The Type 19 155 mm Wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzer (19式装輪自走155mmりゅう弾砲, Hitokyuu-shiki-sourin-jisou-155mm-ryuudan-hou) is Japanese wheeled self-propelled gun. The vehicle is designed to replace Japan's inventory of FH70 Towed Howitzers.
| Type 19 155 mm Wheeled Self-propelled Howitzer | |
|---|---|
 Type 19 prototype | |
| Type | Self-propelled howitzer |
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Service history | |
| Used by |  Japan Ground Self-Defense Force |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2011 |
| Manufacturer | Japan Steel Works |
| No. built | 5 prototypes |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 11.4 m |
| Width | 2.5 m |
| Height | 3.4 m |
| Crew | 5 |
| Caliber | 155 mm |
Main armament | 155 mm/52-calibre |
Secondary armament | None |
Development edit
In 2011, the Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD) evaluated a proposal to develop a vehicle capable of networking with other systems and performing shoot-and-scoot tactics to replace the FH70.[1] The MOD's evaluation finished in 2012 and requested 6.4 billion yen be invested into the development of the vehicle in the FY 2013 defense budget; with development and testing occurring between 2013 and 2016.[2] Research and development of the 155 mm wheeled howitzer was granted in the FY 2013 defense budget, although the budget was lowered to 1.4 billion yen.[3]
On 31 May 2018, the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) received 5 prototypes from Japan Steel Works for testing and evaluation.[4]
Seven wheeled howitzers were procured for training purpose in the FY 2019 defense budget for a total of 5.1 billion yen.[5]
The artillery was officially unveiled in the 2019 East Fuji Maneuver Area.[6]
Design edit
The vehicle features an L52 155 mm gun mounted on the back of an 8x8 truck chassis.[4] Compared to the towed FH70, the wheeled howitzer is designed to be mobile and networked to a Firing Command and Control System, which receives targeting information from artillery observers.[7]
According to the FY 2013 defense budget request, the wheeled howitzer features the barrel part used on the Type 99 155 mm self-propelled howitzer and body of a heavy wheeled recovery vehicle to reduce development cost.[8] The truck chassis is a RMMV HX 8x8 military truck.[6]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ "2011 prior business evaluation evaluation list Development of fire fighting vehicle (Full Text)" (PDF). Ministry of Defense (Japan). 2011. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
- ^ "2012 Preliminary Business Evaluation Evaluation List Development of fire fighting vehicle (Full Text)" (PDF). Ministry of Defense (Japan). 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
- ^ "Defense Programs and Budget of Japan Overview of FY2013 Budget" (PDF). Ministry of Defense (Japan). January 2013. pp. 10 & 27. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
- ^ a b "装輪１５５ｍｍりゅう弾砲（試作品）". Ministry of Defense (Japan). Retrieved 6 August 2019.
- ^ "Defense Programs and Budget of Japan Overview of FY2019 Budget" (PDF). Ministry of Defense (Japan). December 2018. p. 14. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
- ^ a b "Japanese army unveils its new Type 19 155mm 8x8 wheeled self-propelled howitzer". Army Recognition. 24 August 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
- ^ "2012 Preliminary Business Evaluation Evaluation List Development of fire fighting vehicle (Reference)" (PDF). Ministry of Defense (Japan). 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
- ^ "Defense Programs and Budget of Japan Overview of FY2013 Budget Request" (PDF). Ministry of Defense (Japan). September 2012. p. 11. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
