View source for PF-98

{{Short description|Chinese anti-tank rocket launcher system}}

{{Infobox weapon
|name            = Type 98
| image          = Chinese PF98 120 mm rocket launcher.jpg
| image_size     = 300
|caption         = A PF-98A rocket launcher at the [[China People's Revolution Military Museum]] in [[Beijing]] during the 2007 ''Our troops towards the sun'' exhibition.
|origin          = China
|type            = '''With firing control system''': [[Shoulder-launched missile weapon|rocket launcher]] system<br />'''With only telescopic sight''': Unguided [[anti-tank]] [[Shoulder-launched missile weapon|rocket launcher]] 
<!-- Type selection -->
|is_ranged       = yes
|is_explosive    =
|is_artillery    = yes
<!-- Service history -->
|service         = 1998–present
|used_by         = [[People's Liberation Army]]<br />[[Bangladesh Army]]
|wars            =
<!-- Production history -->
|designer        =
|design_date     = 1990s
|manufacturer    = [[Norinco]]
|unit_cost       =
|production_date =
|number          =
|variants        =
<!-- General specifications -->
|spec_label      =
|weight          = {{cvt|10|kg|lb}} (launcher, PF-98)<br />{{cvt|7|kg|lb}} (launcher, PF-98A)<ref name="FCS_98A"/>
|length          = 1191&nbsp;mm
|part_length     = 
|width           =
|height          =
|diameter        =
|crew            = 1–2
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
|cartridge       =
|caliber         = 120&nbsp;mm
|barrels         =
|action          =
|rate            = 4–6 rounds per minute
|velocity        = 310 m/s
|range           =
|max_range       = 800&nbsp;m (HEAT)<br />1800&nbsp;m (HEI)
|feed            =
|sights          = Y/MK/PF-98(Y)-120 (4x optical/fire control)<br />Y/MK/PF-98(L)-120 (4x optical)
<!-- Artillery specifications -->
|breech          =
|recoil          =
|carriage        =
|elevation       = −6° / +30°
|traverse        = 360°
}}

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.

==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.<ref name="mt">{{cite web|url=http://www.military-today.com/firearms/pf_98.htm |title=PF-98 |website=Military Today}}{{dead link|date=December 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

The design makes the accurate delivery of a 120&nbsp;mm multi-purpose high-explosive or high-explosive anti-tank projectile with negligible recoil possible. The weapon can be tripod- or shoulder-fired.<ref name="mt" />

==Design==
===Launcher===
PF-98 reusable tube launcher is a fibreglass-wrapped smoothbore gun and weighs under {{cvt|10|kg|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.<ref name="gunsworld" />

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 {{cvt|7|kg|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.<ref name="FCS_98A" />

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.<ref name="airburst">{{cite web|url=https://www.163.com/dy/article/FFIB853E0526NA31.html |title=98式120火箭筒燃烧弹露面！搭配新型瞄具，在敌人头顶空爆 |website=Net Ease News |date=20 June 2020 |language=Chinese}}</ref> 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.<ref name="fas">{{cite web|url=https://irp.fas.org/doddir/army/atp7-100-3.pdf |title=CHINESE TACTICS  |website=Federation Of American Scientists |publisher=Army Techniques Publication |author=Headquarters, Department of the Army |date=9 August 2021 |format=PDF}}</ref>

===Sights===
Three types of sight systems are available for PF-98 series: fire control systems, daylight (4x) 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.<ref name="airburst" /><ref name="FCS_98"/>

====Fire control systems====
The fire-control of the [[battalion]] version Type 98 consists of a Y/MK/PF-98(Y)-120 (4x) optical sight, which includes a fire-control computer, a [[laser rangefinder]], an outside display, an [[LED display]] inside the optical sight, and a [[Computer keyboard|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.<ref name="FCS_98">{{cite magazine |author= 轻兵器 杂志社 |date=October 2012 |title=新起点:PF98式120mm反坦克火箭(下) |url=http://www.xzbu.com/8/view-3610019.htm |url-status=dead |magazine=轻兵器 |location=China |publisher=《轻兵器》杂志社 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301111632/http://www.xzbu.com/8/view-3610019.htm  |archive-date=1 March 2014 }}</ref>

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.<ref name="FCS_98A">{{cite magazine |author= 轻兵器 杂志社 |date=November 2012 |title=越起:PF98A式120mm反坦克火箭(上) |url=http://www.xzbu.com/8/view-3642865.htm |url-status=dead |magazine=轻兵器 |location=China |publisher=《轻兵器》杂志社 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301102652/http://www.xzbu.com/8/view-3642865.htm  |archive-date=1 March 2014 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.163.com/dy/article/FFN783S505159TSH.html |title=98式120火箭筒燃烧弹首次露面！搭配新型瞄具，在敌人头顶空爆 |website=NetEase News |date=20 November 2021 |language=Chinese}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+PF-98 Fire Control Systems
|-
! Name
! Introduction
! Description
|-
! Type 98 
| 1998
| Original fire control system.<ref name="FCS_98" />
|-
! Type 00
| 2000
| Improved Type 98 FCS with revised reticles.<ref name="FCS_98" />
|-
! Type 01
| 2001
| Improved Type 00 FCS with revised keyboard, new rangefinder, new ballistic computer, and smaller size.<ref name="FCS_98" />
|-
! Type 98A
| 2006
| Improved Type 01 FCS with new ballistic computer, new [[Electric battery|battery]], new rangefinder, target speed measurement unit, and automatic tracking function.<ref name="FCS_98A" />
|-
! Integrated FCS
| 2018
| Improved Type 98A FCS with integrated night-vision device, airburst programming function.<ref name="airburst" /> 
|}

====Optical sights====
The [[Company (military unit)|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]].<ref name="gunsworld" />

Both company and battalion version PF-98 have dedicated night vision scope, with the battalion version having a longer range.<ref name="FCS_98" /> 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&nbsp;kg to 1.2&nbsp;kg.<ref name="FCS_98A" />

===Projectiles===
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&nbsp;mm RHA (under 90&nbsp;degrees, after ERA) at a maximum effective range of 800&nbsp;m. The maximum flying range is 2000&nbsp;m. The HEAT rounds weights {{convert|8.03|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}.<ref name="gunsworld">{{cite web|url=http://pewpewpew.work/china/rl/pf98/pf98.htm |title=PF98火箭筒 |website=Guns' World |language=Chinese}}</ref> Type 98A HEAT projectile features lightweight material, reducing the cartridge weight to {{convert|7.91|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}. The case for booster charge is fitted with a small [[drogue parachute]] to reduce its fly out distance for improved safety inside [[backblast area]].<ref name="round" />

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&nbsp;mm armor and spread fragments inside the vehicle, or producing fragments to kill other personnel within 25&nbsp;m of the point of impact. The maximum range is between 1,800 and 2,000&nbsp;m with fire control system or 800&nbsp;m with daylight optics. The multipurpose round wrights around {{convert|7.6|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}.<ref name="gunsworld" /> Type 98A HEI projectile features lightweight material, reducing the cartridge weight to {{convert|7.42|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}. Other technical parameters are kept the same.<ref name="round" />

Type 98 Thermobaric (FAE) projectile, military designation '''DZT-98''', is armed with a thermobaric warhead capable of eliminating targets within a 90&nbsp;m<sup>3</sup> room. The maximum range is between 1,800 and 2,000&nbsp;m with fire control system or 800&nbsp;m with daylight optics. Type 98 FAE projectiles are kept the same in Type 98A upgrade.<ref name="round" />

Type 98A Bunker Buster, military designation '''DZD-98A''', is developed and deployed with Type 98A rocket launcher. The round can penetrate about 100&nbsp;mm RHA at 60&nbsp;degrees or {{cvt|0.8|m|ft}} of C35 concrete. The maximum range is between 1,800 and 2,000&nbsp;m with fire control system or 800&nbsp;m with daylight optics.<ref name="round" />

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;"
|+ PF-98 Projectiles<ref name="round">{{cite magazine |author= 轻兵器 杂志社 |date=December 2012 |title=飞火流星：PF98/PF98A式120mm火箭弹 |url=http://www.xzbu.com/8/view-3745865.htm |url-status=dead |magazine=轻兵器 |location=China |publisher=《轻兵器》杂志社 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301100813/http://www.xzbu.com/8/view-3745865.htm  |archive-date=1 March 2014 }}</ref>
! 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
| {{cvt|8.03|kg|lb}}
| {{cvt|7.91|kg|lb}}
| {{cvt|9.15|kg|lb}}
| {{cvt|7.42|kg|lb}}
| {{cvt|7.42|kg|lb}}
| {{cvt|8.6|kg|lb}}
| N/A
|-
! Cartridge length
| 970 mm
| 970 mm
| 827 mm
| 827 mm
| 825 mm
| 942 mm
| N/A
|-
! Effective range (FCS)
| {{convert|800|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|800|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|2000|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|2000|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|2000|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|2000|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| N/A
|-
! Effective range (optics)
| {{convert|400|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|400|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|800|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|800|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|800|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|800|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| N/A
|-
! Minimal range
| {{convert|40|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|40|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|40|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|40|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|40|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|60|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| N/A
|-
! Penetration (RHA)
| 800 mm/90°<br />230 mm/68°
| 800 mm/90°<br />230 mm/68°
| 400 mm/90°<br />44 mm/55°
| 400 mm/90°<br />44 mm/55°
| N/A
| 100 mm/60°<br />{{cvt|800|mm|ft|abbr=on}} of C35 concrete
| N/A
|-
! Velocity 
| {{convert|246|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|246|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|205|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|205|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}}
| N/A
| N/A
| N/A
|}

==Variants==
;PF98: [[Battalion]] and [[Company (military unit)|company]] level version.
;PF98A: Lightweight version with improved fire control system, night-vision scope, and tripod.

==Users==
*{{flag|Bangladesh}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/01/bangladeshs-ambitious-military-modernization-drive/|author=Shakil Bin Mushtaq|title=Bangladesh's Ambitious Military Modernization Drive|place=Bangladesh |date=2018-01-09|accessdate=2019-04-23}}</ref>
**[[Bangladesh Army]]
*{{flag|Cameroon}}
**[[Cameroon Armed Forces]]
*{{flag|China}}
**[[People's Liberation Army Ground Force]]
*{{flag|Indonesia}}
*{{flag|Zimbabwe}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zimbabwedefence.com/ZNA_PF98a.html |title=PF-98 Queen Bee II |website=www.zimbabwedefence.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314171419/http://www.zimbabwedefence.com/ZNA_PF98a.html |archive-date=March 14, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[PF-89]]
* [[PF-97]]
* [[Carl Gustav recoilless rifle]] (MAAWS) - Swedish–American recoilless rifle
* [[Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon]] (SMAW) - American rocket launcher
* [[Panzerfaust 3]] (Pzf-3) - German rocket launcher
* [[RPG-29]] - Soviet reusable rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060524104410/http://www.sinodefence.com/army/crewserved/pf98.asp ''PF-98''] at [[SinoDefence]]
{{Norinco|state=expanded}}
{{Modern Chinese Infantry Weapons}}

[[Category:Weapons of the People's Republic of China]]
[[Category:Anti-tank rockets]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1990s]]
[[Category:Norinco]]