Interview with a former Pakistani Type-59 crewman

1. Hello N., many thanks for accepting an interview with alejandro-8en.blogspot.com. Could you provide an introduction to your service in the Army of Pakistan?

Thanks dear,
I was commissioned in 1981 into Pakistan Armour Corps. I basically worked on Chinese tanks during my service. I briefly enjoyed working on US and Soviet tanks too. I retired as a full colonel in 2010.

2. What do you think were the strong and weak points of the Type-59 tanks when you served?

Firstly, the strong points ;
It's a medium weight robust tank.
Gun accuracy can reach upto 80-90% under ideal environments.
It can travel at a combat speed of 30 Kmph easily under favourable environment.
It had dual communication system having different frequencies.
IR is provided to the driver with a range upto 30 meters for driving at pitch dark night.
Low silhouette presents a smaller target.

Now some weak areas;

Gets bogged down easily in swampy areas due to low hull clearance.
In our times we had 90 and 100 mm rifled guns. Perhaps now these are upgraded to 120mm smooth bore. But, in our times it's effective range was approximately 2000 Ms only. And best results were around 1800 Ms only.
NBCW kit wasn't installed.
Air filters were too big and required frequent cleaning.
Weak torsion bars.

3. When training or during the fighting, at was the typical distance to the objective and speed of the tank when you fired the main gun? And the longest distance at which you ever fired?

With T-59, one can fire easily upto 2000 Ms. The olders versions of our times couldn't fire while moving.
The longest range achieved is around 2800 Ms (Static) using HEAT ammunition.

4. How did you find the Type-59 construction quality? How did it compare to the Soviet T-55 you used before?

Well the quality of T-55 was superior to T-59. Infact, I think Chinese copied this from the Soviet series so the original characteristics and worth of Soviet tanks is surely better.

A copy is still a copy but later modified versions of T-59 series were far superior. T-55 was little different as it had IR for the driver and gunner in those days and was installed with drift indicator and a deep fording kit to cross water obstacles.
Torsion bars of Soviet tanks were superior to Chinese.

5. Soviet/Chinese tanks are often criticised because of the ergonomics. How did you find them in the Type-59?

I agree. Chinese tanks of our times were quite rough and uncomfortable. But, now with the reduction of one crew member due to autoloading system, it's spacious and more crew friendly.

6. What was the typical ammunition load (% HE/AP/HEAT)? Was there a recommended type when facing other tanks? (In Yugoslav Army HEAT was main ammunition against tanks at all ranges and angles, AP for flank shots)

Well typically we used AP and HEAT against armoured targets and HE and HESH against infantry and other soft targets. But as things changed, the calibre of main gun was upgraded to 120 mm and APFS & APFSDS could also be fired in the later versions.
Effective range was also increased to approximately 3000 Ms.
There weren't any recommendations for tank types and approximately 2/3rd ammunition was for armoured targets.

7. What was the typical rate of fire and how did it vary as you used the different ammunition bins?

In our times, firing was manual. Loader used to load the round after throwing the empty fired cartridge out. At best, one would have been extremely lucky to have fired three rounds on a target in one minute. Ordinarily, it used to be one or two rounds in a minute. Ammunition bins didn't pose any problems to the rate of fire.

6. How was the firing conducted at night? What was the effective range of the IR sight?

Chinese tanks (older versions of our times) couldn't fire at night except HE under illumination.
IR was initially installed for drivers only to drive the tank at night. It's range was just 30 Ms the most.

8. What was the maximum distance you covered in a day? Did the tank struggle to needed any extra maintenance?

T-59 tanks can easily do upto 100 KMs in a day at combat speeds. In desert being unopposed it can manoeuvre upto 200 KMs. Extra maintenance is required mostly in desert terrain as the air filters can get clogged easily due to sand.

9. What about when operating in local conditions, especially high altitude or deserts, did the tank cope well? Were there any local improvements (filters)?

It has performed well in mountains and deserts both. It was employed astride Afghanistan's mountain region where it performed well during the recent global war on terror.

10. What was the maximum speed you reached? And going backwards?

It could touch upto 50 Kmph but under ideal environment only. Typically, it would move at 30-35 Kmph.
In reverse, I guess it could barely touch 15 Kmph.

11. T-55 is seen as a simple tank, ideal for a conscript Army. How long do you think it takes to train a crew?

I think a period of three months is enough for basic school training but it must be supplemented by another 6 months outdoor training to attain proficiency.

12. Did you practice NBC scenarios? What was the procedure? How did it affect the crew performance?

In our times NBCW equipment was not installed in Chinese tanks. Now they have it in newer versions.

13. Type-59s and T-55s have been used in a number of conflicts. Did you get any feedback/information from other operators on tactics/improvements/combat lessons?

Not really because of the language differences in our various armies.

14. Are you surprised about the Type-59 longevity?

I am not surprised but glad perhaps. After all, it was our beloved ride in those youthful days.

15. You spent some time attached to a Saudi brigade. Can you describe this experience? How did you find the equipment and training? Was there any lesson you took home?

I was there in Saudi Arabia in mid 80s as a captain. We were having French AMX-30 tanks.
These tanks were light weight and extremely agile in desert terrain. It had superior ballistic control computerized firing system. The targets up to 3000 Ms could be easily engaged.
Training standards were acceptable. AMX tanks were user friendly, comfortable and extremely well built.

16. What about in Australia and US (Fort Knox)?

In Australia, I did my command and staff college course in early 90s at fort queenscliff, Victoria. It was a good experience. I remember seeing a demonstration by the Australian army leopard tanks. It was fabulous as the Aussie girls were there too enjoying and cheering the armour boys.

I did my advance armour course from fort knox, Kentucky, US in 90s. Here, I worked briefly on Abraham tanks and it's gunnery simulators. It was a good experience too. I attended US mechanized exercises in the state of Mississippi after the course which was a great experience too.

17. Is there any anecdote you would like to share before we conclude the interview?

To conclude, I will thank you dear for enabling me to scratch my head about my yester years and experiences. It was good to intract with you and am glad to see you folks taking interest in the 'king of the battle' affairs.

Other interviews:

I am always looking for more veterans, active members or people related with the defence industry to accept interviews. If you enjoyed reading the material and would be happy to accept an anonimous interview you can get in contact with me. My e-mail can be found in this link at the heading. Otherwise leave a message in the comment sections.

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