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PF-98
PF-98
PF-98
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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". It can be equipped with a firing control system which can calculate and adjust for projectile drop before the rocket fires.

Key Information

Development

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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.[2]

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.[2]

Design

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Launcher

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PF-98 reusable tube launcher is a fibreglass-wrapped smoothbore gun and weighs under 10 kg (22 lb). Two variants, battalion-level and company-level, are available. Both variants share the same launch tube and rocket projectiles. Their difference in capabilities and usage lies in their sighting system and tripod mount. Both PF-98 variants are fitted with a proprietary rail mount that can be equipped with a fire control system, daylight optics, or night vision scope. The Battalion version features a fire control system, medium-range night vision scope, and large tripod. The tripod of the battalion version allows an elevation of +30° to −6°, and a horizontal traverse of 360°. The company version has daylight optics, close-range night vision scope, and a small fixed tripod to support the launcher in the prone position. The weapon can be operated by one soldier or a crew of two. The accessories can be mounted interchangeably.[3]

The PF-98A is the improved variant of PF-98, which was incorporated into service in 2006. The PF-98A launcher's firing tube, tripod and carrying handle are modified to reduce weight. The new launcher weighs 7 kg (15 lb). It's also fitted with improved night-vision scope and fire control systems. The PF-98A launcher can be distinguished from its predecessor by its octagon-shaped forward and rear shock absorbers, which prevent the launcher from rolling on uneven surfaces.[1]

The PLA deployed PF-98 to both Company and Battalion firepower units for direct infantry fire support, with iterative improvements such as new fire-control systems, lighter launcher tubes, and programmable munitions.[4] Since the deployment of more sophisticated missiles at battalion/company-level firepower units, PF-98 launchers have been transferred to infantry squads of lower echelons. In late 2018, the lightweight PF-98A was deployed for infantry use on a squad level.[5]

Sights

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Three types of sight systems are available for PF-98 series: fire control systems, daylight (4×) telescopic sights, and night-vision scopes. PF-98 battalion version is fitted with the fire control system and night-vision scope, while the company version is fitted with the daylight telescopic sight and night-vision scope. An integrated fire control/night vision system is available for the PF-98A variants.[4][6]

Fire control systems

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The fire-control of the battalion version Type 98 consists of a Y/MK/PF-98(Y)-120 (4×) optical sight, which includes a fire-control computer, a laser rangefinder, an outside display, an LED display inside the optical sight, and a keyboard with 25 buttons. After pressing the range-finding button on the extension cord, the system will automatically irradiate the target and make ballistic calculations. The operator can input additional information such as target speed, direction, crosswind, temperature and altitude using the keyboard. After calculating the lead of the moving target, the computer will put a light spot in the gunner’s optical sight. The soldier then uses the light spot as the crosshair to guarantee a hit. This mechanism reduces the reaction time and makes for increased accuracy. This fire control system went through two upgrades, Type 00 and Type 01. Type 00 features revised aiming reticles. Type 01 fire control system featured a smaller fire control unit with a new ballistic computer, a new rangefinder unit, and a revised keyboard layout with 12 buttons.[6]

Type 98A fire control system features a new laser rangefinder, speed calculation unit, and ballistic computer. The Type 98A FCS will automatically track the target and calculate the aiming assist light spot based on the range, target speed, selected ammo type, temperature and altitude.[1] In late 2018, a new integrated fire control system is observed in PLAGF military exercises. The new fire control system is fitted with a night-vision scope on the top, and the keyboard is moved to the left side. New FCS is capable of airburst programming.[7]

PF-98 Fire Control Systems
Name Introduction Description
Type 98 1998 Original fire control system.[6]
Type 00 2000 Improved Type 98 FCS with revised reticles.[6]
Type 01 2001 Improved Type 00 FCS with revised keyboard, new rangefinder, new ballistic computer, and smaller size.[6]
Type 98A 2006 Improved Type 01 FCS with new ballistic computer, new battery, new rangefinder, target speed measurement unit, and automatic tracking function.[1]
Integrated FCS 2018 Improved Type 98A FCS with integrated night-vision device, airburst programming function.[4]

Optical sights

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The company version Type 98 is fitted with an Y/MK/PF-98(L)-120 (4x) telescopic optical sight. Inside the scope, a light spot at the top will flash every second/half a second to assist the shooter's leading calculation. The company level's optical sight has the same ranging marks and reticles as the one on the PF-89.[3]

Both company and battalion version PF-98 have dedicated night vision scope, with the battalion version having a longer range.[6] For PF-98A, company and battalion version no longer has different night-vision scope. The battery duration for night-vision is improved from 7 hours on PF-98, to 40 hours on PF-98A. The weight of the scope is also reduced from 2.85 kg to 1.2 kg.[1]

Projectiles

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Type 98 High Explosive Anti Tank (HEAT) projectile, military designation DZP-98, is armed with a tandem-warhead and an electronically timed fuse. The round can pierce the reactive armor of a main battle tank, and has an armor-piercing depth of about 800 mm RHA (under 90 degrees, after ERA) at a maximum effective range of 800 m. The maximum flying range is 2000 m. The HEAT rounds weights 8.03 kg (17.7 lb).[3] Type 98A HEAT projectile features lightweight material, reducing the cartridge weight to 7.91 kg (17.4 lb). The case for booster charge is fitted with a small drogue parachute to reduce its fly out distance for improved safety inside backblast area.[8]

Type 98 Multipurpose High Explosive Incendiary (HEI) projectile, military designation DZY-98, has a warhead with 2000 steel balls and zirconium incendiary material. This projectile is capable of piercing 400 mm armor and spread fragments inside the vehicle, or producing fragments to kill other personnel within 25 m of the point of impact. The maximum range is between 1,800 and 2,000 m with fire control system or 800 m with daylight optics. The multipurpose round wrights around 7.6 kg (16.8 lb).[3] Type 98A HEI projectile features lightweight material, reducing the cartridge weight to 7.42 kg (16.4 lb). Other technical parameters are kept the same.[8]

Type 98 Thermobaric (FAE) projectile, military designation DZT-98, is armed with a thermobaric warhead capable of eliminating targets within a 90 m3 room. The maximum range is between 1,800 and 2,000 m with fire control system or 800 m with daylight optics. Type 98 FAE projectiles are kept the same in Type 98A upgrade.[8]

Type 98A Bunker Buster, military designation DZD-98A, is developed and deployed with Type 98A rocket launcher. The round can penetrate about 100 mm RHA at 60 degrees or 0.8 m (2.6 ft) of C35 concrete. The maximum range is between 1,800 and 2,000 m with fire control system or 800 m with daylight optics.[8]

PF-98 Projectiles[8]
Designation DZP98 DZP98A DZY98 DZY98A DZT98 DZD98A DZR98A
Ammo type High-explosive anti-tank High-explosive anti-tank Multipurpose incendiary Multipurpose incendiary Thermobaric Assault/Bunker buster Airburst incendiary
Cartridge diameter 120 mm 120 mm 120 mm 120 mm 120 mm 120 mm 120 mm
Cartridge weight 8.03 kg (17.7 lb) 7.91 kg (17.4 lb) 9.15 kg (20.2 lb) 7.42 kg (16.4 lb) 7.42 kg (16.4 lb) 8.6 kg (19 lb) N/A
Cartridge length 970 mm 970 mm 827 mm 827 mm 825 mm 942 mm N/A
Effective range (FCS) 800 m (2,600 ft) 800 m (2,600 ft) 2,000 m (6,600 ft) 2,000 m (6,600 ft) 2,000 m (6,600 ft) 2,000 m (6,600 ft) N/A
Effective range (optics) 400 m (1,300 ft) 400 m (1,300 ft) 800 m (2,600 ft) 800 m (2,600 ft) 800 m (2,600 ft) 800 m (2,600 ft) N/A
Minimal range 40 m (130 ft) 40 m (130 ft) 40 m (130 ft) 40 m (130 ft) 40 m (130 ft) 60 m (200 ft) N/A
Penetration (RHA) 800 mm/90°
230 mm/68° 		800 mm/90°
230 mm/68° 		400 mm/90°
44 mm/55° 		400 mm/90°
44 mm/55° 		N/A 100 mm/60°
800 mm (2.6 ft) of C35 concrete 		N/A
Velocity 246 m/s (810 ft/s) 246 m/s (810 ft/s) 205 m/s (670 ft/s) 205 m/s (670 ft/s) N/A N/A N/A

Variants

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PF98
Battalion and company level version.
PF98A
Lightweight version with improved fire control system, night-vision scope, and tripod.

Users

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See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

PF-98

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The PF-98, also designated as the Type 98, is a 120 mm man-portable unguided anti-tank developed by the North Industries Corporation () for the (PLA) as a successor to the earlier Type 65 and Type 78 recoilless guns. Introduced in 1998, the system features a reusable fiberglass-wrapped launch tube weighing approximately 10 kg, allowing it to be shoulder-fired or mounted on a tripod for enhanced stability, with a crew of two personnel. It supports a range of warheads, including () projectiles capable of penetrating up to 800 mm of (RHA) at effective ranges of 800 meters, as well as high-explosive (HE), thermobaric, incendiary, bunker-busting, and air-burst variants for versatile battlefield applications up to 1,800–2,000 meters. The PF-98's design emphasizes low and portability, with a of 310 m/s and a maximum of 4–6 rounds per minute, making it suitable for anti-armor operations. Early models included basic optical sights, while the improved PF-98A variant, introduced in , incorporates night-vision compatibility and enhanced fire control systems for better low-light performance. The launcher's 360-degree traverse and -6° to +30° elevation provide flexibility in dynamic combat scenarios, and its tube has a service life of up to 500 rounds. Primarily in service with the PLA, the PF-98 has been exported to nations including , , , and , underscoring its role in modernizing light anti-tank capabilities in various militaries.

Development

Background and requirements

In the 1980s and early 1990s, the (PLA) relied on aging anti-tank systems that struggled against evolving armored threats. The Type 65, an 82 mm recoilless gun introduced in 1963, offered an effective range of only about 400 meters and penetration of up to 200 mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA), limiting its utility against more advanced tanks like Soviet equivalents with composite armor exceeding 400 mm RHA equivalent. Similarly, the Type 78, an 82 mm recoilless gun, suffered from inconsistent accuracy beyond short ranges and vulnerability in dynamic battlefield conditions, making both systems inadequate for modern mechanized warfare. These limitations highlighted the need for an upgrade to enhance anti-armor capabilities at the and levels. The 1991 Gulf War profoundly influenced PLA strategic thinking, as Chinese observers noted the coalition's overwhelming success in neutralizing Iraqi armored forces through superior range, precision, and penetration technologies. This exposed vulnerabilities in the PLA's doctrine, prompting requirements for a man-portable system capable of engaging modern armor at extended distances while providing versatile infantry support against bunkers and light vehicles. The emphasis shifted toward weapons bridging the gap between lightweight individual launchers and heavier anti-tank guided missiles, with a focus on defeating T-72-class threats and enabling rapid, decentralized operations. Norinco initiated development of the PF-98 in the early to meet these demands, aiming to produce a 120 mm reusable for widespread deployment. Key goals included shoulder-fired portability with a total weight under 10 kg for the launcher tube, an effective anti-tank range of 800 meters, high-explosive versatility up to 1,800 meters, and minimized back-blast to allow safe use in confined urban or close-quarters environments. These specifications addressed the shortcomings of predecessors like the Type 65 and Type 78, positioning the PF-98 as a core asset for PLA ground forces.

Development process

The development of the PF-98 was initiated by around 1993–1995, with prototype efforts centered on a hybrid recoilless/rocket propulsion system designed to minimize while delivering enhanced anti-tank capability. Key engineering innovations included the integration of a fiberglass-wrapped launch tube, enabling lightweight construction and reusability for up to 500 shots, while achieving a of 310 m/s. Testing occurred in phases during the late , encompassing field trials for accuracy at ranges of 800–2000 m and penetration assessments against simulated armor, such as 800 mm rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) equivalents for () rounds. The system received its official Type 98 designation, was first revealed in 1999 with a garrison unit in Macao, and achieved full adoption by the for infantry anti-tank roles by 2000. Among the primary challenges addressed were balancing the weapon's portability with operational stability through initial incorporation of a mount, alongside refining fire control mechanisms to improve effectiveness for an .

Design

Launcher

The PF-98 launcher consists of a reusable, launch tube designed for firing 120 mm rockets in anti-tank and anti-personnel roles. The system features a barrel of 120 mm with an overall length of 1,191 mm and a total weight of approximately 10 kg (22 lb), enabling man-portable operation by units. The barrel is constructed from fiberglass-reinforced , which enhances durability while maintaining low weight for mobility in combat environments. Operationally, the launcher supports both shoulder-fired and mounted configurations, with a company-level variant utilizing a lightweight bipod for stability and a battalion-level variant employing a full to enable at extended ranges. It requires a of two—an operator and a loader—with a reload time of about 20 seconds, supporting a practical of 4 rounds per minute. The firing mechanism uses electrical ignition, generating a back-blast danger zone extending 20-30 m to the rear, necessitating clear space behind the weapon during launch. Ergonomically, the launcher incorporates a and trigger assembly for intuitive control, along with a for transport and positioning. The tube boasts a of 500 rounds, allowing repeated use across multiple engagements. The low design, facilitated by the rocket propulsion and lightweight construction, minimizes felt recoil and enhances operator stability during firing. The design briefly integrates with fire control systems for aiming, though detailed targeting is handled separately.

Sights and fire control

The PF-98 rocket launcher employs a modular sighting system tailored to operational needs, with configurations varying by employment level. At the company level, it features a basic 4x daylight optical sight equipped with a fixed for engagements, facilitating precise aiming in visible conditions. This sight includes a channel for low-light operations, extending usability to approximately 500 meters. For battalion-level use, the system integrates an advanced fire control unit mounted atop the launcher tube, incorporating the optical sight with its capabilities alongside a effective for ranges between 200 and 800 meters. The allows the operator to measure target distance swiftly, feeding data directly into the system's digital ballistic computer, which performs real-time calculations for adjustments based on range and environmental factors such as and . Results are displayed on an integrated LED , enabling rapid aim point corrections to compensate for projectile drop and enhance hit probability. In operation, the user acquires the target through the optical sight, activates the to input the range, and the automatically adjusts the indicated aim point on the display. This process supports engagements against stationary or slow-moving targets, with the original model's basic illuminator providing supplementary illumination for the night vision channel when ambient light is insufficient. Later integrations, such as in the PF-98A variant, offer enhanced low-light performance through refined optics and processing. The overall setup reduces aiming errors compared to predecessors like the Type 78 , achieving tighter dispersion patterns that improve first-hit reliability at extended ranges.

Projectiles

The PF-98 is compatible with a range of 120mm fin-stabilized , which are loaded via the breech into the reusable launch tube and propelled by an integrated solid-fuel motor section for sustained velocity after exiting the muzzle. These projectiles achieve a of 310 m/s, enabling effective engagement distances that vary by type. The primary anti-armor ammunition is the () round, weighing approximately 7-9 kg, with an of 800 m and the capability to penetrate 400 mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) at typical impact angles. A tandem-warhead variant of the HEAT round enhances this performance by defeating (), achieving up to 800 mm RHA penetration behind ERA layers. For general-purpose engagements, the high-explosive (HE) round extends the maximum range to 2,000 m and produces a fragmentation effect with an effective casualty radius of about 20-25 m, suitable for targeting bunkers, light fortifications, or exposed personnel through blast and shrapnel. This round incorporates elements like steel balls and incendiary material in multipurpose configurations to increase lethality against soft targets and secondary effects on equipment. Additional specialized projectiles include the thermobaric (fuel-air explosive) round, designated DZT-98, which generates intense within confined spaces like bunkers or rooms up to 90 m³, prioritizing anti-fortification roles over direct armor penetration. An incendiary variant focuses on anti-material effects, igniting flammable targets to deny mobility or cause structural damage. The air-burst employs a proximity fuse for anti-infantry applications, detonating above ground to maximize fragmentation coverage against dispersed troops. Projectile trajectories for the PF-98 are modeled using the standard parabolic for flight under : y=xtan⁡θ−gx22v2cos⁡2θy = x \tan \theta - \frac{g x^2}{2 v^2 \cos^2 \theta} where yy is the vertical drop, xx is the horizontal range, θ\theta is the launch angle, gg is (approximately 9.8 m/s²), and vv is the of 310 m/s; this simplified ballistic model informs the integrated fire control system's aiming adjustments.

Variants

PF-98

The PF-98, also known as the Type 98, is a 120 mm unguided anti-tank rocket system introduced in 1998 by for the (PLA). Designed primarily for direct-fire anti-tank engagements at the company and battalion levels, it succeeded earlier recoilless rifles such as the Type 65 and Type 78, providing enhanced portability and firepower for infantry anti-armor roles. The launcher itself weighs 10 kg and has a length of 1,191 mm, allowing operation in either shoulder-fired or tripod-mounted configurations by a crew of two. It features a reusable fiberglass-wrapped tube, enabling sustained fire in combat scenarios. The system supports high-explosive (HE) projectiles with a maximum range of 1,800 m for indirect elevated fire when tripod-mounted. Operationally, the PF-98 includes battalion-level variants equipped with a full for stable, elevated support up to 1,800 m, while company-level versions are handheld to prioritize mobility in forward positions. Initial equipping of PLA motorized infantry units began in 1999, with the system first publicly revealed during a deployment in Macao that year. Key limitations of the original PF-98 include the absence of integrated capabilities across variants and reliance on basic daylight fire control systems, such as optical telescopic sights, which restrict effectiveness in low-light conditions.

PF-98A

The PF-98A is a lighter variant of the PF-98 120 mm anti-tank , introduced in 2006 as an upgrade designed specifically for squad-level operations to enhance portability and reduce overall system weight and cost for broader deployment across units. Key modifications include a redesigned launch tube weighing approximately 7 kg, compared to the heavier original, along with integrated compatible with night-vision devices for better low-light performance. The fire control unit was also simplified, reducing the number of control buttons from around 25 to 12, while maintaining compatibility with existing 120 mm high-explosive (HE) and () projectiles. Performance metrics remain consistent with the baseline model, including an of 800 m for anti-tank engagements and 1,800 m for HE fire, but the variant emphasizes rapid deployment and firing rates suitable for close-quarters squad tactics, with enhanced accuracy in low-light environments via the upgraded sighting system. The PF-98A entered phased service with the at battalion and company levels, gradually supplementing original PF-98 units in formations to improve anti-armor capabilities at the tactical edge.

Operators and service

People's Liberation Army

The PF-98 entered service with the (PLA) in 1999, succeeding the Type 65 and Type 78 recoilless guns as the primary man-portable anti-tank rocket system. It was initially revealed during a garrison deployment in Macao, with distribution expanding to elite mechanized units shortly thereafter. Within PLA organization, the PF-98 is equipped at company and battalion levels to provide anti-armor capabilities and direct fire support for infantry operations. It enables rapid engagement of armored threats and fortified positions, enhancing mechanized brigade mobility and firepower in combined arms scenarios. The system's versatility allows for shoulder-fired or tripod-mounted use, supporting both offensive and defensive roles in ground force maneuvers. Service upgrades have focused on enhancing accuracy and usability, with the PF-98A variant introduced in featuring lighter construction, advanced , and integrated fire control systems including night-vision compatibility. This variant is particularly suited for squad-level operations, including in PLA marine and amphibious units where reduced weight improves portability during assaults. As of 2025, the PF-98 series remains a standard-issue in the PLA , with widespread adoption across mechanized and amphibious formations. It is routinely employed in exercises to simulate anti-armor engagements, though no confirmed deployments have been documented.

Export operators

The PF-98 anti-tank has seen limited export success, primarily to developing nations seeking affordable man-portable anti-armor systems. , the manufacturer, has marketed the to international buyers as a versatile and economical option for units. By 2025, confirmed operators include , , , and . Bangladesh acquired the PF-98 in the , entering formal service in and now produced under license by , with annual output capacity reaching 200 units starting in 2026 to support ongoing needs, including deployments in UN peacekeeping missions using high-explosive rounds. Indonesia incorporated the PF-98 into its forces, valuing its lightweight design (under 10 kg for the reusable tube) for amphibious and island-hopping operations against potential armored threats. The system supplements older Soviet-era rockets like the 9K11 Malyutka in inventories, focusing on anti-tank roles in archipelago defense scenarios. Cameroon and Zimbabwe received PF-98 launchers for anti-insurgency purposes, where the weapon's high-explosive and heat variants aid in targeting light vehicles and fortified positions during internal security operations. No confirmed combat deployments have been documented involving the system in these countries. Despite strong military ties with , major allies like have not adopted the PF-98, opting instead for the system, which offers wire-guided precision and has been locally produced as the Baktar-Shikan for counter-insurgency and border defense.
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