Type 63 SPA Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Defense System (1963)
The Type 63 was a limited Chinese self-propelled anti-aircraft system based on the Soviet Type 55 gun and T-34 tank hull.
The design of the Type 63 was characterized by its boxy, multi-faceted open-topped turret. The turret featured full 360-degree rotation with limited traverse of the guns (this handled by a manual operation). The turret resided at the center of the hull roof, the hull itself is a direct copy of the T-34/85 Medium Tanks series, and retained its rear engine placement as well as its five road wheels to a track side arrangement. The hull sides and front were noticeably sloped for basic ballistics protection. A bow-mounted machine gun added limited anti-infantry defense. A standard crew is six personnel, including the driver and vehicle commander as well as gunners and loaders to manage the firing/reloading functions, were housed in the hull and turret. The cannons were fed via five-round clip containers which made reloading a regular process of the fast-firing guns. Overall weight of the vehicle was listed at 35 tons and, with its high superstructure and tall turret, it stood nearly 10 feet in height. Power was supplied by a single 12-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine of 580 horsepower while the hull was suspended atop a Christie-type suspension system. Operational range was 190 miles with a top road speed of 34 miles per hour.
The Type 63 is no longer in service with the Chinese Army, given up in favor or more modern and advanced anti-aircraft systems. The Type 63 had also been fielded by North Vietnam and South Vietnam (the latter through limited examples captured), seeing action during the Vietnam War where it remained in service after the conflict.
By modern standards, the Type 63 is a relic incapable of countering aircraft with its manual elevation functionality. Its 37mm shells are also relatively useless against modern Main Battle Tank types. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Type 63 SPA
Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Defense System
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer: China NORth INdustries COrporation (NORINCO) - China
Initial Year of Service: 1963
Production: 4,000
Focus Model: Type 63 SPA
Crew: 4
Overall Length: 21.10ft (6.43m)
Width: 9.81ft (2.99m)
Height: 9.81ft (2.99m)
Weight: 35.0 US Short Tons (31,751kg; 69,999lbs)
Powerplant: 1 x 12-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine developing 580 horsepower.
Maximum Speed: 34mph (55 km/h)
Maximum Range: 186 miles (300 km)
NBC Protection: None
Nightvision: None
Armament:
2 x 37mm cannons in turret
Ammunition:
200 x 37mm ammunition
Variants:
Type 63 - Base Series Designation
Operators:
China; North Vietnam; South Vietnam (limited); Vietnam
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