Type 74 105 mm self-propelled howitzer

Type 74 105 mm self-propelled howitzer

Type 74 displayed at the JGSDF Public Information Museum
Type Self-propelled howitzer
Place of origin Japan
Service history
In service 1975 - present
Used by  Japan
Production history
Designed 1969-1974
Produced 1975-1978
Number built 20
Specifications
Weight 16,500 kilograms (16.2 long tons; 18.2 short tons)
Length 5.8 metres (20 ft)
Width 2.9 metres (9 ft 6 in)
Height 2.39 metres (7 ft 10 in)
Crew 4

Shell separate-loading
Caliber 105 millimetres (4.1 in)
Traverse 360°
Muzzle velocity 645 m/s (2,120 ft/s)
Maximum firing range 14.5 kilometres (9 mi)

Armor aluminum
Main
armament
1x 105 mm JSW howitzer
Secondary
armament
1x 12.7 mm M-2HB machine gun
Engine Mitsubishi 4ZF 4-cylinder diesel
300 brake horsepower (220 kW)
Power/weight 18.4 hp/t
Transmission manual
Suspension torsion bar
Ground clearance 40 centimetres (16 in)
Fuel capacity 410 litres (110 US gal)
Operational
range
300 km (185 mi)
Speed 50 kilometres per hour (31 mph)

The Type 74 105 mm self-propelled howitzer is only used by Japan. It shares a number of automotive components with the Type 73 Armored Personnel Carrier which was developed during the same time. Komatsu developed the chassis, while the howitzer and turret were designed by Japan Steel Works. The first prototypes were completed in 1969-70. The howitzer was accepted for service in 1974.

It carries 30 rounds on board. It is amphibious when using the erectable flotation screen stowed around the periphery of the upper hull. It is equipped with a NBC filtration system.

In 2001 Japan reported to the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs that 20 Type 74s were in service.[1] According to Jane's Armour and Artillery 2008, the 17 remaining Type 74s are attached to the 2nd Artillery Regiment at Asahikawa, Hokkaido.

Notes

References

External links

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