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 155 mm self-propelled howitzer of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, which was developed as the successor to the Type 75 155 mm self-propelled howitzer.

Type 99 155 mm self-propelled howitzer
Type 99 of the JGSDF
TypeSelf-propelled artillery
Place of originJapan
Service history
In service1999
Used byJapan Ground Self-Defense Force
Production history
ManufacturerMitsubishi Heavy Industries/Japan Steel Works
Produced1999–2022[1]
No. built117
Specifications
Mass40 tons
Width3.2 m
Crew4

Caliber155 millimetres (6.1 in)
Traverse360°
Rate of fire6 rpm

Armoraluminum alloy
Main
armament
1x Japan Steel Works, 155 mm/L52 artillery gun
Secondary
armament
1× 12.7 mm M-2HB machine gun
EngineMitsubishi 6SY31WA 6-cylinder diesel
600 bhp
Suspensiontorsion bar
Operational
range
300 km (185 mi)
Maximum speed 49.6 km/h

History

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Research and development for a successor to the Type 75 155 mm self-propelled howitzer started in 1985. The new weapon would have a 155 mm gun barrel 52 calibers long (L52) instead of the 30 calibers (L30) barrel of the Type 75, and would mount the latest fire-control system. Japan Steel Works was the primary contractor, developing and manufacturing the main gun and turret. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was tasked to design the chassis.

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.[2]

Characteristics

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The Type 99 uses a modified chassis from the Mitsubishi Type 89 IFV, lengthened with an additional road wheel. It has a 52 caliber gun barrel. The secondary armament consists of a roof-mounted .50 caliber (12.7 mm) machine gun, fitted with a shield. The armor provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. The vehicle is powered by a diesel engine, providing 600 horsepower. A travel lock for the gun is mounted on the front of the hull, which folds back onto the glacis plate when not in use. The howitzer is resupplied from the Type 99 ammunition resupply vehicle.

Operators

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  JPN

 
Rear quarter view

Similar vehicles

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References

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  1. ^ "(案)広報誌「ちゅうごくしこく」第55号" (PDF) (in Japanese). JP: MoD.
  2. ^ 99式自走155mm榴弾砲. 戦車研究室