VT-4 Main Battle Tank

Chinese PLA (2017) - Circa 120 built

The VT-4 is the marketing name of the previous MBT-3000, a modernized main battle tank built by Norinco for overseas export developed from the Type 90-II/Al-Khalid or MBT-2000 in the 1980s with a powertrain from Ukraine, and later the MBT-3000 being developed with a Chinese powertrain, named as VT-4, with a development starting in 2009 as a co-operation with the First Inner Mongolia Machinery Factory and other companies. It was presented in 2012 Eurosatory, 2014 Norinco Armour Day, 10th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition and marketed as the VT-4, sold since to Nigeria (6), Pakistan (44) and Thailand (62).

Origin: MBT-2000, 3000 and VT family

The VT family

The true origin of the "VT" family (the export name) laid in the Type 90-II later evolved into the Type 96 main battle tank and its later Type 98 and Type 99 evolutions. The first major export accompanied with some tech transfer and export tailorisation was for Pakistan, as the Al-Khalid main battle tank, also known as the VT-1A. The deeply rooted origins of it all was the 1969 war with USSR and need for mmodern tanks to deal with the new soviet MBTs threat. In 1980, Norinco was formed with the Inner Mongolia First Machine Group Corp. tasked with developing new tanks, leading to the intermediate Type 88 and with the same new suspension but new turretj the Type 90 family.

Fast forward and a joint development deal is signed with Pakistan in January 199 with prototypes were tested there in August 1991. Pakistan completed meanwhile a manufacturing plant at Taxila in 1992 to start building this new cooperation tank tailored for its needs. Pakistan spent $20 million dollars over eight years on the prototype and to manufacture it locally, led by Brigadier Nasir Mahmood SI(M), a tank which was modified to accept a foreign-built engine. The final tank, mixing elements of the licenced made Type 85-IIAP was unveiled in 2001 and so took the name MBT-2000 on Norinco's side, soon also the acronym for export VT-1A.

China saw the prospect of further exports for this new tank and developed the Type 90-IIM (MBT-2000) alongside in 2000, fitted with Ukraine's KMDB 1,200 hp 6TD-2 diesel engine. The name MBT-2000 was kept for export when introduced in 2001 at Abu Dhabi. The VT-1A was another export variant with Chinese interior, turret, gun, electronics and armour and Chinese 1300 horsepower engine. The VT-1A was also exported to Bangladesh, Morocco, Myanmar under the name MBT-2000 or VT-1A with 550 made total, a sensible export product.

Then came the VT-2 in 2012, another MBT which was fundamentally an export variant of the Type 96 MBT. It notably had more advanced computerized firing control systems and sensors, with the new Type 99 main battle tank turret, exported so far only to Tanzania with 5 ordered in 2019, received in 2021. One was displayed at a parade in 2021. Meanwhile also for Tanzania and offer was made to modernized its park of Chinese Type 59s with a complete modernization package, which was based on the Type 59G variant, sporting the same Type 99 turret and its 125mm gun alongside a new armour protecting the sides and full ERA package. So far it seems 30 Type 59G had been so upgraded in 2011-2013, refferred as the VT-3.

The MBT-3000

Which left us with the VT-4, also known as MBT-3000. Whe the western emùbargo after the events of Tiananme closed all possible procurements of German powertrains and and transmissions a provisional solution was found with Ukrainian ones, meanshile China started to develop domestic powertrains. This efforts led to design a brand new engines, mixing aspects of the Ujkrainian power unit with the german renk tranmission, leading to create the MBT-3000 program, solely for export customers. The MBT-3000 is generally described today as the successor of the Type-90II or MBT-2000 export tank. The MBT-3000 became VT-4 when development was officially known in 2009, still working with the First Inner Mongolia Machinery Factory and many other suppliers throughout China.

The MBT-3000 concept was presented at the 2012 Eurosatory at the same time of the VT-2 and a more mature version was presented also at the 2014 Norinco Armour Day as well as the 10th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, under the name "VT-4". Experts debated at lenght over its lineage but it seems clear a development and fusion of the VT-1A with elements of the Type 96G. The new tank soon attracted orders deu to its base price of 4.9 million dollars.

Design of the VT-4

The VT-4 (also known as MBT-3000) is a modern main battle tank (MBT) developed and produced by the Chinese defense company Norinco (China North Industries Corporation). It was introduced primarily for export markets and is one of the more advanced tanks offered by China in recent years. Here's a closer look at the VT-4's key features and specifications:

1. Armor and Protection

Composite and Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA): The VT-4 is equipped with modular composite armor and advanced ERA, providing protection against kinetic energy penetrators (APFSDS rounds) and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warheads.
Active Protection System (APS): It can be fitted with an APS to intercept incoming projectiles like anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs).
NBC (Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical) Protection: The tank is equipped with NBC systems to ensure crew survivability in contaminated environments.

Mobility

Engine: The VT-4 is powered by a 1,200 hp diesel engine.
Transmission: It uses an automatic transmission system.
Top Speed: The tank can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h on roads.
Range: It has a maximum range of 500 km, which can be extended with external fuel tanks.
Hydropneumatic Suspension: This system allows the tank to adapt to rough terrain and enhances overall ride comfort and mobility.

Armament

Initial VT-4 in desert colors

Main Gun: The VT-4 is armed with a 125 mm smoothbore gun. It is capable of firing various types of ammunition, including:
APFSDS (Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot)
HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank)
HE-FRAG (High-Explosive Fragmentation)
ATGMs (Anti-Tank Guided Missiles): The main gun can also launch laser-guided missiles, increasing its effective range against armored targets.
Autoloader: Like many modern tanks, the VT-4 is equipped with an autoloader, reducing the crew size to three (commander, gunner, and driver).
Secondary Armament: It features a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun mounted on top of the turret.

Fire Control and Targeting Systems

Advanced Fire-Control System (FCS): The VT-4 has a computerized FCS with a laser rangefinder, thermal imaging, and night-vision capabilities, allowing it to engage targets accurately in various weather and lighting conditions. Hunter-Killer Capability: The tank is equipped with a system that allows the commander and gunner to independently track and engage multiple targets.

VT-4 On trials

VT-4 specifications
Dimensions	10.10 x 3.44 x 2.40 m (33.1 x 11.3 x 7 ft 10 in)
Total weight	52 tonnes (57 short tons)
Crew	3 (commander, driver, gunner)
Propulsion	VT/E1 V12 diesel 1,200 hp (895 kW) at 2,300 rpm, p/w 23 hp/t
Transmission	Ch1000B automatic (6 FWD/2 REV)
Ground clearance	43 cm (1 ft 4.93 in)
Suspension	Torsion bars
Speed	70 km/h (43 mph)
Range	500 km (310 mi)
Armament	ZPT-98A 125 mm smoothbore (38), RWS 12.7 mm AA HMG, 7.62 mm coaxial LMG
Armor	Composite, ERA
Production	c120

Exports

Brazilian army testing the VT-4
The VT-4 has been marketed primarily for export and has seen success in countries such as Thailand and Nigeria. Pakistan has also shown interest in the VT-4, alongside its procurement of the more advanced VT-4 variant and other Chinese MBTs.

Royal Thai Army

Comparison with Other Modern MBTs: The VT-4 competes with other modern MBTs like Russia's T-90, the Leopard 2 from Germany, and the American M1 Abrams. While not as advanced as the most cutting-edge tanks from the West or Russia, the VT-4 offers a cost-effective solution with many modern features that make it a strong contender in international defense markets. In summary, the VT-4 is a well-rounded, cost-efficient modern battle tank designed for export, with a balance of firepower, protection, and mobility, making it suitable for countries seeking advanced armor without the high costs of Western or Russian MBTs.