Type 98 Main Battle Tank
WZ-123
Specifications 		
Powerplant 	1,200 hp liquid cooled diesel 	
Maximum Speed 	65 km/hr (max road) 47 km/hr (max off-road) 35 km/hr (avg off-road) 	
Weight 	50 tons 	
Crew	3 	
Length, hull	11 m 	
Width	3.4 m 	
Height, top of turret	2 m 	
Armament 	one 125mm smooth bore gun one 12.7mm machine gun one 7.62mm machine gun (coaxial) 	

The Type 98 was first introduced to the public during the parade on October 1, 1999, marking the 50th Anniverary of the 
founding of the People's Republic China. While initially confused as the Type 96, further study revealed that the 18 tanks 
on display during the parade were in fact a member of the Type 80 family of Chinese Main Battle Tanks. 
The Type 98, also known as the WZ-123 MBT, is based on the Russian T-72 and even features a hull design similar to the 
Russian tank. 
The Type 98 program is believed to have begun sometime in the early 1990s as the Chinese explored design changes to the 
Type 90-II. 
Armed with a 125mm smoothbore main gun fed by a carousel autoloader the Type 98 weighs roughly fifty tons and is powered by 
a new 1200-hp diesel engine. 
While the hull of the Type 98 resembles the T-72, the turret does not, instead it is "box-like". The turret front is slightly
sloped and angled, with the turret sides being nearly vertical, and the turret roof has a slightly domed appearance. 
The Type 98's turret is larger than those of previous Chinese tanks, and extends forward, creating a gap between the lower 
edge of the turret and the hull deck. 
The main gun's fire control system is fitted with a stablized independent sight for the commander. 
The Type 98 also includes some type of previously unknown active self-defense system. The two components of this active 
self defense system are mounted on the turret roof. The LWR (Laser Warning Receiver) is mounted behind commander's hatch, 
and a high-powered laser weapon mounted behind gunner's hatch which is employed against the source of the enemy's laser 
illumination. 
There is speculation that the Type 98's armor is either based on, or is influenced by Russia's T-80U MBT. 
This is based on similarities found in the two tanks, including cavities in the turret's frontal armor which are covered 
by plates, placed flush and bolted to the turret's roof. 
It is not clear whether or not the Type 98 has enterred full production and it is not clear how widely the PLA plans on 
fielding the system.