Type 63 anti-aircraft gun

The Type 63 is a North Vietnamese self-propelled anti-aircraft gun based on the Type 58 medium tank (itself a Chinese copy of the Soviet T-34/85).

Description
The Type 63 retains the hull from the Type 58 but the turret was replaced by an open-top box turret armed with twin Type 63 37mm anti-aircraft guns. The guns were loaded manually with 5-round clips. While the Type 63 was on par with contemporary anti-aircraft systems, such as the M42 Duster, due to the lack of hydraulic elevation systems, the guns had to be elevated manually. Because of this, the Type 63 was ineffective against fast moving, low flying aircraft. Nevertheless, due to its rate of fire, it was found to be an effective ground support weapon.

Service history
The Vietnam People's Army (VPA), made little use of the Type 63, only having a small number available. Even with its faults it remained in service with the NVA as well as the PLA until the late 1980s. At least one was captured by the Army of the Republic of Vietnam during the 1972 Easter Offensive.

Former Operators

 * - Small numbers until the 1980s.
 * North Vietnam - Passed on to unified Vietnam.
 * South Vietnam - A number captured from the Vietnam People's Army.