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About the JGSDF Type 90 Tank
The third generation mainstay
tank for Japan's Ground Self Defense Force, the type 90 tank entered service in
August 1990. Taking more than 10 years in its development, the inside of this
latest Japanese tank is fully packed with state of the art hi-tech equipment.
The 120mm smoothbore main gun is combined with a precision fire control system;
comprising a trajectory computer, YAG (Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) laser beam range
finder and gun stabilizer, enabling accurate firing while moving. The passive
infrared night viewer makes nighttime operations possible. Use of the automatic
canon loading system eliminated the need of a loader, reducing the crew from
four men to three. A 7.62mm machine gun is mounted a the coaxial position of the
main gun, and a 12.7mm machine gun on the turret roof. The tank's distinctive
angular silhouette is due to the full use of Multi-material laminate armor,
which provides excellent protection for the crew. Ammunition stowage at the rear
of the turret is completely separated from the crew compartment, thus further
improved survivability is obtained. The water-cooled, V-10 cylinder diesel
engine is supplied by Mitsubishi Heavy Industry. Equipped with an electronically
controlled direct fuel injection, this power unit is capable of yielding 1,500
horsepower, propelling the 50 ton heavy tank up to a top speed of 70km/h they
hydraulic suspension is incorporated on four road wheels out of six on either
side, thus allowing the tank's attitude to be adjusted according to the
surrounding terrain.  |
