Place of origin Japan Used by Japan | In service 1999 No. built 117 | |
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Type Self-propelled artillery Manufacturer Mitsubishi Heavy Industries/Japan Steel Works | ||
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 self-propelled howitzer of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, which was developed as successor of the Type 75 155 mm Self-propelled howitzer.
Contents
History
The development of Type 99 self-propelled howitzer began in 1985 in order to replace the old Type 75 self-propelled howitzer. The new self-propelled artillery would use a L52 155 mm gun instead of the old L30 155 mm gun and would also mount the latest Fire-control system. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was tasked to design the chassis and the gun would be manufactured by Japan Steel Works.
The designing stage costed 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.
Overview
Research and development was started from 1985 as a successor for the older Type 75 self-propelled 155 mm howitzer.Japan Steel Works was the primary contractor, and developed the main gun and the turret.
The Type 99 uses a modified chassis from the Mitsubishi Type 89 IFV, lengthened with an additional road wheel. Type 99 uses a 52 caliber barrel compared to the 39 caliber barrel on the Type 75 self-propelled howitzer.
Secondary armament of the Type 99 consists of a roof-mounted 12.7-mm machine gun, fitted with a shield.
Armor of the Type 99 provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters.
Vehicle is powered by a diesel engine, developing 600 horsepower. A traveling lock is provided at the front of the hull. It folds back onto the glacis plate when not in use.
The Type 99 self-propelled howitzer is resupplied from the Type 99 ammunition resupply vehicle.