PF-98
Encyclopedia
The Type 98 is a 120 mm anti-tank rocket system developed by Norinco
for the People's Liberation Army
as a successor to the Type 78
and Type 65 recoilless gun.
in the 1990s. The older, 1950s era equipment began to show its age. The Type 98 was revealed with a garrison unit in Macao in 1999, while some elite units began to receive the weapon after 2000. The design makes the accurate delivery of a 120 mm high-explosive or high-explosive anti-tank projectile with negligible recoil possible. The weapon can be tripod- or shoulder-fired.
version Type 98 consists of an optical sight with nightvision channel (500m range), a fire-control computer, a laser rangefinder and a LED display. The system can automatically find the distance and make the ballistic calculations which are then displayed on the LED screen for the gunner. This reduces the reaction time and makes for increased accuracy.
The company
version Type 98 is fitted with an x4 telescopic optical sight with a night vision channel (300m range). A computer calculates the lead of moving targets and put a light spot in the gunner’s optical sight to assist in aiming the device. The tripod of the battalion version allows an elevation of +30° to -6° around 360°. The weapon is manually operated by 1~2 soldiers. The company version has a small fixed tripod to support the launcher when it is used in lower firing position.
(High Explosive Anti Tank) projectile is armed with two tandem warheads and an electronically timed fuse. The round can pierce the reactive armor of a main battle tank
, and has an armour-piercing depth of about 800 mm (under 90 degrees) at a maximum range of 800 m.
The multipurpose High Explosive round has a warhead with 120 steel balls and incendiary material. This round is capable of piercing 400 mm armor (under 55 degrees). Due to the fragmented nature it kills the crew inside, or produces fragments to kill other personnel within 25 m of the point of impact. The maximum range is 1,800~2,000m.
Norinco
The China North Industries Corporation , official English name Norinco, manufactures vehicles , machinery, optical-electronic products, oil field equipment, chemicals, light industrial products, explosives and blast materials, civil and military firearms and ammunition, etc...
for the People's Liberation Army
People's Liberation Army
The People's Liberation Army is the unified military organization of all land, sea, strategic missile and air forces of the People's Republic of China. The PLA was established on August 1, 1927 — celebrated annually as "PLA Day" — as the military arm of the Communist Party of China...
as a successor to the Type 78
Type 78
The Type 78 is a smoothbore recoilless gun designed to provide a rapid, direct fire support for the PLA infantry troops against targets such as light tanks, armoured vehicles, and bunkers. The Type 78 is an improved version of the Type 65 with some modifications...
and Type 65 recoilless gun.
Development
The PLA began to search for a successor for the Type 78Type 78
The Type 78 is a smoothbore recoilless gun designed to provide a rapid, direct fire support for the PLA infantry troops against targets such as light tanks, armoured vehicles, and bunkers. The Type 78 is an improved version of the Type 65 with some modifications...
in the 1990s. The older, 1950s era equipment began to show its age. The Type 98 was revealed with a garrison unit in Macao in 1999, while some elite units began to receive the weapon after 2000. The design makes the accurate delivery of a 120 mm high-explosive or high-explosive anti-tank projectile with negligible recoil possible. The weapon can be tripod- or shoulder-fired.
Launcher
The reusable tube launcher is fibreglass-wrapped and weights under 10 kg. Two variants are available, both are equipped with nightvision. The reaction time (from acquiring the target to firing) is about 10 seconds. The fire-control of the battalionBattalion
A battalion is a military unit of around 300–1,200 soldiers usually consisting of between two and seven companies and typically commanded by either a Lieutenant Colonel or a Colonel...
version Type 98 consists of an optical sight with nightvision channel (500m range), a fire-control computer, a laser rangefinder and a LED display. The system can automatically find the distance and make the ballistic calculations which are then displayed on the LED screen for the gunner. This reduces the reaction time and makes for increased accuracy.
The company
Company (military unit)
A company is a military unit, typically consisting of 80–225 soldiers and usually commanded by a Captain, Major or Commandant. Most companies are formed of three to five platoons although the exact number may vary by country, unit type, and structure...
version Type 98 is fitted with an x4 telescopic optical sight with a night vision channel (300m range). A computer calculates the lead of moving targets and put a light spot in the gunner’s optical sight to assist in aiming the device. The tripod of the battalion version allows an elevation of +30° to -6° around 360°. The weapon is manually operated by 1~2 soldiers. The company version has a small fixed tripod to support the launcher when it is used in lower firing position.
Projectiles
The HEATHeat
In physics and thermodynamics, heat is energy transferred from one body, region, or thermodynamic system to another due to thermal contact or thermal radiation when the systems are at different temperatures. It is often described as one of the fundamental processes of energy transfer between...
(High Explosive Anti Tank) projectile is armed with two tandem warheads and an electronically timed fuse. The round can pierce the reactive armor of a main battle tank
Main battle tank
A main battle tank , also known as a battle tank or universal tank, is a tank that fills the heavy direct fire role of many modern armies. They were originally conceived to replace the light, medium, heavy and super-heavy tanks. Development was spurred onwards in the Cold War with the development...
, and has an armour-piercing depth of about 800 mm (under 90 degrees) at a maximum range of 800 m.
The multipurpose High Explosive round has a warhead with 120 steel balls and incendiary material. This round is capable of piercing 400 mm armor (under 55 degrees). Due to the fragmented nature it kills the crew inside, or produces fragments to kill other personnel within 25 m of the point of impact. The maximum range is 1,800~2,000m.