Type 74 105 mm self-propelled howitzer

Type 74 105 mm self-propelled howitzer
300px 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
Width
Height
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
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. According to Jane's Armour and Artillery 2008, the 17 remaining Type 74s are attached to the 2nd Artillery Regiment at Asahikawa, Hokkaido.

References

• Chant, Christopher. A Compendium of Armaments and Military Hardware. New York and London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1987 ISBN 0-7102-0720-4, p. 76

External links

• Type 75 on OnWar.com
• excerpt from Jane's Armour and Artillery 2008