The Type 63 was China’s first amphibious tank developed from the Russian PT-76, but with the turret of the Type 62 light tank. The tank was designed for the ground forces to operate in the water regions and rice paddy fields in southern China, which are difficult for conventional main battle tanks. Later the tank was also adopted by the PLA Marine Corps for the amphibious assault operation. The tank has been gradually phased out since the late 1990s and replaced by the more capable Type 63A. A small number may still be operational for training purpose.
China some PT-76 amphibious tanks from the USSR in the mid-1980s. In October 1958, the PLA decided to develop an indigenous amphibious tank based on the PT-76 design. The development programme was carried out by 201 Institute and 615 Factory. A prototype known as WZ221 was built and tested in 1959, but the design suffered from a number of problems including engine overheating. A revised design received extensive testing in 1961/62. The amphibious tank was finally approved for design finalisation in April 1963, and was officially designated Type 63. The tank entered the PLA service in the mid-1960s, but improvements on the design continued throughout the late 1960s and the 1970s.
The Type 63 amphibious tank was intended for inland river-crossing operations and amphibious landing in the costal regions. The tank can support the infantry in the attack or engage lightly armoured vehicles and fortifications, and can also be used for reconnaissance and patrol roles. The tank took part in a number of conflicts, including the Sri Lanka civil war, the 1960s/70s Vietnam War (used by the North Vietnamese Army), and the 1979 Sino-Vietnam border conflict (used by the PLA). During these conflicts, the Type 63 showed great mobility in terrains that are difficult for the heavy tanks, but its thin armour has caused heavy losses and casualties.
Type 63 amphibious tank with a 85mm gun (Source: Chinese Internet)
The PLA introduced the improved Type 63G in the mid-1990s for amphibious assault operations in the sea. The hull of the tank was enhanced for long-distance swimming from the amphibious ships to the shore. The original 86mm rifled gun was replaced by a more powerful 105mm rifled gun capable of firing the fin-stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds. The tank was also added with laser rangefinder and a primitive fire-control for better firing accuracy. Based on the Type 63G design, a more radically modified variant known as Type 63A was introduced in the late 1990s. Other variants included Type 77-I/II amphibious APC, Type 76 amphibious armour recovery vehicle, and a 122 mm self-propelled howitzer.
Type 63G amphibious tank with a 105mm rifled gun (Source: Chinese Internet)
The Type 63 has a flat, boat-like hull similar to the design of the PT-76, apart from a nearly horizontal glacis plate and different engine grills. There are three separate vertical slot side inlets on the Type 63, in contrast to the single large inlet with inset vertical baffle plates on the PT-76. The turret has a ventilator dome with a snorkel fitting. The suspension has six road wheels and no return rollers. A half-egg-shape turret is mounted over the middle of the hull, with the powerpack compartment in the rear. Instead of a three-man crew on the PT-76, the Type 63 has a four-man crew for better efficiency. The tank is powered by a liquid cooled 400 hp 12150L2 diesel, giving the tank a maximum road speed of 36km and 12km in water.
The basic variant Type 63 is fitted with a Type 62-85TC rifled 85mm gun that can fire AP, APHE, HE, and HEAT rounds, with a firing speed of 8 rounds/min. The gun is not stabilised and is aimed via an optical gun sight. Secondary weapons include a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and a 12.7mm air-defence machine gun.
The later variant Type 63-I is fitted with a 105mm rifled gun similar to those fitted on the Type 59II/69 and Type 80. The gun can fire armour piercing fin stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS) as well as other standard ammunitions. The tank is also fitted with a primitive light spot fire-control with night vision channel and laser rangefinder input.
Specifications
Crew: 4 Weight: 18.4 tonnes Engine: 400hp 12150L2 diesel Transmission: Mechanical, planetary Track: Metallic Suspension: Torsion bar Radio: A-220A receive/transmit radio; A-221A internal telephone Dimension: Length: 7.288m; Height: 2.522m; Width: 3.200m Cruising Range: 370km (road); 340 km (off-road); 120 km
(swim) Speed: Max road 36km/h; Max off-road 28km/h; Max swim 12km/h Main Gun: Type 62-85TC 85mm (47 rounds); or 105mm Gun Elevation/Depression: +22/-4 degree Gun Stablisation: No Auxiliary Weapon: One coaxial 7.62mm machine gun; one 12.7mm air-defence machine gun
