The gun supports the typical battlefield projectiles including Armor-Piercing (AP) and High-Explosive (HE) rounds. The HE form has a fragmentation capability and is fin-stabilized in flight, excellent for use against stationary "soft" targets offered by the enemy. The High-Explosive, Anti-Tank (HEAT) alternative can reach out to 3,000 meters and penetrate armor up to 800mm. The Armor-Piercing, Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot Tracer (APFSDS-T) uranium alloy projectile features a muzzle velocity of 2,050 meters-per-second and can engage targets out to 3,000 meters while penetrating armor surfaces of up to 1,000mm.
The Fire Control System (FCS) is fully-digital and provides a stabilized image of the target. A complete ballistics solution is provided by the computer. The commander has access to a thermal sighting device as well as a two-axis panoramix sight from his position. Likewise, the gunner is provided with a thermal solution and roof-mounted, fixed two-axis stabilized viewer. Magnification is given to both crewmen for accurized ranged fire. Automatic Target Tracking (ATT) is also possible.
In addition to the main gun, the tank carries a single 12.7mm W-85 series Anti-Aircraft (AA) machine gun on the turret roof to counter the threat of low-flying aircraft. This weapon has an optical range-finder and is internally gas-operated while feeding from an open belt. Its placement on the turret roof provides it with 360-degree traversal. 750 x 12.7mm rounds of ammunition are carried in 50-round belts.
The vehicle is further defensed by the inclusion of 1 x 7.62mm Type 80 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) - copied from the Soviet PKM series. A scope provides range-finding and feeding is via 100, 200, or 250-round ammunition boxes. Night vision is supported on the weapon. This weapon is replaced by local solutions on export marks (such as one chambered in 7.62mm NATO).
The hull is completed through an all-welded steel process which provides inherent protection from small arms fire and artillery spray. The vehicle supports some modularity in its protection by the addition of ERA blocks at the glacis plate, the hull and turret sides, at the bow, and along the forward roof line. An Active Protection System (APS) also aids in crew and systems survivability. A self-entrenching blade component allows the tank to dig itself into soft earth. A full Nuclear-Biological-Chemical (NBC) suite protects the occupants from more lethal battlefield elements and the tank can produce its own smoke screen via electrically-launched smoke grenades. IR reflective paint is also used in the vehicle's finish.
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