Type 99 155 mm self-propelled howitzer
The Type 99 155 mm self-propelled howitzer (99式自走155mm榴弾砲, kyuu-kyuu-shiki-jisou-155mm-ryuudan-hou) is a self-propelled howitzer of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, which was developed as successor of the Type 75 155 mm Self-propelled howitzer.
| Type 99 155 mm self-propelled howitzer | |
|---|---|
 Type 99 of the JGSDF | |
| Type | Self-propelled artillery |
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1999 |
| Used by | Japan |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries/Japan Steel Works |
| No. built | 117 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 40 tons |
| Width | 3.2 m |
| Crew | 4 |
| Caliber | 155 millimetres (6.1 in) |
| Traverse | 360° |
| Rate of fire | 6 rpm |
| Armor | aluminum alloy |
Main armament | 1x Japan Steel Works, 155 mm L52 Artillery Gun |
Secondary armament | 1x 12.7 mm M-2HB machine gun |
| Engine | Mitsubishi 6SY31WA 6-cylinder diesel 600 bhp |
| Suspension | torsion bar |
Operational range | 300 km (185 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 49.6 km/h |
History
The development of Type 99 self-propelled howitzer began in 1985 in order to replace the old Type 75 self-propelled howitzer. The new self-propelled artillery would use a L52 155 mm gun instead of the old L30 155 mm gun and would also mount the latest Fire-control system. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was tasked to design the chassis and the gun would be manufactured by Japan Steel Works.
The designing stage cost 5 billion yen and was completed in 1992. After various technical and practical tests, the first vehicle was delivered to the training division of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in 1999.[1]
Overview
Research and development was started from 1985 as a successor for the older Type 75 self-propelled 155 mm howitzer. Japan Steel Works was the primary contractor, and developed the main gun and the turret.
The Type 99 uses a modified chassis from the Mitsubishi Type 89 IFV, lengthened with an additional road wheel. Type 99 uses a 52 caliber barrel compared to the 30 caliber barrel on the Type 75 self-propelled howitzer.
Secondary armament of the Type 99 consists of a roof-mounted 12.7-mm machine gun, fitted with a shield.
Armor of the Type 99 provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters.
Vehicle is powered by a diesel engine, developing 600 horsepower. A traveling lock is provided at the front of the hull. It folds back onto the glacis plate when not in use.
The Type 99 self-propelled howitzer is resupplied from the Type 99 ammunition resupply vehicle.