Type 89 (tank destroyer)

Type 89
Type	Tank destroyer
Place of origin	China
Service history
In service	1989 - 2015
Production history
Designed	1982
Manufacturer	Norinco
Produced	1989-1995
Number built	100
Specifications
Weight	31 tons
Length	5.6m
Width	2.8m
Height	3.12m
Crew	4
Armor	50 mm
Main armament	120 mm gun
Secondary armament	12.7mm HMG, 7.62mm MG
Engine	WR4B-12V150LB diesel 520 hp
Power/weight	16 hp/t
Suspension	torsion bar
Operational range	450 km
Speed	55 km/h

The Type 89 tank destroyer was a Chinese armored vehicle that entered service in 1988. Armed with a 120 millimeter smoothbore gun, it was intended to combat newer generations of Western and Russian main battle tanks that were equipped with composite armor and 120 and 125 millimeter caliber guns. Despite a successful development process, with the end of the Cold War it became apparent that the weapon was no longer needed. Production was halted with around 100 examples built in 1995. It had several shortcomings including thin armor, high maintenance costs, and an unstabilized gun that could not fire on the move and had a relatively short range. An official retirement ceremony was held by the 39th Army Group on 3 November 2015, phased out in favor of anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs).