The Chinese Type 99/99G tank, is the result of many years of technical development dating back to the 1980's. It is roughly based on the Soviet T-80 MBT, but with strong influence from the German Leopard 2A5 design. The Type 99 is armed with a ZTP-98 125mm L/50 smoothbore gun capable of firing DU APFSDS (Depleted Uranium - Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot) ammunition. Power is provided by a 1500 bhp diesel engine, giving a maximum road speed of 80 km/h. Composite armor is used on hull and turret, additional reactive armor can also be added. The initial version was designated the ZTZ-99 or Type 99, while the second production model, the ZTZ-99G, has improved systems. These include a larger Commanders thermal imaging viewer and an Active Protection System based on laser technology. The high cost of the Type 99 means that it has only been issued to elite units, most other regiments are equipped with the Type 96 or older tanks.