Type 75 (155 mm self-propelled howitzer)

Type 75 (155 mm self-propelled howitzer)
Type - Self-propelled gun
Place of origin - Japan
Service history
In service - 1975-2016
Used by - Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
Production history
Designed - 1969-1975
Produced - 1975-1988
No. built - 201
Specifications
Mass - 25.3 tonnes (24.9 long tons; 27.9 short tons)
Length - 6.64 m (21.8 ft) (hull)
Barrel length - 4.65 m (183 in)
Width - 2.98 m (9.8 ft)
Height - 2.55 m (8.4 ft)
Crew - 6 (commander, driver, two gunners, layer and radio operator)
Shell - separate-loading, bagged charge
Caliber - 155 millimetres (6.1 in)
Elevation - -5° to +65°
Traverse - 360°
Rate of fire - 6 rpm
Effective firing range - 19,000 metres (21,000 yd) (HE)
Maximum firing range - 24,000 metres (26,000 yd) (rocket-assisted)
Armor - Aluminum
Main armament - 1x Japan Steel Works Type 75 155 mm L/30 howitzer (28 rounds)
Secondary armament - 1x 12.7 mm Browning M2HB (1000 rounds)
Engine - Mitsubishi 6ZF21WT V-type 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel (450 hp at 2200 rpm)
Suspension - Torsion bar
Ground clearance - 40 centimetres (16 in)
Fuel capacity - 650 litres (170 US gal)
Operational range - 300 km (190 mi)
Maximum speed - 47 km/h (29 mph)

The Type 75 155 mm self-propelled howitzer (75式自走155mm榴弾砲, nana-go-shiki-jisou-155mm-ryuudan-hou) is an armored artillery vehicle in the exclusive use of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. Self-propelled howitzers are employed to provide mobile heavy fire support to army units in the field.
The Type 75 shares a number of automotive components with the Type 74 105 mm self-propelled howitzer, which was developed during the same time. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries developed the chassis, which was based on the Type 73 Armored Personnel Carrier, while the howitzer and turret were designed by Japan Steel Works. Two prototypes were completed in 1971-72 and differed only in their loading systems. Trials were conducted 1973-74 and the howitzer was accepted for service in October 1975. It carries 28 rounds of ammunition on board.
As of 2001 Japan reported to the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs that 201 Type 75s were in service. Starting in 1999, it was gradually replaced by the Type 99 155 mm self-propelled howitzer. As of December 2008 it still equipped the 5th, 11th, 171st and 172nd Field Artillery Battalions.
All Type 75s were decommissioned by 2016.
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