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Japanese

Armored Prime Mover

Armored Prime Mover - World War II, Japanese

The chassis of this Japanese armored prime mover incorporates the better design features of the tankette development shown on pages one to three. This vehicle is an important link in the chain of Japanese transportation of personnel and supply in the large mainland areas. Its construction proves that the Japanese attach considerable importance to the interchange and utilization of standard tank component parts on combat vehicles for greater simplification of their supply problem.

The hull provides for a layout of the engine and power train on the right, while the driver’s compartment is located on the left side. A large load and stowage compartment at the rear extends over the tracks. Tubular bows are raised for protective covering and camouflage nets. Double doors open at the rear, below which a towing pintle is attached. There is no main armament; however, there is an observation turret built in the roof of the crew compartment behind the driver. Speaking tubes with ear phones are used for crew communication. Four hinged flap-covered openings provide additional vision for the crew and allow employment of small arms weapons.

The power train in this vehicle is made up of the engine, four-speed and reverse transmission, controlled differential with steering brakes and a final drive single reduction gear. The engine is a four-cylinder in-line diesel with Bosch type automatic fuel injection. A 12-volt ignition system is also provided with spark plugs located in the fuel injection ports. The electrical system utilizes parts standard and interchangeable with other vehicles. Two fuel tanks hold 38 gallons.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight       5 tons
Length 12 ft., 8 ins.
Width 6 ft., 4 ins.
Height 5 ft., 2 ins.
Ground clearance 14 ins.
Tread centers
Ground contact 124 ins.
Width of track 8 ins.
Pitch of track 3 ins.
Track links 88
Fording depth 31 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
   Roads
   Cross-country
Speed
   Roads 28 m.p.h.
   Cross-country
Armor
   Front plate 6 mm
   Sides 12 mm
   Floor 12 mm
Armament Small arms weapons
Ammunition (Rds.) Unknown
Engine 4-cylinder air-cooled OHV Diesel
Transmission 4 speeds forward; 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential
Crew 2

Japanese: p. 18.1

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Japanese

13-Ton Prime Mover Model 95B (1935)

13-Ton Prime Mover Model 95B (1935)

This prime mover makes use of the same chassis as the Model 95A, the only difference being its accommodation of a 6-cylinder, in-line, water-cooled, valve-in-head Diesel engine. The cylinder diameter is 140 mm, the piston stroke 190 mm, and compression ratio 15.5:1. The normal horsepower is rated at 145 at 1,300 r.p.m. Maximum hp. is 165. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. There is a 24-v., 300-w. capacity charging generator, two 12-v., 80 amp.-hr. batteries, and two 24-v., 6-hp. electric starting motors.

Details are lacking on the reduction gear, which has a ratio of 2.92:1. The steering system is of the clutch brake type assisted on short turns by hand- and foot-operated control brakes, which include a locking feature. The transmission is said to be synchromesh with 4 speeds forward and 1 reverse. The maximum speedis 8.68 m.p.h. A gear-type forced-feed system is used for distributing lubricating oil in the crankcase. An oil pressure gage and oil-level stick are also fitted. Diesel oil fuel is supplied from a total storage capacity of 68 gals. Forty-four liters (11.6 gals.) of water are circulated from the radiator to the engine block with the normal type pump. This vehicle is said to be capable of ascending a 15° grade while towing a 14-ton load, or a 7 1/2° grade pulling a 32-ton load. The winch capacity is 11 tons.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight       15 tons
Trailer load capacity 32 tons
Winch capacity 11.25 tons
Length 16 ft.
Width 7 ft., 6 ins.
Height 9 ft., 3 ins.
Ground clearance 1 ft.
Tread centers 5 ft., 11 ins.
Ground contact 10 ft., 4 ins.
Track width 16 1/2 ins.
Track links
Fuel tank 68 gals.
Fuel consumption
Fording depth
Speed 8.6 m.p.h.
Engine 6-cyl., water-cooled, Diesel
Bore and stroke 140 mm x 190 mm—5.51 ins. x 7.48 ins.
Horsepower 145 at 1,300 r.p.m.
Ignition Diesel
Battery 2 12-v., 80 amp./hr.
Transmission Synchromesh—4 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Clutch brake
Crew

Japanese: p. 18 (May 1, 1945)

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Japanese

13-Ton Prime Mover Model 95A (1935)

13-Ton Prime Mover Model 95A (1935) - Japanese, World War II

This vehicle is powered by a 6-cylinder, in-line, water-cooled gasoline engine with a cylinder bore of 135 mm and piston stroke of 150 mm and a compression ratio of 5.1:1. Normal horsepower is 130 at 1,300 r.p.m.; maximum horsepower, 160 at 1,900 r.p.m. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. Ignition for the vehicle is distributed by a high-tension type magneto. The electrical system includes charging generator; two 12-v., 80 amp.-hr. batteries, and a 24-v. electric starting motor of 8-hp. capacity.

The final drive has a reduction ratio of 2.93:1. A dry multiple plate clutch is used. Both foot- and hand-operated brakes are employed and the vehicle is steered by the clutch brake principle and is said to utilize a locking feature of the control brakes. The transmission is of the synchromesh type with 4 speeds forward and 1 reverse.

Lubricating oil is distributed by gear-type force-feed system through an oil-pressure regulator. The oil-pressure gage registers 29-44 lb. and an oil-level stick is used for checking the crankcase, which has a capacity of 5 3/4 gals. It has been stated that the fuel feed equipment includes a fuel pump between the carburetor and storage tank and that the heavy-duty type of fuel is forced fed to a NIPPON B 45 model carburetor.

There are two models of fuel storage tanks manufactured for this vehicle—one is the Mitsubishi type with main tank holding 70 gals. and an auxiliary holding 43 gals., and the other is the NIIGATA type main tank holding 50 gals. and an auxiliary tank holding 38 gals. Fuel consumption is stated to be 7.5 gals. per hour. The radiator holds 11 gals., circulated by a pump to the engine block. The grade-ascending ability of this prime mover is quoted as 14 tons up a 15° incline, or 32 tons on a 7 1/2° incline. The winch capacity is 11 tons.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight        14.3 tons
Trailer load capacity 32 tons
Winch capacity 11.25 tons
Length 16 ft.
Width 7 ft., 6 ins.
Height 9 ft., 3 ins.
Ground clearance 1 ft.
Tread centers 5 ft., 11 ins.
Ground contact 9 ft., 9 ins.
Track width 16 1/2 ins.
Track links
Fuel tank Main, 70 gals.; aux., 43 gals.
Fuel consumption .83 m.p.g.
Fording depth
Speed 6.2 m.p.h.
Engine 6-cyl., water-cooled, gasoline
Bore and stroke 135 mm x 150 mm—5.31 ins. x 5.91 ins.
Horsepower 130 at 1,300 r.p.m.
Ignition High-tension magneto
Battery 2 12-v., 80 amp.
Transmission Synchromesh; 4 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Clutch brake
Crew

Japanese: p. 17 (May 1, 1945)

Categories
Japanese

5-Ton Prime Mover Model 92A (1932)

5-Ton Prime Mover Model 92A (1932): Japanese

It is reported that there are two variations of this vehicle. Model A is powered by a 6-cylinder in-line L-head Sumida gasoline engine, and Model B by a 6-cylinder in-line air-cooled Isuzu Diesel. As far as may be ascertained, with exception of a modification in radiator design, the general appearance and suspension of these two models is similar.

The Model A engine is an L-head type with the valves on the side. The cylinder bore is 110-mm, the stroke 135 mm, and the compression ratio is 4.5:1. The normal hp. is 64 at 1,200 r.p.m.; the maximum hp. is 98. Ignition is provided by a Bosch high-tension magneto with 12-v. charging generator and two 12-v. 60 amp.-hr. vibration-proof batteries. The electric starting motor is 12-v. with a rating of 2.5 hp. Bevel spur pinion and ring gears have reduction ratios of 2.66 and 5.

The steering system is the clutch brake type with both hand and foot-operated brakes. The transmission provides four speeds forward and one reverse. The maximum speed is 19 k.p.h. (11.8 m.p.h.). The lubricating oil is distributed by gear pump force-feed system. Oil pressure registers 1.0 kg. (2.2 lb.) at low speed and 2 kg. (4.4 lb.) at 1,100 r.pm. The oil capacity measures 14.65 liters (3.7 gal.). A vacuum fuel system is used with Stromberg UT 4 model carburetor. The main fuel storage tank holds 125 liters (32 gal.), the auxiliary tank 55 liters (14.5 gal.). Fuel consumption is 17 liters (4.5 gal.) per hour, or 1.05 liters per km. (2.4 mi./gal.). The cooling liquid is circulated by a centrifugal pump from a radiator, which carries 39.5 liters (10.4 gal.). The grade ability of this vehicle pulling a fixed weight is 30°. The winch capacity is 2.5 metric tons (2.8 tons). The winch cable length is 20 meters (65 1/2 ft.).

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight        4.8 Metric tons—5.28 tons
Trailer load capacity 4.5 Metric tons—4.9 tons
Winch capacity 2.5 Metric tons—2.75 tons
Length 3.55 m—11 ft., 8 ins.
Width 1.71 m—5 ft., 11 ins.
Height 2.35 m—7 ft., 8 ins.
Ground clearance .295 m—11.75 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 11 1/2 ins.
Ground contact 7 ft., 4 1/2 ins.
Track width 9 7/8 ins.
Track links 59
Fuel tank Main, 32 gals.; aux., 14.5 gals.
Fuel consumption 2.4 m.p.g.
Fording depth 24 ins.
Speed
   Hard roads 18 m.p.h.
   Cross-country 8 m.p.h.
Engine Sumida, 6-cyl., gasoline
Bore and stroke 110 mm x 135 mm—4.33 ins. x 5.31 ins.
Horsepower 64 at 1,200 r.p.m. (normal)
Ignition Bosch high-tension magneto
Battery 2 12-v., 60 amp.-hr.
Transmission 4 speeds forward. 1 reverse
Steering Clutch brake
Crew 6

Japanese: p. 12 (April 1, 1945)

Categories
Japanese

4-Ton Prime Mover Model 94 (1934)

4-Ton Prime Mover Model 94 (1934) - Japanese WWII

The 4-ton Prime Mover is powered by a 90°, V-8 air-cooled gasoline engine with a cylinder bore of 90 mm and a piston stroke of 125 mm. The normal horsepower is 73 at 1,600 r.p.m.; maximum horsepower is 88. The firing order is 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2. The electrical system includes a Bosch type magneto (Gesal model); a Bosch R.T.C. 900 LI model, 75-watt generator; a 12-v., 80 amp.-hr. storage battery, and a Bosch 2.5 hp. electric starting motor. The ratio of the final drive is 5.657:1. Clutch brake steering is used and both hand and foot operation applies the brakes. The transmission is the central selector type with 4 speeds forward and 1 reverse.

The vehicle is capable of towing its complement of artillery at 25 m.p.h. There is a main and auxiliary type of lubricating oil pump. Oil pressure is 4.4 to 6.6 lb. of gage pressure when warmed up. A Stromberg UR Z model carburetor is used. The main fuel storage tank has a capacity of 26.6 gals. In addition, there is an auxiliary tank having a capacity of 15.8 gals. A Sirocco type fan provides circulation for the air-cooled engine. A dry two-plate clutch is used. The grade-ascending ability is said to be 30° under the towing load. This vehicle can pivot turn. The winch capacity is 2.2 tons. The theoretical radius of action is 125 miles in 10 hours.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight        4 tons
Trailer load capacity
Winch capacity over 2 tons
Length 12 ft., 5 ins.
Width 6 ft., 1 in.
Height 7 ft., 3 ins.
Ground clearance 11.5 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 4 ins.
Ground contact 7 ft., 8 ins.
Track width 10 ins.
Track links 5 1/2 ins.
Fuel tank Main, 26.6 gals.; aux., 15.8 gals.
Fuel consumption
Fording depth 20 ins.
Speed 25 m.p.h.
Engine V-8 cyl., air-cooled, gasoline
Bore and stroke 90 mm x 125 mm—3.54 ins. x 4.92 ins.
Horsepower 88 (max.)
Ignition Magneto
Battery 12 v., 80 amp.-hr.
Transmission Selector type; 4 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Clutch brake
Crew 6

Japanese: p. 11 (April 1, 1945)

Categories
Japanese

Medium Tank Model 2597 (1937) (Special)

Japanese Medium Tank Model 2597 (1937) (Special)

The Model 97 Special Medium Tank was first placed in operation in the early spring of 1942. It is a modification of the Model 2597 Medium Tank (see page 9) with a modified turret to accommodate the 47 mm Model 1 (1941) tank gun instead of the normal short-barreled 57 mm gun.

The 47 mm tank gun conforms to the 47 mm Model 1 (1941) antitank gun (page 106) in the dimensions of chamber, caliber, and rifling and its performance is similar. The tank gun, however, has a vertical sliding breechblock, while the antitank gun has the horizontal type. The tank gun has a total traverse of 22° with an elevation from -11° to +17°. It is shoulder-controlled, with geared elevation and depression. However, free movement can be obtained, if desired. Penetration tests on the antitank gun indicate a penetration of 2 1/2 inches of homogeneous plate at normal at a range of 1,050 yards.

The Special Tank is readily recognized by its elongated turret, slightly offset to the right. This turret measures six feet from front to rear and three feet across the rear bulge. There is a door 19″ x 16″ in the turret back plate, an exit hatch 23″ x 16″ in the turret top plate, and an observation hatch 25″ in diameter in the cupola with a vision port 4″ in diameter in the cupola top plate. The gun mantlet of 30 mm thickness, sloped at 10° to the vertical, is bolted to the turret front. A 7.7 mm Model 97 L.M.G. is mounted at the turret rear. Another is mounted in the superstructure front plate at the left of the driver.

The armor plate thickness of the Special Tank is essentially the same as that of its predecessor except that the hull side plates of the former have been increased in thickness to 35 mm.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight (approx.)      15 tons
Length18 ft., 1 in.
Width7 ft., 8 ins.
Height7 ft., 11 ins.
Ground clearance14 ins.
Tread centers6 ft., 7 ins.
Ground contact11 ft., 7 ins.
Width of track13 ins.
Pitch of track4 3/4 ins.
Track links96
Fording depth3 ft., 3 ins.
Theoretical radius of action 
   Roads100 miles
   Cross country 
Armor
   Turret front25 mm at 10° to vertical
   Gun mantlet30 mm cast at 10° to vertical
   Front vertical plate25 mm at 10° to vertical
   Glacis plate 17 mm at 80° to vertical
   Nose plate15 mm at 62° to vertical
   Side superstructure20 mm at 40° to vertical
   Side hull plates35 mm
   Top rear plate12 mm
ArmamentOne 47 mm model 1 (194) tank gun; two type 97 light machine guns.
Ammunition (Rds.)104 rounds of 47 mm ammunition; 2,575 rounds of small arms ammunition.
EngineAir-cooled, V-12 diesel.
TransmissionMain gear box—4 speeds forward, 1 reverse—high and low ratios.
SteeringClutch brake
Crew5

Japanese: p. 8.1 (August 1, 1945)

Categories
Japanese

150 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer

Japanese 150 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer

This weapon is the 38 year type (1905) 15 cm howitzer mounted on a medium tank chassis. The chassis resembles that of the Medium Tank Model 2597 (1937), Special, described on page 8.1. The armor is riveted in the characteristic Japanese fashion, and on the chassis is of the same thickness as on the corresponding tank chassis, with a maximum of approximately one inch. On the superstructure, the gun shield has one-inch frontal armor and one-half-inch side armor.

The vehicle uses the standard V12, air-cooled, diesel engine, and the type 97 medium tank suspension, consisting of six dual rubber-tired bogie wheels on each side. The weapon mounted on this vehicle is the type 38 (1905) 15 cm howitzer, a very short weapon. It has an interrupted screw breechblock opening to the right, and uses a percussion primer. The rifling is 58 inches long and has increasing right hand twist. The maximum range of the field howitzer is reported as 6,500 yards. The maximum elevation is 30 degrees.

A self-propelled vehicle mounting a gun of 75 mm or 105 mm caliber, employing the same chassis and with a superstructure somewhat resembling the present vehicle has been reported.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         15 tons
Length 18 ft.
Width 7 ft., 6 ins.
Height (overall) 93 ins.
Height of chassis 47 ins.
Height of shield 61 ins.
Ground clearance 14 ins.
Tread centers 6 ft., 7 ins.
Ground contact (approx.) 160 ins.
Width of track 13 ins.
Pitch of track 5 1/8 ins.
Track links 96
Fording depth 39 ins.
Theoretical radius of action:
   Roads 100 miles
   Cross country
Speed:
   Roads 25 m.p.h.
   Cross country
Armor: gun shield
   Front plate 1 in.
   Sides 1/2 in.
Armament 15 cm Howitzer, Model 38 (1905)
Ammunition (Rds).
Engine V12, air-cooled, diesel
Transmission 4 speeds forward; 1 reverse (high and low range)
Steering clutch brake
Crew probably 5

Japanese: p. 8.2 (August 1, 1945)

Categories
Japanese

8 cm (7.62) High Angle Gun, Type 3

8 cm (7.62) High Angle Gun, Type 3 - Japanese

This weapon, previously erroneously called the Type 10, is a naval type antiaircraft gun, mounted on a pedestal which permits a traverse of 360 degrees. The gun tube, of built-up construction, recoils inside a sleeve type cradle. A guide on the bottom of the tube rides in a groove, preventing rotation of the tube. Since the trunnions are located at the rear of the tube, muzzle preponderance is compensated for by an equilibrator inside the pedestal.

A hand-operated, semi-vertical sliding type breechblock and a hydrospring recoil mechanism are used. Recoil and recuperator are located over the tube. A small cylinder above the recoil cylinder is apparently for storing an oil reserve.

The elevating handwheel is located to the left of the weapon, and the traversing handwheel to the right. Two platforms, one on either side attached to the superstructure, allow the layers to move with the gun in traverse.

A bracket on the left of the piece is believed to mount a telescope and range drum.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber       76.2 mm (3 ins.)
Weight of gun and mount5,290 lbs.
Weight of gun1,100 lbs.
Length of barrel40 cals.
Length of tube9 ft., 6 ins.
Height (traveling position)
Height (firing position)
Width (overall)
Length of chamber1 ft., 8 ins.
RiflingR. H. twist
No. of grooves24
Width of grooves
Depth of grooves
Width of lands
Muzzle velocity (H.E. shell)2,200 f/s
Max. range (horizontal)
Max. range (vertical)26,000 ft.
Rate of fire10 to 12 r.p.m.
Traverse360°
Elevation75°
Depression5°
Length of recoil
AmmunitionH.E. w/ powder train time fuze

Wt. of projectile12 lb., 11 ozs.

Japanese: p. 114.1 (August 1, 1945)

Categories
Japanese

300 mm Short Howitzer, Type 7

Japanese 300 mm Short Howitzer, Type 7

This howitzer was captured on Luzon. The emplacement, circular in shape and measuring 33 feet in diameter and 8 feet in depth, was camouflaged by a house on rails which was rolled back when the guns were to be fired. A small garden of banana trees was planted around the emplacement to add to the effect.

The howitzer tube is believed to be a built-up type. The liner is rifled with a uniform right hand twist, calculated to be one turn in 9.4 calibers. Two air flasks are mounted on the carriage for blowing out the tube after firing. Two equilibrators are mounted below the tube. The breech mechanism is an interrupted screw type having 8 segments of 20 threads. A percussion hammer firing mechanism is operated by a lanyard. A short cartridge case is used for obturation.

The upper carriage is a rectangular steel frame approximately 18 feet, 9 inches long, and 4 feet, 8 inches wide, fixed to a baseplate. The lower carriage is a truncated steel cone embedded in concrete approximately 6 to 8 feet under the ground. The upper carriage baseplate rests on a rail above a worm wheel, fixed to the lower carriage which engages a spur rack fitted to the base of the upper carriage.

The traversing handwheel is mounted in a horizontal position engaging a vertical shaft which terminates in the worm gear. The elevating handwheels, one on either side of the tube, are mounted on the carriage in a vertical position. A direct shaft from the elevating handwheel terminates in a spur gear which engages the elevating arc.

A panoramic sight is mounted on the right side of the gun.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber     305 mm (12 ins. approx.)
Weight (firing position)
Length of tube and breech16 ft., 6 ins.
Length of carriage base18 ft., 9 ins.
Width of carriage base4 ft., 8 ins.
Length (firing position)
Height (firing position)
Width (overall)
Length of bore
No. of lands72
Width of grooves
Depth of grooves
Width of lands
Muzzle velocity (shell)
Max. range (horizontal)—Trans. document13,000 yds.
Max. range (vertical)
Rate of fire
Traverse360°
Elevation, scale reading70°
Depression, scale reading3°
Length of recoil, scale reading420 mm
Ammunition
Wt. of projectile—Trans. document970 lbs.

Japanese: p. 116.3 (August 1, 1945)

Categories
Japanese

6.5 mm Sniper’s Rifle Model 97 (1937)

Japanese 6.5 mm Sniper's Rifle Model 97 (1937)

The Japanese 6.5 mm Sniper’s Rifle, Model 97, is a manually operated, bolt-action, air-cooled, shoulder weapon similar to the Model 38 (1905) 6.5 mm rifle except for its monopod, turned-down bolt handle, and telescopic sight. The telescopic sight is attached to the left hand side of the receiver by means of a dove-tailed base. It is a fixed focus type of 2.5 power and has a 10° field of vision.

The telescopic sight is approximately seven inches long and is equipped with an eyepiece of soft rubber. The reticle is marked in the following graduations: vertical from 0 to 15, horizontal 20 mils each side of the center, the markings being at 5 mil intervals. The horizontal line intersects the vertical scale at the 3 mark.

The telescopic sight is removable and when not in use is carried in a well constructed canvas case which has a heavy coating of lacquer on the outside for waterproofing. The case is fitted on the inside with a wooden spacer to secure the sight when it is inside. A small pocket to hold the sight cleaning brush is also constructed inside the case.

The rifle is also provided with a folding monopod which is pivoted on the lower band.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight (w/ telescopic sight)         10 lbs., 8 oz.
Length (overall w/o bayonet) 50.25 ins.
Sight radius 26.9 ins.
Principle of operation Manual, bolt-action
Feeding device Box magazine
Capacity of feeding device 5 rounds
Cooling system Air
Ammunition types Mod. 38, 6.5 mm ball and reduced charge ball
Rate of fire According to dexterity of user
Type of sight 2.5x telescopic sight
Weight of barrel
Length of barrel 31.4 ins.
Length of rifling 29.1 ins.
Rifling
Twist Uniform R.H. one turn in 7.88 ins.
Form Metford segmental
No. of grooves 4
Depth of grooves
Width of grooves
Chamber pressure
Muzzle velocity 2,400 ft. per sec.
Muzzle energy
Maximum range 2,600 yds.
Effective range (approx.) 600 yds.
Type of mount Folding monopod

Japanese: p. 208.1 (August 1, 1945)