Type 59 is a modern Chinese tank of the 1st generation. The first prototypes of the vehicle were built in the 1950s, and serial production began in 1958 and continued until 1985, producing approx. 9500 cars of this type. The Type 59 is powered by a 520 hp 12150L V-12 engine. In the basic version, the machine is armed with one 100-mm tank gun and two machine guns: 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm. Type 59 is a licensed copy of the Soviet T-54 tank. At first, immediately after receiving the license, the Chinese Type 59 machines were allegedly deceptive for their Soviet counterparts, but over time they began to be modernized. The first upgrade was the Type 59-I version, which received night vision systems, laser rangefinders and much better observation devices. Another upgrade was the Type 59-II, which had a 105 mm gun, a good stabilization system, and an automatic loader. The power unit has also changed, the engine power of which was 590 hp. Due to its very simple handling, low cost of purchase and operation, and decent firepower, Type 59 tanks were exported to many countries, including Cambodia, Congo and Tanzania. They also participated in the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War. It is believed that tanks of this type have been withdrawn from the line of the Chinese army, but are still in reserve.
