The Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force has begun to gradually install the 19-type self-propelled howitzer. What are the characteristics of this truck gun? Let’s briefly talk about it today. In 2011, the Ministry of Defense of Japan decided that a new self-propelled artillery system was needed to replace the active FH-70 towed howitzer. Research and development started in 2013. In 2018, 5 prototype vehicles were tested and evaluated. In 2019, the first batch of 7 trial production models was delivered to the Land Self-Defense Force.
The Type 19 self-propelled howitzer can be regarded as a cheap alternative to the Type 99 self-propelled howitzer with a tracked chassis. From the perspective of combat efficiency, the Type 19 is one of the most powerful truck guns in the world. Equipped with a 155mm / L52 howitzer, which is the same as the main gun of the Type 99 self-propelled howitzer. It is the long barrel version of the FH-70 155mm / L39 towed howitzer. When launching a standard high-explosive grenade, the maximum range is 30 kilometers, and the rocket extended-range grenade has a maximum range of 38 kilometers and a maximum rate of fire of 6 rounds per minute.
19 self-propelled howitzer unit has 5 members, and the cab can accommodate 3 people. The other two sit on the seats behind the engine, covered only with simple canvas. The Type 19 self-propelled howitzer is not equipped with armor and is not equipped with any defensive weapons.
The 19-type self-propelled howitzer uses the MAN HX77 8×8 tactical military truck chassis. In the initial development process, it is hoped to use the 8×8 wheeled chassis of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The 02 type heavy-duty wheeled rescue vehicle is used However, for some reasons, foreign brands were finally selected. The HX77 truck chassis has undergone detailed improvements and the cab is more simplified. Interestingly, many Japanese military trucks have a tradition of using simplified cabs.
Before firing, a large seat plate at the rear of the car body is placed on the ground, which transmits recoil directly to the ground and at the same time provides a stable launching platform for the artillery. The
19 self-propelled howitzer has a short combat transition time. After a few shells are fired, it can quickly shift its position to prevent the enemy’s artillery fire. During the battle, the target data is received from the command and the target information can be obtained from the front-line artillery scouts.
is equipped with a 440 horsepower MAN DF2066 LF34 turbocharged diesel engine. The engine is located behind the cockpit. It is equipped with a ZF 12-speed automatic transmission. It has good off-road maneuverability and can drive on harsh roads, but It cannot reach the level of the Type 99 self-propelled howitzer with a crawler chassis. Thanks to the wheeled chassis, the Type 19 self-propelled howitzer can travel quickly and long distances through roads, and is usually used in other armies for rapid reaction forces.
