Type 69 (Iraqi) – Photos & Video

The Type 69 (Chinese: 69式; pinyin: Liùjiǔ shì) and Type 79 (Chinese: 79式; pinyin: Qījiǔ shì) are Chinese main battle tanks. Both developments of the Type 59 (based on the Soviet T-54A), they were the first main battle tanks developed independently by China.Their lineage can be seen through the distinct gap between the first and second roadwheels. Other improvements included a new engine, ballistic computers, and laser rangefinders. The more advanced Type 79 was equipped with a 105 mm rifled gun, also seen on the later Type 88 tank. Iraq: -Type 69-QM – Also known as T-55B inside the Iraqi Army. Type 69-II with standard 100 mm rifled main gun, armour reinforced with layer armour on the front glacis, an observation mast and, on some units, a 60 mm mortar. Command vehicles often fitted with blocks of appliqué spaced armour, similar to the so-called Enigma T-55s. Produced 1986–1988. -Type 69-QM1 – Type 69-II upgraded with NATO standard 105 mm rifled gun and laser range-finder. Produced 1984–1988. -Type 69-QM2 – Type 69-II upgraded with Warsaw Pact standard 125 mm (L80) smoothbore main gun and laser range-finder. Produced 1986–1991.

Source: Type 69 (Iraqi) on Wikipedia

The Type 69 (Iraqi) is a variant of the Chinese Type 69 main battle tank that was produced and modified by Iraq in the 1980s and 1990s. The Type 69 (Iraqi) features several improvements over the original model, such as a new engine, a new fire control system, a new gun stabilizer, additional armor, and a laser rangefinder. The Type 69 (Iraqi) was used by the Iraqi Army in the Iran-Iraq War and the Gulf War, where it faced superior Western tanks such as the M1 Abrams and the Challenger 1. The Type 69 (Iraqi) suffered heavy losses in both conflicts and was eventually phased out of service by the Iraqi Army after the 2003 invasion of Iraq.