Type 15 tank

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The **Type 15** (Chinese: 15式轻型坦克; pinyin: *yīwǔ shì qīngxíng tǎnkè*, also designated **ZTQ-15**), nicknamed the **Black Panther** (Chinese: 黑豹; pinyin: *hēi bào*), is a Chinese third generation light tank operated by the People's Liberation Army Ground Force and People's Liberation Army Navy Marine Corps. It could become a successor to the Type 62 light tank that was retired from the Chinese army in 2013.

## Development

Sightings of Type 15 were reported by Chinese citizens in July 2018, however its existence was formally confirmed by the Chinese Ministry of Defense in December 2018. The tank was confirmed to be in service by 2018 and was showcased in the 70th National Day parade on October 1, 2019.

## Design

### Overview

The Type 15 is designed to fulfill the requirement for a lighter, more mobile modern tank that can effectively operate in highland/plateau, woodland and water-rich regions where the heavier Type 99 and Type 96 main battle tanks might have difficulties traversing.

In the high altitude region like Tibet, the new Chinese light tank should not encounter any heavily-armored opponents like T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks. Because in high altitude air becomes thin and engines start to lose power. But the Type-15 light tank can operate at high altitudes with its powerful engine and oxygen generators. The new tank is also much more mobile than heavier main battle tanks due to its lightweight and high power/weight ratio.

### Armament

Type 15 light tank uses a new fully-stabilized 105 mm rifled gun, which is superior to the Type 94 105 mm guns fitted on Type 88 and Type 59 tanks. It is reported that the gun has a range of 3 km and compatible with all standard NATO 105 mm tank ammunition. The Type 15 tank can hold 38 rounds of 105 mm shells. It is capable of firing APFSDS, HEAT and HE (High explosive) rounds and gun-launched ATGM. Generally APFSDS and HEAT rounds are used against enemy armor while HE round is used against enemy infantry positions, light/non armored vehicles, buildings, field fortification. The APFSDS projectiles capable of penetrating 500 mm (20 in) of armored steel at 2,000 metres (1.2 mi). Such penetration capabilities are not considered as sufficient to penetrate front armor of modern main battle tanks such as T-90 or VT-4. However the tank might be able to penetrate front armor of older generation main battle tanks such as T-64 or early models of T-72. Although the tank can also use 105 mm gun-launched ATGM against well-protected enemy tanks, those are much more expensive than tank shells. The range of this missile is reported to be 5 km and can even target low-flying helicopters. However it is still unknown which model of missile could be fired from this tank gun.

The ammunition is retrieved from an tail autoloader mechanism with ammunition stored in the turret bustle for improved safety. Other equipment includes air conditioning system, command and control equipment, commander's panoramic sight, gunner's thermal imaging sight, laser rangefinder, advanced ballistic computer, a tactical command system and a navigation system that includes inertial navigation system (INS) and satellite communications.

### Protection

Type 15 tank features two sets of protection package providing different tactical mobility. Standard armor package features steel armor protection with additional layers of advanced composite armor panels covering the tank turret, hull and two sides, with additional lightweight explosive reactive armor blocks protecting the front hull. The enhanced package features thicker explosive reactive armor (ERA) blocks, in addition to the composite armor panels underneath, covering the whole tank turret and hull. ERA mounted armor-skirt and slat armor can also be mounted on the side and rear side of the tank hull for additional protection. Enhanced armor set is designed for open area battle under heavy defensive conditions.

The Type 15 light tank is fitted with a laser warning sensor system to detect incoming rangefinding and anti-tank missiles. Chinese-designed active protection system can be mounted on export-oriented VT-5 variant as per customer request. Other protective features include chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) protection, smoke dischargers, and fire suppression system. The vehicle also features oxygen generators to aid in high-altitude operations.

### Mobility

The Type 15 is powered by a 1,000 hp (746 kW) electronically controlled diesel engine, with hydro-mechanical full automatic transmission. The tank is also capable of neutral steering and features hydropneumatic suspension.

Due to its lighter weight, the Type 15 tank can be more easily airlifted. Y-20 transport planes can only carry one Type 99 tank, but can carry up to two Type 15 tanks and achieve long-range deployment of 7,800 kilometers. ZTQ-15 can also be paradropped by the transport aircraft.

## Operational history

During the China-India border dispute along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in June 2020, Type 15 tanks were reportedly deployed in the Tibetan Plateau.

## Variants[edit]

Type 15 / ZTQ-15
Designation for military version.
VT-5
Different design similar to the ZTQ-15 that is made for export. There are noticeable design differences. The driver's hatch on the VT-5 is positioned at the center front hull whereas the ZTQ-15 driver's hatch is located on the left. The upper front hull of the VT-5 is noticeably curved whereas the ZTQ-15 is straight. The modular add-on armor kits are also noticeably different.

## Operators

* China
	+ People's Liberation Army Ground Force: 250+ units
	+ People's Liberation Army Navy Marine Corps: 20+ units
* Bangladesh
	+ Bangladesh Army: 44 VT-5 units on order.