Difference between revisions of "Ho-Ri Prototype"
(→Usage in battles) (Tag: Visual edit) |
(→Description) |
||
(32 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
+ | {{About | ||
+ | |about= premium Japanese tank destroyer '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
+ | |usage= the regular version | ||
+ | |link= Ho-Ri Production | ||
+ | }} | ||
{{Specs-Card | {{Specs-Card | ||
− | |code = jp_type_5_ho_ri_prototype | + | |code=jp_type_5_ho_ri_prototype |
− | + | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}} | |
− | {{ | ||
− | | | ||
− | | | ||
− | |||
}} | }} | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
− | <!--''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.''--> | + | <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' --> |
− | + | The '''Experimental Type 5 Gun Tank (Ho-Ri)''' ({{Annotation|試製五式砲戦車 「ホリ」|Shisei Go Shiki Hō-Sensha [Ho-Ri]}}) was one of 3 tank designs for a new Japanese tank destroyer housing the new powerful Type 5 105 mm anti-tank gun to deal with the heaviest of Allied armour the US might throw at the Japanese mainland. This Ho-Ri was the final design out of the 3: unlike the 2 previous designs, it was not directly based on the [[Chi-Ri II|Chi-Ri]], but only a hull based on the Chi-Ri, featuring the same engine but with a sloped front hull design to increase armour effectiveness. | |
− | + | ||
− | The ''' | + | The {{PAGENAME}} was introduced as a [[wt:en/news/4976-shop-the-new-e-r-a-bundles-en|premium pack]] in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]] and was removed from sale after the [[wt:en/news/6542-shop-the-new-year-sale-en|2019 New Year sale]]. It later returned for purchase in-game with Golden Eagles {{ge}} during the [[wt:en/news/6694-shop-may-sale-in-war-thunder-en|2020 May sale]]. While very similar to the [[Ferdinand]], it does differ slightly. While the hull of the Ho-Ri provides the same armour effectiveness of around ~200 mm, with the lower front plate being a weakness to lose driver, radio operator, and transmission, the superstructure of the tank only maxes out at 150 mm effective, with the cheeks only protecting up to 125 mm being relatively easy to penetrate for its opponents. The best course of action is to hull down the tank and peek over ridges while using its -10° depression to increase its armour effectiveness and play it in a safe sniping position. The trade-off of superstructure armour gets rewarded in forward mobility going up to 40 km/h relatively quickly. A special feature of the Ho-Ri is its elevating roof armour, to reduce its vertical silhouette, the cannon breech can elevate up, pushing the roof with it, to allow for the -10° depression it offers, this will expose the crew members but won't be much of a threat as it's a very narrow-angle for planes to strafe through, and it doesn't cause the crew to be affected by explosive overpressure. |
== General info == | == General info == | ||
=== Survivability and armour === | === Survivability and armour === | ||
− | <!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?'' | + | {{Specs-Tank-Armour}} |
+ | <!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' --> | ||
− | |||
'''Armour type:''' | '''Armour type:''' | ||
Line 41: | Line 42: | ||
=== Mobility === | === Mobility === | ||
+ | {{Specs-Tank-Mobility}} | ||
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' --> | <!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' --> | ||
− | {{tankMobility|abMinHp= 781|rbMinHp= 486}} | + | {{tankMobility|abMinHp=781|rbMinHp=486}} |
+ | |||
+ | === Modifications and economy === | ||
+ | {{Specs-Economy}} | ||
== Armaments == | == Armaments == | ||
+ | {{Specs-Tank-Armaments}} | ||
=== Main armament === | === Main armament === | ||
− | ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' | + | {{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}} |
+ | <!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' --> | ||
+ | {{main|Experimental High Velocity (105 mm)}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! colspan="5" | [[Experimental High Velocity (105 mm)|105 mm Experimental High Velocity]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds) | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer | ||
+ | ! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced | ||
+ | ! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! ''Arcade'' | ||
+ | | rowspan="2" | 51 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±10° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 5.3 || 7.3 || 8.9 || 9.8 || 10.5 || rowspan="2" | 11.18 || rowspan="2" | 9.89 || rowspan="2" | 9.12 || rowspan="2" | 8.60 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! ''Realistic'' | ||
+ | | 3.6 || 4.2 || 5.1 || 5.6 || 6.0 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Ammunition ==== | ||
+ | {{:Experimental High Velocity (105 mm)/Ammunition|Type 2 APHE, Experimental HE}} | ||
− | + | ==== [[Ammo racks]] ==== | |
− | [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right| | + | [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] |
− | {| class="wikitable | + | <!-- '''Last updated: 2.15.1.70''' --> |
+ | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! Full<br>ammo |
− | ! | + | ! 1st<br>rack empty |
− | ! | + | ! 2nd<br>rack empty |
− | ! | + | ! 3rd<br>rack empty |
− | ! | + | ! 4th<br>rack empty |
− | ! | + | ! 5th<br>rack empty |
− | ! | + | ! Visual<br>discrepancy |
|- | |- | ||
− | + | | '''51''' || 46 ''(+5)'' || 40 ''(+11)'' || 30 ''(+21)'' || 12 ''(+39)'' || 1 ''(+50)'' || No | |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
+ | '''Notes''': | ||
− | + | * Shells are modeled individually and disappear from the rack after having been shot or loaded. | |
+ | * To go into battle with the flanks empty of ammo, pack 40 (+11) shells or fewer. | ||
== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
− | <!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''--> | + | <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' --> |
− | The Ho-Ri can be used in multiple roles. Its most effective at medium range, where it's harder for the enemy to aim for the lower plate and shells have a harder time penetrating the mantlet, making it easy for you to destroy them. Another option, although risky is to sit on a road that players like to go down and use your | + | The Ho-Ri can be used in multiple roles. Its most effective at medium range, where it's harder for the enemy to aim for the lower plate and shells have a harder time penetrating the mantlet, making it easy for you to destroy them. Another option, although risky is to sit on a road that players like to go down and use your armour to bounce and take shot and return fire on enemy tanks. |
'''Enemies worth noting''': | '''Enemies worth noting''': | ||
− | [[ | + | * [[IS-2]] / [[IS-2 (1944)]] / [[ISU-122]]: These machines carry a huge 122 mm cannon that penetrates literally anything they see, including the Ho-Ri. Their shells will go through Ho-Ri's vertical armour of the fighting compartment pretty easily, killing the crew inside or detonating the ammo. To deal with the IS-2, try get a shot at them before the notice you / when they are reloading. These tanks tend to get one-shot due to their lack of crew or the cramped interior. For IS-2 mod.1943, aim for the hull armour that curves and blends into the side, or aim at the turret cheeks. For mod.1944, only go for the turret as the hull is very thick and well sloped. For the ISU-122, aim at anywhere but the gun mantlet, as it often absorb shells or cause ricochet. |
− | |||
=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
− | <!--'' | + | <!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' --> |
+ | |||
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
Line 95: | Line 125: | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
− | ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the | + | <!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --> |
+ | |||
+ | In September 1942, the Japanese Army Staff received word of the new American M4 Sherman tank, which they realized had completely outclassed every Japanese tank in production at the time. There were three projects proposed by the Staff, each bearing their own gun selection; the 47 mm Kou, 57 mm Otsu, and 75 mm Hei designs. As combat data was filtered to the Japanese High Command, they ordered that the model Kou and Otsu merge to become the basis of what would eventually become the Type 4 Chi-To. Meanwhile, the Hei proposal would lead to the development of the Type 5 Chi-Ri. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Additional development projects came from a change in the Weapons Administration Headquarters Research Policy in July of 1943, a change that was made due to analyzing tank warfare between the German Army and the Soviet Union. Through the analysis of said data, the Japanese Army shifted their tank doctrine towards an emphasis on developing tanks that prioritized anti-armour missions instead of infantry support. Upon the enacting of this policy, the Army started a program to develop a series of tank destroyers based on the chassis of the medium tanks being designed. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Type 5 Chi-Ri was chosen to become the basis for a new tank destroyer, as it was Japan's primary medium tank project and was more mature than other alternatives, while also mounting some of the most advanced technology Japan had produced at the time. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The tank destroyer would eventually be titled the Ho-Ri. Development of the vehicle began shortly after the Chi-Ri's, and after the decision was made to use the reliable coil spring suspension system that the Japanese manufacturers were familiar with, the Army began work on designing the superstructure and casemate with the first design mimicking the Chi-Ri chassis entirely and replacing the turret with a reinforced rear-mounted superstructure. | ||
+ | |||
+ | During the development of the new tank destroyer series, the Army chose to design a new anti-tank gun to fit the role. In July of 1943, the Army Military Customs Council began designing a 105 mm anti-tank gun based off of the Type 96 150 mm Strategic artillery cannon. It was shortened and given a single piece barrel and tank breech. Unfortunately, the two chief engineers of the cannon project the task that it meet a requirement of penetrating 200 mm at 1,000 m with a 1,000 m/s muzzle velocity. Naturally, the tank gun was not capable of this and instead was only able to penetrate 150 mm at 1,000 m with a 915 m/s muzzle velocity. Although it did not meet the requirements, it was still superior to any other Japanese tank gun and was accepted into service as the Type 5 10cm. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Originally, the Ho-Ri was to keep the hull-mounted Type 1 37 mm from the Chi-Ri due to the idea that the primary cannon could only do so much for itself and a secondary weapon was required. The development of the design was split into to concepts; one being a rear mounted superstructure with a central engine (Ho-Ri I) and the other being a centralized superstructure with a rear engine placement (Ho-Ri II). The engine selection was quite different from the traditional diesel engines that powered most Japanese tanks throughout their production. Instead, Japan had used a V12 gasoline aircraft engine designed by BMW, making 550 horsepower at 1,500 RPM. This engine was chosen due to the industrial capacity of Japan reaching its peak, and many assets from aircraft development were readily available for usage. | ||
+ | |||
+ | However, by the time both designs of the vehicle were proposed, the armour was no longer sufficient to thwart most US anti-tank armaments. Despite this, the design showed considerable promise and it was ordered that a third vehicle be designed with significantly improved armour. This new design was commonly labeled as Ho-Ri III. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Ho-Ri III took the basis of the Ho-Ri I and revamped it, changing the frontal plate from a flat 75 mm thick plate to a 120 mm thick plate sloped at 70°, deleting the hull-mounted 37 mm gun in the process. Although this was seen as a considerable blow to the tank's self-defense capabilities, it was accepted due to its vastly improved survivability. The removal of the 37 mm gun meant that the extra crew member who previously operated the gun could be used as a second loader to assist with the autoloading mechanism and provide shells for the primary loader. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The construction of the prototype was completed in 1944 and achieved a top speed of 40 km/h during trials. Being seen as a success, the Army ordered 5 units of the vehicle and put it into service as the Type 5 Ho-Ri. However only one operable prototype was fully completed by the war's end and the series only made it to 50% completion, resulting in the design being scrapped and no further testing was pursued.<ref name="Sun Ho-Ri">Sun, Eun Ae. ''The Ho-Ri Tank Destroyer'' SENSHA. Blogger.com, 03 Sep. 2017. Web. 28 Aug. 2020. [https://web.archive.org/web/20180208195232/http://sensha-manual.blogspot.com/2017/09/the-ho-ri-tank-destroyer.html Website (Archived)]</ref> | ||
== Media == | == Media == | ||
− | <!--''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''--> | + | <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --> |
;Skins | ;Skins | ||
− | + | * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=jp_type_5_ho_ri_prototype Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.] | |
− | * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/? | ||
;Videos | ;Videos | ||
Line 108: | Line 155: | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
− | <!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:'' | + | <!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:'' |
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;'' | * ''reference to the series of the vehicles;'' | ||
− | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''--> | + | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --> |
− | * [[ | + | * [[Ferdinand]] |
== External links == | == External links == | ||
− | <!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | + | <!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' |
* ''topic on the official game forum;'' | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
− | + | * ''other literature.'' --> | |
− | * ''other literature.''--> | ||
− | * [ | + | * [[wt:en/news/4945-development-type-5-ho-ri-mother-of-dragons-en|[Devblog] Type 5 Ho-Ri: Mother of Dragons]] |
* [[Wikipedia:Type_5_Chi-Ri_medium_tank#Variants|[Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> Type 5 Chi-Ri medium tank]] | * [[Wikipedia:Type_5_Chi-Ri_medium_tank#Variants|[Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> Type 5 Chi-Ri medium tank]] | ||
+ | === References === | ||
+ | <references /> | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{TankManufacturer Mitsubishi}} | ||
{{Japan tank destroyers}} | {{Japan tank destroyers}} | ||
{{Japan premium ground vehicles}} | {{Japan premium ground vehicles}} |
Revision as of 12:41, 21 April 2024
This page is about the premium Japanese tank destroyer Ho-Ri Prototype. For the regular version, see Ho-Ri Production. |
Contents
Description
The Experimental Type 5 Gun Tank (Ho-Ri) (試製五式砲戦車 「ホリ」) was one of 3 tank designs for a new Japanese tank destroyer housing the new powerful Type 5 105 mm anti-tank gun to deal with the heaviest of Allied armour the US might throw at the Japanese mainland. This Ho-Ri was the final design out of the 3: unlike the 2 previous designs, it was not directly based on the Chi-Ri, but only a hull based on the Chi-Ri, featuring the same engine but with a sloped front hull design to increase armour effectiveness.
The Ho-Ri Prototype was introduced as a premium pack in Update 1.71 "New E.R.A." and was removed from sale after the 2019 New Year sale. It later returned for purchase in-game with Golden Eagles during the 2020 May sale. While very similar to the Ferdinand, it does differ slightly. While the hull of the Ho-Ri provides the same armour effectiveness of around ~200 mm, with the lower front plate being a weakness to lose driver, radio operator, and transmission, the superstructure of the tank only maxes out at 150 mm effective, with the cheeks only protecting up to 125 mm being relatively easy to penetrate for its opponents. The best course of action is to hull down the tank and peek over ridges while using its -10° depression to increase its armour effectiveness and play it in a safe sniping position. The trade-off of superstructure armour gets rewarded in forward mobility going up to 40 km/h relatively quickly. A special feature of the Ho-Ri is its elevating roof armour, to reduce its vertical silhouette, the cannon breech can elevate up, pushing the roof with it, to allow for the -10° depression it offers, this will expose the crew members but won't be much of a threat as it's a very narrow-angle for planes to strafe through, and it doesn't cause the crew to be affected by explosive overpressure.
General info
Survivability and armour
Armour type:
- Rolled homogeneous armour
- Cast homogeneous armour
Armour | Front (Slope angle) | Sides | Rear | Roof |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hull | 75 mm (70°) Front glacis 75 mm (8°), 50 mm (67°) Lower glacis |
55-65 mm (16-17°) Top 55 mm Bottom |
35 mm (5°) Top 35 mm (10-40°) Bottom |
20 mm |
Casemate | 120-150 mm (5-20°) Turret front 250 mm Gun mantlet 50-200 mm (2-65°) Barrel shroud |
55-65 mm (17°) | 35 mm (5°) | 20-50 mm |
Notes:
- Suspension wheels and bogies are 15 mm thick while the tracks are 20 mm thick.
- Belly armour is 20 mm thick.
- Two 5 mm structural steel plates separate the engine compartment from the crew compartments.
- Small parts of the suspension on the hull sides give 10 mm thick protection at their area.
Mobility
Game Mode | Max Speed (km/h) | Weight (tons) | Engine power (horsepower) | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Forward | Reverse | Stock | Upgraded | Stock | Upgraded | ||
Arcade | 44 | 9 | 51 | 781 | 1,049 | 15.31 | 20.57 |
Realistic | 41 | 8 | 486 | 550 | 9.53 | 10.78 |
Modifications and economy
Armaments
Main armament
105 mm Experimental High Velocity | Turret rotation speed (°/s) | Reloading rate (seconds) | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mode | Capacity | Vertical | Horizontal | Stabilizer | Stock | Upgraded | Full | Expert | Aced | Stock | Full | Expert | Aced |
Arcade | 51 | -10°/+20° | ±10° | N/A | 5.3 | 7.3 | 8.9 | 9.8 | 10.5 | 11.18 | 9.89 | 9.12 | 8.60 |
Realistic | 3.6 | 4.2 | 5.1 | 5.6 | 6.0 |
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 | ||
Type 2 APHE | APHE | 205 | 201 | 181 | 159 | 140 | 123 |
Experimental HE | HE | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
Shell details | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ammunition | Type of warhead |
Velocity (m/s) |
Projectile mass (kg) |
Fuse delay (m) |
Fuse sensitivity (mm) |
Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (g) |
Ricochet | |||||
0% | 50% | 100% | ||||||||||
Type 2 APHE | APHE | 916 | 16 | 1.2 | 19 | 200 | 47° | 60° | 65° | |||
Experimental HE | HE | 920 | 16 | 0 | 0.1 | 2,520 | 79° | 80° | 81° |
Ammo racks
Full ammo |
1st rack empty |
2nd rack empty |
3rd rack empty |
4th rack empty |
5th rack empty |
Visual discrepancy |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
51 | 46 (+5) | 40 (+11) | 30 (+21) | 12 (+39) | 1 (+50) | No |
Notes:
- Shells are modeled individually and disappear from the rack after having been shot or loaded.
- To go into battle with the flanks empty of ammo, pack 40 (+11) shells or fewer.
Usage in battles
The Ho-Ri can be used in multiple roles. Its most effective at medium range, where it's harder for the enemy to aim for the lower plate and shells have a harder time penetrating the mantlet, making it easy for you to destroy them. Another option, although risky is to sit on a road that players like to go down and use your armour to bounce and take shot and return fire on enemy tanks.
Enemies worth noting:
- IS-2 / IS-2 (1944) / ISU-122: These machines carry a huge 122 mm cannon that penetrates literally anything they see, including the Ho-Ri. Their shells will go through Ho-Ri's vertical armour of the fighting compartment pretty easily, killing the crew inside or detonating the ammo. To deal with the IS-2, try get a shot at them before the notice you / when they are reloading. These tanks tend to get one-shot due to their lack of crew or the cramped interior. For IS-2 mod.1943, aim for the hull armour that curves and blends into the side, or aim at the turret cheeks. For mod.1944, only go for the turret as the hull is very thick and well sloped. For the ISU-122, aim at anywhere but the gun mantlet, as it often absorb shells or cause ricochet.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good sloping armour on the front
- High velocity high penetrating gun with APHE filler
- Rather good gun depression
- Not slow considering its armour and weight
- Spaced out crew
- Central engine could absorb penetrating front shots
Cons:
- Armour is not 100% reliable. Fighting compartment can get penetrated by the IS-2 easily
- It is barely ever going to reach its top speed (40 km/h or 25 mph)
- Side armour is quite bad
- Depressing the gun all the way will open roof for the breech, possibly exposing crew to strafing fire.
History
In September 1942, the Japanese Army Staff received word of the new American M4 Sherman tank, which they realized had completely outclassed every Japanese tank in production at the time. There were three projects proposed by the Staff, each bearing their own gun selection; the 47 mm Kou, 57 mm Otsu, and 75 mm Hei designs. As combat data was filtered to the Japanese High Command, they ordered that the model Kou and Otsu merge to become the basis of what would eventually become the Type 4 Chi-To. Meanwhile, the Hei proposal would lead to the development of the Type 5 Chi-Ri.
Additional development projects came from a change in the Weapons Administration Headquarters Research Policy in July of 1943, a change that was made due to analyzing tank warfare between the German Army and the Soviet Union. Through the analysis of said data, the Japanese Army shifted their tank doctrine towards an emphasis on developing tanks that prioritized anti-armour missions instead of infantry support. Upon the enacting of this policy, the Army started a program to develop a series of tank destroyers based on the chassis of the medium tanks being designed.
The Type 5 Chi-Ri was chosen to become the basis for a new tank destroyer, as it was Japan's primary medium tank project and was more mature than other alternatives, while also mounting some of the most advanced technology Japan had produced at the time.
The tank destroyer would eventually be titled the Ho-Ri. Development of the vehicle began shortly after the Chi-Ri's, and after the decision was made to use the reliable coil spring suspension system that the Japanese manufacturers were familiar with, the Army began work on designing the superstructure and casemate with the first design mimicking the Chi-Ri chassis entirely and replacing the turret with a reinforced rear-mounted superstructure.
During the development of the new tank destroyer series, the Army chose to design a new anti-tank gun to fit the role. In July of 1943, the Army Military Customs Council began designing a 105 mm anti-tank gun based off of the Type 96 150 mm Strategic artillery cannon. It was shortened and given a single piece barrel and tank breech. Unfortunately, the two chief engineers of the cannon project the task that it meet a requirement of penetrating 200 mm at 1,000 m with a 1,000 m/s muzzle velocity. Naturally, the tank gun was not capable of this and instead was only able to penetrate 150 mm at 1,000 m with a 915 m/s muzzle velocity. Although it did not meet the requirements, it was still superior to any other Japanese tank gun and was accepted into service as the Type 5 10cm.
Originally, the Ho-Ri was to keep the hull-mounted Type 1 37 mm from the Chi-Ri due to the idea that the primary cannon could only do so much for itself and a secondary weapon was required. The development of the design was split into to concepts; one being a rear mounted superstructure with a central engine (Ho-Ri I) and the other being a centralized superstructure with a rear engine placement (Ho-Ri II). The engine selection was quite different from the traditional diesel engines that powered most Japanese tanks throughout their production. Instead, Japan had used a V12 gasoline aircraft engine designed by BMW, making 550 horsepower at 1,500 RPM. This engine was chosen due to the industrial capacity of Japan reaching its peak, and many assets from aircraft development were readily available for usage.
However, by the time both designs of the vehicle were proposed, the armour was no longer sufficient to thwart most US anti-tank armaments. Despite this, the design showed considerable promise and it was ordered that a third vehicle be designed with significantly improved armour. This new design was commonly labeled as Ho-Ri III.
The Ho-Ri III took the basis of the Ho-Ri I and revamped it, changing the frontal plate from a flat 75 mm thick plate to a 120 mm thick plate sloped at 70°, deleting the hull-mounted 37 mm gun in the process. Although this was seen as a considerable blow to the tank's self-defense capabilities, it was accepted due to its vastly improved survivability. The removal of the 37 mm gun meant that the extra crew member who previously operated the gun could be used as a second loader to assist with the autoloading mechanism and provide shells for the primary loader.
The construction of the prototype was completed in 1944 and achieved a top speed of 40 km/h during trials. Being seen as a success, the Army ordered 5 units of the vehicle and put it into service as the Type 5 Ho-Ri. However only one operable prototype was fully completed by the war's end and the series only made it to 50% completion, resulting in the design being scrapped and no further testing was pursued.[1]
Media
- Skins
- Videos
See also
External links
References
- ↑ Sun, Eun Ae. The Ho-Ri Tank Destroyer SENSHA. Blogger.com, 03 Sep. 2017. Web. 28 Aug. 2020. Website (Archived)
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (三菱重工業株式会社) | |
---|---|
Light Tanks | |
Type 95 | Ha-Go · Ha-Go Commander |
Medium Tanks | |
Type 89 | I-Go Ko |
Type 97 | Chi-Ha · Chi-Ha Kai |
Type 1 | Chi-He · Chi-He (5th Regiment) |
Type 3 | Chi-Nu · Chi-Nu II |
Type 4 | Chi-To · Chi-To Late |
Type 5 | Chi-Ri II |
SPGs | |
Chi-Ha Derived | Ho-Ro |
Chi-He Derived | Ho-I |
Chi-Ri Derived | Ho-Ri Prototype · Ho-Ri Production |
Other | Na-To · Ro-Go Exp. |
Captured | ␗Chi-Ha · ␗Chi-Ha Kai |
Note | Most tank designs would be contracted by the Army Technical Bureau to Mitsubishi |
See also | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (Post-War) |
Japan tank destroyers | |
---|---|
Ro-Go Derivatives | Ro-Go Exp. |
Chi-Ha Derivatives | Ho-Ni I · Ho-Ni III · Ho-Ro · Chi-Ha LG |
Ho-Ri | Ho-Ri Prototype · Ho-Ri Production |
Other | Na-To |
JGSDF | |
SPRG | Type 60 (C) |
SPH | Type 75 · Type 99 |
ATGM | Type 60 ATM |
Rocket | Type 75 MLRS |
USA | ▅M36 |
Japan premium ground vehicles | |
---|---|
Light tanks | Ha-Go Commander · Type 16 (FPS) |
Medium tanks | Chi-Ha Short Gun · Chi-He (5th Regiment) · Ka-Chi · Chi-Nu II · Type 74 (G) · Type 90 (B) "Fuji" |
Heavy tanks | Ro-Go · ▅Heavy Tank No.6 |
Tank destroyers | Ho-Ri Prototype · Type 75 MLRS |