system is further upgraded from Type 96A, which includes new computer, communication, command and control systems. Despite the lack of commander independent thermal sight, fire control computer of Type 96A and Type 96B allows the commander to acquire and engage enemy target through the optical periscope mounted on the commander’s hatch. Protection The vehicle features six double-tired road wheels with tracks. The upper portions of the tracks are protected by armor skirts in saw-toothed shape. The glacis plate is sloped to the point of being near-horizontal for better protection. The turret has a low-profile design, which makes the vehicle less likely to get visually acquired on the battlefield. Six smoke grenade dischargers are fitted to the side of the turret, providing total of 12 smokes. Due to the usage of autoloader, the tank only has a crew of three, which consists of the driver, tank commander and the gunner. The tank series is also fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression system. Type 96 features steel and composite armor on the front hull and turret. On Type 96A, the tank turret is fully welded with improved steel armor layer and composite mix. The arrow-shaped FY-4 explosive reactive armor (ERA) blocks are mounted on the turret, hull, and storage bucket for increased protection. Type 96A's protection performance is claimed to be equivalent to more than 1000 mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) against chemical energy projectile and 700–750 mm of RHA against kinetic energy projectile. Type 96B's armor layout is similar to that of Type 96A. An electro-optical active defense system, TCS-2 developed by 303 Institute of Norinco, is installed on the Type 96A prototype. TCS-2 was not installed on the mass-produced version due to limited protection against modern ATGMs. Mobility The tank driver sits at the front-left of the hull. The tank commander and gunner sit in the turret. The engine compartment is located in the rear. The Type 96 tank was powered by a 730 hp (582 kW) engine which was subsequently upgraded to a 800hp engine on the Type 96A. On Type 96B, the engine is upgraded again to 1200hp (895kW). The Type 96B also features new hydropneumatic suspension system and automatic transmission system, providing greater mobility and responsiveness. The increase in horsepower will also allow the Type 96B to have a very high power-to-weight ratio, improving its acceleration and hill climbing abilities. Variants Type 96 See