Type 99 155 mm self-propelled howitzer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Type 99 155 mm self-propelled howitzer |
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Type 99 of the JGSDF
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| Type | Self-propelled artillery |
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1999 |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries/Japan Steel Works |
| No. built | 117 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 40 tons |
| Width | 3.2 m |
| Crew | 4 |
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| Caliber | 155 millimetres (6.1 in) |
| Traverse | 360° |
| Rate of fire | 6 rpm |
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| Armor | aluminum |
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Main
armament |
1x Japan Steel Works, 155 mm L52 Artillery Gun |
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Secondary
armament |
1x 12.7 mm M-2HB machine gun |
| Engine | Mitsubishi 6SY31WA 6-cylinder diesel 600 bhp |
| Suspension | torsion bar |
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Operational
range |
300 km (185 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 49.6 km/h |
The Type 99 155 mm self-propelled howitzer is a powerful military vehicle. It is used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). This vehicle is like a tank that carries a very big gun. It can move on its own, which makes it "self-propelled". The main gun is a "howitzer," which means it can shoot shells in a high arc. This lets it hit targets far away or behind obstacles.
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About the Type 99 Howitzer
The Type 99 howitzer was first used in 1999. It was built by two big companies in Japan. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries made the main gun and the top part, called the turret. Japan Steel Works also helped build the gun.
This vehicle is very heavy, weighing 40 tons. It has a crew of four people to operate it. The Type 99 is powered by a strong diesel engine. This engine gives it 600 horsepower. It can travel up to 49.6 kilometers per hour (about 31 miles per hour). It can also go about 300 kilometers (185 miles) on a full tank of fuel.
Main Features of the Type 99
The main weapon of the Type 99 is a large 155 mm L52 artillery gun. This gun can fire up to six shells every minute. It can turn all the way around, 360 degrees, to aim at targets.
For protection, the Type 99 has armor made of aluminum. It also has a smaller gun for defense. This is a 12.7 mm M-2HB machine gun.
Role in the Military
The Type 99 howitzer is an important part of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. It helps support soldiers on the ground by providing powerful artillery fire. It works alongside older vehicles like the Type 75 155 mm self-propelled howitzer. The JGSDF plans to use even more Type 99s in the future.
Related Military Vehicles
More Information
In Spanish: Obús autopropulsado Tipo 99 de 155 mm para niños
