Type 97 57 mm Tank Gun

The Type 97 57 mm tank gun was a Japanese gun originally used on the Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tanks during the Second World War. The cannon was a short barrelled weapon with a relatively low muzzle velocity which was sufficient for supporting the infantry. However, during the Battle of Khalkhin Gol (Nomonhan) against Soviet BT Tanks in 1939, the gun proved insufficient.

After Nomonhan, new tank guns were developed for the Chi-Ha with a calibre of 47 mm - less than 57 mm tank gun - but having a longer barrel, and better penetration than the Type 97 gun. From 1942 onwards, the Type 97 tanks were armed with the high velocity "Type 1 47 mm Anti-Tank Gun" in a new larger turret.

• Calibre: 57 mm
• Barrel length: 18.4 calibre (1.05 m)
• Muzzle velocity: 355.3 m/s (1,166 ft/s)
• As mounted on Chi-Ha tank
  • Elevation: -15 to +2 degrees,
• Penetration 25 mm at 1,000 m
• Shell:
  • AP
  • HEAT
    • Weight: 1.80 kg,
    • Length: 189 mm
    • Diameter: 55 mm diameter