Type 90 tank
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Type 90 | |
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![]() A JGSDF Type 90 MBT practice firing at Fuji Firepower Review 2009 | |
Type | Main battle tank |
Place of origin | Japan |
Production history | |
Designer | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries/Japan Ministry of Defense Technology Research and Development Institute |
Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries |
Unit cost | JPY¥800 Million (2009) |
Produced | 1990–2009 |
No.built | 341 |
Specifications | |
Mass | 50.2 tonnes |
Length | 9.76 m |
Width | 3.43 m |
Height | 2.34 m |
Crew | 3 |
Armor | Modular ceramic/steel composite armour 350mm KE / 650mm CE |
Main armament | Rheinmetall 120mm L/44 smoothbore gunwith automatic loader |
Secondary armament | M2HB12.7 mm machine gun Type 747.62 mm machine gun |
Engine | Mitsubishi 10ZG 10-cylinder, two-stroke cycle, 1,500 hp/2,400 rpmdiesel21.5 litre |
Power/weight | 30 hp/tonne |
Transmission | Mitsubishi MT1500 automatic transmission (4 forward gears, 2 reverse gears ) |
Suspension | hybridhydropneumatic&torsion bar suspension |
Operational range | 350 km |
Maximum speed | 70 km/h (acceleration: 0–200 m in 20 s) |
TheType 90 tank(90 thức chiến xe,Kyū-maru-shiki-sensha)is amain battle tank(MBT) of theJapan Ground Self-Defense Force(JGSDF). It was designed and built byMitsubishi Heavy Industriesas a replacement for theType 61and to supplement the then current fleet ofType 74tanks, and entered service in 1990.[citation needed]
History[edit]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/JGSDF_MBT_Type_90_at_JGSDF_PI_center_3.jpg/220px-JGSDF_MBT_Type_90_at_JGSDF_PI_center_3.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bb/Japanese_Type_90_Tank_-_2.jpg/220px-Japanese_Type_90_Tank_-_2.jpg)
After the adoption of theType 74,the Japanese High Command was already looking for a superior, completely indigenous tank design to defeat the SovietT-72.As a result, development of a prototype, the TK-X MBT began between 1976 and 1977. Joint development was performed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and TRDI (Japan Defense Agency's Technology Research and Development Institute). Major subcontractors includedJapan Steel Works,Daikin Industries,Mitsubishi Electric,FujitsuandNEC.[citation needed]
A first series of two prototypes of the Type 90 were developed, both armed with a Japanese 120 mm smoothbore gun (produced by Japan Steel Works Limited) firing Japanese ammunition (produced by Daikin Industries Limited).[1]The first prototype (TK-X-0001) was completed by 1982, and underwent testing shortly after. Following the first tank's completion, development began on the second prototype (TK-X-0002), until it was completed by June 1985, after experiencing delays. Testing and design modifications such as improvements to the turret and half modular type ceramic composite armour were conducted starting in October 1983, and continued until October 1986.[citation needed]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d2/Type_90_Prototype_%28JGSDF_Public_Information_Center%29.jpg/220px-Type_90_Prototype_%28JGSDF_Public_Information_Center%29.jpg)
A second series of four prototypes was built between 1986 and 1988, incorporating changes resulting from trials with the first two prototypes. These were armed with theRheinmetall 120 mm smoothbore gunalso fitted to the GermanLeopard 2and, in a modified version, the USM1A1/M1A2 Abramsmain battle tanks. These second prototypes were used for development and then user trials, all of which were completed by December 1989, before Japan formally introduced the Type 90 in August 1990. Mass production began in 1990, and 30 vehicles were produced by the end of the year.[2]
With the exception of the 120 mm smoothbore gun, which is made under license fromRheinmetallofGermany,the Type 90 and its subsystems are all designed and built in Japan, leading to higher per unit costs than comparable models from NATO countries such as theM1 Abramsand theChallenger 2.Development of upgrades to the Type 90 suffered both as a result of limited budget, which caused procurement delays,[3]and funding prioritization in favor of theType 10main battle tank.Due to a perception that Type 90s are unsuited to operations in the tight confines of Japan's urban areas, they are preferentially assigned to the JGSDF Fuji School Brigade and the 7th Armored Division based inHokkaido,where there is sufficient room for maneuver.[4]
With the exception of training exercises such as the annual Combined Live Fire Exercise hosted by theUnited States ArmyatYakima Training CenterinWashington state,[5]the Type 90 has never been deployed overseas, and has never been tested in combat.
Design[edit]
Armament[edit]
The Type 90 mounts aRheinmetall L44120 mmsmoothborecannon licensed produced by Japan Steel Works Limited. This is the same gun that is mounted on the GermanLeopard 2,the AmericanAbrams,and the South KoreanK1A1tank. Before Rheinmetall's gun was selected, Japan had successfully produced a domestic version of the 120 mm smoothbore for testing, but the lower cost of the Rheinmetall gave it an advantage over the domestic version.[citation needed].
Since its introduction there have been several upgrades to thefire-control system,including the addition of aYttrium-Aluminium-Garnetlaser rangefinderwith a range of 300 to 5,000 meters, a 32-bitballisticsanalysis computer, improved thermal imaging and Automated-tracking systems, and improved gun stabilization. The FCS also has an automated tracking system, and is capable of engaging moving or stationary targets while moving in day or night. The automatic target tracking system uses a thermal image display which can be controlled by either the tank gunner or commander. It is capable of tracking soldiers, vehicles and helicopters. The targeting computer can also calculate lead on moving targets.[citation needed]
The commander's sight consists of a 3× / 10× (day-only sight). The sight can track vertically from −29 to +29 degrees, as well as track horizontally through 180 degrees. The gunners sight has a 10 x magnification.[citation needed]
The gun is armed and loaded by a mechanical bustleautoloader(conveyor-belt type) developed by Mitsubishi of Japan. As with autoloader-equipped Russian main battle tanks, the FrenchLeclerc,and the SwedishStrv 103,the Type 90 achieves manpower savings by reducing the crew to three.[6]Its ability to operate without a loader also allows the use of a smaller turret. The practical auto-loading and firing cycle for one target is around 4–6 seconds.
Mounted in front of the gunner's hatch on the turret is the ubiquitousBrowningM2 machine gun,manufactured under license bySumitomo Heavy Industries,part of theSumitomo Group.In addition to the.50-caliber machine gun, a Japanese-built7.62 mmmachine gun is mountedcoaxiallyto the left of the main gun.[citation needed]
Armor[edit]
The profile of the Type 90 is similar to theGermanLeopard 2A4and it uses modular ceramic and steelcomposite armor,common in contemporary tank designs. The adoption of modularcomposite armordesign facilitates the upgrading and exchange of the armor.[citation needed]
The Type 90 is smaller than most main battle tanks with a height of 2.33 metres (7.6 ft), a width of 3.33 metres (10.9 ft), and a weight of 50.2 metric tons (55.3 short tons). It was designed with a distinctive low-slung turret with boxy, vertical sides and a long overhangingbustle.[citation needed]In comparison, the Leopard 2A4's dimensions are 2.48 metres (8.1 ft) high and 3.70 metres (12.1 ft) wide with a weight of 55.2 metric tons (60.8 short tons).
Mobility[edit]
The powerpack of the Type 90 tank has the Mitsubishi 10ZG32WT 10-cylinder two-stroke cycle diesel engine providing 1500 hp, coupled with Mitsubishi MT1500 automatic transmission with four forward and two reverse gears, manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (designated 10ZG32WT, MT1500). The development of the 10ZG32WT prototype was started in 1972 and was finished in 1982.[citation needed]It can attain a top output of 1,120 kW (1,500horsepower@15min).
Thehydropneumatic suspensionunits are mounted on the front and rear pair of road wheels, which can be adjusted on-the-fly to deal with uneven terrain, a requirement on Japan's rough, mountainous terrain.
According to the Japanese Ministry of Defense official data report, the acceleration of the type is 0–200 m in 20 seconds.[citation needed]
Manufacture[edit]
The Type 90 has an approximate unit cost of 790 millionJapanese yen[7]or approximately 7.4 millionUS dollarsat 2007 exchange rates.
341 Type 90 tanks were produced between 1990 and 2009 with an average annual production number of 19 vehicles. The original procurement plan was established in the 1980s while Japan was experiencing asset price bubble. After the asset price bubble burst in 1991 and the collapse of Soviet Union in 1992, Japan started to cut its defense budget. In order to save budget forKongo-class destroyersand other new weapons, Japan made a plan to reduce the size of its tank force. The production of Type 90 therefore slowed down and part of its budget was shifted to the research and development of the new Type 10 main battle tank.[8]
Transportation[edit]
Being 12 tonnes heavier than its predecessor, the Type 74, the Type 90 was found to be more challenging to operate around Japan, with the exception of Hokkaido. Some politicians therefore criticized the effectiveness of Type 90 due to difficulty in transportation. In fact, more than 65% of major bridges in Japan were still considered passable for the Type 90, while overseas main battle tanks, such as Challenger 2 and Leopard 2, could only use 40% of bridges in Japan.[9]
Operators[edit]
Japan:341 (2014)
- Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
Northern Army
2nd Division
- 2nd Tank Regiment
7th Division
- 71st Tank Regiment
- 72nd Tank Regiment
- 73rd Tank Regiment
- 7th Reconnaissance Unit
5th Brigade
- 5th Tank Battalion
11th Brigade
- 11th Tank Unit
JGSDF Fuji School
- Armor Department
- JGSDF Fuji School (Combined Training) Brigade
- Armored Guidance Corps
- Training Evaluation Unit
JGSDF Ordnance School (JGSDF Camp Tsuchiura)
See also[edit]
Tanks of comparable role, performance and era[edit]
- Arjun Mk 1:Indian main battle tank
- C1 Ariete:Italian main battle tank
- Karrar:Iranian main battle tank (equivalent to T-90M)
- M1 Abrams:US main battle tank
- T-90:Russian main battle tank
- Type 99:Chinese main battle tank
- Zulfiqar-3:Iranian main battle tank
References[edit]
- ^"Archived copy".Archivedfrom the original on 2016-03-04.Retrieved2012-04-01.
{{cite web}}
:CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ja:90 thức chiến xe[circular reference]
- ^"Ragtag military left to defend Japan on shoestring budget ‹ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion".Archivedfrom the original on 2012-09-26.Retrieved2011-05-27.
- ^"90 thức chiến xe ( Type90MBT )".goinkyox.Archivedfrom the original on 2012-03-24.Retrieved2011-05-26.
- ^"Archived copy"(PDF).Archived(PDF)from the original on 2011-10-05.Retrieved2011-05-26.
{{cite web}}
:CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^Type 90 Tank -GlobalSecurity.org
http:// globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/type-90.htmArchived2006-10-03 at theWayback Machine - ^"Based on the production of nine Type 90 tanks during FY2007)"(PDF).Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 2007-07-01.
- ^"Phòng vệ bạch thư の kiểm tác hình ảnh".clearing.mod.go.jp.Archivedfrom the original on 2018-11-15.Retrieved2018-11-30.
- ^"Archived copy"(PDF).Archived(PDF)from the original on 2016-03-04.Retrieved2015-05-05.
{{cite web}}
:CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "90 thức chiến xe".Archived fromthe originalon 2010-02-18.
- Christopher F. Foss (ed).,Jane's Armour and Artillery,Jane's Information Group,c1988
- Foss, Christopher F. (1986).Jane's Main Battle Tanks(Second ed.). City Road, London: Jane's Publishing Company Limited.ISBN0-7106-0372-X.
External links[edit]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Type 90 tankat the Federation of American Scientists
- Type 90 Tankat Globalsecurity.org
- Main Battle Tank Type 90at ArmsWorld
- Type 90 Main Battle Tankat Historyofwar
- Official unit cost data of Type 90 Main Battle Tankat Japan Ministry of Defense pdf file
- 120 mm L44 Tank Gunat Rheinmetall AG
- Official Video -Type90 Tank-at Channel J (product cooperation:JGSDF)
- Official Video -Calflex 2006–at United States Central Command (U.S.CENTCOM)
- YouTube Video1at YouTube
- YouTube Video2at YouTube
- YouTube Video3at YouTube
- YouTube Video4at YouTube