"The Norinco VT4 MBT-3000 main battle tank" Topic

"The MBT-3000 also named VT4 for the export version is a new generation of main battle tank designed and manufactured by the Chinese Defense Company NORINCO. According NORINCO, the MBT-3000 is the latest technology of main battle tank especially designed to meet the challenge of high-tech warfare. Its overall performance and combat capability are among the most advanced main battle tanks in the world. The MBT-3000 was unveiled for the first time to the public at the International Defense Exhibition Eurosatory in June 2012…"

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Amicalement
Armand

So, it's a massively updated T72ish?

Based on the quality control of all the other NORINCO stuff I've seen over the years, you'd be insane to buy that tank.

The time will come when we say that Chinese stuff is rubbish and we will be wrong. I'm guessing that time could well be within the next 10 years.

Looks like a rip-off from Khurasan's desgins:

:-D

We should all chip in and buy one. It is legal. We could take it to Cons and have a TMP banner. Then again, it's Chinese and I won't fit through the hatch.

Far less impressive looking from a side elevation, it's really a boxy T-72.

ou'd be insane to buy that tank.

Beggars aren't chosers.

Especially when you consider the average tank on the planet is still a T-55 at worst or base model T-72 at best.

I'd actually trust a Russian-built T55 over the Chinese-built T72 with a different turret. And I'd trust a Polish-built T55 over either.

Gimme a Polish or Czech-built T55 with the NATO 105mm and fire control system, stuff an MTU engine in the back hooked to a Renk transmission (or better yet a diesel-electric drive), and add some ERA on the outside. Call it done.

Though I'd actually prefer to start with an even lighter hull than the T55 and slap active defenses on it. Like an M41 or even a T92 ( link ).

Gimme a Polish or Czech-built T55 with the NATO 105mm and fire control system, stuff an MTU engine in the back hooked to a Renk transmission (or better yet a diesel-electric drive), and add some ERA on the outside. Call it done.

Except most countries can't afford all that fancy NATO compatible stuff.

Even many NATO operators can't afford that fancy NATO compatible stuff (look at the crap operated by Hungary, Czech Repbulic, Slovakia, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania. Belgium and Netherlands operate no tanks anymore).

Also most operators that buy Chinese prefer the "no strings attached" clause that comes with Chinese/Russian gear as opposed to "you can only use it when we say so" clause that comes with most Western products.

The Chinese also do better support than Russians in terms of post-sale support ala spares – just ask all the Sukhoi/MiG drivers.

And if you don't trust Chinese built, stay away from any thing Boeing!

A lot of equipment sales in recent decades have been virtual give-aways. Often all the buyer has to pay for is overhaul and transport and any upgrades they want.

The Russians gained a massive advantage over Chinese with fall of USSR and extremely cheap ex-Soviet/Warpac equipment becoming available in massive numbers. Even new builds were cheap as Russian industry was glad to take any cash sales they could get as Red Army orders dried up over night.

The Russians also lost any semblance of political ideology, hence were happy to sell to traditional Chinese "non-aligned" customers ala Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe or even mainly Western customers ala Venezuela or Brazil.

In fact the only time the Russians said no to massive sales was Pakistan (not offend large Indian customer) or Iran (due to Russian interest in Caspian) or sale of strategic systems to China (e.g. Tu-26).

The other "problem" affecting Chinese is blanket ban on sale of Chinese high grade weapon systems. The Chinese still sell "monkey models" such as this Norinco tank.

The Russians on the other hand have been exporting all of their advanced equipment.

That's why I went with the 105mm, not the 120mm.

The Israelis and South Africans (among others) make some really good 105mm ammo and gun tubes, and very little of it is under export restrictions since it's 1950s technology. OK, maybe 1980s tech for the top-line APFSDS rounds.