So, adding to the Chinese theme of this Sig, the PTL-02 can be seen as an eastern competitor to the M1128 Mobile Gun System on the Stryker chassis.
A bit of history for us geeks:
The PTL02 tank destroyer is based on the Type 92 wheeled armored vehicle and is fielded along with the Type 92 infantry fighting vehicles and Type 92 armored personnel carriers. The PTL02 is a further development of the Type 87 tank destroyer, which was developed in the mid 1980s and entered service in very small numbers. Production of the PTL02 began in 2004 - 2005. It is also known as the Type 02. This fire support vehicle has been exported to Cameroon, Myanmar and possibly other countries.
This tank destroyer is designed to engage armored vehicles, fortification, bunkers and other targets. The PTL02 is based on existing technologies, thus maximally reducing development costs.
Vehicle provides all-round protection from 12.7-mm machine gun fire. It is also fitted with an NBC protection system and automatic fire suppression equipment.
The PTL02 is armed with a 100-mm high-pressure smoothbore gun, developed from the Type 86 towed anti-tank gun. It fires APFSDS, HEAT and HE rounds. Vehicle carries 30 rounds for the main gun. This gun can engage lightly armored vehicles, however is unable to destroy modern main battle tanks.
Fire control and observation systems of the PTL02 were developed from the Type 88 main battle tank and are rather primitive.
Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and 12.7-mm anti-aircraft machine gun, mounted on top of commander's cupola.
Vehicle has a crew of five.
The PTL02 is powered by the Deutz BF8L413F turbocharged diesel engine, developing 320 horsepower. Chassis of the PTL02 is almost identical to the Type 92 armored vehicles and most of the parts are interchangeable. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre pressure regulation system. This tank destroyer lacks waterjets and is presumably not amphibious, unless fitted with special floatation kit.
An export version of this fire support vehicle exist. It can be identified by a wedge-shaped turret. These fire support vehicles are in service with Myanmar. Some sources claim that there is also an export version armed with a 105-mm gun. This one is compatible with all standard NATO ammunition.
So, a few images of the real thing:
And onto the kit!:
The boxart is beautiful, I might frame this one! Quite a small box for something that actually builds into quite a beefy vehicle..
Some nice info on the side
So this is the scheme that I've chosen, something similar to the Russian tri-tone camouflage
with some good callouts
a nice amount of plastic in the box, quite tough with a little flash, but the welds are gorgeous!
The instructions could be clearer, but hey-ho, it was cheap
and so the building begins with some rather fiddly suspension
Will post more as the build continues, been fairly fun so far!
