The NorincoType 77 is a Chinese amphibious armoured personnel carrier. First fielded in 1978, it is similar to the SovietBTR-50 in function.[1] Like the BTR-50 designed by putting a higher hull on the PT-76 light tank chassis, Type 77 is based on the Type 63 light tank,[2] which is itself a derivative of PT-76, making both vehicles very similar.[3]
Design
The Type 77 was designed in 1978 based on the Type 63 after certification to manufacture it was received in 1977.[4]
The Type 77 is equipped with a 12.7 machine gun mounted on top with no protection for the gunner.[5]
Variants
Base variants
Type 77 - Chinese tracked amphibious APC based on the Type 63-I amphibious light tank. The industrial designator is WZ511.
Type 77-1 - amphibious armoured personnel/artillery carrier designed to carry a disassembled gun (85 mm towed anti-tank gun or 120 mm towed howitzer) on the roof. The vehicle has hydraulic winch and ramps to load/unload the gun. The industrial designator is WZ511-1.
Type 77-2 - amphibious armoured personnel carrier. No winch and ramps. The industrial designator is WZ511-2.
Type 76 ARV - recovery vehicle.
Major modifications
Type 89 self-propelled howitzer (PLZ-89) - Type 77 converted into a self-propelled howitzer armed with 122 mm gun. Although most vehicles were based on Type 77 APCs, some vehicles were based on Type 63-I amphibious light tanks.[6][7]
Type 77 Armored Engineering Vehicle - Military engineering vehicle variant featuring two water-jets, excavation crane, and hydraulically-operated dozer in a V-blade configuration.[8]
Operators
China: 200 to 300 Type 77s formerly used by the PLA Marine Corp for combat support.[4]
