Well if I would've looked at one of my regular "newspapers" I could've added this to my last post. My apologies. The good news here is this does start to close the loop concerning the Chinese
ZTQ LT a bit more to where it should be feasible to enter it into the game now or "
twink it" if it's in already (Haven't had the time to check for it.) and I missed it. We can do this by using the generic ref 1 story that adds a piece to the puzzle when combined with the last two entered yesterday and I had forgotten about the export version that I already had an inkling about from another source
well it was very early in the morning when I posted!?! OK-nobody is buying it, but, that export version is known as the
VT5. So that's what ref. 2 is about.
The only issue I have at the moment concerning ref. 2 as it relates to the
ZTQ is, that I've
not seen pictures of it that the Chinese themselves are using the RWS shown for
VT5. What I've seen is the standard 12.7mm RWS as shown in the Thai story.
http://www.armyrecognition.com/janua..._10401171.html
http://www.armyrecognition.com/china..._11711164.html
Been tracking this for awhile, though
the date we have for Thailand receiving the Ukrainian T-84 OPLOT-M is still good, the Russian incursion and support of the "rebels" slowed production of these tanks to the point that Thailand had to look at other options to eventually if I remember correctly, buy ~250 new tanks to finally retire it's M-41 tank fleet that they've been operating for 60 years (Since 1957.) now. I had already posted on this issue and ref. 2 of this story in particular. The Ukraine will full fill this order fully by
Oct. 2017. It'll come down to these two tanks I believe if any further orders are made. They'll certainly have an opportunity to test them "
head-to-head" under real conditions for awhile I should imagine. Of the I believe four or so tanks (The
LEO 2A4 was given a second look again but, the cost was too high again.) they were looking at they chose the Chinese
ZT4 or as it's better known as the
MBT-3000.
http://www.armyrecognition.com/janua..._10501162.html
For your consideration and my tracking. I expect the delivery by
JUN. 2017 based on training preps we saw concerning the
OPLOT-M I would expect them (
ZT4) to be fielded by
Oct. 2017.
http://www.armyrecognition.com/janua..._10301176.html
http://www.armyrecognition.com/china..._video_uk.html
Going into my "Friday" later today I guess 4am is better than 5am was yesterday-I'm sure the extra hour will keep me sharper on post!?!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Regards,
Pat
