Type 85-II Main Battle Tank Overview
The Type 85-II Main Battle Tank is a third-generation armored combat vehicle designed to provide powerful firepower, enhanced protection, and high battlefield mobility for modern armored warfare.. Compared with earlier generations, the vehicle features a newly designed welded turret, more powerful engine, improved composite armor capability, enhanced mobility, and modern battlefield survivability.
The tank combines a 125mm main gun, high-performance diesel engine, advanced protection systems, and excellent cross-country mobility, making it suitable for armored assaults, mechanized warfare, and high-intensity combat operations.
Type 85-II Main Battle Tank Key Features
- 125mm main gun
- Welded low-profile turret
- Composite armor capability
- 1000 HP diesel engine
- Integrated power pack
- Advanced hydraulic transmission
- High-pressure periscope air purge system
- Smoke grenade launchers
- NBC protection system
- Night vision equipment
Type 85-II Main Battle Tank Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Crew | 3 |
| Length (Gun Forward) | 10.28 m |
| Vehicle Length | 7.30 m |
| Width | 3.45 m |
| Height | 2.30 m |
| Ground Clearance | 0.48 m |
| Combat Weight | 41,000 kg |
| Engine | V12 turbocharged diesel engine |
| Engine Power | 735 kW (1,000 HP) |
| Maximum Road Speed | 57.25 km/h |
| Maximum Travel Range | 500 km |
| Fuel Capacity | 1,000 L |
| Fording Depth | 1.4 m |
| Vertical Obstacle | 0.8 m |
| Trench Crossing | 2.7 m |
| Maximum Gradient | 60° |
| Maximum Side Slope | 40° |
| Armor | Steel / Multi-layer Composite |
| NBC Protection | Installed |
| Night Vision | Installed |
Type 85-II Main Battle Tank Weapons System
The Type 85-II is equipped with:
- One 125mm main gun
- One 7.62mm coaxial machine gun
- One 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun
- Twelve smoke grenade launchers (2×6)
The 125mm gun delivers excellent armor penetration and battlefield firepower while supporting modern armored warfare requirements.
Protection System
One of the most important upgrades of the Type 85-II is its newly designed welded turret.
Unlike previous cast turret designs, the welded steel turret provides improved ballistic protection while allowing future installation of composite armor packages. The lower-profile turret reduces frontal target exposure, while side protective shields improve resistance against armor-piercing threats.
The rear turret bustle also increases internal storage space for ammunition and NBC equipment.
Additional protection includes:
- Multi-layer armor structure
- NBC protection system
- Smoke grenade launchers
- Night vision equipment
- Camouflage capability
Mobility and Power
The Type 85-II is powered by a 735 kW (1000 HP) V12 turbocharged diesel engine, providing excellent power-to-weight performance.
An advanced hydraulic transmission with planetary gearbox allows automatic, semi-automatic, or manual operation depending on battlefield requirements.
The integrated power pack can be removed or installed within approximately 40 minutes, simplifying field maintenance and reducing operational downtime.
Special Equipment
To improve reliability under harsh battlefield conditions, the tank incorporates several specialized systems.
A high-pressure air purge device continuously cleans the driver’s periscope during dusty, muddy, and rainy operations, maintaining clear visibility.
Because the vehicle was designed primarily for export to warm-climate regions, the conventional heating system was removed, allowing additional space for hydraulic steering components while reducing maintenance requirements.
Operational Advantages
The Type 85-II Main Battle Tank is suitable for:
- Main battle tank operations
- Armored breakthrough missions
- Combined arms warfare
- Mechanized offensive operations
- Desert combat
- Border defense
- High-intensity conventional warfare
Its combination of high mobility, modern protection, and powerful 125mm firepower makes it an effective platform for contemporary armored forces.
Type 85-II Main Battle Tank Battlefield Performance
The Type 85-II Main Battle Tank is designed to operate effectively across deserts, plains, mountainous terrain, and other challenging environments. Its powerful diesel engine provides reliable mobility while maintaining excellent stability during high-speed maneuvers. Combined with a modern suspension system, the vehicle can quickly reposition on the battlefield and support armored formations during offensive and defensive operations.
Conclusion
The Type 85-II Main Battle Tank combines a 125mm main gun, 1000 HP diesel engine, welded low-profile turret, advanced hydraulic transmission, composite armor capability, and comprehensive battlefield protection into a highly capable export main battle tank. Designed for modern armored warfare, it delivers an excellent balance of firepower, survivability, and operational mobility.
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FAQ
What is the combat weight of the Type 85-II Main Battle Tank?
Answer:
The Type 85-II Main Battle Tank has a combat weight of approximately 41–42 tons, providing an excellent balance of battlefield mobility, armor protection, and firepower for modern armored operations.
What main gun is equipped on the Type 85-II Main Battle Tank?
Answer:
The Type 85-II Main Battle Tank is equipped with a 125 mm smoothbore cannon capable of firing armor-piercing, high-explosive, and anti-tank guided ammunition, making it highly effective against armored vehicles and fortified targets.
What protection systems does the Type 85-II Main Battle Tank feature?
Answer:
The Type 85-II Main Battle Tank features composite armor, smoke grenade launchers, and enhanced battlefield protection systems, improving crew survivability and resistance against modern battlefield threats.
What missions is the Type 85-II Main Battle Tank suitable for?
Answer:
The Type 85-II Main Battle Tank is suitable for armored assaults, defensive operations, mechanized warfare, breakthrough missions, convoy support, and combined arms combat in a wide range of operational environments.