Type 63

Type 63
Country	China
Role	Amphibious light tank
In service	1963 – present
Built	1550+

The Norinco Type 63 (Chinese: 63式; pinyin: Liùsān shì) is a Chinese amphibious light tank. First fielded in 1963, it is in many ways similar to the earlier Soviet PT-76. However, contrary to the popular belief, it does have some essential differences from the PT-76 in the vehicle’s waterjet propulsion system, etc. It is also known under its industrial designation, the WZ-211. Type 63 is being replaced by Type 63A.

Source: Type 63 on Wikipedia

Type 63 Walk Around
Photographer	Unknow
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	12

Type 63-I 01

Type 63-I 02

Type 63-I 03

Type 63-I 04

Type 63-I 05

Type 63-I 07

Type 63-I 06

Type 63-I 08

Type 63-I 10

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General Characteristics

The Type 63-I is a Chinese amphibious light tank, designated as the second production run of the Type 63 family. Developed in the early 1960s, it was designed to operate in the wetland and river-crossing regions of Southern China, taking heavy inspiration from the Soviet PT-76 amphibious tank but featuring significant modifications, most notably a much more powerful engine and a larger gun. The “I” designation refers to the switch from the initial, underpowered engine to a stronger 12-cylinder diesel.

Property	Typical Value (Type 63-I)
Role	Amphibious Light Tank, Reconnaissance
National Origin	People’s Republic of China
Manufacturer	NORINCO
Service Entry	Mid-1960s (Replacing initial Type 63)
Crew	4 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver)
Combat Weight	19.83 tonnes
Length (Gun Forward)	8.44 m (27 ft 8 in)
Hull Length	7.15 m (23 ft 5 in)
Width	3.2 m (10 ft 6 in)
Height (To AA Gun)	3.12 m (10 ft 3 in)

Armament

The Type 63-I features a more powerful armament suite than its Soviet inspiration, using a gun originally designed for the Chinese Type 62 light tank.

Main Armament: 1 x 85 mm Type 62-85TC rifled gun (47 rounds carried).
- Ammunition: Fires a variety of fixed ammunition, including APHEBC, APCBC, and HEAT-FS (with penetration up to 300 mm).
- Stabilizer: Lacks a gun stabilizer, making accurate firing on the move or in water difficult.
Coaxial Armament: 1 x 7.62 mm Type 59T machine gun (2,000 rounds).
Anti-Aircraft Armament: 1 x 12.7 mm Type 54 heavy machine gun (pintle mount on turret roof, 500 rounds).

Protection and Mobility

The core feature of the Type 63 is its amphibious capability, achieved with a boat-like hull design and a propulsion system that combines tracks with two water jets at the rear.

Armor: Thin, welded rolled steel armor (similar to the PT-76).
- Hull Front: 11 mm (at high angle).
- Hull Sides: 14 mm (upper).
- Provides protection mainly against small arms fire and shell fragments, but is vulnerable to heavy machine guns and cannon fire.
Engine: 1 x 12150L-2 V-12 liquid-cooled diesel engine. (The primary upgrade of the Type 63-I over the Type 63).
- Power Output: 300 kW (402 hp).
- Power-to-Weight Ratio: ~20.3 hp/tonne.
Maximum Speed (Road): 64 km/h (40 mph).
Maximum Speed (Water): 12 km/h (7.5 mph) using water jets.
Operational Range (Road): 370 km.
Suspension: Torsion bar suspension with six large road wheels and no return rollers.

Operational History

The Type 63 and Type 63-I served extensively with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in China.
They were used in combat by the North Vietnamese Army during the Vietnam War and saw limited action in the Sino-Vietnamese War of 1979.
The Type 63 family was a cornerstone of Chinese amphibious doctrine until its gradual replacement by the significantly upgraded Type 63A in the late 1990s.