CHINESE TYPE TANK ENGINE

The core advantages of Chinese tanks lie in their high mobility, high firepower, reliable diesel engines and the potential for information-based upgrades. They also balance domestic production with modern combat capabilities.
Type 96 / Type 99 Series
Service Period: Type 96 (1990s – present), Type 99 (2001 – present)
Features:
Main Gun: 125 mm smoothbore gun, some models equipped with automatic loading mechanism
Armor: Composite armor + ERA (impact absorbing armor)
Power: High thrust-to-weight diesel engine, good maneuverability
Informationization: Some models (Type 99A) are equipped with digital fire control and battlefield management systems
Tactical Concept: Emphasizes firepower, mobility, and gradual modernization of informationization, while also considering mass production and reliability
Engine Model | Type | Displacement (cc) | Power(KW) | RPM | Applicable to tanks | Characteristic |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12150L | V12 four-stroke water-cooled diesel engine | ~38.9 L | 520 hp | 2000 rpm | Type 59, Type 69 | It imitates the Soviet V-2, has good reliability, but insufficient power |
12150ZLC | V12 turbocharged diesel engine | ~38.9 L | 730 hp | 2000 rpm | Type 80, Type 88 | Install a turbocharger on the basis of the 12150 |
12150ZLD | V12 turbocharged diesel engine | ~38.9 L | 800 hp | 2000 rpm | 88B/88C | Stronger output and improved cooling system |
150HB | V12 turbocharged diesel engine | ~39 L | 1000 hp | 2000 rpm | Type 96, 96A | China’s first 1,000-horsepower tank diesel engine |
150HB-1 / 150HB-2 | V12 turbocharged diesel engine | ~39 L | 1200 hp | 2000 rpm | Early Model 99 | The power has been further enhanced to adapt to heavy tanks |
Model 1500 | V12 high power density diesel engine | ~40 L | 1500 hp | 2000–2100 rpm | Type 99A main battle tank | The latest domestic model, with electronic fuel injection and digital control |
8V150 series | V8 turbocharged diesel engine | ~26–30 L | 800–1000 hp | 2000 rpm | VT-2、VT-4、VT-5 | The main force in foreign trade, with high power density and easy maintenance |