The development of tankette models has been progressive. In China, Japanese tankettes were used in reconnaissance and cavalry roles and, when equipped with tracked trailers, also were employed to carry supplies and ammunition.

The Model 92 (1932) tankette represents probably the earliest tankette model still commonly used. This vehicle has the turret mounted to the rear of the chassis, giving it a boot-like appearance. Both welded and riveted construction are used throughout the hull. Suspension is four-point, with the use of bell cranks resisted by armored compression springs on each side. There are four rubber-tired bogie wheels in pairs and two return rollers on each side. A front sprocket drive is used. Tracks are the outside center-guide type. The long, sloping glacis plate is a prominent identification feature. A light machine gun, ball-mounted in the turret, is the only armament.

 
MODEL 92 (1932) TANKETTE

Approximate specifications
1. Weight		3 tons.
2. Length		10 feet 3 inches.
3. Width		5 feet 3 inches.
4. Height		5 feet 4 inches.
5. Clearance		13 1/2 inches.
6. Crew		2 men.
7. Armor		6 to 14-mm (0.24 to 0.55 inch).
8. Armament		17.7 MG ball mounted.
9. Ammunition		1,980 rounds.
10. Engine, 4 cylinder		32 horsepower, gasoline.
11. Transmission		4 forward, 1 reverse.
12. Ground contact		6 feet.
13. Width of track		5 inches.
14. Track pitch		3 inches.
15. Diam. sprocket		21 inches.
16. Diam. bogie wheel		15 inches.
17. Diam. rear idler		15 inches.
18. Height to center of sprocket		25 inches.
Approximate maximum performance
1. Speed		25 miles per hour.
2. Range of action		100 miles.
3. Gradient		27°.
4. Obstacles:
Trench		4 feet 6 inches wide.
Step		2 feet 1 inch high.
Ford		2 feet deep.

 

Tankette Model 94 (1934) is basically the same as the parent Model 92. The rear idler, however, has been replaced by a trailing idler and the front drive sprocket has been lowered to compensate for this. Bell-crank suspension with armored compression springs is employed, as in the Model 92, and the number of rubber-tired bogie wheels and return rollers is the same as in the earlier model. It is reported, however, that a Ford 4-cylinder tractor engine is used in the Model 94.

 
MODEL 94 (1934) TANKETTE

Approximate specifications
1. Weight		3.4 tons.
2. Length		11 feet.
3. Width		5 feet 3 inches.
4. Height		5 feet 4 inches.
5. Clearance		12 inches.
6. Crew		2 men.
7. Armor		4 to 12-mm (0.16 to 0.47 inch).
8. Armament		17.7 MG.
9. Traverse		360°.
10. Ammunition		1,980 rounds.
11. Fuel capacity		23.3 gallons.
Approximate maximum performance
1. Speed		26 miles per hour.
2. Range of action		100 miles (estimated).
3. Gradient		27° (also reported as 30°).
4. Obstacles:
Trench		4 feet 6 inches wide.
Step		No details.
Ford		2 feet deep.

 

Specifications of the Model 97 (1937) tankette vary considerably in reports from several combat theaters. As compared with the Model 94, the suspension remains unchanged. The hull, however, has been completely redesigned. More room has been provided in the turret to accommodate the 37-mm gun, although a machine gun sometimes is mounted instead of the tank gun. The design of the front plate is simpler than in earlier models and deflection angles have been improved. Significant armor is .47 in. thick.

There is a large hatch on the turret top and a hatch over the driver's compartment which cannot be opened when the turret is at the 12-o'clock position. There also is a hatch over the engine-compartment grille and a small hatch in the rear sloping plate of the engine compartment. There is a driver's visor, and a vision slit in the turret equipped with a protectoscope at about a 10-o'clock position. There is a small pistol port in the rear of the turret. No facilities for intercommunication of crew members are provided.

The vehicle is powered by a 4-cylinder in-line, air-cooled Diesel engine of 48 horsepower. Engine specifications, however, indicate that this engine might develop 105 horsepower at 2,000 revolutions per minute.

 
MODEL 97 (1937) TANKETTE

Approximate specifications
1. Weight		4.5 tons.
2. Length		12 feet.
3. Width		6 feet.
4. Height		6 feet.
5. Clearance		14 inches.
6. Crew		2 men.
7. Armor		4 to 12-mm (0.16 to 0.47 inch).
8. Armament		37-mm gun.
9. Ammunition		96 rounds.
10. Transmission		4 forward 1 reverse.
11. Steering		Drive shaft brake.
12. Fuel capacity		20 gallons (also reported 24 gallons).
Approximate maximum performance
1. Speed		28 miles per hour.
2. Gradient		30° (also reported as 34°).
3. Obstacles:
Trench		5 feet 3 inches wide.
Step		No details.
Ford		2 feet 6 inches deep.

 

The tentatively identified Model 98 (1938) tankette sometimes is confused with the Model 97. It has a squat, rounded appearance, and the turret is set centrally. A three-man crew is carried, with a turret gunner and front gunner in addition to the driver.

Suspension is bell crank, spring resisted, with four bogies in pairs on each side and a large rear idler which also acts as a bogie. There are two return rollers on each side; the drive is of the front-sprocket type.

The vehicle mounts a 13.7-mm machine gun in the turret and a light machine gun, probably 7.7-mm, in the hull. Also reported is a model that had a 37-mm gun as its only armament.

Additional specifications are:

Length		10 feet 3 inches.
Width		5 feet 9 inches.
Height		5 feet 4 inches.
Weight		3 to 4 tons.
Speed		33 mph (max.).
Armor		Same as Model 92.
Ford		2 feet 6 inches.
Trench		4 feet 6 inches.
Belly clearance		1 foot 1 inch.