Type 1 Chi-He
In service 1943 - 1945
The improved Chi-Ha - welded, better armoured, with a radio as standard - built too late and in too small numbers.
Built byMitsubishi
Photograph pending. No clearly licensed photograph of this vehicle was found.
Development history
The Chi-He addressed the Type 97's weaknesses with welded 50 mm frontal armour, a more powerful diesel and a three-man turret with a radio fitted as standard rather than as a commander's luxury. Steel shortages and the priority given to aircraft and shipping kept production to about 170 vehicles, and all were retained in the home islands for the expected invasion. None saw combat, making it the best Japanese medium tank never to fight.