Type 77 (armoured personnel carrier)

The Norinco Type 77 is a Chinese amphibious armoured personnel carrier. First fielded in 1978, it is in many ways similar to the earlier Soviet BTR-50. Contrary to popular belief, the two vehicles share little in their designs, as the Type 77 is based on the Type 63 light tank.

Variants

 * Type 77 - Chinese tracked amphibious APC based on the Type 63-I amphibious light tank. The industrial designator is WZ511.
 * Type 77-1 - amphibious armoured personnel/artillery carrier designed to carry a disassembled gun (85 mm towed anti-tank gun or 120 mm towed howitzer) on the roof. The vehicle has hydraulic winch and ramps to load/unload the gun. The industrial designator is WZ511-1.
 * Type 77-2 - amphibious armoured personnel carrier. No winch and ramps. The industrial designator is WZ511-2.
 * Type 76 ARV - recovery vehicle.
 * Type 89 - Type 77 converted into a self-propelled howitzer armed with 122 mm gun. Although most vehicles were based on Type 77 APCs, some vehicles were based on Type 63-I amphibious light tanks.