Type 63 (tank)
| Industry | Defense manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Beijing , China |
| Products | Military vehicles, firearms, ammunition |
| Website | www |
The Norinco Type 63 () represents a Chinese amphibious light tank that was first introduced in 1963. While it bears resemblance to the earlier Soviet PT-76, it incorporates distinct features, notably its waterjet propulsion mechanism. Commonly referred to by its industrial code, the WZ-211, the Type 63 is progressively being succeeded by the more sophisticated Type 63A model.
Development history
During the mid-1950s, China obtained several Soviet PT-76 amphibious light tanks. By October 1958, the PLA embarked on creating an indigenous amphibious tank inspired by the PT-76. A prototype named WZ-211 (Type 60) was developed in 1959 by the 201 Institute and Factory 615, but it encountered problems such as engine overheating. Unsatisfied with these results, the PLA tasked the Military Engineering Institute along with the No. 60 Research Institute of the Fifth Ministry of Machine Building to design an enhanced version. This prototype was finalized in 1962 and underwent further refinement at Norinco Factory 615 and Shaanxi Weiyang Diesel Engine Plant. Following comprehensive aquatic mobility testing, the finalized design received official approval in April 1963 and was designated Type 63.
Description
The Type 63 adopts a traditional tank configuration, featuring a steering compartment at the front, a fighting compartment centrally located, and an engine compartment at the rear. Unlike the PT-76’s three-person crew, this model accommodates four personnel to boost operational effectiveness. The driver’s station is positioned on the hull's left front side rather than centrally. Inside the turret, the gunner and commander sit on the left side while the loader occupies the right; two hatches are present—the right hatch opens backward and supports a mount for a 12.7 mm Type 54 heavy machine gun intended for anti-aircraft use, while the left hatch opens forward and includes a periscope plus an optional 7.62 mm Type 59T medium machine gun. The hull is both wider and taller than that of the PT-76, featuring a flat boat-like shape with a nearly horizontal glacis plate and a more pronounced bow angle. Distinctive engine grills with three vertical air intakes are visible alongside a subtle hull bulge on each side. The tracks are installed higher with larger road wheels compared to its predecessor. The turret is a modified Type 60 cast design centrally mounted with a ventilator dome and snorkel fitting; additionally, the loader operates the turret-mounted heavy machine gun.
Armament consists of an 85 mm Type 62-85TC rifled cannon (identical to that used on the Type 62 light tank), capable of firing multiple ammunition types such as APFSDF-T and HEAT rounds. It has an effective aimed range near 1,870 meters with a firing rate of eight rounds per minute but lacks stabilization, advanced fire control systems, and night vision capabilities, which restricts accuracy. Supporting weaponry includes a coaxial 7.62 mm Type 59T medium machine gun alongside the main gun, complemented by a turret-mounted 12.7 mm Type 54 heavy machine gun and an optional secondary 7.62 mm anti-aircraft machine gun mounted on the left turret hatch. A portable anti-aircraft missile launcher can also be operated from one of the turret hatches. Due to fire control limitations, firing the main cannon while swimming is not feasible. Ammunition storage comprises 47 rounds for the main gun, 2,000 rounds for coaxial machine guns, and 500 rounds for the heavy machine gun.
The hull is constructed from welded rolled steel plating: front armor measures 11 mm thick; upper sides are protected by 14 mm plates; rear armor is set at 10 mm; both top and bottom plates are also at 10 mm thickness—offering defense against small arms fire up to 7.62 mm caliber as well as shell fragments but remaining vulnerable to heavier weaponry. The tracks themselves lack any armor shielding.
Suspension utilizes torsion bars with six road wheels; drive sprockets are located at the rear while idlers are positioned at the front; there are no return rollers present; metal tracks measure approximately 2.82 meters in length. Initial production models employed a six-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine producing 241 horsepower; later versions like the Type 63-I upgraded to a liquid-cooled V12 diesel engine delivering 402 horsepower, enabling maximum road speeds of up to 64 km/h and cross-country speeds reaching about 30 km/h. The tank can cross trenches up to 2.9 meters wide, surmount vertical obstacles as high as 0.87 meters, ascend gradients up to 60°, and traverse side slopes up to 38°. It features a manual planetary transmission offering five forward gears plus one reverse gear; additional external fuel tanks can be added to extend operational range.
Its amphibious performance stems from a flat boat-shaped hull equipped with bilge pumps and a front trim vane that enhances stability in water; this trim vane folds down over the main gun barrel when stowed, serving as extra armor protection. Water propulsion is provided by two water jets located near the front of the hull with rear-facing outlets; unlike the PT-76 which intakes water from beneath itself, this model also utilizes its tracks for swimming propulsion. This arrangement allows swimming speeds up to approximately 12 km/h with an aquatic operational range near 120 km.
Communication systems include an A-221A internal telephone and an A-220A radio system featuring an antenna mounted centrally on the turret’s left side. Infrared driving lights are positioned on the hull’s right side together with an IR searchlight installed on the right side of the turret.
Service history
The Type 63 entered production and active duty in 1963, with its original version soon succeeded by the Type 63-I, which was equipped with a more robust Model 12150-L2 12-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engine. In total, over 1,550 units of both Type 63 and Type 63-I amphibious light tanks were manufactured. Engineered specifically for the swampy terrain and rice paddies found in southern China, this tank was capable of supporting river and lake crossings inland, as well as coastal amphibious assaults. It demonstrated the ability to swim considerable distances in rough sea conditions while maintaining high speeds. The tank’s roles included infantry support, engagement against lightly armored targets and fortifications, as well as reconnaissance and patrol missions. Its amphibious prowess was notably proven in 1966 when it successfully traversed the 31 km Qiongzhou Strait separating mainland China from Hainan Island.
Subsequently, the People's Liberation Army Marine Corps adopted the Type 63 and Type 63-I for amphibious operations near the Taiwan Straits. During the 1970s, some units were upgraded to the Type 63-II standard. Since the late 1990s, original models have been gradually retired in favor of the more advanced Type 63A, which was introduced into service in 1997. Presently, China retains approximately 800 units across both variants, with about 300 being Type 63A tanks; older versions are mainly utilized for training purposes. The Type 63A was developed explicitly for amphibious assaults aimed at Taiwan and is anticipated to play a pivotal role in any such military operation.
The Type 63 has been exported to several countries including Albania, Cambodia, Iraq, North Korea, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. It saw combat during the closing stages of the Vietnam War, the Sino-Vietnamese conflict, and the Sri Lankan Civil War. Iraqi forces deployed Type 63 tanks during their assault on Khafji in the Gulf War; however, encounters with better-armored French AMX-30 tanks supporting Saudi and Qatari troops led to losses due to the Type 63’s relatively light armor.
In summary, while the Type 63 exhibited outstanding mobility across challenging terrains unsuitable for heavier tanks, its thin armor resulted in significant casualties.
Variants
- Type 63 - The initial amphibious light tank featuring a half-egg-shaped turret armed with an 85 mm Type 62-85TC rifled cannon and powered by a six-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine generating 240 hp (179 kW). It entered service in limited quantities starting in 1963. Industrial designation: WZ211.
- Type 63-I - An enhanced version equipped with a twelve-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engine producing 402 hp (300 kW). Industrial designation: WZ211-1.
- Type 63-II - Introduced in the 1970s with added infrared night vision capabilities and an external laser rangefinder from Norinco similar to that used on the Type 59-I main battle tank. Industrial designation: WZ211-2.
- Type 63HG ("Sea Modification") - A prototype featuring improved amphibious performance including a rounded bow and hull modifications for extended swimming range from ships to shore. Armed with a ZPL-83 105 mm rifled cannon (derived from Royal Ordnance L7) capable of firing modern ammunition types such as APFSDS, HEAT, and HE rounds with reduced recoil suited for firing while afloat. The turret was modified to include extra storage buckets; developed in the mid-1990s. Also referred to as Type 63G ("Improved").
- Type 63A - A sophisticated variant of the Type 63-II tailored for maritime operations. Designed to be launched from amphibious vessels up to seven kilometers offshore and capable of reaching speeds of 28 km/h thanks to a new diesel engine delivering 581 hp (433 kW) and an upgraded water jet propulsion system. Equipped with computerized fire control allowing firing on the move both on land and water. Armed with a stabilized 105 mm rifled gun capable of launching laser-guided anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) based on Russian technology effective up to five kilometers with over a 90% hit rate including against low-flying helicopters. Features include a digital fire-control computer, integrated commander’s sight with laser rangefinder, night vision options (image intensifier or thermal imaging), GPS/GLONASS navigation systems, and enhanced flotation devices for improved stability. The vehicle’s weight increased to approximately 22 tonnes and length extended to around 9.6 meters due to additional equipment installation. Developed amid heightened tensions regarding Taiwan to counter M48 and M60 Patton tanks by engaging threats at longer ranges despite relatively thin armor protection. Entered service in 1997. Industrial designation: WZ213. Also known as Type 63M, Type 99, or ZTS-63A.
- Type 63A variant fitted with wind sensor.
- Type 63A-I - Features include an extended bow, larger side skirts covering the tracks, mounting points for extra armor (potentially ERA), and advanced targeting systems. Industrial designation: WZ213-1; also known as ZTS63A-1.
- Type 63A-II - Incorporates bolt-on mounts for additional armor panels on turret and hull sides. Industrial designation: WZ213-2; also known as ZTS63A-2.
- Type 63A - A sophisticated variant of the Type 63-II tailored for maritime operations. Designed to be launched from amphibious vessels up to seven kilometers offshore and capable of reaching speeds of 28 km/h thanks to a new diesel engine delivering 581 hp (433 kW) and an upgraded water jet propulsion system. Equipped with computerized fire control allowing firing on the move both on land and water. Armed with a stabilized 105 mm rifled gun capable of launching laser-guided anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) based on Russian technology effective up to five kilometers with over a 90% hit rate including against low-flying helicopters. Features include a digital fire-control computer, integrated commander’s sight with laser rangefinder, night vision options (image intensifier or thermal imaging), GPS/GLONASS navigation systems, and enhanced flotation devices for improved stability. The vehicle’s weight increased to approximately 22 tonnes and length extended to around 9.6 meters due to additional equipment installation. Developed amid heightened tensions regarding Taiwan to counter M48 and M60 Patton tanks by engaging threats at longer ranges despite relatively thin armor protection. Entered service in 1997. Industrial designation: WZ213. Also known as Type 63M, Type 99, or ZTS-63A.
- Type 77 - Amphibious tracked armored personnel carrier based on the Type 63-I chassis featuring a layout similar but not identical to that of the BTR-50. Industrial designation: WZ511.
- Type 77-1 - A variant designed for transporting disassembled artillery pieces such as an 85 mm anti-tank gun or a 120 mm howitzer mounted on its roof equipped with hydraulic winch and ramps for loading/unloading artillery components. Industrial designation: WZ511-1.
- Type 77-2 - Standard amphibious APC without winch or ramps. Industrial designation: WZ511-2.
- Type 76 ARV - Armored recovery vehicle variant.
- Type 89 - Self-propelled howitzer armed with a 122 mm gun primarily based on the Type 77 APC chassis; some units utilize the Type 63-I chassis.
- Type 7402 torpedo launcher - Developed jointly by PLAN’s Lushun Naval Base and the 201st Research Institute beginning in the mid-1970s, this vehicle replaced the turret of a Type 63 chassis with a twin-barrelled twin-tube launcher for launching twin-mounted twin-tube torpedoes along with an integrated fire control system capable of firing torpedoes above or below water at a rate of one per second. Successfully tested under sea state conditions up to level four at depths reaching ten meters; capable of independent or group operations. Production was delayed due to political upheaval during the Cultural Revolution and ultimately canceled amid military downsizing efforts resulting in only limited evaluation units entering service.
- Type 63-I - An enhanced version equipped with a twelve-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engine producing 402 hp (300 kW). Industrial designation: WZ211-1.
Models
| Type 63 | Type 63-I | Type 63-II | Type 63A | Type 63A-I | Type 63A-II | |
| Weight (tonnes) | 18.4 | 19.83 | Not specified | 22 | Not specified | |
| Length | 8.44 m overall 7.15 m hull length |
9.6 m overall length | ||||
| Main armament | 85 mm Type 62-85TC rifled gun (47 rounds) | 105 mm low recoil rifled cannon (45 rounds) | ||||
| Engine | 6-cylinder 4-stroke inline water-cooled diesel 241 hp (180 kW) at 1,800 rpm |
Model 12150L-2 12-cylinder 4-stroke inline water-cooled diesel 402 hp (300 kW) at 2,000 rpm |
Diesel engine 581 hp (433 kW) | |||
Current operators
- – Possesses 20 units
- – Maintains over 150 units, including orders placed in 1989 and 1993 from the PRC, with deliveries finalized by 1993.
- – Roughly 800 units active as of 2016, encompassing Type 63, Type 63-I, Type 63-II variants, plus approximately 300 units from the Type 63A series.
- – Approximately 45 units operational as of 2016, with initial procurement in 1978 and additional acquisitions in both 2010 and 2011.
- – Originally ordered thirty units in the late seventies and received about twenty-four Type 63A models between 2012 and 2013.
- – Operated by the Venezuelan National Guard.
- – Active user.
- – Procured fifty units from the PRC between the late sixties and early seventies.
- – Holds a fleet of eight units.
- – Present-day operator.
Former operators
- – Had two hundred units, all of which have been decommissioned and scrapped.
Combat History
- Employed by the People's Army of Vietnam throughout the Vietnam War, Laotian Civil War, and Cambodian Civil War.
- Used by the Pakistan Army during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
- Participated in the Cambodian–Vietnamese War spanning from 1978 to 1991.
- Engaged in combat during the Sino-Vietnamese War of 1979.
- Saw deployment in the Second Sudanese Civil War between 1983 and 2005.
- Utilized during the Sri Lankan Civil War lasting from 1983 to 2009.