“68 Ge” Tank Test Bed. ----A small step forward

[Voodoo_Six_One 41]

 

“68 Ge” TTB (Tank Test Bed) is an experimental tank based on type 59, and its main purpose is to verify the improvement of track support rollers for the mobility of the tank. In the later test, it was used to verify the 12V150/12150ZL turbocharged diesel engine (537kW/730hp). "68 Ge" TTB is considered to be the initial experimental basis for the second generation of Chinese tanks (WZ-122 series: type 80/88/96)

 

Introduction:

After Type 59 (later named ZTZ-59) was mass produced and equipped with PLA, some problems with this design were gradually exposed. PLA's armored forces believe that the large-diameter road wheels of T-54/Type 59 have the problems of large vibration and slow response when driving and maneuvering at high speed. After reviewing and testing the M46 tank captured during the Korean War, one of the Type 59 production plants believed that adding track support rollers, changing the suspension stroke length, and changing the track length can effectively solve the above problems.

In 1968, one Type 59 was selected from the production line for modification to "68 Ge" TTB ("Ge" is short for evolution in Chinese). In subsequent tests, the "68 Ge" TTB performed well, reducing track vibration and noise, making it perform better at high speeds. However, due to the limited power of the original engine, this improvement is not obvious, and this change has not been applied to the type 59 of mass production.

After all the experimental results were reported, the tank development sector, which was looking for a suitable test tank for the new turbocharged engine, showed interest in the "68 Ge" TTB. Soon, they took over the "68 Ge" TTB from the factory. In 1974, the 12V150 was installed on the "68 Ge" TTB for testing. In 1977, the development of 12V150/12150ZL was basically completed, and was transferred to the updated Tank Test Bed of WZ1223/1225 for testing.

After completing the test task, the "68 Ge" TTB was placed in the garage of North University of China. It has been used as a teaching aid for college students until today.

 

Specifications:

Mass: 37 tonnes (Estimated)

Crew: 4

Main armament: 100 mm rifled gun

Secondary armament: Type 59T 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, Type 54 12.7 mm air-defence machine gun

EngineModel:

1968-1974:12150L liquid-cooled diesel engine (390 kW/520 hp)

1974-1980s:12150ZL turbocharged diesel engine (537kW/730 hp)

Power/weight:19.7 hp/tonne (Estimated)

Max speed: 60 km/h (Estimated)

References:

“Surging Chinese Heart--Reminiscent of the hardships of Zhang Baozhong's development of tank engines”.  The Tank and Armored Vehicle, 01/2017

“Red hearth of the heart of the tank”.  The Ordnance Knowledge, 07/2017

“Technology tree for the development of Chinese tanks (part)”.https://www.bilibili.com/read/cv3612809/

 

Edited June 19, 2020 by Miki_Hoshii

[Miki_Hoshii 2,449]

Hello Voodoo_Six_One,

 

Thank you for your suggestion, however I had to edit your poll as your BR question lacked a 'No' answer. All poll questions require a negative answer for the suggestion to be open. Other than that, open for discussion.

[Milocat 4,848]

+1, this would be an awesome tank to add to the Chinese ground forces tree!

[Voodoo_Six_One 41]

2 hours ago, Miki_Hoshii said:

Hello Voodoo_Six_One,

 

Thank you for your suggestion, however I had to edit your poll as your BR question lacked a 'No' answer. All poll questions require a negative answer for the suggestion to be open. Other than that, open for discussion.

Copy that!

Many thanks

I have some more suggestions, all about the high maneuverability attempt of the type 59/69. They haven’t changed the firepower of the main gun, and only improved the chassis, engine/transmission, and suspension just like 68 Ge TTB. Do you think they should merge together or create separate topics?

The first one is type 69 powered by gas turbine engine, and the second one is the early model of WZ1223 TTB (type 59 turret). I don't have the first photo but have some information, the second one has photos and a brief introduction.

[ThedepthPunisher 194]

I think that would be a very good addition for the Chinese! Congratulations on your first topic very well done. I would see it in br 8.0. + 1 for me!

[stuka2689 314]

Need more chinese prototype tanks.

+1

[CLOSE_RANGE 74]

I think the second revision with the 730 hp engine would be nice to see, maybe as a premium or event vehicle. Not radically different from the original Type 59, but the more powerful engine and smoother suspension would be nice quality-of-life improvements and it has historical significance. 8.0 would be a suitable battle rating because it still lacks modern features like night vision. Gaijin apparently has no problem with placing the T-55A and the superior T-55AM-1 at the same battle rating of 8.3 anyway.

[Borotovas 4,500]

+1