PF-98 (Type 98) Chinese 120mm Anti-Tank Rocket
PF-98
Anti-Tank Rocket Launcher
Other
Basic Information
Name
PF-98 (Type 98) Chinese 120mm Anti-Tank Rocket
Designation
PF-98
Alternate Designation
PF-98; Type 98; Queen Bee
Equipment Type
Anti-Tank Rocket Launcher
Manufacturer
NORINCO
Date of Introduction
1998
Description
PF-98 (Type 98) Chinese 120mm Anti-Tank Rocket is a 120mm unguided anti-tank rocket system developed by Norinco for the People's Liberation Army as a successor to the Type 65 and Type 78 recoilless guns. It is also known by its nickname, "Queen Bee". The PLA began to search for a successor for the Type 78 in the 1990s. The older, 1950s-era equipment began to show its age. Type 98 was revealed with a garrison unit in Macao in 1999, while some elite units began to receive the weapon after 2000. The design makes the accurate delivery of a 120 mm multi-purpose high-explosive or high-explosive anti-tank projectile with negligible recoil possible. The weapon can be tripod- or shoulder-fired.
Ground Specifications
Crew
1
Variants
PF98
Battalion and company level version.
PF98A
Lightweight version for infantry squad.
System
Alternative Designation
PF-98; Type 98; Queen Bee
Type
Anti-Tank Rocket
Manufacturer
Norinco
Crew
1-2 ea
Man Portable
Yes
Launcher
The reusable tube launcher is fibreglass-wrapped and weighs under 10 kg. Two variants are available; both are equipped with night vision. The reaction time (from acquiring the target to firing) is about 10 seconds. Starting from 1999, the PLA deployed PF98 to both Company and Battalion units for direct and indirect infantry fire support.
The fire-control of the battalion version Type 98 consists of an optical sight with night vision channel (500 m range), a fire-control computer, a laser range-finder and an LED display. The system can automatically find the distance and make the ballistic calculations which are then displayed on the LED screen for the gunner. This reduces the reaction time and makes for increased accuracy.
The company version Type 98 is fitted with an x4 telescopic optical sight with a night vision channel (300 m range). A computer calculates the lead of moving targets and put a light spot in the gunner’s optical sight to assist in aiming the device. The tripod of the battalion version allows an elevation of +30° to −6° around 360°. The weapon is manually operated by 1–2 soldiers. The company version has a small fixed tripod to support the launcher when it is used in lower firing position.
In late 2018, the lightweight PF-98A was deployed for infantry use on a squad level. The launcher's firing tube, tripod and carrying handle are modified to reduce weight significantly.
Trigger
The pistol‐grip/trigger‐mechanism controls the firing of the weapon using an electrical firing sequence to initiate the loaded round.
Fixed Pistol Grip
Yes, the pistol grip and firing mechanism are a single unit fixed to the bottom of the launch tube/barrel.
Shoulder-Fired
Yes, most often a shoulder-fired weapon.
Bipod / Tripod Configuration
Both a bipod and tripod are available for improved stability and accuracy. In the tripod configuration, additional sighting systems are fitted. Additionally, when fitted to the tripod further controls are added to the firing mechanism, namely a handheld trigger module connected to the launcher by a ruggedized cable allowing the user to operate the weapon without having to awkwardly position themselves to hold on to the pistol grip. The tripod also features elevation and traverse gears to allow for precise laying of the weapon on to the target.
Elevation
−6° / +30°
Traverse
360°
Rate of Fire
4–6 rounds per minute
Muzzle Velocity
310 m/s
Maximum FIring Range, HEAT
800 m
Maximum Firing Range, HEI
1,800 m
Emplacement Time
INA
Displacement Time
INA
Sights
Y/MK/PF-98(Y)-120 (4x optical/fire control)
Y/MK/PF-98(L)-120 (4x optical)
Dimensions
Length
1,191 mm
Width
INA
Height
INA
Weight, Combat
10 kg
Rocket
Name
INA
Type
HEAT
Caliber
120 mm
Warhead
The HEAT (High Explosive Anti Tank) projectile is armed with a double (tandem) warhead and an electronically timed fuse. The round can pierce the reactive armor of the main battle tank and has an armor-piercing depth of about 800 mm RHA (under 90 degrees) at a maximum range of 800 m.
Maximum Firing Range
800 m (HEAT) to 1800 m (HEI).
Note
The multipurpose high explosive round has a warhead with 120 steel balls and incendiary material. This round is capable of piercing 400 mm armor (under 55 degrees). Due to the fragmented nature, it kills the crew inside or produces fragments to kill other personnel within 25 m of the point of impact. The maximum range is 1,800–2,000 m.
Image Sources
Details
Country of Origin
China
Category
Rocket Launchers
Land > Infantry Weapons > Rocket Launchers
Filter Label
P
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
1.19 m
Width
—
Height
—
Weight
10 kg
Operators (5)
China
Bangladesh
Cameroon
Indonesia
Zimbabwe
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