Type 10 tank

Infobox Weapon
name=Type 10


caption=
type=Main battle tank
origin= Japan
is_vehicle=yes
crew=3 (commander, gunner, driver)
length=9.42 m
width=3.24 m
height=2.30 m
weight=40 to 48 tonnes depending on the armor configuration
armour=Modular ceramic composite armor
primary_armament=120 mm of unknown barrel length, built by Japan Steel Works, Ltd
secondary_armament=M2HB 12.7 mm machine gun
Type 74 7.62mm machine gun
engine=4 stroke cycle 8 cylinder Diesel engine
engine_power=1200hp/2300rpm
suspension=Active Hydropneumatic Suspension
speed=70 km/h
pw_ratio=27 hp/tonne
vehicle_range=N/A

Overview

The TK-X (MBT-X) project aims to build a new main battle tank, designated as Type 10, to replace and/or complement the existing Type 74 and Type 90 main battle tanks that are currently in service with the Japan Ground Self Defense Force. The development began in 1990s, and production is expected to start in 2010-2011. A prototype was revealed on February 13th, 2008 at Technology Research and Development Institute (TRDI) in Sagamihara. Heavy emphasis was placed on C4I capabilities as well as increasing performance, firepower, defense and mobility.

Several pictures were released in February 13th, 2008, when the vehicle was revealed to the media at TRDI in Sagamihara. From the pictures, it is clear that the Type 10 has sloped turret armor similar to the Leopard 2A5 and onwards, as well as a side profile similar to the Leclerc due to the use of modular components, thereby significantly improving the side armor in comparison to the Type 90. The Commander's Panoramic Sight has been moved to the right and is located at a higher position than the Type 90, giving the commander a wide range of view.

The vehicle is expected to be armed with the 120 mm / L44 gun, license produced by Japan Steel Works, Ltd, although there is an option for L55 or a new barrel 50 caliber in length.

The vehicle's armor can be reconfigured depending on the needs. Without additional armor plating, the vehicle weighs about 40 tonnes, while weighing about 48 tonnes with all of the add-on armor. The prototype featured in 2008 at TRDI weighed 44 tonnes.

The development costs so far is approximately JPY¥48,400,000,000, or approximately USD$447m. Each unit is expected to cost approximately JPY¥700,000,000, or USD$6.5m.

Other features are as follows;
* It will use Continuously Variable Transmission.
* Autoloader will be present, with crew count of three (Commander and gunner in the turret, driver in the hull).
* It is equipped with active hydropneumatic suspension, which allows it to adjust its stance.
* C4I system is present.
* A day & night 360 degree sight is also mounted on the turret, which can be integrated with the "new Basic Regimental Command & Control System".

Other rumors are as follows;

* The main gun will have burst mode.
* It will use a 120mm smoothbore gun (Several options, including L44, L50 and L55.). Four kinds of prototype smoothbore guns were produced. The gun will be manufactured by Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
* Unlike the Type 90, the Type 10 uses exterior furnishing type modular ceramic composite armour.
* Same with the Type 90, auto-tracking (a "lock-on" mode) for its Fire Control System will be present.

ee also

Type 61 -
Type 74 -
Type 90 -Type 10

Notes and Sources

* Shinichi Kiyotani, 'Japan unveils TK-X main battle tank prototype,' Jane's Defence Weekly, Vol.45, Issue 9, 27 February 2008, p.13
* [http://www.janes.com/news/defence/land/jdw/jdw080225_1_n.shtml Japan unveils MBT prototype] - Jane's Land Forces News.