Type 654 Chinese Armored Recovery Vehicle

Based on the Type 90 MBT, the Type 654 Armored Recovery Vehicle was developed as a support vehicle to the Type 90s sold to Pakistan. The Type 654 is similar to the Type 90 tank, but has a new all-welded superstructure designed for the repair and recovery role. The stabilizer blade is hydraulically operated and is mounted at the front of the vehicle and operated by the driver from his position in the vehicle. The dozer blade can be used to remove battlefield obstacles and prepare firing positions though it is most often used to stabilize the vehicle while the crane or winch are being used. The blade can clear a maximum of 4,240 cu ft (120 cu m) of soil per hour. Also hydraulic, the crane is mounted on the right side of the chassis with a maximum lifting capacity of 25,000 kg. The crane is pivoted at the front of the chassis and is traversed to the rear when not in use. The crane is very helpful in conducting battlefield damage repair but, can be used for routine maintenance as well.. The primary hydraulic winch is at the front of the vehicle and has a maximum pulling force of 82 tons. This allows it to recover all current Chinese-produced armored vehicles.