Japanese Type 90 main battle tank (Video).

The Type 90 is a main battle tank (MBT) that serves as the backbone of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). Developed in the late 1980s and entering service in 1990, it was designed to replace the aging Type 61 and Type 74 tanks. Here are some key features and specifications of the Type 90:

  1. Armor Protection: The Type 90 is equipped with composite armor, which combines steel, ceramics, and other materials to provide enhanced protection against various threats, including kinetic energy penetrators and shaped charges.
  2. Main Armament: Its primary weapon is a 120mm smoothbore gun, which is capable of firing a variety of ammunition types, including armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS), high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT), and high-explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) rounds.
  3. Fire Control System: The Type 90 features an advanced fire control system, which includes a laser rangefinder, ballistic computer, and thermal imaging sight for improved accuracy and target acquisition capabilities, especially during night operations.
  4. Mobility: Powered by a Mitsubishi 10ZG32WT turbocharged diesel engine, the Type 90 has a top speed of around 70 km/h (43 mph) and a range of approximately 350 km (217 miles). It is equipped with a hydropneumatic suspension system for improved cross-country mobility and ride comfort.
  5. Crew and Dimensions: The tank has a crew of three, including a commander, gunner, and driver. It has an overall length of about 9.4 meters (31 feet), a width of approximately 3.3 meters (10.8 feet), and a height of around 2.3 meters (7.5 feet).
  6. Secondary Armament: In addition to its main gun, the Type 90 is armed with a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and a roof-mounted 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun for engaging infantry, light armored vehicles, and low-flying aircraft.
  7. Upgrades: Over the years, the Type 90 has undergone several upgrades to improve its performance and maintain its relevance on the modern battlefield. These upgrades have included enhancements to its armor protection, fire control system, and mobility.

Overall, the Type 90 main battle tank represents a formidable asset in the JGSDF’s armored fleet, combining advanced technology, firepower, and protection to fulfill its role in both defensive and offensive operations.

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