Type 87 RV
87式偵察警戒車
Overview
Type 87
Side view of Type 87 reconnaissance vehicle parked at a harbor.
Source: Hunini -
© GNU Attribution Share Alike license
87 ARV / Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle
87 RCV / Reconnaissance Combat Vehicle
Description
Introduction
The Type 87 is a reconnaissance vehicle of Japanese origin. It was developed for the armed reconnaissance role. Until the introduction of the Type 87 only softskin vehicles were used for reconnaissance by Japan.
Layout
The Type 87 is based on the chassis of the Type 82 command post vehicle. Both vehicles have a 6x6 wheelbase and share many automotive components. The internal layout was changed. The engine has been moved to the rear in order to mount a large two man turret in the center. The crew of five consists of the commander, driver, gunner and two scouts that can dismount.
Firepower
The Type 87 is armed with a 25mm Oerlikon KBA autocannon. This allows the vehicle to engage most types of combat vehicles, except for heavily armored vehicles such as tanks. A total of 400 rounds of armor piercing and high explosive ammunition are carried. The maximum effective range of the KBA is 2 km. A 7.62mm Type 74 vehicle machine gun is mounted as a coaxial weapon.
Mobility
The Type 87 has a very good mobility on roads and medium cross country mobility. The Isuzu V10 diesel engine provides up to 305 hp. The maximum speed on roads is 100 km/h. The Type 87 is not amphibious.
Protection
The armor protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. Over the frontal arc it resists heavy machine gun fire. Smoke grenade launchers are fitted on either side of the turret.
Users
The Type 87 is in use with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force. A total of 111 production vehicles were delivered. In accordance with Japanese policy this vehicle has not been exported.
Details
Type 87
Several Type 87 reconnaissance vehicles in the field.
Source: Rikujojieitai Boueisho -
© GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Variants of the Type 87
The Type 87 was produced only in a single variant. The chassis and automotive components are shared with the Type 82 command post vehicle. The Type 82 lacks a turret and has a raised roofline.
List of components
Media
Type 87
Forward view of Type 87 reconnaissance vehicle.
Source: Hunini
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Type 87
Several Type 87 reconnaissance vehicles on parade in 2010.
Source: Rikujojieitai Boueisho
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Type 87
Rear view of Type 87 reconnaissance vehicle.
Source: Max Smith
Copyright: Public domain
Type 87
Several Type 87 reconnaissance vehicles on parade in 2010.
Source: Rikujojieitai Boueisho
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Type 87
Close up of the Type 87 reconnaissance vehicle's turret which is fitted with the 25mm Oerlikon KBA autocannon.
Source: Max Smith
Copyright: Public domain
Related articles
Type 82
The Type 87 reconnaissance vehicles is based on the same 6x6 chassis as the Type 82 command post vehicle.