Chinese VT4A1 tank uses drone to conduct reconnaissance within a radius of 15 km

At the Zhuhai Airshow 2024, Norinco will present the VT4A1 main battle tank, which is a key stage in the modernization of the VT-4.

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This model will receive several upgrades, including:

• Remote Weapon Station (RWS);
• Active Protection System (APS);
• vertical take-off and landing drone.

Designed for export, this version is an intermediate development phase between the previous VT-4 model and the upcoming VT-4B version, meeting the changing tactical conditions and current needs of battlefield.

The VT4A1 incorporates the GL5 Active Protection System (APS) with four millimeter-range radars that detect and intercept surface-to-surface missiles. This radar-guided system directs high-speed turret interceptors to neutralize detected threats, countering the increased threat from high-precision anti-tank weapons on today's battlefields. Its fire control system, which includes advanced navigation and positioning, supports indirect fire calculations, increasing accuracy in long-range engagements. This system resembles that used in the Chinese Type 15 light tank, which is also capable of indirect fire.

In addition, the VT4A1 contains a Remote Weapon Station (RWS) equipped with a 12.7mm machine gun, a laser sighting system warning, a drone obstacle system and a vehicle-mounted vertical take-off and landing drone. Similar to the Czech Pholos, this drone features a coaxial dual rotor design with collapsible rotors for compact storage in the turret compartment.

When deployed, the drone improves the crew's situational awareness by hovering at a distance of 100 to 1,000 meters and extending the tank's observation radius. Operating at a distance of up to 10 kilometers from the tank, it is equipped with a high-definition opto-electronic unit that provides white light, infrared night vision and laser ranging. Similar to airborne drones on other tanks, such as Germany's Rheinmetall KF51 Panther Quad-Rotor Reconnaissance UAV, the VT4A1 UAV enhances real-time battlefield awareness.

This integration allows the VT4A1 to perform real-time reconnaissance within a 13- 15 kilometers, combining the flight range of the drone with its optical and electronic observation capabilities. The drone provides the crew with continuous aerial surveillance, which allows them to assess the terrain, identify the location of the enemy and detect ambushes. This capability also extends the range of indirect damage of the VT4A1, allowing the target to be detected at a distance of up to 10 kilometers beyond the line of sight.