Japanese 75mm Field Gun Type 90 (1930)
Technical Information

Background
When the Japanese Army rearmament program began during 1931, a new 75mm field gun based on the Schneider et Cie Canon de 85 mle 1927 was introduced, and designated the Type 90. But, the Schneider design was very complex and expensive to build, requiring very tight dimensional tolerances which were beyond the limits of Japanese industry to sustain at the time. In particular, the recoil system required high maintenance. Therefore, few units were built, and the design never achieved its intended purpose of replacing the Type 38 75 mm Field Gun.

The Type 90 75 mm Field Gun was unique among Japanese artillery pieces in that it had a muzzle brake. The carriage was of the split trail type. The Type 90 was built in two version: one with wooden wheels suitable for animal (horse) draft, and another with solid rubber tires and a beefed-up suspension for towing by motor vehicle. The latter weighed 200 kilograms (440 lb) more.

Wartime History
The Type 90 75 mm Field Gun was issued primarily to units based in Manchukuo (Manchuria). First used against the Red Army at during the Nomonhan Incident. Later used during the later stages of the Pacific War as an antitank gun. Used during 1945 in Defense of the Philippines, Battle of Iwo Jima and Battle of Okinawa.

Production
1,000+ starting in 1931.

Technical Details
Caliber  75mm
Muzzle Velocity  2,241 ft/s
Shell  14.5 lbs
Rate of Fire  10-12 rpm
Horizontal Range  16,360 yard (maximum)
Total Weight  3,100 lbs (approximately)
Ammunition  HE, Incendiarty, Smoke, AP and ilumination shells