Type 3 Chi-Nu Self Propelled Gun
Technical Information
Development
Development on the Type 3 Chi-Nu started in May 1943 and was finished by October, just six months later. The low priority given to tank production by 1943 meant that the Type 3 did not enter actually enter production until 1944, by which time raw materials were in very short supply, and much of Japan's industrial infrastructure had been destroyed by American bombing. Used a Type 97 Chi-Ha chassis with a newly design turret, to combat the M4 Sherman Tank.
At least 6 tank regiments were equipped with Type 3 Chi-Nu tanks on Kyūshū and Honshū, including the IJA 1st Armored Division and IJA 4th Armored Division based around Tokyo. As the surrender of Japan occurred before that invasion, the Type 3 was never used in combat.
Production
A total of 166 units were produced (55 units in 1944, 111 units in 1945). The Type 3 Chi-Nu was the last tank that was fielded by the Imperial Japanese armed forces, and was still being produced at the end of the war
Technical Details
Crew 5
Weight 18.2 tons (loaded)
Speed 39 km/h
Armor 12mm to 80mm
Engine Mitsubishi Type 100 V-12 diesel
Range 210 km
Armament 75 mm Type 3 gun
Secondary 1 x 7.7 mm Type 97 MG (hull)
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