Type 97 Chi-Ha Medium Tank
Technical Information
Background
The Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) Type 97 Chi-Ha / Kyūnana-shiki chū-sensha Chi-ha / 九七式中戦車 チハ / was a medium tank used in China, Manchuria and until the end of the Pacific War.
Development
 During 1936 development began based around the Type 90 57mm main gun (short barrel) as the main armament in the turret, the same gun used in the prior Type 89 I-Go Medium Tank. The secondary armament were two Type
97 7.7mm machine guns, one in the forward hull and the other in the rear of the turret with up to
2,745 rounds in magazines for both weapons. The hull had a six wheel suspension based on the system used in the Type 95 Ha Go Light Tank.
Wartime History
In 1937 the
Type 97 Chi-Ha entered service with the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA). Used during the Battle of Khalkhin Gol (Nomonhan Incident) but proved ineffective against Soviet armor. Afterwards, the Type 97 Chi-Ha Shinhoto (Type 97-Kai / Improved Type 97) was developed with the more effective 47mm Type 1 main gun with higher velocity with 120 rounds. Regardless, the Type 97 Chi-Ha remained in use until the end of the Pacific War. The type last action with the Japanese Army was during the Battle of Shumshu on August 18, 1945.
Wartime History
Used in the
Battle of Nomonhan and during the Pacific War until the official surrender of Japan.
Production
Built by Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Nihon and
Sagami. A total of 2,092 (other sources state 2,208) Type 97 Chi-Ha and Type 97 Chi-Ha Shinhoto (Type 97-Kai / Improved Type 97) were built between 1938–1943 making the Type 97 Chi-Ha was the most widely produced Japanese tank of World War II until production ceased to produce the newer Type 1 Chi-He medium tank.
References
Imperial Japanese Army - AFV - Type 97 Medium Tank "Chi-Ha"
Technical Details
Crew 3-4 (Driver, Gunner, Loader, Commander)
Weight (loaded) 15.8 tons
Length 5.5m
Width 2.34m
Height 2.38m
Maximum Speed 25 mph
Armor (front) 25mm (side) 15mm
Armament (main gun) Type 97 57 mm tank gun with 120 rounds, (hull and turret) 2 x Type
97 7.7mm machine guns with 2,745 rounds in magazines
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