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Type 10

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For other uses, see Type 10 (disambiguation).
Type 10
A JGSDF Type 10 Tank in 2010
TypeMain battle tank
Place of originJapan
Service history
In service2012 – present
Production history
ManufacturerMitsubishi Heavy Industries
Unit cost$11.3 million (2022)[1]: 5 
Produced2010 (in production)
No. built117 (FY 2010–2022)[2]: 5 
Specifications
Mass
  • 48 tonnes (full loadout),
  • 44 tonnes (standard loadout),
  • 40 tonnes (basic loadout)
Length9.485 m
Width3.24 m
Height2.30 m
Crew3 (commander, gunner and driver)
Armormodular ceramic composite armor, steel, light-weight upper armor.
Main
armament
Japan Steel Works 120 mm L/44 calibers-long smoothbore cannon with automatic loader (22 rounds)
Secondary
armament
Engine4-stroke 22.6-litre diesel V8 MHI 8VA34WTK
1,200 hp/2,300 rpm
Power/weight27 hp/tonne
TransmissionContinuously variable transmission (hydraulic-mechanical transmission)
SuspensionHydropneumatic suspension
Operational
range
500 km
Maximum speed Forward: 70 km/h
Backward: 70 km/h[3]

The Type 10 (10式戦車, Hitomaru-shiki sensha) is a Japan fourth generation main battle tank produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force. It entered service in 2012. Compared with other currently-serving main battle tanks in the JGSDF, the Type 10 is better equipped to deal with anti-tank weapons.[4]

Overview

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The Type 10 started as the TK-X (MBT-X) project, intended to complement and eventually replace the Type 74 and Type 90 tanks in service with the JGSDF.[5] Development began in the 1990s, and production started in 2010–2011. A prototype was revealed on February 13, 2008 at the Technology Research and Development Institute (TRDI) in Sagamihara, Japan.[5] Emphasis was placed on the design's command and control capabilities.[6]

Design

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Development history

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In the early 2000s, the JGSDF recognized a need to field a fourth generation tank in order to compete on a modern battlefield. C4I (Command, Control, Communication, Computing and Intelligence) capability was considered a high priority in designing the Type 10.[5]

A Ministry of Defense assessment found that C4I upgrades to existing Type 74 and Type 90 tanks were not feasible, primarily due to a lack of internal space. Thus, development of a completely novel main battle tank was deemed necessary.[5]

Armor

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The use of modular components significantly improves the side armor compared to the Type 90. The commander's panoramic sight was moved to the right, and is mounted higher compared to the Type 90, giving the commander a wider field of view.

The vehicle's armor consists of removable sections, allowing operators to balance weight and protection depending on the mission profile. The Type 10 weighs 40 tonnes (44 short tons) in its base configuration, 44 tonnes (49 short tons) in standard configuration, and 48 tonnes (53 short tons) fully loaded. The prototype featured in 2008 at TRDI weighed 44 tonnes.[7]

The Type 10 weighs less than its predecessor, the Type 90. The composite armor weight was increased, however, from 1,380 to 1,940 kg (3,040 to 4,280 lb) for the turret, and from 1,249 to 2,680 kg (2,754 to 5,908 lb) for the hull.

In a penetration resistance test, APFSDS rounds were fired at the hull from a distance of 250 m (270 yd).[8][9] Each armor module and mantlet achieved the required performance specified in "Type 10 tank GV-Y120001E".

Protection against 120mm kinetic energy penetrators is limited to the front of the hull, turret, and gun mantlet, with the exception of the lower glacis.

The top armor can effectively counter explosively formed penetrators and related threats.[10]

Electronics and mechanics

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The Type 10 tank is equipped with a C4I system (command, control, communication, computer & intelligence) known as "10NW". This system integrates into the JGSDF network and enables real-time data sharing between tanks. It works alongside the Field Communication System (FiCS)[5] and the Regiment Command Control System (ReCS).[4]

According to design documentation, the C4I system enables the following capabilities:[11]

The Type 10 also includes:

A Type 10 fires its main gun
The Type 10 is equipped with a 120mm smoothbore gun

Armament

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Whereas the Type 90 was equipped with the Rheinmetall Rh-120 smoothbore main gun (as on the German Leopard 2), the Type 10 uses a novel 120mm gun developed by Japan Steel Works.[5] The gun can fire the newly developed Type 10 APFSDS round.[14] It can also fire the JM33 APFSDS (a variant of the German DM33 shell, produced domestically under license) as well as 120mm NATO ammunition. The Type 10 holds 14 rounds in the autoloader, 2 behind the gunner, 6 rounds in the ready ammunition storage, and 14 in reserve, with a total of 36 rounds carried on board.[15]

The gunner has access to a Type 74 coaxial machine gun chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. The Type 74 is a heavier, vehicle-mounted variant of the Sumitomo Type 62 machine gun.

A M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun chambered in 12.7x99mm NATO is affixed to a pintle-mount on the roof, and can be crewed by the commander.

Strategic transportation

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The predecessor of the Type 10, the Type 90, was deployed only in Hokkaido due to road and bridge weight limitations in mainland Japan. For this reason, weight was a priority in design, as the Type 10 needed to be capable of deploying anywhere in Japan. Size and weight reductions made the Type 10 six tonnes lighter than the Type 90. Approximately 84% of bridges in Japan can accommodate the Type 10, compared to only 65% for the Type 90, and ~40% for other NATO tanks.[16]

Development

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The development costs as of 2008 are approximately ¥48.4 billion (equivalent to ¥49.8 billion or US$457 million in 2019)[17]. The projected cost per unit was approximately ¥700 million (equivalent to ¥720.6 million or US$6.6 million in 2019)[17].[7]

The Japanese Ministry of Defense formally acknowledged the Type 10 in December 2009.

In 2010, the Japanese Ministry of Defense placed a ¥12.4 billion (US$113 million) order for thirteen Type 10 tanks.[18]

The Type 10 entered service in January 2012,[19] with production continuing at a steady rate. As of 2020, there were 76 units in service, with plans to order 12 more that year.[20]

Export attempt

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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 high mobility, including a backward movement speed of 70 km/h (43 mph).[21] The engine was to power the Turkish Altay tank. However, negotiations broke down, and the deal was "off the agenda" by March 2014. Provided reasons included Japan's stringent arms export ban laws, Turkey's intention to export the Altay themselves, and Japan's reluctance to license the engine.[22]

Operators

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 Japan (129 purchased as of 2024 + 12 planned for 2025)
Purchases:
  • 12 tanks with the 2025 budget request (¥ 23.1 billion)[23]
  • 10 tanks with the 2024 budget (¥ 16.6 billion)[24]
  • 8 tanks with the 2022 budget (¥ 8.3 billion)[25]
  • 12 tanks with the 2020 budget (¥ 15.6 billion)[26]
  • 6 tanks with the 2019 budget (¥ 8.1 billion)[27]
  • 5 tanks with the 2018 budget (¥ 7.3 billion)[28]
  • 6 tanks with the 2017 budget (¥ 7.5 billion)[29]
  • 6 tanks with the 2016 budget (¥ 6.1 billion)[30]
  • 10 tanks with the 2015 budget (¥ 10.2 billion)[31]
  • 13 tanks with the 2014 budget (¥ 13.4 billion)[32]
  • 14 tanks with the 2013 budget (¥ 13.9 billion)[33]
  • 13 tanks with the 2012 budget (¥ 13.2 billion)[34]
  • 13 tanks with the 2011 budget (¥ 13.2 billion)[35]
  • 13 tanks with the 2010 budget (¥ 12.4 billion)[36]
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  • 2010 prototype model
    2010 prototype model
  • Rear view of the prototype
    Rear view of the prototype
  • Production model
    Production model
  • Side closeup of turret showing M2 Browning .50 caliber and smoke launchers
    Side closeup of turret showing M2 Browning .50 caliber and smoke launchers
  • Front closeup of turret showing sensor package and M2 Browning .50 caliber
    Front closeup of turret showing sensor package and M2 Browning .50 caliber
  • A tanker in the commander's hatch
    A tanker in the commander's hatch
  • A Type 10 leans forward on its suspension as it decelerates
    Braking demonstration
  • Type 90 (left) and Type 10 (right)
    Type 90 (left) and Type 10 (right)
  • Type 74 (left) and Type 10 (right)
    Type 74 (left) and Type 10 (right)
  • A Type 10 leans forward on its suspension as it decelerates
    Braking demonstration during exercise
  • Front view
    Front view
  • Prototype on display
    Prototype on display

See also

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  • Type 61 – (Japan) (1st generation)
  • Type 74 – (Japan) (2nd generation)
  • Type 90 – (Japan) (3rd generation)
  • M10 Booker, US light tank/assault gun comparable in weight and price to Type 10
  • Type 15 tank – (China)

References

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  1. ^ "我が国の防衛と予算～防衛力強化加速パッケージ～ -令和４年度予算（令和３年度補正を含む）の概要" [Japan's Defense and Budget - Acceleration Package for Strengthening Defense Capabilities - - Overview of the FY2022 Budget (including FY2021 Amendment) - FY2022 Budget Overview] (PDF) (in Japanese). 防衛装備庁. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2023-03-06. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  2. ^ "我が国の防衛と予算～防衛力強化加速パッケージ～ -令和４年度予算（令和３年度補正を含む）の概要" [Japan's Defense and Budget - Acceleration Package for Strengthening Defense Capabilities - - Overview of the FY2022 Budget (including FY2021 Amendment) - FY2022 Budget Overview] (PDF) (in Japanese). 防衛装備庁. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2023-03-06. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  3. ^ 10式戦車 走行展示 Type10 Tank, Japan's new MBT. YouTube. 11 July 2010. Archived from the original on 9 April 2016. Retrieved 3 April 2015.
  4. ^ a b "Introduction of the aircraft Type 10 tank -Japanese Ministry of Defense, Japan Defense Focus No.33 Column". Oct 2012. Archived from the original on January 27, 2013.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Ichinohe 2011.
  6. ^ Japanese Ministry of Defense Technology Research and Development Institute (TRDI). "Department of Ground Systems Development". Archived from the original on September 1, 2010. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
  7. ^ a b c GlobalSecurity.org. "Type 10 MBT-X Prototype (TK-X)". Archived from the original on December 12, 2018.
  8. ^ "正面要部耐弾性試験のための労務借上" [Borrowing labor for bulletproof test of main part of front] (PDF). p. 13. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 21, 2012. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
  9. ^ "Resilience test method for armored kinetic energy bullets NDS Z 0012B" (PDF). Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  10. ^ "防衛庁技術研究本部五十年史".
  11. ^ Defense Industrial Production Committee 2014.
  12. ^ a b "Accelerating Defence Acquisition: What Defence Can Learn From the World of Motorsport" (PDF). RUSI Defence Systems. Royal United Services Institute: 81–82. June 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 20, 2008. Retrieved February 5, 2009.
  13. ^ "１０式戦車による戦車射撃訓練". Retrieved January 22, 2021.
  14. ^ "Japanese MOF report" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on February 3, 2013. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
  15. ^ "Type 10, 10式戦車". WeaponSystems.net. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  16. ^ Ministry of Defence (April 2010). "新たな時代の安全保障と防衛力に関する懇談会 - 第5回配布資料 「防衛生産・技術基盤」" [Handout for the Fifth Meeting of The Council on Security and Defense Capabilities in the New Era - Defense Production and Technology Base] (PDF) (in Japanese). Archived (PDF) from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2017.
  17. ^ a b 1868 to 1938: Williamson J., Nominal Wage, Cost of Living, Real Wage and Land Rent Data for Japan 1831-1938, 1939 to 1945: Bank of Japan Historical Statistics Afterwards, Japanese Historical Consumer Price Index numbers based on data available from the Japanese Statistics Bureau. Japan Historical Consumer Price Index (CPI) – 1970 to 2014 Retrieved 30 July 2014. For between 1946 and 1970, from "昭和戦後史". Retrieved 2015-01-24.
  18. ^ "Based on the production of thirteen Type 10 tanks during FY2010" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on March 23, 2011. Retrieved June 5, 2010.
  19. ^ "時事ドットコム：動画特集 陸上自衛隊「１０式戦車」入魂式＝量産型１号車に機甲の魂を注入" [Ceremony to mark the unit on the first mass-produced vehicle]. 時事ドットコム (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 3 April 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2015.
  20. ^ Armyrecognition.com, ed. (March 16, 2020). "Army of Japan to acquire more local-made Type 10 Main Battle Tanks MBTs". www.armyrecognition.com. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  21. ^ Armyrecognition.com, ed. (January 7, 2014). "Japan is looking to develop an engine for main battle tank in collaboration with Turkey". Archived from the original on January 7, 2014.
  22. ^ "Japan Deal Scrapped, Turkey Looking for Tank Engine". Defensenews.com. 5 March 2014. Archived from the original on 7 March 2014. Retrieved 8 March 2014.
  23. ^ "Overview of FY2025 Budget Request (Page 24 of pdf document)" (PDF).
  24. ^ "Overview of the FY2024 Budget (Page 23)" (PDF).
  25. ^ "Overview of FY2022 Budget (Page 49)" (PDF).
  26. ^ "Overview of FY2020 Budget (Page 49)" (PDF).
  27. ^ "Overview of FY2019 Budget (Page 51)" (PDF).
  28. ^ "Overview of FY2018 Budget (Page 45)" (PDF).
  29. ^ "Overview of FY2017 Budget (Page 45)" (PDF).
  30. ^ "Overview of FY2016 Budget (Page 39)" (PDF).
  31. ^ "Overview of FY2015 Budget (Page 43)" (PDF).
  32. ^ "Overview of FY2014 Budget (Page 41)" (PDF).
  33. ^ "Overview of FY2013 Budget (Page 13)" (PDF).
  34. ^ "Overview of FY2012 Budget (Page 11)" (PDF).
  35. ^ "Overview of FY2011 Budget (Page 27)" (PDF).
  36. ^ "Overview of FY2010 Budget (Page 29)" (PDF).

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Defense Industrial Production Committee, ed. (February 2014). "10式戦車と今後の戦車製造の態勢" [Type 10 tanks and the future of tank manufacturing]. Special Journal of Defense Industrial Production Committee (防衛生産委員会特報) (in Japanese) (285). Japan Business Federation. NAID 40019994077.
  • Kiyotani, Shinichi [in Japanese] (27 February 2008). "Japan unveils TK-X main battle tank prototype". Jane's Defence Weekly. 45 (9): 13.
  • Ichinohe, Takao (June 2011). "Type 10 Tanks of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force". 10式戦車と次世代大型戦闘車 [Type 10 Tanks and Next-generation Heavy Fighting Vehicles]. Supplement to Japan Military Review (in Japanese). NCID AN00067836.
  • Technical Research and Development Institute, ed. (2012). 防衛省技術研究本部六十年史 [Sixty Years of the Technical Research Headquarters of the Ministry of Defense] (in Japanese). Ministry of Defense. NCID BB10936527.
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