Type 63A The Type 63A ( ; also known as the ZTS63A ) is an Amphibious light tank upgraded from the Type 63 , designed for river - crossing operations at inland rivers and lakes . Its industrial designation is WZ213 . Development . Before the mid - 1990s , Chinese ground forces relied on the Type 63 amphibious light tank developed in the early 1960s . The low swimming speed and weak firepower of the Type 63 was insufficient to the needs of modern maritime amphibious assault operations that PLA would conduct . The PLA demanded a replacement for the Type 63 in the early 1990s , which led to the development of the Type 63A in 1997 . Reports indicate that over 300 examples has been delivered to the PLA by the end of 2000 . Design . The Type 63A is lightly armoured amphibious light tank with a flat , boat - like hull . Suspension is made up of 6 road wheels and lead or return rollers . A redesigned welded turret from the original Type 63 is mounted center of the hull , with the powerpack positioned in the rear . The Type 63A has 2 additional floating tanks to increase the stability of the vehicle in the water . There are 3 water inlets on both sides of the hull . In the rear of the hull there are to allow 2 large water jets for travelling in water . Type 63A introduces an enlarged welded turret replacing the original Type 63 turret , the modernised Type 63A utilises the dual - way stabilised 105 mm rifled gun replacining the 85 mm gun . The 105 mm rifled gun , fires armour piercing fin stabilised discarding sabot ( APFSDS ) , high explosive ( HE ) , and high - explosive anti - tank ( HEAT ) ammunitions , with 45 rounds carried inside the vehicle . APFSDS round penetrates 650 mm steel armour or destroy a reinforced concrete bunker a distance of 2 , 000 m . To overcome the inaccuracy of firing when swimming , the Type 63A uses laser - beam guidance ATGM which isn ' t affected by the wave motions while swimming . The missile has a maximum firing range of 4 – 5 km with a first hit probability of + 90 % against stationary targets . Its secondary functions can engage low - flying helicopters . Performance . The Type 63A enhance capability allows the vehicle to conduct amphibious operations from its host amphibious warfare ships at distances from 5 – 7 km to shore at a speed of 28 km / h . Compared to the Type 63 , the Type 63A featured five major improvements : The modernised Type 63 to Type 63A has given enhanced sea travelling performance , increased swimming speed , improved fire - control system , ATGM capability , and larger 105 mm rifled gun with dual stabilizers . System . The FCS includes digital fire - control computer , integrated commander sight with laser rangefinder input , and white - light spotter or image - stabilised gunner ' s sight w / passive night vision . The Type 63A night vision is an image intensifier system . Alternatively the gunner sight can be fitted with a thermal imager night vision . It is also equipped with the satellite positioning ( GPS / GLONASS ) system to allow accurate landing position in harsh weather conditions and night operations . It ' s also equipped with computerised fire - control to enable accurate firing both on land and at sea .