Type 74
In service 1975 - 2024
Japan's second postwar tank, using hydropneumatic adjustable suspension so it could sit low, lean into slopes and fight in Japan's steep terrain.
Built byMitsubishi Heavy Industries
Photograph pending. No clearly licensed photograph of this vehicle was found.
Development history
The Type 74 answered the Type 61's limitations with the standard NATO 105 mm gun, a laser rangefinder and, most distinctively, hydropneumatic suspension that let the crew raise, lower and tilt the hull. In Japan's mountainous, forested terrain that meant the tank could depress or elevate its gun far beyond normal limits and could hull-down behind very low cover. Mitsubishi built 893 between 1975 and 1989. The tank never fired a shot in anger; it served the Ground Self-Defense Force as the main type until the Type 90 arrived, and specialised versions included a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun and an armoured recovery vehicle. The last Type 74s retired in 2024.
Variants
One canonical record, 3 recorded variants.
Type 74
1975Base version with 105 mm gun, laser rangefinder and hydropneumatic suspension.
Type 74 Kai (G)
1984Thermal sight, improved fire control and added applique armour on a small number.
Type 87 SPAAG
1987Twin 35 mm anti-aircraft version built on the Type 74 chassis.
Notable actions
- Cold War service (Japan Ground Self-Defense Force)