SU 60
60式装甲車
Overview
SU 60
Japanese SU 60 on the move at JGSDF Camp Fukuchiyama in 2005. Note that no bow machine gun is fitted.
Source: earlyBird -
© Public domain
Japan - Komatsu
Some sources indicate total of 755
Type 60
Description
Introduction
The SU 60 is an early Cold War era armored personnel carrier of Japanese origin. It was developed in the late 1950's to become the standard armored personnel carrier in Japanese service. Over time it has been supplemented and replaced by the more capable Type 73.
Design
The SU 60 has a unique layout. The driver, commander and gunner are seated behind each other at the right. The engine is mounted at the left in the middle of the vehicle. In front of the engine the bow machine gunner is seated. The troop compartment is at the rear.
Firepower
Armament consists of a 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun on a pintle mount with gun shield. A .30-06 M1919A4 machine gun is fitted in the bow. Two types of mortar carriers were produced, armed with a 81mm and 107mm mortar respectively. Some SU-60 were fitted with two Type 64 MAT wire guided anti-tank missiles.
Protection
The steel armor protects against shell splinters and small arms fire. The armor can be pierced by heavy machine gun fire. No NBC system or smoke grenade dischargers are fitted.
Mobility
The tracked chassis provides a reasonable cross country performance. Even though the power to weight ratio is adequate the maximum speed is low. A 220 hp diesel engine provides propulsion.
Users
As with most Japanese weapon systems developed after World War 2 the SU 60 was not exported and the sole user of the SU 60 was Japan. It was gradually replaced by newer armored personnel carriers such as the tracked Type 73 and wheeled Type 96. In the late 1990's over 300 remained in use, but it was fully phased out as an armored personnel carrier in 2006.
Details
Subcomponents
Browning M1919
A .30 M1919A4 machine gun is fitted in the bow and is operated by a dedicated bow machine gunner.
Type 64 MAT
Some SU-60 were fitted with two Type 64 MAT wire guided anti-tank missiles.
Media
SU 60
Right side view of a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force SU 60 armored personnel carrier on parade.
Source: www.rightwing.sakura.ne.jp
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
SU 60
Several Japan Ground Self-Defense Force SU 60 armored personnel carriers on the move in 1985.
Source: US DoD
Copyright: Public domain
SU 60
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force SU 60 armored personnel carrier seen during an exercise in 1985.
Source: US DoD
Copyright: Public domain
SU 60
Right side view of a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force SU 60 armored personnel carrier seen during an exercise in 1985.
Source: US DoD
Copyright: Public domain
Variants
Type 60 ATM
The Type 60 ATM combines the Type 64 missile system with the SU-60 tracked armored personnel carrier. Two missile launch boxes are located on a mount over the rear of the vehicle.
SV 60
First type of mortar carrier based on the SU 60. Fitted with an 81mm M1 mortar in a square rear compartment. A total of 18 built.
SX 60
Second type of mortar carrier based on the SU 60. Fitted with an 107mm M2 mortar in a slanted rear compartment. A total of 18 built.
Related articles
Type 73
The SU 60 was supplemented and partially replaced by the Type 73 tracked armored personnel carrier. A smaller number of Type 73 were produced than the number of SU 60.
Type 96
Some of the remaining SU 60 were replaced in the 2000's by the Type 96 wheeled armored personnel carrier.