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Citat:The question was raised two years ago, in our file "Thailand buys a second batch of Chinese VT-4 tank" , to know if the Royal Thai Army would make more orders after a first tranche of 28 and then a second of 11 copies.
But the general satisfaction of the Chinese tank, as highlighted by a source in the Thai army's Procurement Committee, and the need to continue renewing its tanks, seem to have prompted the Kongthap Bok Thai to ask the Thai Cabinet to release the funds needed to purchase an additional 14 VT-4s, according to an army source relayed by the local media.
According to the figures provided, the unit price for each VT-4 in this third tranche will be slightly lower than in the two previous tranches and stands at 167 million baht, or about US $ 5.35 million at today's exchange rate.
By 2016, Thailand had paid 4.9 billion baht (~USD 157M) for the first 28 VT-4s, then 2 billion baht (~USD 64M) a year later for the next 11 tanks.
In addition to the 14 additional VT-4 tanks, the Thai army is also planning to purchase Chinese ammunition for its new mounts – 190 detachable sabotet anti-armour shells (APFSDS), 60 hollow-charge shells (HEAT) and 150 explosive shells. The estimated amount, however, is not reported.
Citat:The VT-4 is a 51 tonne heavy battle tank that the Chinese armaments group NORINCO develops exclusively for the export market.
The Chinese armoured vehicle takes over the ZTZ-99A powertrain package, another Chinese Heavy Tank, but this time it is used by the Chinese army. Due to its lower weight, the power of the VT-4 is degraded from 1,500 hp to 1,200 hp, but benefits from an extended service life. The engine block also uses an automatic gearbox with bilateral torque converter, ensuring a road speed of 71 km / h.
Accurate composite shielding data for the VT-4 is not available at this time. But if we believe in an interview with a chief engineer from the NORINCO Group, the Chinese tank could withstand the APFSDS 120 mm .44 shells.
The VT-4 is also equipped with a Hunter-Killer Fire Control system, as well as a 125 mm smooth bore barrel and a remotely controlled turret. The tank commander also has his own independent viewfinder.
Henri K.
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