MiniArt 37026 Chinese Medium Tank Type 59 - Early Production

The Type 59 is a modern 1st generation Chinese tank. The first prototypes of the vehicle were built in the 1950s, and serial production started in 1958 and lasted until 1985, with the production of approx. 9500 vehicles of this type. The Type 59 is powered by an engine 12150L V-12 520 hp. The basic version of the vehicle is armed with a single 100 mm tank gun and 2 machine guns: 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm.

The Type 59 is a license copy of the Soviet T-54 tank. Initially, immediately after obtaining the license, the Chinese Type 59 vehicles were supposedly deceptive to their Soviet counterparts, but with time they began to be modernized. The first modernization was the Type 59-I version, which received night vision systems, laser rangefinders and much better observation devices. Another modernization is the Type 59-II, which had a 105 mm caliber cannon, with a nice stabilization system and an autoloader. The power unit was also changed, with an engine power of 590 hp. Due to the very simple operation, low cost of purchase and operation, as well as decent firepower, the Type 59 tanks were exported to many countries, including Cambodia, Congo and Tanzania. They also took part in the 1979 Sino-Vietnam War. Tanks of this type are believed to have been withdrawn from the Chinese army line, but are still held in reserve.