Type 89 (tank destroyer)

The Type 89 (designated as ‘’’PTZ-89’’’) tracked tank destroyer was a Chinese armored vehicle developed by Norinco for People’s Liberation Army. The vehicle is developed in 1980s and entered service in 1988.

Type 89
PTZ-89 tank destroyers in 1999
Type	Tank destroyer
Place of origin	China
Service history
In service	1989 - 2015
Production history
Designed	1982
Manufacturer	Norinco
Produced	1989-1995
No. built	100
Specifications
Mass	31 tons[1]
Length	5.6m
Width	2.8m
Height	3.12m
Crew	4[1]
Armor	50 mm
Main armament	120 mm gun
Secondary armament	12.7mm HMG, 7.62mm MG[1]
Engine	WR4B-12V150LB diesel 520 hp[2]
Power/weight	16 hp/t
Suspension	torsion bar
Operational range	450 km[1]
Maximum speed	55 km/h[1]

Development

Armed with a 120 millimeter smoothbore gun, it was intended to combat newer generations of Western and Russian main battle tanks that were equipped with composite armor and 120 and 125 millimeter caliber guns. Despite a successful development process, with the end of the Cold War it became apparent that the weapon was no longer needed.[3] Production was halted in 1995 after around 100 examples had been built.[3] It had several shortcomings, including thin armor and high maintenance costs. It was phased out in favor of anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). An official retirement ceremony was held by the 39th Army Group on 3 November 2015.[4][5]

Operators

•  China
  •  People's Liberation Army Ground Force (no longer in service)

See also

Type 11 Assault vehicle

References

1. 89式120毫米自走反戰車砲
2. PTZ89
3. "Type 89 Tank Destroyer". China Defence Today sinodefence. Archived from the original on 30 January 2009.
4. China to Retire Its Armored Tank Destroyers - Thediplomat.com, 19 November 2015
5. "老伙计再见：解放军89式自行反坦克炮开始退役". slide.mil.news.sina.com.cn. Retrieved 11 November 2015.