The change of the mounting studs in practice led to a decrease in the width of the horizontal sector in which the gun could move. Suspension system in turn, retained the main features, but was also refined. First of all, significant changes have undergone recoil devices. Before installation on the tank "Type 1" gun has undergone a major modernization. Despite the name, this weapon was not the same as the one that was mounted on Shinhoto Chi-Ha. The main caliber "Chi-He" - 47-mm gun "Type 1". ![]() The weapons remained almost similar to the previous Shinhoto Chi-Ha tank. The commander, gunner and loader located in the fighting compartment, which required an increase in the volume of the turret. Targeting a gun has now become the task of an individual crew member. Maintenance of radio communications was assigned to the tank commander, who was relieved of his duties as a gunner. The remaining performance remained at the level of the previous tanks.Īnother step towards bringing the tank to the generally accepted world view was the installation of a radio station on all vehicles and the introduction of a fifth person into the crew. This was enough for maximum speed when driving on a highway of 45 km / h. The 240 hp engine provided the tank with a specific power of about 13-14 horsepower per ton of weight. The increased weight required the installation of a new engine, it was the "Type 100" manufactured by Mitsubishi. The remaining performance remained at the level of the previous tanks. ![]() For this reason, the tank frame was simplified as much as possible, and in some places the structures were completely removed, the hull lines and a number of internal mechanisms were also changed.Īs a result of all the changes, the new medium tank gained only a couple of tons of weight relative to Chi-Ha. When designing the Type 1, the designers were tasked with increasing the protection and firepower while maintaining the weight of the machine. Of course, in comparison with foreign tanks, the level of protection of Chi-He did not look unique, but for the Japanese military industry this was a significant step forward. ![]() Notably, the vehicle was also significantly larger than other Japanese vehicles, with a crew of five. While the welded armor plate was not as heavy as that of the M4 Sherman, it was a considerable step forward in armor protection for the Japanese, finally producing a vehicle which could provide adequate protection against Allied anti-tank rounds. The forehead of the turret was made of 25-mm slab and partially covered with a mask of a gun 40 mm thick. The frontal rolled armor plates of the tank were 50 millimeters thick, the sides were two times thinner. In addition, in comparison with the "Chi-Ha" new "Type 1" received a more serious armor. For the first time in Japanese tank building, most of the parts were welded, rivets were used only in some places of the structure. While the vehicle did retain the excellent low ground pressure ratio found in most Japanese vehicles, balance was considerably improved, the hull superstructure took on a completely new appearance, and the entire vehicle was welded, something which had only been attempted previously with tankettes.įirst of all, it is necessary to note the updated design of the armored hull. Its superstructure, hull, and main armament were a radical departure from previous Japanese designs. The Type 1 was a marked improvement over the Type 97. The project "Type 1" or "Chi-He" finally began to resemble European tanks of that time, both in design and in combat qualities. Simultaneously with the medium tank "Shinhoto Chi-Ha" a new armored vehicle was developed, the design of which took into account all the shortcomings of the original "Chi-Ha" and its predecessors.
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