The new Chinese Type 99 tank has been something of a mystery. Its shape is different from anything the Chinese, or Russians, have developed before. And the 140mm gun some of them are equipped is also novel. Turns out it is not so novel after all. The Type 99 is actually a 1958 Russian tank design that was sold to the Chinese. The design was updated with new technology (digital fire control, autoloader, new armor), and is now being considered as the base design for a new model of Chinese tank. The Russians have long been known for their habit of never throwing anything away.