Type 74
74式自走105mmりゅう弾砲
Overview
Type 74
Oblique frontal view of Japanese Type 74 self-propelled howitzer on display at the Nihonhara garrison in 2017.
Source: Hunini -
© CC BY-SA 4.0
1969 - 1974 (design phase)
1975 - 1978 (series production)
Japan - Japan Steel Works (ordnance and turret)
Description
Introduction
The Type 74 is a late Cold War era self-propelled howitzer of Japanese origin. The Type 74 is the first domestic post WW2 howitzer design to become operational. It was produced in limited quantities due to the limited performance of the 105mm howitzer and the success of the more ambitious larger caliber 155mm Type 75 design.
Design
The Type 74 is a tracked design based on similar automotive components as the Type 73 tracked armored personnel carrier. The engine is mounted at the front and the turret is located at the rear. The turret can rotate 360 degrees, but has no turret basket. The Type 74 has a crew of four, plus two in an ammunition resupply vehicle.
Firepower
The 105mm L/30 howitzer has a single baffle muzzle brake and a fume extractor. It fires 105mm ammunition compatile with the World War 2 era 105mm M101 towed howitzer, which was already in Japanese service. Maximum range is 14.5 km. A rate of fire of 10 rpm can be achieved.
Protection
The aluminum armor provides all around protection against small arms fire and shell splinters. The Type 74 can be operated under full armor protection. It is usually supported by a softskin ammunition resupply truck with an additional 2 crew members. An NBC system is fitted. There are no smoke grenade launchers.
Mobility
The Type 74 has good mobility in the field with its tracked chassis. The low weight and limited ground pressure makes it suitable for use in areas less suited for heavy vehicles. The 300 hp diesel engine provides for a maximum speed 50 km/h on road. When prepared with floation screen the Type 74 is amphibious.
Users
The Type 74 was acquired only by Japan. This is in line with Japanese policies on not exporting military equipment. Only 20 vehicles were produced. These are three batteries of six vehicles, plus two for training and attrition purposes.
Details
Media
Type 74
Forward view of Japanese Type 74 self-propelled howitzer on display at the JGSDF Public Information Center in 2008.
Source: los688
Copyright: Public domain
Type 74
Forward view of Japanese Type 74 self-propelled howitzer on display at the JGSDF Public Information Center in 2023.
Source: Syced
Copyright: Public domain
Type 74
Left side view of Japanese Type 74 self-propelled howitzer on display at the JGSDF Public Information Center.
Source: Sturmvogel 66
Copyright: CC BY-SA 3.0
Type 74
Rear view of Japanese Type 74 self-propelled howitzer on display at the JGSDF Public Information Center in 2023.
Source: Wiki Taro
Copyright: Public domain
Type 74
Forward view of Japanese Type 74 self-propelled howitzer on display at the Nihonhara garrison in 2017.
Source: Hunini
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
Type 74
Forward view of Japanese Type 74 self-propelled howitzer on public display.
Source: Se Topol
Copyright: Public domain
Related articles
Type 73
The chassis of the Type 74 is based on the Type 73 tracked armored personnel carrier. Chassis design is actually closer to the SUB-II prototype, while the Type 73 APC was based on the earlier SUB-I prototype.
Type 75
The larger caliber 155mm Type 75 was developed alongside the Type 74. It was acquired in larger numbers as it had better range and firepower.
