Land Weapons

Main Battle Tank (2012)

Mitsubishi

Type 10 MBT

Type 10 MBT (JGSDF)

The Type 10 is the latest Japanese MBT, intended as a successor to the Type 90 and one of the most modern new designs in the world. As is the case with many 21st century fighting vehicles, the Type 10 incorporates the latest advances in modular armor technology enabling different degrees of protection depending on the mission profile. Armament consists of a locally-designed 120-mm smoothbore, built on the experience of license producing the similar caliber Rheinmetall gun used on the Type 90. This will fire both Japanese-designed as well as NATO standard ammunition. Perhaps the most important innovation, however, is the use of advanced C4I (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence) networking capability which allows the sharing of information among tanks as well as with regimental commanders. It is also capable of obtaining full speed in reverse thanks to a continuously variable transmission. Other innovations brought forward from the Type 90 include an active hydropneumatic suspension as well as entirely locally-designed sub-systems. Initial units entered service in 2012 and production is expected into 2015 at least.

The TK-X (MBT-X) was born out of the need to replace Type 74 and 90 tanks and an initial prototype was revealed in 2008. No variants of the basic Type 10 have so far been developed.

Preceded by:

Type 90 MBT (1991)

Succeeded by:

None

Datafile

DesignType 10
TypeMain Battle Tank
Year2012
Crew3
Dimensions
Length (w/Gun)?
Width10 ft 8 in
Height7 ft 7 in
Ground Clearance0 ft 0 in
Track0 ft 0½ in
Track on Ground0 ft 0½ in
Weight
Combat105,822 lbs
Empty95,350 lbs
Ground Pressure0 psi
SuspensionHydropneumatic Active
Performance
Speed (Off-Road)43 mph
Range (Off-Road)273 mi
AmphibiousNo
Gradient60%
Powerplant
Engine1 x 1,200-hp
Mitsubishi
FuelDiesel
Power/Weight25.00 hp/t
Armament
Main1 x 120-mm L/44
JSW 120 mm (Rh-120)

Smoothbore Gun
↑ ? / ↓ ? / ↔ 360°
SecondaryCoaxial:
1 x 7.62-mm
Type 74 HTMG
Anti-Aircraft:
1 x 12.70-mm
M2HB .50 cal
Ammo7.62-mm:
Armor
TypeComposite/Modular
Thickness290 - 705 mm
Max Effective420 - 1,229 mm RHAe
Hull Upper Front420 mm
Hull Upper Sides290 mm
Turret Front705 mm / 55°
Production
Built81
Total81

Gallery