Premium Vehicles | Type 5 Ho-Ri

Before America declared war, Japan’s tank doctrine was concentrated exclusively on the role of supporting infantry during offensive. Most tanks in service by 1941 have been developed in the previous decade, poor armament and weak armor prevented them from withstanding the enemies most mass-produced tank, the M4 Sherman. The first vehicle designed to fix the situation was a Chi-Ha Kai with a 47 mm anti-tank gun, but this was only a temporary solution. In 1943, the Japanese began to develop medium and heavy guns and mobile platform for them based on German experience with using tank troops. By the end of the year, the technical research institute of Japan, using the hull of the Chi-Ri as a basis began to develop a prototype for a heavy tank destroyer. The ministry of defense was presented with a prototype concept in the form of wooden model. After the presentation, the order of creating the prototype was confirmed. In August, the Ho-Ri prototype was assembled and successfully completed testing.

Watch the video below for more about the Type 5 Ho-Ri!