Type 74 105 mm self-propelled howitzer

The Type 74 105 mm self-propelled howitzer was developed in Japan and only served there. It shares a number of automotive components with the Type 73 armored personnel carrier which was developed during the same time. Komatsu developed the chassis, while the howitzer gun and turret were designed by Japan Steel Works. The first prototypes were completed in 1969–1970, and the howitzer was accepted for 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	1975–1999
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)
Length	5.8 metres (20 ft)
Width	2.9 metres (9 ft 6 in)
Height	2.39 metres (7 ft 10 in)
Crew	4
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)
Armor	aluminum
Main armament	1x 105 mm JSW howitzer
Secondary armament	1x 12.7 mm M-2HB machine gun
Engine	Mitsubishi 4ZF V-type 4-cylinder diesel 300 brake horsepower (220 kW)
Power/weight	18.4 hp/t (13.7 kW/t)
Transmission	manual
Suspension	torsion bar
Ground clearance	40 centimetres (16 in)
Fuel capacity	410 litres (110 US gal)
Operational range	300 km (185 mi)
Maximum speed	50 kilometres per hour (31 mph)

It carries 30 rounds on board. It is amphibious when using the erectable flotation screen stowed around the periphery of the upper hull. It is equipped with an NBC filtration system.

Type 74 was attached to 117th Artillery Battalion in Hokkaido. In 1999, all Type 74s were retired and the battalion was disbanded.^[1]

See also

• List of self-propelled howitzers