Type 10
| Type 10 | |
|---|---|
 A Type 10 prototype demonstration at the JGSDF Fuji School in Gotemba, Shizuoka prefecture, Japan. |
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| Type | Main battle tank |
| Place of origin |  Japan |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2012–present |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries |
| Unit cost | ¥954 million; $11.3 million (2010) |
| Produced | 2010 - |
| Number built | 13 (2011: FY 2010) 68 (FY 2011~2015 planning estimate) |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 44 tonnes (standard) |
| Length | 9.485 m |
| Width | 3.24 m |
| Height | 2.30 m |
| Crew | 3 (commander, gunner, driver) |
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| Armor | Nano-crystal steel (nor Triple Hardness Steel), Modular ceramic composite armor, Light weight upper armor. |
| Main armament |
120 mm L44 smoothbore cannon (Prototype), built by Japan Steel Works, Ltd |
| Secondary armament |
M2HB 12.7 mm machine gun Type 74 7.62 mm machine gun |
| Engine | 4-stroke cycle 8-cylinder Diesel engine 1200 hp/2300 rpm |
| Power/weight | 27 hp/tonne |
| Transmission | Continuously variable transmission (Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission) |
| Suspension | Hydropneumatic Active suspension |
| Operational range |
N/A |
| Speed | Forward: 70 km/h Backward: 70 km/h[1] |
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The Type 10 (10式戦車 Hito-maru-shiki-sensya) is a third generation Japanese main battle tank.[2]
Contents |
[edit] Overview
The TK-X (MBT-X) project aims to produce the new Type 10 main battle tank, to replace or complement the existing Type 74 and Type 90 main battle tanks that are currently in service with the Japan Ground Self Defense Force. Development began in the 1990s, and production is expected to start in 2010–2011. A prototype was revealed on February 13, 2008 at the Technology Research and Development Institute (TRDI) in Sagamihara. Heavy emphasis was placed on C4I capabilities as well as on performance, firepower, protection and mobility.[3]
The use of modular components significantly improves the side armor compared to the Type 90. The Commander's Panoramic Sight has been moved to the right and is located at a higher position than the Type 90, giving the commander a wide range of view.
According to a GlobalSecurity report, the vehicle is expected to be armed with a new 120 mm smoothbore gun developed by Japan Steel Works, who also license-produce the Rheinmetall L44 120mm gun for the Type 90 MBT. There is an option for longer barrels of 50 and 55 calibers (L50, L55). The gun will fire newly developed armor-piercing ammunition, but is also compatible with all standard 120 mm NATO ammunition.[4]
The vehicle's armor consists of modular sections, providing the ability to mount varying degrees of protection depending on the mission profile as well as weight requirements. Vehicle weight is about 40 tonnes with the base configuration, and 48 tonnes when fully equipped. The prototype featured in 2008 at TRDI weighed 44 tonnes.[4]
The development costs as of 2008 are approximately JPY ¥48,400M (approximately USD $447M). Each unit is expected to cost approximately ¥700M ($6.5M).[4]
The Japanese Ministry of Defense formally acknowledged the Type 10 in December 2009. In 2010, the Japanese Ministry of Defense placed a ¥12,400M order for thirteen Type 10 tanks (Unit cost: ¥954M).[5]
These Type 10 tanks entered JGSDF service in January, 2012[6].
Other features are as follows;
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)[7] that allows the tank to reach 70 km/h forward as well as reverse.
- Autoloader with crew of three (Commander and gunner in the turret, driver in the hull).
- Hydropneumatic active suspension,[7] which allows it to adjust its stance and absorbs recoil when firing.
- Day/night sights mounted around the turret, providing a full 360° coverage as well as providing input to the C4I system.[4]
[edit] See also
[edit] Notes
- ^ JGSDF Fuji School Camp Fuji Opened 56 anniversary announce
- ^ "Competition Tank Asian countries: China Satellite Compass may be supported 99A2". Military of China, force comment. August 31, 2011. Archived from the original on February 23, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/65exLOALY.
- ^ Japanese Ministry of Defense Technology Research and Development Institute (TRDI)http://www.mod.go.jp/trdi/en/programs/ground/ground.html
- ^ a b c d Type 10 MBT-X Prototype (TK-X) -GlobalSecurity.org
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/mbt-x.htm - ^ Based on the production of thirteen Type 10 tanks during FY2010
- ^ Type 10 tank entered JGSDF service - Jiji Press, January 10, 2012
- ^ a b Accelerating Defence Acquisition: What Defence Can Learn From the World of Motorsport -RUSI Defence Systems, june 2008, p. 81,p. 82'
http://www.rusi.org/downloads/assets/Ireland_RDS_Summer08.pdf
[edit] References
 |
This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (April 2009) |
- Type 10 MBT-X Prototype (TK-X) -GlobalSecurity.org
- Shinichi Kiyotani, 'Japan unveils TK-X main battle tank prototype,' Jane's Defence Weekly, Vol.45, Issue 9, 27 February 2008, p. 13
- Japan unveils MBT prototype - Jane's Land Forces News.
- Accelerating Defence Acquisition: What Defence Can Learn From the World of Motorsport - Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies(RUSI), 'RUSI Defence Systems, June 2008, p. 81,p. 82'.
- IDG News Service video on the Type 10 tank
- Development report of JSDF New tank (Japanese) 1 - Japanese Ministry of Defense.
- Development report of JSDF New tank (Japanese) 2 - Japanese Ministry of Defense.
- Development report of JSDF New tank (Japanese) 3 - Japanese Ministry of Defense.
- New Tank - Japanese Ministry of Defense TRDI.
- TRDI 50th Annual - Japanese Ministry of Defense TRDI.
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: JGSDF Type 10 tanks |
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