Type 97 ShinHoTo Chi-Ha

Infobox Weapon
name=Type 97 ShinHoTo Chi-Ha


caption=Type 97 "Shinhoto Chi-Ha" on display at the United States Army Ordnance Museum in Aberdeen
is_vehicle=yes
length=5.52m
width=2.33m
height=2.23m
weight=14.8 Tons
suspension=Bell crank
speed=38km/hr
vehicle_range=???
primary_armament=1 x Type 1 47 mm Gun
secondary_armament= 2 x 7.7mm Type 97 MG
armour=8-33mm
engine=Diesel Engine 170 PS/2000 rpm
engine_power=170 hp (179 kW)
pw_ratio=???
crew=4

The Type 97 ShinhoTo Chi-Ha was a Japanese medium tank used in World War II that was made to improve the original Type 97 Chi-Ha.

Development

In order to improve the anti-tank capability of the Type 97 Chi-Ha, a new turret which had a high-velocity 47mm Gun was loaded on to the Chi-Ha.That's why they call it "ShinHoTo", meaning "New Turret". This design was probably the best tank Japan produced up to 1945.

History

The Type 97 ShinHoTo Chi-Ha first saw action at Corregidor Island of the Philippines in 1942. But even before producing the Type 97 ShinHoTo Chi-Ha, Japanese Army observers watched tank developments in Europe and studied as avidly as any European military officer the operational experiences gained by German, Soviet, and Italian tanks in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). When the Type 97 entered service, properly equipped and supported mechanized infantry units were realized. The skill with which Japanese commanders maneuvered their mechanized infantry divisions was best seen in Malaya. Japanese units moved so fast, and were so heavily supported by armor, that British defenders never had a chance to establish effective defense lines. The Type 97 ShinHoTo Chi-Ha served against allied forces throughout the Pacific and East Asia. It was also used against the Soviets during the July-August 1945 Lightning War in Manchuria. Although the gun was weak, it was still able to penetrate most allied tanks.

ee also

*Development of Japanese Tank in WW2