The Type 63 is a Chinese self-propelled anti-aircraft gun based on the Type 58 medium tank (itself a Chinese copy of the Soviet T-34/85). The Type 63 retains the hull from the Type 58 but the turret was replaced by an open-top box turret armed with twin Type 63 37mm anti-aircraft guns. The guns were loaded manually with 5-round clips. While the Type 63 was on par with contemporary anti-aircraft systems, such as the M42 Duster, due to the lack of hydraulic elevation systems, the guns had to be elevated manually. Because of this, the Type 63 was ineffective against fast moving, low flying aircraft. Nevertheless, due to its rate of fire, it was found to be an effective ground support weapon.
The People's Liberation Army (PLA), made little use of the Type 63, only having a small number available. Even with its faults it remained in service with the PLA until the late 1980s.
Despite its shortcomings, the Type 63 was also supplied to North Vietnam during the Vietnam War. At least one was captured by the Army of the Republic of Vietnam during the 1972 Easter Offensive.| Type 63 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun |
| Place of origin |  People's Republic of China |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 32 tonnes (35.2 tons) |
| Length | 6.432 m (21 ft 1 in) |
| Width | 2.99 m (9 ft 10 in) |
| Height | 2.99 m (9 ft 10 in) |
| Crew | 6 |
| | |
| Armor | 18-45 mm (0.7-1.8 in) |
| Main armament | twin Type 63 37 mm (1.45 in) anti-aircraft autocannon |
| Engine | 12-cylinder turbocharged diesel 580 hp (432 kW) |
| Power/weight | 18.1 hp/tonne (13.5 kW/tonne) |
| Suspension | Christie |
| Operational range | 300 km (190 mi) |
| Speed | Road: 55 km/h (34 mph) |
