PF-98

Type 98
Type 98
	A PF98 rocket launcher on display at the "Our Troops Towards the Sky" exhibition
Type	Anti-tank rocket
Place of origin	China
Service history
In service	1998-present
Used by	People's Liberation Army
Production history
Manufacturer	Norinco
Specifications
Mass	10 kg
Length	1191 mm
Crew	1–2
Caliber	120 mm
Elevation	−6° / +30°
Traverse	360°
Rate of fire	4–6 rounds per minute
Maximum firing range	800 m (HEAT) to 1800 m (HE)
Sights	optical / 4× optical

The Type 98 (PF-98) is a 120mm unguided anti-tank rocket system developed by Norinco for the People's Liberation Army as a successor to the Type 65 and Type 78 recoilless guns. It is also known by its nickname, "Queen Bee".

Development

The PLA began to search for a successor for the Type 78 in the 1990s. The older, 1950s-era equipment began to show its age. The Type 98 was revealed with a garrison unit in Macao in 1999, while some elite units began to receive the weapon after 2000. The design makes the accurate delivery of a 120 mm multi-purpose high-explosive or high-explosive anti-tank projectile with negligible recoil possible. The weapon can be tripod- or shoulder-fired.

Launcher

The reusable tube launcher is fibreglass-wrapped and weighs under 10 kg. Two variants are available; both are equipped with night vision. The reaction time (from acquiring the target to firing) is about 10 seconds. Starting from 1999, the PLA deployed PF98 to both Company and Battalion units for direct and indirect infantry fire support.

The fire-control of the battalion version Type 98 consists of an optical sight with night vision channel (500 m range), a fire-control computer, a laser range-finder and an LED display. The system can automatically find the distance and make the ballistic calculations which are then displayed on the LED screen for the gunner. This reduces the reaction time and makes for increased accuracy.

The company version Type 98 is fitted with an x4 telescopic optical sight with a night vision channel (300 m range). A computer calculates the lead of moving targets and put a light spot in the gunner’s optical sight to assist in aiming the device. The tripod of the battalion version allows an elevation of +30° to −6° around 360°. The weapon is manually operated by 1–2 soldiers. The company version has a small fixed tripod to support the launcher when it is used in lower firing position.

In late 2018, the lightweight PF-98A was deployed for infantry use on a squad level. The launcher's firing tube, tripod and carrying handle are modified to reduce weight significantly.

Projectiles

The HEAT (High Explosive Anti Tank) projectile is armed with a double (tandem) warhead and an electronically timed fuse. The round can pierce the reactive armor of a main battle tank, and has an armour-piercing depth of about 800 mm RHA (under 90 degrees) at a maximum range of 800 m.

The multipurpose high explosive round has a warhead with 120 steel balls and incendiary material. This round is capable of piercing 400 mm armor (under 55 degrees). Due to the fragmented nature, it kills the crew inside, or produces fragments to kill other personnel within 25 m of the point of impact. The maximum range is 1,800–2,000 m.