D
Land ForcesChina

ZTZ-88 (Type 88)

Main battle tankFielded 1988Pending verification
Land ForcesCHN
Identification silhouette. Not drawn to scale between entries.
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeMain battle tank
Date of introduction1988
ProliferationAt least 4 countries
ManufacturerNorincoMed[1]
Crew4Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Width3.35 m11 ftMed[1]
Height2.29 m8 ftMed[1]
Combat weight38 tMed[1]
Automotive performance
Engine12150L-7BWMed[1]
Engine power730 hpMed[1]
Cruising range430 km267 mi · 232 nmiMed[1]
Max road speed60 km/h37 mph · 32 ktMed[1]
Fording without Preparation1.4 mMed[1]
Protection
Hull ArmorCast SteelMed[1]
Turret ArmorCast SteelMed[1]
Applique ArmorAvailableMed[1]
Explosive reactive armorYesMed[1]
NBC ProtectionYesMed[1]
Armament
Maximum elevation+18 degMed[1]
Minimum elevation-4 degMed[1]
Main armament1 x L7/M68 ., 105 mmMed[1]
Secondary armament1 x 7.62mm General-Purpose Machine Gun; 1 x Type 77 12.7mm Heavy Machine GunMed[1]
Maximum firing range4 km2 mi · 2 nmiMed[1]
Variants
Type 80-IIType 80-II is fitted with improved fire control and NBC protection systems.[1]
Type 85-IIType 85-II, developed in 1989, is a further development of the Type 80-II, featuring new turret and additional modular armor at the front of the hull and turret.[1]
Type 85-IIAType 85-IIA command tank, fitted with additional communication and navigation equipment.[1]
Type 85-IIIType 85-III is an improved version, aimed mainly at export market.[1]
Type 96 iType 96 is a successor to the Type 80 series. It was adopted by the PLA in 1997. This tank was built in large numbers. It is estimated that over 1 500 of these main battle tanks were built, until production ceased in 200[1]
Type 88Type 88 Domestic version of Type 80. Uses an older-style round steel cast turret with new chassis.[7] Domestic version of Type 80.[1]
Weapons and payload options · 3Confidence · Source
Armour-piercing discarding sabot105 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
INA
Muzzle velocity
1,478 m/s
Armor penetration
120 mm @ 60° at 914 m
High-Explosive (HE)105 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
INA
Muzzle velocity
800 m/s
Shaped-charge shells105 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
INA
Muzzle velocity
1173 m/s
Armor penetration
375-400 mm
Summary

The ZTZ-88 (Type 88) Chinese Main Battle Tank (MBT) is an improved version of Type 80 that entered service in 1988 under the "Type 88" PLA designation. More than the former, it integrates a large number of Western technologies.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
CompareShow on range mapJSON
Operators
ChinaPakistanSudanUganda
Sources
  1. ZTZ-88 (Type 88) Chinese Main Battle Tank (MBT), U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import