Type 653

Type 653 / Type 84
	Chinese Type 653 at the United States Army Ordnance Training and Heritage Center . This vehicle was captured by the Iraqi army during the Second Gulf War.
General properties
crew	5 (commander, driver, 3 tank mechanics)
length	7.18 m
width	3.30 m
height	2.34 m
Dimensions	38 t (combat weight, different depending on the version)
	Armor and armament
Armor	35–100 mm rolled armor steel
Main armament	1 × 12.7mm Type 54 machine gun
Secondary armament	no
agility
drive	V12-cylinder diesel engine 12150L-7BW ; 427 kW at 2000 min -1
suspension	Torsion bar
Top speed	Max. 50 km / h (road), 18 km / h (when towing)
Power / weight
Range	370 km (road)

The Type 653 (alternative names: WZ653 or Type 84 ) is a Chinese armored recovery vehicle based on the chassis of the Type 69II and used in the People's Liberation Army . It serves as a mobile workshop and has the task of repairing or towing the broken down armored vehicles of the armored units.

Development history

Production of the Type 653 began in 1982 at the Chinese armaments company Norinco after series production of the Type 69 main battle tank began in the 1970s and an adequate recovery vehicle was therefore required. In 1983 all the necessary tests were completed and the introduction into the force followed. The first tranche was built on the basis of the Type-69II, later models were based on the Type-79. Production continued until the 1990s. The mobility and armor make it possible to carry out rescue and towing work on the battlefield . The vehicle was also equipped with night vision devices.

technology

The Type 653 is based on a modified Type 69II or Type 79 tank chassis. It is equipped with a crane, a winch and a dozer blade. The shield serves primarily as a support during crane work and as a spur when pulling a winch; earth movements are possible to a limited extent . The hydraulic slewing crane has a maximum hook load of 10 tons, with the type 653A version even 20 tons can be lifted. The crane is less powerful compared to modern western armored recovery vehicles. A Type 79 or Type 69 tower or their drive units should, however, be able to be raised without any problems. The recovery vehicle also has a mechanical winch with a maximum pulling force of 687 kN. A tensioning device ensures that the rope is evenly tensioned when the rope is rolled up and down. The armament includes a roof-mounted 12.7 mm machine gun for self-defense against ground and air targets.

Versions

Type 653 or WZ653 : Original version based on a Type-69II with dozer blade and crane.
Type 653A or WZ653A : Improved version based on a Type 79 chassis, which is equipped with a more powerful crane.