The ZTS63 (ZTS63式水陆两栖坦克; industry code WZ211), known as Type 63 before 1987 and originally certified in 1963, was designed as an amphibious tank for PLANMC or PLAGF units requiring waterborne capabilities across Asia's numerous waterways. From 1980 onwards, it incorporated technologies successfully implemented on the ZTZ59A and ZTQ62, notably a laser rangefinder and enhanced fire control system for improved long-range fire support.
These tanks saw service during the Sino-Vietnamese War in the early 1980s, providing crucial support to ground troops against Vietnamese forces and militia who possessed limited tank assets. Despite insufficient protection against cannon fire and RPGs, they remained in service until later iterations like the ZTS63A eventually paved the way for more modern amphibious vehicles, such as the ZLT05 or newer IFVs.
Introduced in Update "Sky Guardians", players familiar with the Type 62 or Type 63 will find the ZTS63 instantly familiar thanks to its identical handling and overall design. Welcome upgrades include an improved fire control system and the addition of a Type 54 DShK machine gun, enhancing its versatility compared to its predecessors. Equipped with both APFSDS rounds and a laser rangefinder, this tank not only significantly extends its effective combat range but also boosts its survivability thanks to this uncommon feature at its tier. However, players must remain cautious of its below-average protection against even heavy machine gun fire and relatively slow turret traverse speed, vulnerabilities that can prove fatal in intense engagements without proper situational awareness.
Ammunition | Type | Armor penetration (mm) at a distance: | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1000 m | 1500 m | 2000 m | ||
HEATFS | 300 | 300 | 300 | 300 | 300 | 300 | |
HE | 19 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 14 | |
APCBC | 164 | 162 | 154 | 143 | 134 | 125 | |
APFSDS | 227 | 225 | 217 | 208 | 199 | 190 |
Belt | Belt filling | Armor penetration (mm) at a distance: | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1000 m | 1500 m | 2000 m | ||
API-T/IAI/API-T/AP-I(c) | 34 | 32 | 24 | 17 | 12 | 8 |
Belt | Belt filling | Armor penetration (mm) at a distance: | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1000 m | 1500 m | 2000 m | ||
AP-I/API-T | 13 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
Mobility | |
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Protection |
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Firepower | |||
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