Type 74 105 mm self-propelled howitzer

The Type 74 105 mm self-propelled howitzer was developed in Japan and only served there. It shared a number of automotive components with the Type 73 armored personnel carrier, which was developed at the same time.^[1] Komatsu developed the chassis, while the howitzer gun and turret were designed by Japan Steel Works.^[2] The first prototypes were completed in 1969–1970, and the howitzer was accepted into service in 1974.

Type 74 105 mm self-propelled howitzer
Type 74 displayed at the JGSDF Public Information Museum
Type	Self-propelled howitzer
Place of origin	Japan
Service history
In service	1975[1]–1999
Used by	Japan
Production history
Designed	1969–1974
Produced	1975–1978
No. built	20
Specifications
Mass	16,500 kilograms (16.2 long tons; 18.2 short tons)[1]
Length	5.9 metres (20 ft)[1]
Width	2.9 metres (9 ft 6 in)[1]
Height	2.39 metres (7 ft 10 in)[1]
Crew	5[1]
Shell	separate-loading
Caliber	105 millimetres (4.1 in)
Traverse	360°
Muzzle velocity	645 m/s (2,120 ft/s)
Maximum firing range	14.5 kilometres (9 mi)
Sights	direct- and indirect-fire[1]
Armor	welded steel[1]
Main armament	105 mm howitzer[1]
Secondary armament	12.7 mm M2HB machine gun[1]
Engine	Mitsubishi 4ZF V-type 4-cylinder diesel[1] 300 brake horsepower (220 kW)[1]
Power/weight	18.4 hp/t (13.7 kW/t)
Transmission	manual
Suspension	torsion bar
Ground clearance	40 centimetres (16 in)[1]
Fuel capacity	410 litres (110 US gal)
Operational range	300 kilometres (190 mi)[1]
Maximum speed	50 kilometres per hour (31 mph)[1]

Design

The Type 74 had a conventional layout with a rear-mounted turret that could traverse 360°.^[1]. The engine was located in the front section of the vehicle next to the driver.^[2] The rest of the crew stations were in the rear of the chassis and in the turret.^[2]

The Type 74 carried 30 rounds of 105 mm ammunition on board. It was amphibious when using the erectable flotation screen stowed around the periphery of the upper hull. The Type 74 was equipped with an NBC filtration system.^[1]

Operational history

The Type 74 began entering service in 1975.^[1]. Production concluded in 1978 with 20 vehicles produced.^[2] Adoption of the Type 74 remained limited, arguably due to the availability of the more effective Type 75 155 mm self-propelled howitzer and the inefficiency of the 105 mm howitzer platform.^[2]

All Type 74 howitzers were attached to the 117th Artillery Battalion in Hokkaido. In 1999, all Type 74s were retired and the battalion was disbanded.^[2]

Contemporary equivalents

• FV433 Abbot – (United Kingdom)
• M108 howitzer – (United States)
• Mk 61 105 mm self-propelled howitzer – (France)

See also

• List of self-propelled howitzers