Type 89 (tank destroyer)

Not to be confused with the PLZ-89, or Type 89 self-propelled howitzer, which shares a very similar designation.

The Type 89 tank destroyer (military designation PTZ-89, industrial designation WA320) is a Chinese armored, tracked, tank destroyer vehicle developed by Norinco for the People’s Liberation Army. The vehicle was developed in the 1980s and entered service in 1989.

Type 89 self-propelled tank destroyer
PTZ-89 tank destroyer in 1999
Type	Tank destroyer
Place of origin	China
Service history
In service	1989–2015
Used by	China
Production history
Designed	1982
Manufacturer	Norinco
Produced	1989–1995
No. built	230
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] though the International Institute for Strategic Studies estimated 230 vehicles were built until retirement.^[4] An official retirement ceremony was held by the 39th Army Group on 3 November 2015.^[5][6]

Operators

•  China
  •  People's Liberation Army Ground Force: 230 built and in-storage (no longer in active service)^[4]

See also

• Type 11 Assault vehicle
• AFT-10 ATGM Carrier