew members and ammo racks when using these ammunition types.
+
Attention should be paid to the battlefield to identify enemy tanks ahead of time, this facilitates the positioning of the main weapon and the selection of the appropriate ammunition. Thinly armoured enemies should typically be targeted with the APCBC round. It is worth remembering that although the [[OF-40]], [[STB-1]], and [[Leopard A1A1]] look very similar to the [[Leopard I]], they are significantly more resistant to conventional rounds from the front. If possible, the OF-40 should be shot in the lower, the STB-1 in the upper glacis (close to the turret ring or gun mantlet), and the A1A1 in the hull.
  
−
This basic version of the Type 59 omitted the night vision systems from the T-54A, so it must rely on illumination flares for vision in night battles. The [[Type 69]] is much more self-sufficient in this regard, so consider using that tank first if it is present in the lineup.
+
Tanks with good protection as often seen in the US, British, and Soviet models should be dealt with using APDS or HEATFS if side shots are not possible. HEATFS is typically the better option since it has higher penetration (enough to comfortably deal with [[Chieftain Mk 3|Chieftain]] turrets where the APDS would struggle), but APDS is easier to aim at long distances (especially important since the Type 59 has no dedicated rangefinder) and cannot be stopped by ERA. It is advisable to take some of both into battle, perhaps more APDS on large maps. If possible, the gun should be aimed at crew members and ammo racks when using these ammunition types.
  
−
Overall, the Type 59 faces many challenges at its current battle rating, often being uptiered and having to deal with tanks far more advanced than it. Still, it is satisfying to destroy a thermal-equipped, APFSDS-slinging MBT from the late 1980s with a tank first produced in 1958, using an APCBC round introduced in 1951.
+
This basic version of the Type 59 omitted the night vision systems from the T-54A, so it must rely on illumination flares for vision in night battles. The [[Type 69]] is much more self-sufficient in this regard, so consider using that tank first if it is present in the line-up.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 227: Line 172:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Powerful 100 mm gun with a wide selection of ammunition, including strong HEAT-FS
+
* Powerful 100 mm gun with similarly wide selection of ammunition as the Soviet [[T-54 (1951)]], including strong HEATFS and high-velocity APDS
−
* Good frontal armor
+
* Good frontal armour, strong against AP and APHE rounds
−
* Has a top-mounted heavy machine gun for use against soft targets
+
* Has a top-mounted heavy machine gun for use against soft targets and aircraft
−
* Despite being a vertical stabiliser, it only stops working at speeds over 40 kph. Speeds like these are rarely reached by the Type 59
+
* Decent vertical stabiliser, it only stops working at speeds over 40 km/h, speeds that are rarely reached
 
* Decent mobility
 
* Decent mobility
 +
* APHE is reliably and devastatingly effective against lightly armoured vehicles like the Leopard I from the front and other tanks from the side
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 237: Line 183:
 
* Long reload
 
* Long reload
 
* Sluggish turret traverse
 
* Sluggish turret traverse
−
* Armour does not hold up very well at its rank
+
* Armour does not hold up very well at its rank; APDS, HEATFS and APFSDS cut through the Type 59s armour, even at a distance
−
* No sources of smoke available
+
* No possibility for battlefield obscuration
 
* No night vision
 
* No night vision
 +
* No neutral steering
 +
* No laser or optical rangefinder, making long-range sniping more difficult
 +
* Poor gun depression of -4°
 +
* Not too impressive reverse of -7 km/h
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
 
+
[[File:Type 59 production.jpg|thumb|300px|Assembly of the first Type 59 tanks at the Inner Mongolia 617 factory in 1958.]]
−
During the early 1950s, the People's Republic of China purchased numerous tanks from the Soviet Union, such as the [[T-34-85 (S-53) (China)|T-34-85]] and the [[IS-2 (China)|IS-2]]. Domestic industrial and engineering capabilities were quite limited at the time and the USSR agreed to assist in setting up a factory manufacturing the T-54A in China. The Chinese copies were designated '''Type 59''' and featured several differences from the original T-54A, such as the deletion of the night vision and possibly stabilizer systems, at least initially.
+
During the early 1950s, the People's Republic of China purchased numerous tanks from the Soviet Union, such as the [[T-34-85 (S-53) (China)|T-34-85]] and the [[IS-2 (China)|IS-2]]. Domestic industrial and engineering capabilities were quite limited at the time, and the USSR agreed to assist in setting up a factory manufacturing the T-54A in China. The Chinese versions were designated '''Type 59''' and featured several differences from the original T-54A, such as the deletion of the night vision and possibly stabilizer systems, at least initially.
−
 
 
−
The Type 59 was produced for a long period of time in several versions, finally appearing in large numbers to completely replace the highly obsolete T-34-85 after a few decades. Though it started out as a competitive design, it became apparent that the Type 59 was in need of some upgrades after a few years. An effort to create a replacement resulted in the [[Type 69]], but this model was not very popular with the PLA, only seeing limited domestic service. As a result the Type 59 remained the premier tank of the PLA for most of the Cold War, seeing some usage in the Sino-Vietnamese War of 1979 and at Tiananmen Square in 1989 and receiving limited domestic upgrades to the fire-control, automotive, and fire suppression systems. The reason for PLA's continued use of this first generation MBT was largely due to the political turmoils that was happening in China during the late 60s and early 70s. Efforts to produce domestic second generation MBTs to replace the Type 59, such as the WZ-122, were usually blocked as political ideology took hold of these projects attempted by skilled Chinese engineers.
 
  
−
When relations with the Western world began to normalize during the early 1980s, foreign technologies were available for integration, resulting in numerous upgraded variants like the Type-59-II, [[ZTZ59D1|Type 59 D1]], Type 59D, Jaguar, and VT-3. Soon afterwards domestic tank development accelerated and the Type 59 was superseded by more modern tanks such as the Type 80/88 series. Currently, the Type 59 is still present in the PLA's inventory in sizable quantities, but has been gradually relegated to reserve and training purposes, with more and more units being equipped with far superior [[ZTZ96|Type 96]] and Type 99 main battle tanks.
+
The Type 59 was produced for a long period of time in numerous versions, finally appearing in large numbers to completely replace the highly obsolete T-34-85 after a few decades. Though the Type 59 was initially a competitive design, it became apparent that it required some upgrades after a few years. An effort to create a replacement resulted in the [[Type 69]], but this model was not very popular with the PLA, only seeing limited domestic service. As a result, the Type 59 remained the premier tank of the PLA for most of the Cold War, seeing usage in the Sino-Vietnamese War in 1979 and the unrest of 1989 while receiving limited domestic upgrades to the fire-control, automotive, and fire suppression systems. The reason for the PLA's continued use of this first generation MBT was largely due to the political turmoil that was happening in China during the late 60s and early 70s. Efforts to produce indigenous second-generation main battle tanks to replace the Type 59, such as the WZ-122, were generally stymied. These projects, which were to be carried out by experienced Chinese engineers, did not come to fruition for domestic political reasons.
  
−
Like the original T-54/55 series, the Type 59 was a popular export item. It was used by the North Vietnamese Army during the Vietnam War alongside its Soviet counterpart. It remains in use with countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Iran, often in heavily upgraded form. Chinese companies still offer comprehensive upgrades and conversions of the Type 59 for export customers. An estimated 10,000 tanks were produced between 1959 to the 1980s.
+
When economic relations with the Western World began to tighten during the 1980s, foreign technologies became available for integration, resulting in numerous upgraded variants like the Type-59-II, [[ZTZ59D1|Type 59D1]], Type 59D, Jaguar, and VT-3. Soon afterwards, domestic tank development accelerated and the Type 59 was superseded by more modern tanks such as the Type 80/88 series. Currently, the Type 59 is still present in the PLA's inventory in sizable quantities but has been gradually relegated to reserve and training purposes, with more and more units being equipped with modern [[ZTZ96|Type 96]] and Type 99 main battle tanks.
  
−
The tank was also shown in the famous photo of "Tank Man" on Tiananmen square.
+
Like the original T-54/55 series, the Type 59 was a popular export item. It was used by the North Vietnamese Army during the Vietnam War alongside its Soviet counterpart. It remains in use in countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Iran, often in a heavily upgraded form. Chinese companies still offer comprehensive upgrades and conversions of the Type 59 for export customers. An estimated 10,000 tanks were produced between 1959 to the 1980s.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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;Skins
 
;Skins
  
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=china&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=cn_type_59 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_type_59 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|B6ZsuPjSuNo|'''T-54/T-55 family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:41 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|-NsXtlGCC1g|'''{{PAGENAME}} - Calm Aggression''' - ''Napalmratte''}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|sVCOipttDmg|'''The Shooting Range #265''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:27 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|B6ZsuPjSuNo|'''T-54/T-55 family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:41 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|-NsXtlGCC1g|'''Type 59 - Calm Aggression''' - ''Napalmratte''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[ZTZ59 (Family)]]
 +
* [[T-54/55 (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''other literature.''-->
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wikipedia:Type_59_tank|[Wikipedia] Type 59 tank]]
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
+
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/China/type-59-medium-tank.php [Tank Encyclopedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> Type 59 main battle tank]
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* [https://man.fas.org/dod-101/sys/land/row/type-59.htm [Federation of American Scientists - Military Analysis Network<nowiki>]</nowiki> Type 59]
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Norinco}}
 
{{China medium tanks}}
 
{{China medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 04:52, 3 June 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the Chinese medium tank Type 59. For other uses, see Type 59 (Disambiguation).
Type 59
cn_type_59.png
GarageImage Type 59.jpg
Type 59
China flag.png China
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
8.0 8.0 8.0
Class:
Research:105 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:300 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The Type 59 (Chinese: [ZTZ]59式中型坦克; industry code WZ120) is a rank V Chinese medium tank with a battle rating of 8.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.91 "Night Vision" alongside the initial Chinese tech-tree.

Production of the Type 59, a licence-built Soviet T-54A (Ob'yekt 137G), started in 1958 and was the first domestically produced medium tank in the People's Republic of China and the cornerstone of the PLAGF for more than 4 decades. Although there were plans to build a domestic T-34-85, with all necessary parts ready for production, the Project 156 and the subsequent transfer of the T-54A's schematics put an end to these plans. The newly built Factory 617 (now NORINCO Inner Mongolia First Machinery Works) assembled 32 T-54As from CKD parts while they were producing the required parts for what would be known as the Type 59 after the year of its certification. Due to the Sino-Soviet split, the People's Republic of China had to wait another few years to truly start mass production of the tank with completely domestic parts; these tanks subsequently received different upgrades including a new FCS and main cannon in the 1980s, a further modernization in the 1990s improved protection. The Type 59s were eventually replaced by new domestic tanks during the first 20 years of the 21st Century, and now serve as reserve tanks or shooting-range targets for new PLAGF weapons.

It is a famous part of the PLA's Cold War tank inventory, saw service with many countries, and set the stage for many later developments. While basically a licence‑produced version of the Soviet T-54A, in part because of the simplified construction, the Type 59 looks very much like the T-54 (1951). The most noticeable differences are the fume extractor at the tip of the gun barrel and the different road wheels, similar to the T-55A. Internally, the Type 59 differs from the T-54 by having a single-plane stabilizer and a different ammunition selection.

It helps to get accustomed to this grandfather of Chinese tanks, as the later Type 69, ZTZ59D1, and T-69 II G are its descendants and handle similarly.

Succeeding the Type 59 is the Type 69, which improves on the Type 59 in many areas except its new, yet disappointing smoothbore cannon.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull100 / 80 / 45
Turret200 / 155 / 65
Crew4 people
Visibility83 %

The armour layout of the Type 59 is identical to the T-54 (1951), having a rounded, egg-shaped turret with a highly sloped upper glacis. The armour is not bad per se, but most of its opponents use powerful APDS, APFSDS, or HEATFS rounds that can go right through it. While it is mostly immune to APHE rounds from the front, few vehicles use them at its rank. The full-calibre AP shots fired by the M103's 120 mm gun can penetrate the Type 59's hull armour quite easily. However, the Type 59 is very resistant to autocannon fire. Most infantry fighting vehicles will not be able to penetrate its frontal armour, and the hull's 80 mm strong sides can block many APDS rounds if fired from a certain distance and angle.

Post-penetration survivability is doubtful. The ammunition is scattered throughout the tank and none of the ammunition racks are well protected. The interior of the tank is cramped and penetrating hits are likely to take out multiple crew members. When the gun is pointed forward, the driver, gunner, and commander are all lined up for an easy one-shot kill.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret roof)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Gun mantlet)
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 100 mm (60°) Front glacis
100 mm (54°) Lower glacis 		80 mm 45 mm (16°) Upper
30 mm (72°) Lower 		30 mm Front
20 mm Back
Turret 160 mm (14-39°) Turret front
200 mm (4-78°) Gun mantlet 		115 mm (45-50°) Upper
155 mm (10-30°) Lower 		65 mm (9-35°) 30 mm

Notes:

  • Suspensions wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB56 / 9 km/h
RB and SB51 / 8 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight36.0 t
Engine power
AB992 hp
RB and SB520 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB27.6 hp/t
RB and SB14.4 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 56 9 36 806 992 22.39 27.56
Realistic 51 8 460 520 12.78 14.44

The mobility of the Type 59 is the same as the T-54, above average but not excellent. While top speed will only be reached on paved surfaces, the wide tracks make for fairly good off-road capability. The tank cannot neutral steer and the reverse speed of -7 km/h leaves much to be desired. Speedy MBTs like the Leopard I will easily outrun the Type 59, though it can keep up with the M60 and is still faster than the Centurion Mk 10.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 392 → 5 652 Sl icon.png
RB4 892 → 6 296 Sl icon.png
SB6 936 → 8 926 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications87 900 Rp icon.png
146 900 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training86 000 Sl icon.png
Experts300 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces720 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
130 / 200 / 230 % Sl icon.png
196 / 196 / 196 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 200 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 200 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 500 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 500 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 200 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement cn.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
100mm_APHE_ammo_pack
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 200 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
100mm_APCBC_ammo_pack
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
100mm_APCR_ammo_pack
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 500 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
100mm_APDS_ammo_pack
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 500 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
100mm_cn_HEAT_ammo_pack
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 500 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

100 mm Type 59 cannon
Vertical stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in one plane while moving
Ammunition34 rounds
First-order20 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
9.7 → 7.5 s
Vertical guidance-5° / 18°
Main article: Type 59 (100 mm)

The Type 59 cannon is identical to the original Soviet D-10T used on the T-54 (1951) aside from its stabilizer and different choice of ammunition. The turret rotation speed is very slow, making it hard to respond to ambushes and fighting in close quarters. The vertical stabilizer allows the Type 59 to shoot accurately when driving under 40 km/h. The reload is quite slow, the average medium tank at the Type 59's battle rating will reload around 2 seconds quicker.

100 mm Type 59 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 34 -5°/+18° ±180° Vertical 9.5 13.2 16.0 17.7 18.8 9.75 8.62 7.95 7.50
Realistic 5.9 7.0 8.5 9.4 10.0

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
BR-412 APHE 218 212 189 164 142 124
BR-412B APHEBC 218 215 201 184 169 155
BR-412D APCBC 239 236 220 202 185 170
BR-412P APCR 224 216 186 153 127 105
Type 59 APDS APDS 361 356 335 311 288 267
Type 1973 HEAT-FS HEATFS 390 390 390 390 390 390
OF-412 HE 27 27 26 24 23 21
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
BR-412 APHE 895 15.88 1.2 19 100.1 47° 60° 65°
BR-412B APHEBC 895 15.88 1.2 19 100.1 48° 63° 71°
BR-412D APCBC 887 15.88 1.2 19 100.1 48° 63° 71°
BR-412P APCR 1,050 8.53 - - - 66° 70° 72°
Type 59 APDS APDS 1,432 3.18 - - - 75° 78° 80°
Type 1973 HEAT-FS HEATFS 1,000 10.05 0.05 0.1 1,180 65° 72° 77°
OF-412 HE 900 15.6 0.2 0.1 1,460 79° 80° 81°

The Type 59 has many ammunition types to choose from. The stock round is the BR-412 APHE. An uncapped shell, its performance is rather substandard for its rank, and it might have difficulties against angled armour or at long distances. The BR-412B APHEBC round is slightly better at a distance, and the BR-412D APCBC round is the best of the AP shells overall. These shells are best used against lightly armoured tanks like the Leopard I, which can be knocked out in a single shot. Light tanks and SPAAs are also good targets, but some may have extremely thin armour that will not trigger the fuse.

The BR-412P APCR shell is currently modelled as having less penetration than the BR-412D round, so it is completely useless and should not be taken.

The Type 1959 is a hard-alloy APDS with a compact nose pad, giving it superior flat penetration and inferior angled penetration in comparison to the 3BM8, which has a heavy tungsten alloy penetrator and a wide nose pad. 361 mm of flat penetration at point-blank is quite impressive, but with only slightly over 100 mm of 60° penetration, it will have difficulties penetrating the hull armour of heavy tanks, or even other members of the T-54 family if they are slightly angled. The APDS is a sound projectile with a high muzzle velocity and is well suited for medium to long-range engagements. Most tanks can be disabled by firing at their turrets or gun mantlets, and they can be destroyed with other projectiles if necessary.

The Type 1973 HEAT-FS has the same penetration as the T-55A's 3BK-5M HEATFS round. The muzzle velocity and weight are between the 3BK-5M and 3BK-5, but it has about 260 fewer grams of TNT equivalent due to the different filler. In practice, there is not a significant difference, and the HEAT-FS boasts the highest penetration out of all the Type 59's rounds, going clean through almost any tank not equipped with composite armour or ERA. It is also capable of triggering overpressure on light tanks and SPAAs occasionally. Unfortunately, the fuse is very sensitive and will trigger on bushes and fences.

The OF-412 HE shell only has 26 mm of penetration and is of limited use. It is not large enough to cause any notable damage to MBTs, and while it can cause overpressure damage, so can the HEATFS.

Note that the Type 59 does not have access to the 3D3 smoke shell from the T-54 (1951).

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the T-54 (1951) (identical).
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
34 33 (+1) 28 (+6) 24 (+10) 23 (+11) 21 (+13) 1 (+33) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modelled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Rack 6 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 20 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
  • This rack is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is 6 - 1 - 2 - etc. until 5.
  • Full reload speed will be realized as long as shells are available in the ready rack 6. If the ready rack is empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
  • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-5 into rack 6. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.
  • If you pack 28 (+6) shells, it will keep the turret empty of ammo.
  • If you pack 21 (+13) shells, it will keep most of the hull empty of ammo.

The ammunition storage of the Type 59 is not exactly fail-safe, but this is true for many contemporary tanks. Spare ammunition is scattered around the turret and fighting compartment, and there is a large rack next to the driver. It is most sensible to not be carrying the maximum possible amount of ammunition in order to at least keep the turret empty. If 21 rounds or fewer are carried along, the fighting compartment will be emptied except for the first stage ammo rack, which helps to ensure that shots into the side are not immediately fatal.

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 59 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main articles: Type 54 (12.7 mm), Type 59 (7.62 mm)
12.7 mm Type 54
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 500 (50) 600 -4°/+82° ±180°
7.62 mm Type 59
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,000 (250) 600 - -

Usage in battles

The Type 59 is best used similarly to the original T-54. The vehicle's mobility is decent, but the turret's rotation speed and the gun's inclination's velocity are really bothering. For those not used to this vehicle, it is better not to rush straight into the combat zone. Instead, stay behind other teammates, keep an eye on the surroundings, and anticipate where enemies may appear. The vertical stabilizer, an oddity for a high-tier vehicle, is effective up to around 40 km/h, which is a major step up from the familiar vertical stabilizers used by the M4 Sherman family and practically equivalent to two-plane stabilizer under most circumstances since the Type 59 will typically only exceed 40 km/h when driving downhill or on roads. Still, the mediocre gun handling makes high-speed shooting risky, since the turret will struggle with the rapid aim adjustments required. The stabilizer is a significant advantage when fighting unstabilized tanks, since the gun does not need to settle before an accurate shot. The gun should be kept pointed towards possible enemy positions and when rapid adjustments in aim are needed, both the hull and the turret should be turned.

Helicopters start to become common around the Type 59's battle rating and can be a major threat if equipped with rockets or ATGMs. The Type 59 has limited options for offence or defence against helicopters since it has poor gun handling and no smoke grenades. The APDS may possess the capability to eliminate helicopter pilots who exhibit inattention under the right circumstances. If they get closer, the heavy machine gun may be able to destroy or scare off unarmoured helicopters. If all else fails, shelter should be sought behind buildings or among trees.

The slow reload speed, poor gun control, and the presence of more manoeuvrable adversaries on the battlefield necessitate coordination with the team. It helps to bind the cupola mounted heavy machine gun to a separate key, the Type 54 HMG rotates fairly quickly and will rip through the sides of light targets like the AUBL/74 HVG with ease. If a healthy distance is maintained, the Type 59 has an easier time coping with its poor gun handling.

Attention should be paid to the battlefield to identify enemy tanks ahead of time, this facilitates the positioning of the main weapon and the selection of the appropriate ammunition. Thinly armoured enemies should typically be targeted with the APCBC round. It is worth remembering that although the OF-40, STB-1, and Leopard A1A1 look very similar to the Leopard I, they are significantly more resistant to conventional rounds from the front. If possible, the OF-40 should be shot in the lower, the STB-1 in the upper glacis (close to the turret ring or gun mantlet), and the A1A1 in the hull.

Tanks with good protection as often seen in the US, British, and Soviet models should be dealt with using APDS or HEATFS if side shots are not possible. HEATFS is typically the better option since it has higher penetration (enough to comfortably deal with Chieftain turrets where the APDS would struggle), but APDS is easier to aim at long distances (especially important since the Type 59 has no dedicated rangefinder) and cannot be stopped by ERA. It is advisable to take some of both into battle, perhaps more APDS on large maps. If possible, the gun should be aimed at crew members and ammo racks when using these ammunition types.

This basic version of the Type 59 omitted the night vision systems from the T-54A, so it must rely on illumination flares for vision in night battles. The Type 69 is much more self-sufficient in this regard, so consider using that tank first if it is present in the line-up.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful 100 mm gun with similarly wide selection of ammunition as the Soviet T-54 (1951), including strong HEATFS and high-velocity APDS
  • Good frontal armour, strong against AP and APHE rounds
  • Has a top-mounted heavy machine gun for use against soft targets and aircraft
  • Decent vertical stabiliser, it only stops working at speeds over 40 km/h, speeds that are rarely reached
  • Decent mobility
  • APHE is reliably and devastatingly effective against lightly armoured vehicles like the Leopard I from the front and other tanks from the side

Cons:

  • Long reload
  • Sluggish turret traverse
  • Armour does not hold up very well at its rank; APDS, HEATFS and APFSDS cut through the Type 59s armour, even at a distance
  • No possibility for battlefield obscuration
  • No night vision
  • No neutral steering
  • No laser or optical rangefinder, making long-range sniping more difficult
  • Poor gun depression of -4°
  • Not too impressive reverse of -7 km/h

History

Assembly of the first Type 59 tanks at the Inner Mongolia 617 factory in 1958.

During the early 1950s, the People's Republic of China purchased numerous tanks from the Soviet Union, such as the T-34-85 and the IS-2. Domestic industrial and engineering capabilities were quite limited at the time, and the USSR agreed to assist in setting up a factory manufacturing the T-54A in China. The Chinese versions were designated Type 59 and featured several differences from the original T-54A, such as the deletion of the night vision and possibly stabilizer systems, at least initially.

The Type 59 was produced for a long period of time in numerous versions, finally appearing in large numbers to completely replace the highly obsolete T-34-85 after a few decades. Though the Type 59 was initially a competitive design, it became apparent that it required some upgrades after a few years. An effort to create a replacement resulted in the Type 69, but this model was not very popular with the PLA, only seeing limited domestic service. As a result, the Type 59 remained the premier tank of the PLA for most of the Cold War, seeing usage in the Sino-Vietnamese War in 1979 and the unrest of 1989 while receiving limited domestic upgrades to the fire-control, automotive, and fire suppression systems. The reason for the PLA's continued use of this first generation MBT was largely due to the political turmoil that was happening in China during the late 60s and early 70s. Efforts to produce indigenous second-generation main battle tanks to replace the Type 59, such as the WZ-122, were generally stymied. These projects, which were to be carried out by experienced Chinese engineers, did not come to fruition for domestic political reasons.

When economic relations with the Western World began to tighten during the 1980s, foreign technologies became available for integration, resulting in numerous upgraded variants like the Type-59-II, Type 59D1, Type 59D, Jaguar, and VT-3. Soon afterwards, domestic tank development accelerated and the Type 59 was superseded by more modern tanks such as the Type 80/88 series. Currently, the Type 59 is still present in the PLA's inventory in sizable quantities but has been gradually relegated to reserve and training purposes, with more and more units being equipped with modern Type 96 and Type 99 main battle tanks.

Like the original T-54/55 series, the Type 59 was a popular export item. It was used by the North Vietnamese Army during the Vietnam War alongside its Soviet counterpart. It remains in use in countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Iran, often in a heavily upgraded form. Chinese companies still offer comprehensive upgrades and conversions of the Type 59 for export customers. An estimated 10,000 tanks were produced between 1959 to the 1980s.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #265 - Metal Beasts section at 00:27 discusses the Type 59.
T-54/T-55 family discusses the Type 59 at 4:41 - War Thunder Official Channel
Type 59 - Calm Aggression - Napalmratte

See also

Related development

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

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