However, PT-76 tanks have not been widely used, mainly because there are no supporting parts and logistics facilities. So in the early 1960s, based on the model of Type 62 tank which has not been put into large-scale service, and with reference to the design inspiration of PT-76, China 60th Research Institute and Armored Forces Science and Technology Research Institute (20 1 Institute) built an amphibious tank with the code name WZ2 1 1. Type 63 is the first generation amphibious tank developed by China. Compared with the original PT-76, Type 63 is more suitable for terrain warfare of inland rivers, lakes, swamps and paddy fields in China. In addition, landing and anti-landing on coastal beaches and destroying enemy positions and defense facilities are also the specialty of Type 63.
Two prototypes of Type 63 amphibious tank were trial-produced in March and June of 1959, and trial-produced in small batches began in 1960, and were delivered to the army for trial use. Through the test, the problems existing in the car body line shape and propulsion efficiency have been solved, and the problems such as water sticking on the head of the new amphibious tank and overheating of the engine have also been repaired. 1April, 963, the scheme was named? 1963 amphibious tank? And put it into mass production. Type 63 amphibious tank was first trial-produced in Shaanxi 6 15 factory, and then transferred to Chongqing 256 factory for production after the design was finalized. 1964 began to equip the southern and coastal forces. In order to further test its technical and tactical performance, Type 63 tank also carried out a sea crossing test across Qiongzhou Strait in April 1966. ?
You will feel familiar when you see the Type 63 tank. The semi-oval 62-type casting turret is its biggest feature, and the redesigned car body based on PT-76 chassis still retains more Soviet characteristics. However, unlike the D-56T76.2mm tank gun used in PT-76 amphibious tank, Type 63 uses the domestic 62-85Tc 85mm tank gun, which greatly improves the firepower output.
In addition, the PT-76 adopts the old V-6 water-cooled diesel engine, with a power output of only 240 HP, while the Type 63 increases the horsepower from magic to 400 HP, and adopts a new water-cooled waterway sandwich device, so the off-road capability has also achieved a qualitative leap. Specifically, the moving part is six pairs of hollow bearing wheels with single rims, and the track plate has double inducing teeth. The water jet propeller is used for water navigation, can turn and reverse in water, and has the ability to resist the third-class wind and 1.2m wave height.
Variant vehicles derived from Type 63 amphibious tank chassis include amphibious armored transport vehicle and amphibious tank rescue tractor, which have also been used? Upstream one? Anti-ship missile launch vehicle. On the basis of Type 63, Chongqing No.256 Factory also developed Type 63-I and Type 63A amphibious tanks, of which Type 63A plan began in the mid-1990s. In order to meet the emergency preparedness needs during the Taiwan Strait crisis, the PLA needs to make Type 63 amphibious tanks have the ability to adapt to maritime operations, so it adopted the ZTS-63A plan.
The total weight of the 63A tank is increased to 20 tons (the prototype is 18.4 tons), and the car body is lengthened. Two floating box structures are added at the front and rear of the car body to increase buoyancy reserve, and shielding skirts are installed at both sides of the car body. A new type of variable power diesel engine with 520 horsepower was replaced, and the water jet propulsion device was redesigned, with the speed exceeding 14 km/h, and a new all-welded turret and a fence guard were installed at the back. Modification of light 105 mm caliber rifled gun, installation of barrel smoke device and muzzle brake; Equipped with ballistic computer, laser rangefinder and night vision device.
The comprehensive operational performance of 63A amphibious tank has reached the most advanced level of similar weapons and equipment in the world. In the past 40 years, only the PT-76 of the Soviet Union and the 63 and 63A of China have been developed by countries all over the world, while the 05 of China, such as amphibious assault vehicles and amphibious combat vehicles, is not an amphibious tank. Therefore, the 63A amphibious tank is also the most powerful amphibious tank by far, and there is no one.