Type 10

The Type 10 (10式戦車, Hitomaru-shiki sensha) is a 4th generation main battle tank of JSDF produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force. Compared with other currently-serving main battle tanks in the JGSDF, the Type 10 has been equipped with enhancements in its capability to respond to anti-tank warfare and other contingencies.^[2]

Overview

The TK-X (MBT-X) project aims to produce the new Type 10 main battle tank, to replace or complement the existing Type 74 and Type 90 main battle tanks that are currently in service with the Japan Ground Self Defense Force. Development began in the 1990s, and production was expected to start in 2010–2011. A prototype was revealed on February 13, 2008 at the Technology Research and Development Institute (TRDI) in Sagamihara. Heavy emphasis was placed on C4I capabilities as well as on performance, firepower, protection and mobility.^[3]

Design

Armor

The use of modular components significantly improves the side armor compared to the Type 90. The Commander's Panoramic Sight has been moved to the right and is located at a higher position than the Type 90, giving the commander a wide range of view.

The vehicle's armor consists of modular sections, providing the ability to mount varying degrees of protection depending on the mission profile as well as weight requirements. Vehicle weight is about 40 tonnes with the base configuration, and 48 tonnes when fully equipped. The prototype featured in 2008 at TRDI weighed 44 tonnes.^[4]

Armament

While the Type 10 Main Battle Tank uses the same size, caliber and type (120 mm smoothbore) gun as most other tanks fielded by NATO, unlike the Type 90 which used the same gun as other Western powers, the gun mounted on the Type 10 is completely new. It is indigenously developed by Japan Steel Works for the Type 10. Japan Steel Works (JSW) is the same company which for years now has been manufacturing the Rheinmetall L44 120 mm smoothbore gun under licence for the Type 90 MBT.^[5] There is an option for longer barrels of 50 and 55 calibers (L50, L55). The Type 10's new cannon can fire the normal JSDF developed JM33 APFSDS as well as all standard 120 mm NATO ammunition. One major improvement over the earlier Rheinmetall L44 cannon is that this new JSW gun mounted on the Type 10 tank can also fire an improved round, the newly developed: Type 10 APFSDS round. However, it should be noted that the new Type 10 APFSDS ammunition is specifically designed for and can only be fired by the Type 10's new JSW developed gun.^[6]

Electronics

The Type 10 tank is equipped with C4I system (Command, Control, Communication, Computer & Intelligence). This can be incorporated into the JGSDF network to enable sharing of information among tanks, as well as connected to the infantry's outdoor computer network "Regiment Command Control System" (ReCS) to facilitate integrated military operations with the infantry troops.^[2] Other features are as follows:

• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)^[7] that allows the tank to reach 70 km/h forward as well as reverse.
• Autoloader with crew of three (Commander and gunner in the turret, driver in the hull).
• Hydropneumatic active suspension,^[7] which allows it to adjust its stance and absorbs recoil when firing.
• Day/night sights mounted around the turret, providing a full 360° coverage as well as providing input to the C4I system.^[4]

Development

The development costs as of 2008 are approximately JPY ¥48,400M (approximately USD $447M). Each unit is expected to cost approximately ¥700M ($6.5M).^[4]

The Japanese Ministry of Defense formally acknowledged the Type 10 in December 2009. In 2010, the Japanese Ministry of Defense placed a ¥12,400M order for thirteen Type 10 tanks (Unit cost: ¥954M).^[8]

These Type 10 tanks entered JGSDF service in January, 2012.^[9]

Export

On 4 January 2014, sources revealed that Turkey was interested in signing a joint development deal of tank engines based on the Type 10's engine. The Type 10 tank boasts of high mobility, including a backward movement speed of 70 km/h (43 mph).^[10] The engine was to power the Turkish Altay indigenous tank. However, negotiations broke down and the deal was "off the agenda" by March 2014. Reasons included Japan's stringent arms export ban laws, the intention of Turkey to attempt to export the Altay, and Japan’s reluctance to license the joint engine.^[11]

Gallery

• 
  Prototype #3
• 
  Prototype #3 rear
• 
  Production Model
• 
  Shooting of 120 mm Smoothbore gun
• 
  .50 caliber M2 Gun and smoke discharger
• 
  Sensors and .50 caliber M2 Gun
• 
• 
• 
  Type 90 (left) and Type 10
• 
  Type 74 (left) and Type 10

See also

• Type 61 (1st generation)
• Type 74 (2nd generation)
• Type 90 (3rd generation)

Notes

References

• Type 10 MBT-X Prototype (TK-X). GlobalSecurity.org
• Shinichi Kiyotani, 'Japan unveils TK-X main battle tank prototype,' Jane's Defence Weekly, Vol.45, Issue 9, 27 February 2008, p. 13
• Japan unveils MBT prototype – Jane's Land Forces News.
• Accelerating Defence Acquisition: What Defence Can Learn From the World of Motorsport – Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies(RUSI), 'RUSI Defence Systems, June 2008, pp. 81–82'.
• IDG News Service video on the Type 10 tank
• Development report of JSDF New tank (Japanese) 1 – Japanese Ministry of Defense.
• Development report of JSDF New tank (Japanese) 2 – Japanese Ministry of Defense.
• Development report of JSDF New tank (Japanese) 3 – Japanese Ministry of Defense.
• Introduction of the aircraft Type 10 tank: Japan Defense Focus No.33 Column, Oct 2012 – Japanese Ministry of Defense.
• New Tank – Japanese Ministry of Defense TRDI.
• TRDI 50th Annual – Japanese Ministry of Defense TRDI.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to JGSDF Type 10 tanks.

• TRDI Official Photos of Type 10 tank #1
• TRDI Official Video of TK-X tank
• 10式戦車　スラローム射撃 JGSDF Type 10 MBT – Car Watch YouTube

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