Type 75 155 mm self-propelled howitzer
The Type 75 155 mm self-propelled howitzer (75式自走155mm榴弾砲, nana-go-shiki-jisou-155mm-ryuudan-hou) is an armored artillery vehicle in the exclusive use of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. Self-propelled howitzers are employed to provide mobile heavy fire support to army units in the field.
| Type 75 155 mm self-propelled howitzer | |
|---|---|
 Type 75 of the JGSDF displayed at Camp Higasichitose | |
| Type | Self-propelled gun |
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1975–2016 |
| Used by | Japan |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1969–1975 |
| Produced | 1975–1988 |
| No. built | 201 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 25,300 kilograms (24.9 long tons; 27.9 short tons) |
| Length | 21 ft 9 in (6.63 m) (hull) |
| Barrel length | 4.65 metres (183 in) L/30 |
| Width | 10 ft 1 in (3.07 m) |
| Height | 8 ft 4 in (2.54 m) |
| Crew | 6 (commander, driver, two gunners, layer and radio operator) |
| Shell | separate-loading, bagged charge |
| Caliber | 155 millimetres (6.1 in) |
| Elevation | −5° to +65° |
| Traverse | 360° |
| Rate of fire | 6 rpm |
| Effective firing range | 19,000 metres (21,000 yd) (HE) |
| Maximum firing range | 24,000 metres (26,000 yd) (rocket-assisted) |
| Armor | aluminum |
Main armament | 1x Japan Steel Works, 155 mm L30 howitzer |
Secondary armament | 1x 12.7 mm M-2HB machine gun |
| Engine | Mitsubishi 6ZF 6-cylinder diesel 450 bhp |
| Suspension | torsion bar |
| Ground clearance | 40 centimetres (16 in) |
| Fuel capacity | 650 liters (143 Imp. gallons) |
Operational range | 300 km (190 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 47 km/h (29 mph) |
The Type 75 shares a number of automotive components with the Type 74 105 mm self-propelled howitzer, which was developed during the same time and is essentially a variant of. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries developed the chassis, while the howitzer and turret were designed by Japan Steel Works. Two prototypes were completed in 1971–72 and differed only in their loading systems. Trials were conducted 1973–74 and the howitzer was accepted for service in October 1975. It carries 28 rounds of ammunition on board.
As of 2001 Japan reported to the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs that 201 Type 75s were in service.[1] It is being gradually replaced by the Type 99 155 mm self-propelled howitzer. As of December 2008 it still equips the 5th, 11th, 171st and 172nd Field Artillery Battalions.[2]
All Type 75s were decommissioned by 2016.
Similar vehicles
Notes
- "JGSDF Inventory circa 2001". United Nations. Archived from the original on 2011-05-21. Retrieved 2008-12-24.
- Handout for Yama Sakura 55 exercise
References
- Chant, Christopher. A Compendium of Armaments and Military Hardware. New York and London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1987 ISBN 0-7102-0720-4, p. 76
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