Japanese team chi ha tank. Chi-Ha is the main Japanese tank of World War II. Philippines and Japanese islands
The Type 97 Chi-Ha is a Japanese medium tank that was heavily used during the time, along with the older . In terms of mass, Chi-Ha was rather light - it could only be classified as medium according to the Japanese classification.
The history of the creation of Chi-Ha
By the mid-30s of the XX century, Japan's main medium tank Type 98 was completely outdated. The Japanese command revised the requirements for medium tanks and ordered the development of more maneuverable vehicles. In 1936, the final performance characteristics for the new medium tank were formulated - it had to be faster, more secure, smaller, and at the same time retain the old armament. Two prototypes were made - "Chi-ha" from the company "Mitsubishi" and "Chi-ni" from the arsenal in Osaka.
In 1936-1937, prototypes were tested, and at first preference was given to the lighter and cheaper Chi-Ni. But after the first major military clashes with China, it became obvious that the maneuverable and armored Chi-Ha would show itself better. As a result, he was adopted, designating the name "Type 2597". In 1937, the tank began to be mass-produced.
Tactical and technical characteristics (TTX)
general information
- Classification - medium tank, although by world standards it was more light tank;
- Combat weight - 15.8 tons;
- Layout diagram - transmission compartment in front, engine compartment in the back;
- Crew - 4 people;
- Years of production - 1938-1943;
- Years of operation - 1938-1945;
- The number of issued - 2123 pieces.
Chi-Ha layout Dimensions
- Case length - 5500 millimeters;
- Hull width - 2330 millimeters;
- Height - 2380 millimeters;
- Ground clearance - 420 millimeters.
Booking
- Armor type - surface-hardened rolled steel;
- Forehead of the hull (middle) - 10 / 82 ° -20 / 65 ° mm / degree;
- Hull board (top) - 20 / 25-40 ° mm / degree;
- Hull feed (top) - 20 / 67 ° mm / degree;
- Bottom - 8.5 mm;
- Hull roof - 10-12 mm;
- The forehead of the tower - 25 / 10 ° mm / degree;
- The side of the tower - 25 / 10 ... 12 ° mm / degree;
- Cutting feed - 25 / 12 ° mm / degree;
- Tower roof - 10 mm.
Armament
- Brand and caliber of the gun - Type 97, 57 millimeters;
- Gun type - rifled;
- Barrel length - 18.4 caliber;
- Gun ammunition - 120;
- Angles HV: -9…+21;
- Sight - telescopic;
- Machine guns - 2 × 7.7 mm Type 97.
Mobility
- Engine type - Twelve-cylinder diesel V-shaped, liquid-cooled;
- Power - 170 Horse power;
- Highway speed - 38 km / h;
- Cross-country speed - 19 km / h;
- Power reserve on the highway - 210 km;
- Specific power - 10.8 hp / t;
- Suspension type - Hara;
- Climbability - 30-35 degrees;
- Overcoming wall - 1 meter;
- Crossable moat - 2.5 meters;
- Crossable ford - 1 meter.
Chi-Ha modifications
So Chi-Ha was very successful and popular, so several modifications were built on its basis, which were actively used along with the base tank.
Shinhoto Chi-Ha
When the Japanese troops clashed with the Soviets near the Khalkhin-Gol River, it became clear that tank guns should have anti-tank properties in the first place. So in 1939, the "ShinhoTo Chi-Ha" was developed - a modification with a new turret and a 47 mm gun. It had a smaller caliber, but due to the length of the projectile, a high initial velocity was attached, so that new gun pierced the armor of tanks much better. Shinhoto were produced along with the regular Chi-Ha until 1943.
Shinhoto Chi-Ha Chi-Ha with a 120 mm cannon
On the basis of already "Shinhoto" by order marines created a variation with a naval short-barreled gun with a caliber of 120 millimeters. Such a tank was produced after 1942 in small quantities.
Chi-Ki
This was command tank- the tower was occupied by radio equipment and there was a 57-mm gun in it, and a 37-mm gun was installed in place of one machine gun.
Vehicles based on the Type 97 Chi-Ha
Except various modifications other vehicles were also created on the basis of the Chi-Ha tank.
Anti-tank:
- Ho-Ro - self-propelled howitzer. Instead of a turret, a 150-mm howitzer was placed. Only about 12 were produced;
- Ho-Ni - a whole series of self-propelled guns. Similar in design to the Ho-Ro, but the Ho-Ni III had a closed conning tower. They were mainly used for fire support. Were the only ones more or less mass self-propelled guns Japan in World War II (about 170 pieces were produced).
Ho-Ni I - self-propelled guns based on Chi-Ha. Special:
- Ka-Ha - a machine for the destruction of wired communication lines due to the action of a dynamo machine with a DC generator. The creators assumed that he would destroy the means of communication through the telegraph wire. A total of four such machines were built, but there is no data on their use;
- Ka-So - an armored vehicle for artillery observers. Did not have weapons in the tower;
- Ho-K - logging machine used in the jungles of New Guinea;
- Chi-Yu - an armored mine trawl with a turret and weapons.
Repair and technical
- Se-Ri is a recovery vehicle. A small conical turret with a machine gun was placed on it, and on the stern there was a crane with a lifting capacity of 5 tons. Only a couple of copies were produced;
- T-G - an armored bridgelayer that made it possible to assemble the bridge with the help of two missiles - the bridge flew out of the car in just a few seconds. At the same time, the resulting bridge could hold Japanese tanks, but failed under the American ones. However, the T-G was never mass-produced.
Combat use
In the battles at Khalkhin Gol, the Chi-Ha tanks have not yet been used, but only tested at the front. After the defeat, it was decided to replace many of the "Ha-Go" with Type 97 "Chi-ha", so they began to be produced more actively.
In 1941, the Japanese invaded Malaya and the Philippines. They mainly participated in battles with American tanks, but the medium Chi-Ha were also used by the Japanese troops to escort the infantry and finally break the enemy.
In the battles on Bataan, the Chi-Ha was already used much more actively, but in the end it turned out that their 57-mm weapons were ineffective against the American Stuarts. Therefore, two Shinhoto Chi-Ha were transferred to the islands. For the first time this modification was used in the landing on Corregidor, May 5, 1942.
In Malaya, "Chi-Ha" was also used actively and very successfully, mainly due to the fact that the enemy did not have anti-tank weapons. Tanks played a special role in the capture of Singapore on 15 February.
In 1943, Japan in the Pacific and Asia was forced to switch from offensive to defensive. To do this, all units were actively equipped with tanks, both Chi-Ha and Ha-Go, as well as floating and other modifications.
In the battles on the island of Saipan in July 1944, Japanese tank forces clashed with American tanks. As a result, many Japanese vehicles were lost under fire from the M4 and anti-tank M3. The same thing happened on the island of Guam.
In the Pacific Theater of Operations, these two islands became the places of the most active use of Japanese tanks. It was here that it became clear that the Chi-Ha were already outdated - they made their way too easily with American cannons and even heavy machine guns.
Type 97 Chi-Ha with a tanker Philippines and Japanese islands
In the Philippines, Japanese tanks also did not perform too well - in battles with American tanks, especially Shermans and self-propelled guns, many Chi-Ha and Shinhoto Chi-Ha were lost. Japanese tanks also failed in the defense of Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Formosa. True, one stronghold with three Shinhoto Chi-Ha managed to put up stubborn resistance - the fighting on the island of Iwo Jima went on from February to March 26. But in the end, resistance was crushed anyway. In the fierce battles in Okinawa, tanks almost did not participate. Especially because of the defeat in the Philippines, the Japanese did not take risks and transfer tanks to Okinawa.
Chi-Ha shot down in the Philippines Continental battles
On the continent, "Chi-Ha" fought in Burma and China. In Burma, the last Japanese tanks were killed in a collision with Shermans in March 1945. In China, tanks performed more successfully, mainly due to the weak anti-tank defense of the enemy. By the way, when Japan surrendered, the third tank division not completely disarmed - they began to use it to defend Beiping from the National Liberation Army.
When did the Manchurian offensive Soviet troops, the Kwantung Army had several tank brigades and regiments armed mainly with "Chi-Ha" and "Shinhoto Chi-Ha". In total, the grouping had 1215 tanks. In general, their application was unsuccessful, and they were defeated. The same awaited Japanese tanks on Kuril Islands- The remains of the Shinhoto Chi-Ha can still be seen on Paramushir Island.
After Japan surrendered, "Chi-Ha" was used in the Third civil war in China, on both sides. They were mainly used to support infantry. In Japan itself, "Chi-Ha" were in service until the 60s, but were used more as training vehicles.
tank memory
Museums today store three Chi-Ha tanks, and there are also 11 vehicles that were badly damaged in battles:
- Indonesia, Malanga, National Museum;
- China, Beijing - People's Revolutionary Museum;
- Japan, Yasukuni Shrine;
- Japan, Tank School of the Imperial Japanese Army;
- Russia, Ivanovskoye village in the Moscow region, Military Technical Museum. The tank is on the move;
- Russia, Kuril Islands, Shumshu island. Several damaged tanks;
- On the islands of Guadalcanal, Saipan and Duke of York Island there are 9 Chi-Ha tanks abandoned by crews or damaged in battles.
Remains of Shinhoto Chi-Ha in the Kuril Islands
tank photos
Padded Chi-Ha 
Type 97 Chi-Ha at the US Army Museum in Aberdeen 
Shinhoto Chi-Ha with crew Tank in culture
Despite widespread use, in popular culture the tank "Chi-Ha" has no significant mentions. He is not mentioned in the films or in fiction, but it can be found in game world of tanks as a Japanese medium tank of the third tier and as a medium tank of the first rank.
16-05-2017, 15:24
Good day to all and welcome to the site! Our guest today is an unusual vehicle for its class of vehicles, a Chinese light tank of the third level, in front of you Type 2597 Chi-Ha guide.
As you understand, this unit is at the origins of the Chinese tree of development of light tanks, but looking ahead I will say that it has little in common with the classical understanding of "fireflies". Nevertheless, it is a fairly powerful machine with a number of its advantages and disadvantages, which are important to be aware of if you want to show yourself worthy in battle.
TTX Type 2597 Chi-Ha
We will start our acquaintance with this unit with the fact that it is the owner of a fairly standard margin of safety for its level and a very decent base viewing radius of 330 meters, which will help you more than once in battle.
Like most light tanks, our Type 2597 Chi-Ha specifications the armor is frankly weak, because even in the frontal projection in most areas the thickness of the metal is equal to the declared 25 millimeters, which is easily penetrated by almost every enemy encountered.
The only place where we can tank at least some classmates is the upper frontal part. This area in case Type 2597 Chi-Ha WoT has a good slope, the armor here smoothly flows from 47 to 58 millimeters of reduction, this gives a chance to withstand hits from machine guns and periodically catch ricochets from other guns of classmates.
The lateral projection does not differ in any strength, so even at an angle they pierce everything into the side, what can we say about cases when the enemy was able to go around you and shoot at the side at a right angle.
Not very encouraging and indicators of invisibility of the machine. The fact is that the Chinese has impressive dimensions both in height and in length. For this reason Type 2597 Chi-Ha World of Tanks not only "shines" at impressive distances, but it will not always be possible to hide behind some kind of obstacle.
The last thing worth mentioning in terms of general specifications- average mobility. Type 2597 Chi-Ha tank received at his disposal Low by the standards of LT-3 top speed, but our maneuverability and dynamics are completely terrible, the car is very sluggish and clumsy.
gun
If, according to the general characteristics, this device is very difficult to call at least somewhat strong or comfortable, then with the armament the situation is fundamentally different, the gun is indeed the dignity of the Chinese.
First of all, at Type 2597 Chi-Ha gun has a powerful alpha strike for the third level and at the same time has a good rate of fire, thanks to which you will be able to deal about 1400 damage per minute.
It is even more pleasant to realize the fact that chinese easy tank type 2597 Chi Ha has excellent penetration rates, thanks to which he can easily deal damage to most of the opponents he encounters. As for the wonderful sub-calibers, you also need to have them with you, but only in case of collisions with armored vehicles of the fifth level.
Of course, it’s somewhat frustrating that you have to pay with accuracy indicators for powerful damage and excellent penetration. scatter Type 2597 Chi-Ha WoT got a big one, our cannon comes down slowly and its stabilization is bad, but we have to put up with it.
But we have another trump card up our sleeve, I would even say a joker - these are excellent vertical aiming angles. Cannon Type 2597 Chi-Ha tank capable of as much as 15 degrees down, so that the game from the relief turns into a real fairy tale.
Advantages and disadvantages
The most important role in the battle is played by how well you have studied the tank you are playing. Of course, parsing general characteristics and weapon parameters allow you to get a lot of information, but understanding the strengths and weaknesses Type 2597 Chi-Ha World of Tanks will allow you to get to know the car even better and succeed on the battlefield.
Pros:
Good basic overview;
High one-time damage;
Decent rate of fire and DPM;
Excellent penetration performance;
Excellent vertical aiming angles.
Minuses:
Large silhouette and weak disguise;
Weak booking in all projections;
Mediocre mobility (dynamics, maneuverability, maximum speed);
Poor accuracy (reduction, stabilization, dispersion).
Equipment for Type 2597 Chi-Ha
The advantages of this unit are undeniable, playing correctly, you can seriously influence the outcome of the battle. But there is no limit to perfection, besides, among the shortcomings there are points that also need to be adjusted. additional modules, so for maximum effect it is worth putting on Type 2597 Chi-Ha equipment in this form:
1. - as you know, this module gives a complex boost of characteristics, that is, this good opportunity improve several important parameters at once.
2. - our gun has serious problems with accuracy, they can only be compensated by accelerating the convergence.
3. - despite a very good viewing range, this parameter also needs to be improved.
However, given the features of our car, there is a good alternative to the third point -. With this kit change, you can achieve maximum view and get a serious advantage over the enemy, but you have to sacrifice mobility.
Crew training
The correct prioritization in the study of skills for crew members, as well as the sequence of their pumping, is another extremely important and crucial moment. When choosing, try to take into account the features of the tank, it is better not to make mistakes here, because it will take a lot of time to correct them, but in general for Type 2597 Chi-Ha perks better to download following principle:
Commander - , , , .
Gunner (loader) - , , , .
Driver mechanic - , , , .
Radio operator - , , , .
Equipment for Type 2597 Chi-Ha
In the acquisition of consumables, things are much simpler, but this does not mean that this aspect should be neglected. Of course, if you do not have extra silver or you are saving up for some kind of tank, it is better to buy , , . But in cases where there is no need for savings and you can afford to install on Type 2597 Chi-Ha equipment premium, better take , , . In addition, our Chinese rarely burns, and the performance boost has never bothered anyone, so the fire extinguisher can be replaced with .
Game tactics on the Type 2597 Chi-Ha
Let's move on to tactical side guide and when playing on this device, the first thing you should remember is light tank Type 2597 Chi-Ha has large dimensions, that is, it is a desirable target for all enemies, but it is devoid of armor that could protect you from losing precious strength points.
Add to this the fact that we have a powerful and very penetration gun, which, despite its poor accuracy, is capable of doing excellent damage. This leads to the conclusion that the machine is not suitable for close combat, moreover, for Type 2597 Chi-Ha tactics involves firing at long distances.
Thus, at the beginning of the battle, we take a comfortable position on the second line, from which a good cross will open, but it will be more difficult for the enemy to detect you, and because of the distance, it will also hit you. Under such conditions Type 2597 Chi-Ha World of Tanks he will be able to deal damage relatively safely and unhindered, realizing his powerful DPM, and the problem in the form of mediocre mobility will make itself felt less.
It is only important to understand that in case of difficulties Type 2597 Chi-Ha tank must be able to retreat, so think about ways of retreat, or at least that you have a reliable cover that can protect not only from the ground enemy, but also artillery shots.
The rest of the mechanics of the game is not that hard, try not to engage in close combat, do not let yourself go around and keep an eye on the mini-map in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. Also, standing in one place for the entire fight is inefficient, so Type 2597 Chi-Ha WoT try to move as needed and look for firing bridgeheads, positioning on which you can bring maximum benefit to your team.
Medium Japanese tank
九七式中戦車
Starting in 1937 in the second Sino-Japanese war, the Japanese warriors quickly realized that their thin-armored tanks could not withstand not only the shells of anti-tank guns, which, by the way, the Kuomintang army did not have so much, but sometimes even harrow-piercing bullets conventional rifles. The fact is that in those days it was fashionable to introduce armor-piercing incendiary bullets into the ammunition load of rifles, and such bullets really pierced something and set something on fire. In particular, they pierced and set fire to Japanese Hago tanks, which at that time were the main tanks of the Japanese army. And bullets from 12.7-mm Vickers machine guns, which were mounted on British wedges supplied to China, when they hit the side, completely pierced Hago right through.
Therefore, in addition to a light tank like Hago, the military wanted to have something less vulnerable and more formidable on the rice battlefields.
The designers of the Osaka Arsenal immediately offered the warriors the Chi-ni tank they developed (literally, the middle fourth), but he did not suit the military with his speed qualities. The military liked Chi-ha (middle third), developed by Mitsubishi, more. It was he who was put into service under the designation 2597 or simply type 97. The tank repeated the main design solutions used on Hago, in particular, it had the same suspension system designed by engineer Hara, but at the same time it was better armed and more heavily armored.
Like Ha-go, Chi-ha had a layout with a rear engine and a front-mounted transmission units, the control compartment was combined with the combat one. The crew of the tank consisted of four people: a driver, gunner, loader and commander, who also served as a gunner.
Type 97 had poorly differentiated bulletproof armor protection with limited use of rational tilt angles. The hull and turret were riveted. The hull had side niches, an inclined gable upper frontal sheet. The hull was assembled on a frame of lining strips and corners using bolts and rivets with bulletproof heads. Welding was practically not used during assembly.
The tower was carried out with l
A two-stroke V-shaped diesel engine was installed longitudinally in the stern. Access to it was provided by hatches in the sides and a hatch-blinds in the roof of the hull. In combat conditions, the blinds in the sides were covered with armored covers. On the march, they rose and were fixed in a horizontal position. Fuel tanks with a capacity of 120 and 115 liters were located along the sides. Exhaust pipes were brought back from both sides. The four-speed sliding gear transmission with a reduction gear had eight forward gears and two reverse gears. Chassis, made, as well as on Hago according to the scheme Tomio Hara, was supplemented by front and rear rollers with independent suspension: the outer rollers were connected through crank arms to inclined coil springs openly mounted on board. Track rollers and extreme support rollers were dual. There were no shock absorbers in the suspension.
Initially, the armament of the tank was a 57-mm semi-automatic tank gun Type 97 with 18.4 caliber barrel. The gun was placed in the frontal part of the tower on horizontal and vertical trunnions, which allowed it to be aimed in the vertical plane within -9 ... + 21 ° and in the horizontal - within ± 10 °. There were no aiming mechanisms, the aiming of the gun was carried out by swinging it freely with the help of a shoulder rest. The ammunition load of the gun consisted of 120 unitary shots, placed in racks in fighting compartment. The standard ammunition included 80 fragmentation and 40 armor-piercing shells. However, after the defeat at Khalkhin Gol, the Japanese, being impressed by ours and its tank version, decided to implement something similar.
The result of this decision was the emergence of a new modification of the tank called "Shinhoto Chi-ha" with an enlarged turret, created under the clear influence of the Soviet tank, in which a 47-mm gun with a barrel length of 48 calibers was placed. Such a gun easily coped with the armor of American tanks.
The auxiliary armament of all modifications of the Chi-ha consisted of two 7.7-mm machine guns, which were also called Type 97. The machine guns were placed purely in Japanese: one machine gun in the aft niche of the turret and one on the left in the frontal hull plate. He did not have a Chi-ha machine gun coaxial with a cannon. It must be said that the first series of tanks were equipped with Czech ZB vz / 26 machine guns, many captured from the Kuomintang army, and only when it was over with the lack of new 7.7-mm cartridges for the Japanese, native Japanese machine guns began to be installed on the tanks, which, however, , were almost an exact copy the same ZB vz / 26.
In 1943, the Japanese introduced an improved model into production, calling it Chi-he Type 1. The model had a welded hull and a modified gun mantlet 50 mm thick, with a better armored turret and a 12-cylinder 240-horsepower diesel engine. Crew new car increased to five people, the mass increased to 17.2 tons, and the speed was 44 km / h. The armament of the tank remained the same.
Chi-ha of the People's Liberation Army of China in the Chinese Military History Museum against the backdrop of a diorama dedicated to the Chinese Civil War.
Chi-ha medium tanks took part in the battles in China, Malaya, Singapore, Guadalcanal, Saipan, Guam. "Shinhoto Chi-ha" first entered the battle on the Bataan Peninsula in May 1942, fought in Saipan, Luzon, Iwo Jima and Okinawa, in Manchuria and the Kuril Islands. In total, from 1938 to 1942, 1220 Chi-Ha machines were produced, including 757 Shinhoto modifications. After the war, 350 Chi-Ha medium tanks were handed over to the People's Liberation Army of China, in which they successfully defeated the Chiang Kai-shek troops until they were exiled to Taiwan.
Type 97, "Xia Xingxia 2597 Chi-Ha", "2597".
The tank was developed in 1937 using components and mechanisms of previous models. The tank is made according to the usual layout scheme: the power compartment is at the rear, the combat compartment is in the middle, and the control compartment is in the front of the hull. A V-shaped air-cooled diesel engine was installed in the power compartment.
Mechanical transmission and drive wheels were located in front of the tank hull. The undercarriage of the tank, unlike light tanks, had six road wheels of small diameter. The extreme road wheels had an independent suspension, and the four middle rollers were interlocked in pairs. As elastic elements here, as in light tanks, springs were used, placed in horizontal pipes. The tank was produced in two versions: the assault "Chi-Ha", armed with a 47-mm cannon, and the "Shinhoto Chi-ha", armed with a 57-mm long-barreled cannon and two machine guns. Armor-piercing projectile 47-mm cannon "Chi-ha" had initial speed 825 m / s and from a distance of 500 meters it pierced armor 75 mm thick. Both options had the same performance characteristics and differed only in the design of the tower. They had good mobility and in terms of combat qualities were approximately equivalent to European pre-war models. By the time the fighting began in the pool Pacific Ocean their armament and armor had already been assessed as insufficient. Total There were approximately 1200 Chi-Ha combat vehicles produced before 1943. They were supplied both to armored units of direct infantry support and to formed armored formations.
The Chi-Ha Type 97 was one of the first Japanese tanks designed by Tomio Hara's team of engineers. This vehicle was a modification of the first two tanks put into service - the light Type 89 Chi-Ro and Type 95 Ha-Go. Taking into account the first experience in tank building, with all its successes and failures, Japanese engineers set about simultaneously developing two subsequent models. One of them was called "Chi-Ha", he is also "middle third", the second - "Chi-Ni", he is also "middle fourth".
The reason for the simultaneous development of two machines was the following: Japanese land army divided then in relation to combat vehicles into two camps. One - led by the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff ground forces and the Osaka arsenal. They considered it more expedient to build as quickly as possible and as many light machines as possible, simpler and cheaper to manufacture. The second camp is the arsenal of the city of Sagami, numerous military experts and officers from the front. They considered it better to build a smaller number of machines, but more advanced - full-fledged, with good armor, maneuverability and weapons. Both sides never came to a mutual agreement, so the engineers were ordered to develop two options that would suit both sides. "Chi-ha" had to meet the requirements of the Sagami arsenal - that is, to be a well-protected medium tank, and "Chi-Ni" - the requirements of the general staff, and be a lighter and cheaper vehicle.
"Chi-Ha" differed from its predecessors in greater maneuverability and "Chi-Ni" in greater mobility, as well as a slightly larger crew - four people. The scheme of the chassis was not chosen for him immediately. The first projects involved eight road wheels (solid double and single spoked) and four support rollers per side. Single solid rollers were blocked by two in a checkerboard pattern and hung on cranked levers, and double ones were mounted individually on the same levers. Elastic elements three obliquely mounted helical coil springs served, resting on the upper ends of the crank arms.
The next suspension option included three supporting rollers and six twin-spoked track rollers per side, interlocked by two in three balancing carts. Each such bogie was supported by a spring "according to the Hara scheme" - a horizontal helical spring. For the prototype presented for final testing and demonstration, the same was chosen mixed scheme suspension, which includes the features described above running gear. In addition, in the work on the prototype, the shape of the driver's cabin, the commander's cupola, fenders, and the installation of signaling devices changed.
They say that in the armament and design of both prototypes one can trace the influence of German engineers - at an early stage of the "Chinese conflict" the Japanese managed to capture the German "Panzerkampfwagen I". Such a valuable find was dismantled to the screw, and fully examined. The Germans, as well as the Americans, believe that only thanks to this, the Japanese managed to make such a breakthrough in machine and tank building.
Even before the capture german car, the Japanese have already independently developed quite good, their own armored vehicles, which, if inferior to their European counterparts, are not much. And at the moment when "Chi-Ha" was sent into production, even without German influence, it was distinguished by many successful engineering and technical solutions. For comparison, the Type 97 "Chi-Ha" of 1937 was superior to the German "Panzerkampfwagen II" in many respects.
During the war, the Japanese government bought from its German allies late modifications of the Tiger and Panther tanks, as well as all the technical documentation for it, as well as the full right to use the developments of German engineers for their own purposes. What the Japanese did. German engineering solutions were introduced, but in later models of Japanese armored vehicles - in particular in the tanks Type 4 "Chi-To" and Type 5 "Chi-Ri". In 1936-1937, two prototype"Chi-Ha" and "Chi-Ni". Because the Japanese General Staff ground forces preferred tanks of smaller mass and cheaper to manufacture, the Chi-Ni was considered the main contender for adoption. However, during big war with China, the choice fell on the more secure "Chi-Ha". It was accepted into service under the designation type 97.
After successful tests conducted in June 1937 at the training ground of the tank school in Chiba, the mass production both machines, and the subcontractors were Hitachi, Nihon Seikusho and the Sagami City Arsenal - Sagami Rikugun Soheisho. Moreover, "Nihon Seikusho" (the Tokyo branch of "Mitsubishi") took responsibility for the supply of "Chi-Ha", and "Sagami" - for the tank "Chi-Ni". Simultaneously with the linear "Chi-Ha" was adopted and its modification "Ci-Ki" - a special commander's model. It was distinguished by more advanced navigational instruments and radio stations, an enlarged turret without a cannon mount and with an additional hatch, modified commander's cupola and a large handrail antenna.
Let's also say that in order to compensate for the armament of the C-Ki model, instead of the removed 57-mm cannon and the frontal machine gun, a 37-mm cannon was installed in a frame. Accordingly, the frontal part has also changed. On some C-Ki samples, a 57-mm gun was installed in the same way. Later, in subsequent modifications, the "Ci-Ki" gun mount was nevertheless returned. Since 1934, the Japanese began to install the first domestic diesel engines on their armored vehicles. Most European engineering giants preferred to equip armored vehicles with water-cooled gasoline engines, which were significantly inferior to diesel engines. According to the first experience of the war, it was found that "gasoline tanks", due to their design, burned like matches and consumed more fuel. Also, Japanese engineers came to the conclusion that air-cooled diesel engines are much more efficient, including because in military operations there is not always access to water.
The engine for the "middle third" was also not chosen immediately. Especially for this tank, two variants were developed - one from Mitsubishi with a power of 170 hp, and the second, less powerful, from Igekai. But, ultimately, after a series of tests, "Chi-Ha" received a 12-cylinder Mitsubishi air-cooled diesel engine with a capacity of 170 horsepower (125 kW).
As weapons, both prototypes received short-barreled 57-mm turret guns, exactly the same as their predecessor. The main developer, Tomio Hara, tried to challenge this decision. He was going to equip both new models with a new, more powerful and long-range weapon, which could be a real lifesaver in case tank battles. General base but rejected all his arguments - the Japanese were not going to develop heavy armored vehicles with powerful guns for tank battles, because they used them exclusively to cover infantry. And for this, the already existing weapon was quite enough.
However, the correctness of Tomio Hara was soon proven in practice, in a sad way for the Japanese. During the Nomonhan Incident, when Japanese ground units clashed with Soviet troops, it was found that soviet tanks with their 45 mm guns outnumbered the Japanese armored vehicles. After this incident, in 1939, the Japanese began to develop new tank guns, which were completed only by 1941. They were 47-mm guns, which, despite their smaller caliber, were superior to 57-mm guns in terms of power due to a longer barrel.
The Japanese, throughout the war, constantly took into account any experience of military operations, and continuously improved their weapons. For example, early in their invasion of the Philippines, the Japanese first encountered American M3s. In the course of the fighting, the insufficient range and power of the Chi-Ha turret guns were again confirmed. "M3" had a fairly thick frontal armor, and only three direct hits out of six from a distance of a kilometer pierced american tank. From a distance of 800 meters, six of the nine frontal hits turned out to be fatal for the American. After that, since 1942, "Chi-Ha" received a new weapon - " anti-tank gun caliber 47 mm Type 1 "with a longer barrel, more high power and rate of fire. This modification of the tank was called "Shinhoto Chi-Ha". It is believed that the Shinhoto Chi-Ha was the best Japanese tank in the history of the War.