Land Weapons

Self-Propelled Gun (1999)

Mitsubishi / Japan Steel Works

Type 99 SPH

Type 99 SPH

The Type 99 is the most modern self-propelled howitzer in service with the JGSDF, intended to complement the earlier Type 75 both of which have a similar 155-mm caliber. The Type 99 features an all-welded steel hull and chassis based on a lengthened version of the Type 89 IFV's chassis, distinguishable by having an additional road wheel. The driver compartment is located at the front right with the engine to its left. The fighting compartment is located at the rear, and houses a large, box-like turret which mounts a 155-mm 52-caliber howitzer designed by Japan Steel Works. This is considerably longer tha the 30-caliber gun used on the Type 75 and can fire standard ammunition at a range of 30 km and base bleed rounds at 40 km at a maximum rate of six rounds per minute in burst mode. Unlike the hull, the turret is built of alluminum alloy and features two upper hatches as well as one hatch on each side. Defensive armament is composed of a 12.7-mm gun is mounted on the roof. The Type 99 features NBC protection, advanced fire control system with tactical data link, as well as inertial and satellite navigation systems. The Type 99 is currently in service only with the JGSDF and will be complemented by the cheaper, wheeled Type 19 which uses the same howitzer.

The Type 99 was initially delivered to the JGSDF in 1999. There are no variants aside from the original model.

Preceded by:

Type 75 SPH (1975)

Succeeded by:

None

Datafile

DesignType 99 SPH
TypeSelf-Propelled Gun
Year1999
Crew4
Dimensions
Length (w/Gun)11.30 m (12.20 m)
Width3 m
Height4.300 m
Ground Clearance0 m
Track0 m
Track on Ground0 m
Weight
Combat40,000 kg
Ground Pressure0 kg/cm²
SuspensionTorsion bar
Performance
Speed (Off-Road)50 km/h
Range (Off-Road)300 km
AmphibiousNo
Powerplant
Engine1 x 600-hp
Mitsubishi
Type 6SY31 WA
FuelDiesel
Power/Weight15.00 hp/t
Armament
Main1 x 155-mm L/52
JSW 155 mm L52

Howitzer
↑ ? / ↓ ? / ↔ 360°
SecondaryAnti-Aircraft:
1 x 12.70-mm
M2HB .50 cal
Ammo12.7-mm: 1,000
Armor
TypeSteel
Thickness-
Max Effective-
Production
Built117
Total117

Gallery