The VT-4, witnessed during the recent field firing exercise in Tilla, is a third-generation, Chinese-origin Main Battle Tank. The Pakistan Army has deployed these tanks as the Main Battle Tank.
Project Type
Main battle tank
Manufacturer
Norinco
Crew
Three
Speed
70km/h
Range
500km
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Exhibiting a maximum road speed of 70km/h, the VT4 main battle tank showcases its agility. Image: IC Presents.
The VT4 main battle tank project was conceived and brought to life by Norinco. Image: China North Industries Corporation showcases.
A scaled replica of the VT4 main battle tank was featured at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition 2014. Image: Ministère des Armées extends courtesy.
Demonstrating a top road speed of 70km/h, the VT4 main battle tank radiates power. Image: IC Reveals.
The VT4 main battle tank project emerged from the skill of Norinco. Image: China North Industries Corporation projects.
Stepping into the realm of third-generation main battle tanks, the VT4 (formerly MBT-3000) comes into existence under the masterful hands of China North Industries Corporation (Norinco).
With a primary focus on international markets, the VT4 tank integrates state-of-the-art armor and fire control systems, delivering heightened firepower and protection for combat scenarios.
At the Eurosatory 2012 defense exhibition in Paris, France, an intricate scale model of the MBT-3000 drew attention, while an advanced iteration of the VT4 dazzled audiences at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition 2014 in Zhuhai, China.
VT4 MBT Orders and Deliveries
Thailand’s strategic plans encompass the acquisition of 49 VT4 MBTs from Norinco across three phases, fortifying the Royal Thai Army’s capabilities. In 2016, the deal for the initial batch of 28 tanks was inked, and by October 2017, the first vehicles had already reached Thai soil, undergoing rigorous testing by the Royal Thai Army in January 2018.
Out of the 49, 26 vehicles have found their home within the 3rd Cavalry Division in Khon Kaen Province. The remaining duo operates under the auspices of the Royal Thai Army Cavalry Centre at Adisorn Military Camp in Saraburi and the Army Armory Hall.
Building upon this foundation, Thailand approved the procurement of a second batch comprising ten VT4 tanks in April 2017. This batch was successfully delivered in the same year. Subsequently, the Royal Thai Army articulated its intentions to secure a third batch, adding 14 VT4 tanks to its arsenal for THB 2.3 billion ($75.9 million) in January 2019.
Pakistani Selection and Nigerian Inclusion
In a move to modernize its armored fleet, Pakistan opted for the VT4 tanks, a decision formalized in July 2019. The endeavor bore fruit, with two upgraded VT4 tanks making their way to Pakistani territory in April 2020.
Beyond the borders of Asia, the Nigerian Army welcomed VT4 main battle tanks from Norinco in April 2020, marking the international footprint of this impressive armored marvel.
VT4 Main Battle Tank Design Insights
The VT4 MBT takes shape on a tracked chassis, its hull constructed from welded steel armor. Laden with an approximate weight of 52,000 kg, the tank’s presence on the battlefield commands attention.
Occupying the tank are three crew members: the commander, driver, and gunner. Positioned centrally in the forward hull, the driver’s seat is crowned by a single hatch. The commander resides to the right of the turret, while the gunner claims the left side. Each side features a hull escape hatch.
Internal amenities include an air-conditioning system, fire extinguisher, and explosion suppression mechanism.
Mighty Armament
At the heart of the VT4 main battle tank lies a 125mm smoothbore cannon, equipped to engage armored personnel carriers, main battle tanks, infantry units, military installations, light vehicles, and low-flying helicopters.
From this cannon, the tank can unleash armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding-sabot (APFSDS) rounds, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warheads, artillery, and guided missiles. The tank’s anti-tank missiles boast an impressive firing range of 5km.
Augmenting this firepower, the tank features a remotely operated 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.
Safeguarding the VT4
Equipped with the GL5 active protection system (APS), the VT4 main battle tank assumes an unyielding stance against threats. This system amalgamates four fire control radars, boasting a detection range of approximately 100 meters.
Mounted on the roof, the APS delivers substantial protection against main battle tanks, armored vehicles, anti-tank guided missiles, and anti-tank weapons.
The tank further boasts smoke grenade launchers and a nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection system, adding layers of defense for its crew.
Unveiling the Fire Control
Within the VT4 tank, both the gunner and commander benefit from stabilized thermal imaging sights, enabling target identification and recognition. Simultaneously, the driver relies on three observation periscopes.
The vehicle’s fire control unit encompasses roof-mounted panoramic sights, a laser warning device, and a digital gun control system tailored for day and night operations.
Communication and control functions find their home within the vehicle through an integrated digital communications system, serving the commander’s needs.
Engine and Mobility Dynamics
Powering the VT4 main battle tank is a 1,200hp turbocharged diesel engine nestled at the rear, coupled with a hydro-mechanical drive system.
Efficiency in off-road conditions is propelled by automatic transmission and torsion bar suspension systems.
On highways, the tank can surge at a maximum speed of 70km/h, while in cross country conditions, it maintains a speed of 50km/h. With a range extending to 500km, the tank confidently surmounts gradients of 30% and vertical obstacles reaching 1.2 meters.
Source: Defensetalks, Armytechnology