The Japanese “Chi-Ha” is the protector of land. Chi-Ha - the main Japanese tank of the Second World War Description of the design of the tank "Chi-ha"
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 technical characteristics is mediocre mobility. Type 2597 Chi-Ha tank I got at my disposal a maximum speed that is not high by the standards of the LT-3, 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 light 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 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 corrected by additional modules, so for maximum effect worth putting on Type 2597 Chi-Ha equipment in this form:
1. - as you know, this module provides a comprehensive boost of characteristics, that is, this is a good opportunity to improve several important parameters at once.
2. - our gun has serious problems with accuracy, they can only be compensated by accelerating aiming.
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 vision and gain a serious advantage over the enemy, but you will 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 it is better to download according to the 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 the tactical side of the 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 penetrating weapon, which, despite 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 should 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.
The Type 97 Chi-Ha is a Japanese medium tank that was heavily used during the time, along with the more obsolete . By mass Chi-Ha was rather easy- he 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 of a 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 horsepower;
- 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 given, so that the new gun penetrated 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
It was a commander's 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
In addition to 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. They were the only more or less massive self-propelled guns of 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 pacific ocean and in 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, the 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.
On the Pacific Theater of Operations, these two islands became the places of the most active use 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 with 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 operated more successfully, mainly due to weak anti-tank defense enemy. By the way, when Japan capitulated, the third tank division operating in China was not completely disarmed - it was used 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, the Chi-Ha was used in the Third Chinese Civil War, by 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
In spite of wide application, 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.
Official designation: Type 1 "Chi-ha"
Alternative notation: ?
Start of design: 1936
Date of construction of the first prototype: 1937
Stage of completion: mass-produced in 1938-1945, used by the Japanese army until the early 1960s.
Long fighting in China and the general world trends in tank building, implemented in the mid-1930s, made it very clear to the General Staff of the Japanese army that Type 89 \ Type 94 tanks did not meet modern requirements. In this regard, in 1936 a new specification was developed, which provided for the creation of a medium tank with increased combat qualities.
During this period, relations between the two military-industrial groups within the Japanese army became most pronounced. Representatives of the first of them, which consisted of General Staff officials and specialists from the arsenal in Osaka, argued that the ground forces needed as many inexpensive and easy-to-use painful machines as possible. The second group, which included front-line officers and arsenal specialists in Sagami, was convinced that "herds of tankettes" would not solve the issue and it would be better to develop more powerful tanks, albeit in smaller quantities. Thus, the discussion about what a medium tank should be deadlocked, although General base then played a dominant role. As a result, it was decided to order two prototypes of two different tanks for comparative tests. The arsenal in Osaka began to develop a tank under the designation "Chi-ni"("fourth medium"), which was distinguished by a rather modest mass. In parallel, Mitsubishi began designing a heavier machine, later known as Type 97 "Chi-ha"("third middle").
The first, at the end of 1936, entered the tests "Chi-ni". Structurally, this tank combined both foreign and domestic experience in tank building. Osaka arsenal specialists chose a chassis layout partially borrowed from the British Vickers Mk.E tank (6-ton), which saved a little weight and made the ride smoother. The armament, although not quite up to the mark (one 37 mm cannon and one 7.7 mm machine gun), was considered quite sufficient. The security of the tank was also acceptable - the frontal armor of the hull and turret were up to 25 mm thick. On paved roads has been shown maximum speed up to 34 km/h.
Since at that time Mitsubishi was just completing work on its own project, the Japanese command gave a clear preference to “Chi-ni. However, after the start of another war with China in the summer of 1937, opinions regarding the Osaka arsenal project changed. It turned out that the army needed a slightly different tank, equipped with enhanced weapons and better protection. It was not possible to refine the Chi-ni according to the changed requirements - the turret was not designed to install larger-caliber guns, and increasing the thickness of the armor inevitably led to an increase in the mass and deterioration of the tank's driving performance. In addition, the Chi-ni crew consisted of only three people, and the commander had to combine the duties of a gunner and loader.
Thus, the Mitsubishi project was now considered more promising. However, one should not think that "Chi-ha" was innovative in a constructive sense. Rather, on the contrary, Japanese engineers actively used the developments on the Hago light tank, borrowing a number of elements from it both in the design of the hull and chassis.
The layout of the "Chi-ha" did not differ much from the original light tank. The hull had a mixed design, but almost all armor plates were attached to a steel frame with bolts and rivets, which was an obvious anachronism, but allowed the replacement of individual components in field conditions. Booking was differentiated and ranged from 8.5 to 27 mm - in this respect, "Chi-ha" practically did not differ from "Chi-ni". In the front part of the hull, which had a stepped shape, transmission units were installed (consisting of a 4-speed gearbox, a multi-plate main clutch, a planetary rotation mechanism, single-stage final drives and final drives), behind which there were places for the driver (in the protruding wheelhouse on the right sides) and a machine gunner. The upper gable armor plate, with two hatches for servicing the transmission, had an inclination of 80 °, the lower one - 62 °.
The middle part of the body was occupied by the fighting compartment. The sides were vertical and made of armor plates with a thickness of 20-25 mm, however, the turret box was shaped like a truncated pyramid and had an armor thickness of 20 mm and a 40 ° slope of the sides. The frontal sheet of the fighting compartment was set at an angle of only 10 °. A conical turret was installed on the roof of the box with a stern niche shifted to the left and a squat commander's turret with a mushroom-shaped cap. AT back wall the tower was made escape hatch. In front of the turret, a rectangular cutout was made for mounting a 57 mm Type 97 gun with a barrel length of 18.5 calibers. Its guidance sector turned out to be very modest - from -9 ° to + 15 ° in the vertical plane and 5 ° in the horizontal plane. Despite the insufficient armor penetration characteristics, the 57-mm gun had a small mass and a short barrel recoil, which was critically important in the conditions of limited turret space. The place of the tank commander was on the right side of the gun, the place of the loader was on the left. The thickness of the walls of the tower was 25 mm at angles of installation of 10°-12°. Additional armament included forward and turret 7.7 mm Type 97 machine guns.
The Chi-ha tank was equipped with a Mitsubishi V-shaped diesel engine with an HP 170 power. The cooling system is air, with an oil air cleaner. The engine was started from an electric starter. fuel tanks 120 and 115 liters were located along the sides of the engine compartment. The exhaust pipes were brought out on both sides and equipped with mufflers, protected in front by armored shields. Also, blinds were installed on the sides, closed in a combat position by armored covers, which rose on the march and were fixed in a horizontal position.
The chassis of the Chi-ha tank was not very original. Applied to one side, it consisted of the following items:
- six double rubber-coated rollers; four medium ones were blocked in pairs and equipped with a Hara-type suspension, and the outer rollers were equipped with an individual spring suspension;
- three supporting rollers;
— the directing wheel of a back arrangement;
- front drive wheel;
- small-link caterpillar: 96 tracks with one crest 330 mm wide and 120 mm pitch.
Thus, the process of unification of individual elements, which began with the light tank "Ha-go", was continued on the medium tank "Chi-ha". In general, this process made rational sense, since the mass production of tanks of various types was greatly facilitated.
Both tank prototypes were built in early 1937. The first of them was equipped with a standard chassis, and the second received undercarriage. The number of support wheels was increased to eight, which had a positive effect on the smoothness of the ride. At the same time, the outer wheels retained their individual suspension, and the six middle ones were blocked in pairs in a checkerboard pattern (front spoked on the left, rear with an alloy wheel on the right). Also, instead of three supporting rollers, four were installed. Certain advantages in such a scheme were undoubtedly present, but from an operational point of view, the Hara-type suspension was still more acceptable.
Comparing specifications obtained during testing of prototypes "Chi-ha" and "Chi-ni" the choice was made in favor of the first. The Mitsubishi tank did not have unconditional advantages, but more powerful weapons and a better distribution of responsibilities between crew members affected. In addition, the disembarkation and landing of tankers could be carried out through the tower hatch or through the hatch above the machine gunner's head. At the same time, the fighting compartment turned out to be too cramped, because of which it was necessary to use fender niches like those of the Hago tank, and the armor remained bulletproof. In addition, the tank did not have any means of external communication.
Despite the apparent inconsistency with the current world requirements, the Chi-ha were adopted by the Japanese army. Production was launched in 1938, when 110 pre-series and production tanks. Further, the release of "Chi-ha" continued in larger series:
1938 - 110
1939 - 202
1940 - 315
1941 - 507 (part of the tanks were equipped with a 47-mm gun)
1942 - 28.
Thus, medium tanks "Chi-ha" became one of the most massive in the history of Japanese tank building. However, their release did not end there.
Having received new tanks, the General Staff demanded to improve their tactical and technical characteristics. Minimal changes were made to the design of serial Chi-ha tanks. In particular, they began to equip command vehicles with radio stations with a handrail antenna, but they did not begin to fully radio all the tanks. A more serious modernization was to be carried out, which was largely accelerated by the battles at Khalkhin Gol, where the advantage of Soviet tanks and armored vehicles equipped with 45-mm 20K guns was revealed in a very sharp form. The three-month battle more than convincingly showed that the Japanese medium tanks were less effective than the light Soviet BT-7 and T-26. The most urgent was the issue of equipping the "Chi-ha" with a more powerful tank artillery system. The 47 mm Type 97 cannon was chosen as a replacement, with much better performance. So, with a barrel length of 48 calibers, armor-piercing projectile weighing 1.4 kg received initial speed 825 m/s. At a distance of up to 500 meters, he pierced a vertically mounted sheet of armor 50 mm thick, which was considered a good indicator. The gun was installed in a mask with a wall thickness of 30 mm. The ammunition included 120 armor-piercing and armor-piercing fragmentation shots. Ammunition for machine guns was increased from 3825 to 4025 rounds.
In connection with the installation of new weapons, the design of the tower had to be changed. It became noticeably higher and wider, and also received a developed aft niche. The commander's turret and the upper hatch (on the left side) were left in the roof of the tower and a periscope observation device was installed in front of it. There was also a stern hatch for loading ammunition and dismantling the gun. Next to him, with an offset to the port side, a 7.7-mm machine gun was installed. The rest of the tank has not changed.
The first prototype of an improved tank, known as Type 97 Kai or "Shinhoto Chi-ha"("third medium with a new artillery turret"), was presented for testing in 1940. The success of the updated design was obvious, and from the following year, the serial Chi-ha tanks began to be re-equipped with new turrets with 47-mm guns. A full-fledged production of "Shinhoto Chi-ha" was able to deploy only in 1942, when 503 cars were assembled. In 1943, the Mitsubishi factories produced another 427 tanks, after which the assembly of the Shinhoto Chi-ha was discontinued.
Newly built vehicles received a modernized engine compartment ventilation system, full-fledged armored muffler boxes were installed, and a box of spare parts was attached to the stern of the hull. A 12-button light alarm was also introduced for communication inside the tank. Later production tanks began to be equipped with smoke grenade launchers. Initially, a four-barreled grenade launcher was mounted on a frame on the side of the turret, but their installation above the gun's max turned out to be more successful.
Despite the rather mediocre fighting qualities, the Chi-ha tank became a good base for tracked vehicles, which can be divided into two categories: special and maintenance.
Special armored vehicles:
- a unique modification of the machine for the destruction of wire communication lines, which has the name in foreign sources High-Voltage Dynamo Vehicle "Ka-Ha". Improvements to the tank were reduced to the dismantling of the gun and the installation of a dynamo with a DC generator with a voltage of 10,000 volts. As conceived by the creators, the electrical impulse sent through the telegraph wire was supposed to destroy the means of communication and enemy signalmen who had the misfortune to carry out negotiations on these devices at the same time. In total, four Ka-Khas were built, which were placed at the disposal of the 27th Independent Engineer Regiment stationed in Manchuria. No data could be found on their use.
"Ka-so"- an armored vehicle of artillery observers without weapons in the tower.
- armored logging machine, a limited series was produced for use in Siberia, but they eventually found use in the jungles of New Guinea.
"Chi-ki"- a commander's tank, distinguished by a modernized turret with a modified commander's turret and a second hatch in the roof, as well as an improved radio station, navigation devices, and additional signaling devices. In addition to the absence of a 57-mm gun, the command tanks were distinguished by a handrail antenna on the turret. At the same time, to compensate for the weakened composition of weapons, instead of a course machine gun, a 37-mm or 57-mm gun in a frame was installed in the frontal hull plate. Later, they still had to return to the turret gun mount, and a horizontal antenna was mounted on two high rods. Work on the modification of the "Chi-ki" was carried out in parallel with the design of a medium tank, with the first prototype equipped with an experimental undercarriage with three two-stroke bogies. Only after testing was unification carried out and the tank began to be equipped with a standard suspension.
"Chi-yu"- modification of an armored mine trawl. The turret and armament were not dismantled, but a frame was attached to the front of the hull, in front of which a mine trawl was installed. The number of samples collected is unknown.
Repair and technical armored vehicles:
"Se-ri"- armored recovery vehicle. Instead of a standard turret, a small conical turret with a 7.7 mm Type 97 machine gun was installed, and a crane boom with a lifting capacity of 5 tons was installed in the aft. The boosted Mitsubishi Type 100 engine installed on the ARV developed a power of 240 hp, which, in combination with a winch, made it possible to repair and evacuate medium tanks in the field. This machine did not become serial - the release was limited to 2 or 3 copies.
- a fairly original modification of the armored bridge layer. In order to reduce laying time, a unique bridge drop design was developed using two missiles. In fact, the bridge flew several meters forward, causing the whole process to take several seconds. One more positive side, oddly enough, was its small carrying capacity. The bridge could easily withstand any Japanese light tank, but not an American one. However, serial production of T-g bridgelayers was not established.
"S-K"- Accurate data are not available. Presumably, the designation Experimental Trench Excavator S-K meant a trencher equipped with a steel plow fixed in the bow of the hull.
In addition, on the basis of the Chi-ha tanks of various series, many models of improved medium tanks and self-propelled guns, which is beyond the scope of this article.
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Sources:
P. Sergeev "Tanks of Japan in the Second World War." 2000
S. Fedoseev medium tank Chi-ha" (Armored collection MK 1998-05)
S. Fedoseev Armored vehicles Japan 1939-1945" ("Historical Series", supplement to the journal "Technology-Youth"). 2003
Steven Zaloga, Tony Bryan "Japanese Tanks 1939-45"
Axis History Forum: Knocked out Japanese tanks
PERFORMANCE AND TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A MEDIUM TANK
"Chi-ha" sample 1938
| COMBAT WEIGHT | 14000 kg |
| CREW, pers. | 5 |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Length, mm | 5730 |
| Width, mm | 2330 |
| Height, mm | 2420 |
| Clearance, mm | 420 |
| WEAPONS | one 57 mm Type 97 cannon and two 7.7 mm Type 97 machine guns |
| AMMUNITION | 120 shots and 3825 rounds |
| AIMING DEVICES | telescopic gun and optical machine gun sights |
| BOOKING | hull forehead - 25 mm board - 22 mm feed - 25 mm tower - 20 mm gun mask - 25 mm roof - 12 mm bottom - 8 mm |
| ENGINE | Mitsubushi Type 100, 12-cylinder, diesel, air-cooled; power 170 hp at 2000 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | mechanical type: reducer, reduction gear box (8 + 2), cardan shaft, final clutches, final single row reduction gears |
| CHASSIS | (on one side) four road wheels with a Hara-type suspension, two rollers with an individual spring suspension, three support rollers (all rubber-coated); caterpillar small-link, with one crest, 330 mm wide |
| SPEED | 44 km/h on the road |
| HIGHWAY RANGE | 210 km |
| OBSTACLES TO OVERCOME | |
| Climb angle, deg. | 30°-35° |
| Wall height, m | 0,76 |
| Ford depth, m | 1,00 |
| Ditch width, m | 2,50 |
| MEANS OF COMMUNICATION | ? |
Type 97 Chi-Ha Kai
Main characteristics
Briefly
in detail
2.0 / 2.0 / 2.0 BR
5 people Crew
Mobility
15.0 tons Weight
4 forward
1 back checkpoint
Armament
104 shells ammo
15° / 20° UVN
single plane
vertical stabilizer
3,000 rounds of ammunition
20 rounds clip size
499 rounds/min rate of fire
Economy
Description
The Type 97 Chi-Ha Kai is a Japanese World War II medium tank based on the Chi-Ha tank from 1939-1941. Partially replaced the base tank in production; in addition, a significant part of the "Chi-Ha Kai" was obtained by alteration from the usual "Chi-Ha". The name of the tank translates as "Chi-Ha (middle third) with a new artillery turret".
In the game, it also differs from the original Chi-Ha with a new turret and a different 47mm gun.
Main characteristics
Armor protection and survivability
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Mobility
Armament
main gun
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Describe the ammunition available for the main gun. Give recommendations on their use and on filling the ammo rack.
Additional weapon
Some tanks are armed with multiple guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the auxiliary tool and give advice on its use. If there are no additional weapons, remove this subsection.
Describe the ammo available for the secondary weapon. Give recommendations on their use and on filling the ammo rack.
Machine gun armament
Forward and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight aircraft, they are also effective against lightly armored vehicles. Evaluate the machine gun armament and give recommendations on its use.
Use in combat
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Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
Flaws:
History reference
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Media
A great addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.
see also
- reference to the family of technology;
- links to approximate analogues in other nations and branches.
- topic at game forum;
- page on Wikipedia;
- page on Aviarmor.net;
- other literature.
| · Japanese medium tanks | |
|---|---|
| Based on Chi-Ha | |
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 tank was armed with a 57 mm Type 97 semi-automatic tank gun with a barrel length of 18.4 calibers. 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 the 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 armor 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.
