Type 90 (B)

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the Japanese medium tank Type 90 (B). For the other version, see Type 90 (Family). For other uses, see Type 90 (Disambiguation).
Type 90 (B)
jp_type_90b.png
GarageImage Type 90 (B).jpg
ArtImage Type 90 (B).png
Type 90 (B)
AB RB SB
11.0 11.0 11.0
Class:
Research:175 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:950 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Type 90 (B) (90式戦車B型) is a small alteration on the Type 90 equipping mounting plates on the hull to allow for the Type 92 mine roller.

It was introduced in Update 1.95 "Northern Wind". Essentially being a backup to the previous Type 90, it does everything the same and offers only minor plates to the hull which won't exactly improve survivability. The only real downside of the plates is the inability to mount a dozer blade like its previous model.

General info

Survivability and armour

Composite armour
Balanced protection against all types of ammunition
Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
LWS
Notifies about the vehicle's exposure to laser emissions
Armourfront / side / back
Hull40 / 35 / 25
Turret35 / 80 / 25
Crew3 people
Visibility96 %

The Type 90 MBT sacrifices protection and survivability in order to attain a smaller profile and a lighter vehicle overall (vehicle weight is important in Japan in order to pass over their many bridges). As such, most 'improved' rounds available to other 10.0-10.3 MBTs (such as the Leopard 2A5's DM33, or the Leclerc's OFL 120 F1) will punch through even the Type 90's turret cheeks or upper front plate. It's important to keep in mind that even some autocannon ammunition will easily penetrate some of the weaker sections of the Type 90 from the front.

Despite the mediocre protection, the Type 90 has one main survivability feature: its primary ammunition is stored in blowout-protected compartments, sparing the crew from side shots on the rear of the turret, providing no more than 19 rounds are carried. Unfortunately, however, due to the autoloaded cannon the Type 90 is crewed by only 3, increasing the chances of being disabled from an initial shot.

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 25 mm (78°) Driver's hatch
40 mm (47-83°) Upper glacis
40 mm (44°) Lower glacis
35 mm
10 mm Side Skirts
25 mm Top
25 mm (17-70°) All rear
15 mm Engine grille
20 mm (0-8°) Hull roof incl. engine deck
15 mm Engine grille
Turret 40 mm Cheeks incl. Gunner optics
35 mm Mantlet
35 mm Rear Mantlet Plate
35 mm Forward
33 mm + 80 mm (air) + 40 mm Middle Spaced Armour
12 mm + 80 mm (air) + 35 mm Rear Spaced Armour
25 mm Turret 35 mm (83°) Forehead Armour
20 mm Rear turret incl. cupola
Composite armour Front (Slope angle) Sides
Hull Upper glacis
320 - 450 mm Kinetic
420 - 600 mm Chemical
Lower glacis
37 mm - 300 mm Kinetic
20 - 380 mm Chemical
N/A
Turret Turret cheeks
400 - 450 mm Kinetic
640 - 660 mm Chemical
Gun mantlet
275 - 375 mm Kinetic
500 - 600 mm Chemical
Side forward
78 - 400 mm Kinetic
81 - 490 mm Chemical
Side middle
77 mm Kinetic
80 mm Chemical

Mobility

 
Controlled suspension
It is possible to adjust the ground clearance or more complex suspension positions
Speedforward / back
AB81 / 38 km/h
RB and SB73 / 34 km/h
Number of gears7 forward
2 back
Weight50.2 t
Engine power
AB2 862 hp
RB and SB1 500 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB57.0 hp/t
RB and SB29.9 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 81 38 50.2 2032 2,862 40.48 57.01
Realistic 73 34 1327 1,500 26.43 29.88

The Type 90 (B) is powered by a 10-cylinder two-stroke diesel engine producing a maximum of 1,500 horsepower at 2400 RPM. Combined with its relatively light weight of only 51.6 tonnes, this gives it an excellent power-to-weight ratio of 29.07. As such, the Type 90 is often one of the first vehicles to reach cap points in a match, and can comfortably flank or move into advantageous positions earlier than many of its contemporaries. This power is transferred to the drive sprockets via an automatic transmission with 7 forward and 2 backward gears, unfortunately limiting the otherwise extremely mobile vehicle to 72 km/h (RB/SB) forwards and -33 km/h (RB/SB) backwards - speeds which it will reach with ease on-road.

The Type 90 (B) also mounts hydropneumatic suspension, allowing it to actively change the vehicle's ride height and angle. This can be used to improve traction on angled surfaces.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 508 → 6 707 Sl icon.png
RB4 456 → 6 630 Sl icon.png
SB5 447 → 8 105 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications272 900 Rp icon.png
456 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training270 000 Sl icon.png
Experts950 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 210 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 190 / 220 % Sl icon.png
244 / 244 / 244 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
24 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
37 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
24 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
37 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement jp.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
24 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
37 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_NATO_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods counterMeasures.png
LWS/LR
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
24 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
37 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Autoloader
Automatically feeds projectiles into the breech. The speed does not depend on the skills of the loader
Ammunition42 rounds
First-order18 rounds
Reload4.0 s
Vertical guidance-7° / 10°
Main article: Type 90 L/44 (120 mm)

The Type 90 L/44 120 mm cannon is a license-produced clone of the Rheinmetall L/44 cannon found on the Leopard 2 series and the M1A1/M1A2. As such, it shares their excellent accuracy and firepower characteristics, with a key advantage: the Type 90 is autoloaded. This results in a flat 4 second reload, better than the peak manually loaded speeds available to the other L/44-mounting vehicles (6 seconds). Additionally, reloads are not hindered by fire or the loss of crew members. The Type 90 has two rounds available to it; the powerful JM33 APFSDS round (based off the NATO DM33 round) and the JM12A1 HEAT-FS round (based off DM12A1). These rounds are more than capable of penetrating any opponent the Type 90 may face, although when facing some later vehicles such as the M1A2 or Leopard 2A5, weak points must be targeted.

120 mm Type 90 L/44 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Autoloader
Arcade 42 -7°/+10° ±180° Two-plane 28.6 39.5 48.0 53.1 56.5 4.00
Realistic 17.9 21.0 25.5 28.2 30.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
JM12A1 HEATFS 480 480 480 480 480 480
JM33 APFSDS 481 478 470 461 450 440
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
JM12A1 HEATFS 1,140 13.5 0.05 0.1 2.15 65° 72° 77°
JM33 APFSDS 1,640 4.3 - - - 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Type 90 (B)
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
42 39 (+3) 19 (+23) (+41) No

Note:

  • Hull empty: 19 (+23) shells.

Machine guns

Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reload8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-8° / 60°
Horizontal guidance-120° / 120°
Ammunition4 500 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reload8.0 s
Fire rate701 shots/min

The Type 90 mounts two machine guns; one pintle-mounted 12.7 mm and one coaxial mounted 7.62 mm. These can be used as deterrent for low-flying aircraft, clearing light obstacles or crew from open-top vehicles, or spotting enemy vehicles.

12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 1,000 (200) 577 -8°/+60° ±120°
7.62 mm Type 74
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,500 (250) 701 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The Type 90 (B) is an extremely capable vehicle in the hands of an experienced tanker, but heed must be paid to the vehicle's weaknesses at all times.

Rural Combat

The Type 90 (B) is very capable in rural combat where cover is plentiful and flanking routes are available. It should ideally be used for early flanks where available (such as the eastern flank on Maginot Line) or when unavailable, pushing quickly for early captures before moving to a nearby protected location to hold that point. It's important to be aware of which routes might be sniper-covered early, as many snipers (such as the Challenger 2 or Ariete PSO) will easily penetrate the Type 90 (B), even at range - avoid giving them the opportunity.

Urban Combat

The Type 90 (B) can prove itself to be an excellent urban combat vehicle, primarily due to its mobility and reliably fast reload. As in rural combat, an early push for a cap can prove viable before moving into a protected position, although often by the time the capture is completed enemy targets will be nearby. Early flanking (such as around the sides of American Desert) is also viable.

Notable Targets

  • Challenger 2 - The Challenger 2 is often found as a sniper due to its pin-point accuracy, good reload and excellent turret armour. The Type 90 should never be used to face a sniping CR2 head-on, but instead should attempt to flank or force engagements at close range where weak spots are easily targeted.
  • M1A2 Abrams - The M1A2 Abrams has excellent frontal protection and can prove tricky to discern from earlier models in the heat of a battle. As a general rule it's preferable to aim for the gun mantlet or turret ring on any Abrams, despite the fact that JM33 will penetrate nearly anywhere on early models - better safe than sorry.
  • Leopard 2A5 - The Leopard 2A5 is very well protected, although JM33 will punch through its hull without any significant trouble. Avoid fighting a hull-down 2A5 head-on, rather taking flanking routes when available. If no choice is presented, aim for the gun mantlet or the turret ring.
  • T-80U - The T-80U is extremely well protected from the front, and care should be taken when engaging - aim for the driver viewport or the lower front plate; or where these are not options try to disable its gun through the mantlet. If flanking, side shots will often despatch the T-80U quickly.
  • Leclerc - The Leclerc is extremely fast, with a power-to-weight ratio not far short of the Type 90's. When pushing early for caps or flanks, be aware that the Leclerc may be one of the first vehicles you'll counter.
  • Leopard 2K - The Leopard 2K has the best power-to-weight ratio of any MBT currently in War Thunder, and it will often be capable of getting to positions before the Type 90. Keep in mind that it can be penetrated anywhere, but aware the 'bouncy' armour; aim carefully.
  • AMX-40 - The AMX-40 is extremely mobile and caution is advised when pushing early. Fortunately, the AMX-40 has negligible protection and JM33 will make quick work of it.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Relatively small profile despite visual similarities to the Leopard 2A4
  • 120 mm cannon with autoloader, 4-second reload unaffected by crew or fire
  • Extremely mobile, high power-to-weight ratio
  • Fitted with Hydropneumatic suspension, although this can only be operated when stationary
  • JM33 APFSDS round is competitive (identical to DM33, the 'improved' round on the Leopard 2A5)
  • Primary ammunition storage protected within blow-out containment in the rear of the turret

Cons:

  • Despite having composite protection in the turret and upper front plate, it's insufficient protection for many of the tanks it will face
  • Only three crew, a well-placed shot can easily cause a crew knock-out
  • Forced to use a mediocre round prior to researching the tier II JM33 APFSDS
  • JM33 APFSDS round struggles against higher-rank opponents if not aimed at weak spots
  • Can only carry 19 ammunition before additional ammo is stored in the less protected hull racks
  • Slow elevation/depression speed for the main gun
  • Slower turret traverse than most other MBTs

History

Development of the Type 90 began almost immediately after the introduction of the Type 74 into service, with the Japanese High Command already looking for a superior replacement. A central aspect of the new machine would have to be the ability to take on and defeat the new Soviet T-72 main battle tank. With that in mind, Japanese engineers began working on a prototype design, which would see completion in 1980. Two prototypes of this initial design were built, tested and improved upon between 1980 - 1986.

Testing resumed in 1986 with a second batch of four prototype vehicles, featuring a number of improvements over the initial two. The most significant change included the replacement of a Japanese-made 120mm smoothbore gun with the established Rheinmetall 120 L/44, most notably used by the M1A1 Abrams and Leopard 2 at the time. The decision to change the gun from a domestic one to a licence-built alternative most likely came as a measure to reduce production costs. However, unlike the MBTs of western armies, the designers of the Type 90 opted to equip the tank with an autoloading mechanism, making it the only production vehicle that did so in combination with the Rh 120 cannon. Further testing and army trials of these prototypes was conducted during the late 80s before the Japanese army formally introduced the tank into service in 1990 as the Type 90. Production of the Type 90 began in 1990 and continued until 2009, with 341 vehicles made.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Related Development
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Japan medium tanks
Type 97  Chi-Ha · Chi-Ha Kai · Chi-Ha Kai TD · Chi-Ha Short Gun
Type 1  Chi-He · Chi-He (5th Regiment) · Ho-I
Type 3  Chi-Nu · Chi-Nu II
Type 4  Chi-To · Chi-To Late
Type 5  Chi-Ri II
Type 61 MBT  ST-A1* · ST-A2* · ST-A3* · Type 61
Type 74 MBT  ST-B2* · Type 74 (C) · Type 74 (E) · Type 74 (F) · Type 74 (G)
Type 90 MBT  Type 90 · Type 90 (B) · Type 90 (B) "Fuji"
Type 10 MBT  TKX (P)* · TKX* · Type 10
Other  Ka-Chi
USA  ▅M4A3 (76) W · ▅M47
  *Prototype