Difference between revisions of "TKX (P)"

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{{About
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| about = Japanese medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = Type 10 (Family)
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}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=jp_type_10_prototype
 
|code=jp_type_10_prototype
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== 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 '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is an earlier iteration of the [[TKX]], serving as a prototype of the [[Type 10 (Family)|Type 10 MBT]]. As the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) pursue ongoing advancements in tank technology, they've prioritized key enhancements over the [[Type 90]], These upgrades include a focus on reduced weight without compromising armour effectiveness, heightened integration of {{Annotation|C4I|command, control, communication, computer & intelligence}} capabilities, and the introduction of modular armour configurations. These modular slots allow for the seamless interchangeability of armour kits, ranging from lightweight to standard and even specialized war kits. The TKX (P) is the foundational platform for the Type 10 series, presenting a "barebones" configuration ready to accommodate various modular armour configurations tailored to specific operational requirements.
 +
 
 +
It was introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]]. The '''{{Specs|name}}''' comes as a supplement to the [[Type 90]] with the improved Gen 3 thermals as opposed to Gen 1 and a smaller mantlet at the cost of turret side protection and overall mobility. As an early prototype of the Type 10, it doesn't come with its distinct Type 10 APDSFS shell. This leaves the TKX (P) as a hybrid of the [[Type 16 (Family)|Type 16]] in overall manoeuvre paths and spotting visibility with the firepower of a [[Type 90]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{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.'' -->
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->The armor of the TKX (P) is not the best, but it can stop rounds if they hit the wrong areas. The turret cheeks are by far the most armored part of the TKX (P), featuring up to 600 mm of armor made from various materials. However, if luck is not on one’s side, some tanks may be able to shoot through the turret cheeks and eliminate the commander.
''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.''
+
[[File:TKX (P) Crew .png|thumb|Here is the crew positions and armor]]
 +
The turret has composite armor only in the front, so a well-placed shot to the side can result in the loss of both the commander and the gunner. Additionally, the hull of the TKX (P) lacks sufficient armor, with composite armor only present at the very front of the tank, totaling about 500 mm. An experienced player can exploit this weakness by targeting the lower front plate, which can take out the driver.
  
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
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== 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).'' -->
''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 TKX (P) is a prototype of the [[Type 10]] with the modular turret side armour not equipped and only able to fire JM33 as it's too early in development to fire the new Type 10 APDFS shell. With these missing upgrades, the TKX (P) bolsters the Type 90 line-up as a sidegrade trading these features:
 +
 
 +
* <big>+</big> Stronger frontal protection
 +
* <big>+</big> Better thermals (Gen 3 instead of 1)
 +
* <big>-</big> Relatively slower, especially in acceleration
 +
* <big>-</big> Smaller autoloader rack (14 instead of 18)
 +
 
 +
The TKX is a highly mobile and fast-firing MBT that excels in flanking and sniping roles. However, its armour is not reliable and it is vulnerable to enemy fire, so it requires constant situational awareness and effective use of its hydropneumatic suspension, LWS, Laser Rangefinder and smoke grenades. The Type 10 should not engage in frontal assaults or close combat, but rather support allied MBTs from a safe distance and exploit its mobility and firepower to deal damage and relocate as needed. Getting early warnings of potential incoming fire thanks to its LWS, providing enough time and knowledge to retreat or dodge incoming shells.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* 4 second reload
+
* Autoloaded 120 mm cannon, 4-second reload unaffected by crew or fire
* Fast and nimble
+
* Has access to 3rd generation thermal sights for the gunner and commander
* Has hydropneumatic suspension
+
* Quite mobile, high power-to-weight ratio and high reverse speed
 +
* Fitted with hydropneumatic suspension, although this can only be operated when stationary
 +
** Can lower the tank significantly, allowing you to hide behind relatively low hills and ridges
 +
* Primary ammunition storage protected within blow-out containment in the rear of the turret
 +
* Relatively small profile
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Virtually no armour
+
* Only three crew, a well-placed shot can easily cause a full crew knock-out
* Gen 2 Thermal oppose to the Gen 3 Therman in the Type 10
+
* Can only carry 15 rounds before additional ammo is stored in the unsafe hull racks
 +
* Hydropneumatic suspension ceases to work when the engine is hit
 +
* Relatively poor gun depression, unless the suspension is used
 +
* Armour is very spread out in the front with the only well-defended places being the upper front plate, turret cheeks, and breech
 +
* Lacks turret side armour
 +
* While fast in top speed, this tank is a bit slow to accelerate
 +
* Slow elevation/depression speed for the main gun
 +
* Slower turret traverse than most other MBTs
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 +
{{Main|Type 10 (Family)#History|l1=Type 10 (Family)}}
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
''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).''
+
==== Challenges of New Millennium ====
 +
In the mid-1990s, after the introduction of the previous TKX-1, [[Type 90 (Family)|Type 90 MBT]], the Ministry of Defense soon realised that, despite its superior FCS even for NATO standards, further upgrading the Type 90 would be impractical (for the time being) due to its already heavy weight in Japan's standards; while the previous [[Type 61 (Family)|Type 61 Medium Tank]] had no chance when facing even the earliest MBTs and [[Type 74 (Family)|Type 74 MBT]] was too costly to be [[Type 74 (G)|upgraded]]. The possible rivals of Japan, like Mainland China and the Russia Federation had already developed their new MBTs (PLAGF [[ZTZ96 (Family)|ZTZ96]] and [[ZTZ99 (Family)|ZTZ99]]/Russian [[T-90A]]); in view of maintaining a team of tank designers as well as a part of national defense, JGSDF passed a new plan for a next-generation MBT with redundancy for further upgrades (modularity), thus inherited the project name: TKX-2.
 +
[[File:JGSDF Type10 tank 2012-05-27.jpg|x350px|right|thumb|none|A JGSDF Type 10 at Camp Takeyama, Japan.]]
 +
==== From Kyumaru to Hitomaru ====
 +
The TKX-2 project aimed for the light weight of a Type 74 (at 40 tons, loaded) while being smaller than Type 90, equipping a domestic 120 mm smoothbore gun with latest {{Annotation|C4ISR|Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance}} system, modular composite armour, and new engines paired with HMT transmission. TKX-2 was led by the {{Annotation|TRDI|Technical Research and Development Institute}} with help from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The new smoothbore gun and its new APFSDS were developed by Nippon Steel Corporation and Daikin Industries respectively. These designs were tested on a Tank Test Bed (TTB) developed from the 6th prototype of Type 90 and was first shown in a booklet in the early 2000s; the result of TTB proved the designs and project TKX-2 started in 2002. The 1st prototype was assembled in November 2004 and tested at JGSDF Camp Higashi-Chitose; MHI built the 2nd prototype in 2005, while there were also 3 Type 90s converted as the test bed for tank platoon command systems.
 +
 
 +
Finally, with the evaluations from JGSDF Fuji School, Ordnance School, and leaked photos of the 2nd prototype, the TKX-2 was unveiled on 14 June 2010 to the public during the opening of JGSDF East Fuji Manoeuvre Area and it was then named Type 10 in October. It served as the most advanced MBT of the first decade of the 2000s, and is an icon of the JGSDF moving forward into the 21st century.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
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 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=jp_type_10_prototype Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''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.'' -->
''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;''
+
;Related Development
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[Type 90 (Family)]] - <small>(predecessor)</small>
 +
* [[Type 10 (Family)]]
 +
** [[TKX]] - <small>(Prototype with armour kit)</small>
 +
** [[Type 10]] - <small>(Production model)</small>
 +
 
 +
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 +
{{columns|2|
 +
* [[File:France flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Leclerc (Family)]]
 +
* [[File:FRG flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Leopard 2 (Family)]]
 +
* [[File:Italy flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Ariete (Family)]]
 +
* [[File:USA flag.png|30px|link=]] [[M1 Abrams (Family)]]
 +
* [[File:Britain flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Challenger (Disambiguation)|Challenger MBT]]
 +
* [[File:Israel flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Merkava (Family)]]
 +
* [[File:USSR flag.png|30px|link=]] [[T-72 (Family)|T-72 / T-90 (Family)]]
 +
* [[File:USSR flag.png|30px|link=]] [[T-80 (Family)]]
 +
* [[File:China flag.png|30px|link=]] [[ZTZ96 (Family)]]
 +
* [[File:China flag.png|30px|link=]] [[ZTZ99 (Family)]]
 +
}}
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 12:32, 26 October 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the Japanese medium tank TKX (P). For other versions, see Type 10 (Family).
TKX (P)
jp_type_10_prototype.png
GarageImage TKX (P).jpg
TKX (P)
AB RB SB
11.3 11.3 11.3
Class:
Research:300 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:830 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The TKX (P) is an earlier iteration of the TKX, serving as a prototype of the Type 10 MBT. As the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) pursue ongoing advancements in tank technology, they've prioritized key enhancements over the Type 90, These upgrades include a focus on reduced weight without compromising armour effectiveness, heightened integration of C4I capabilities, and the introduction of modular armour configurations. These modular slots allow for the seamless interchangeability of armour kits, ranging from lightweight to standard and even specialized war kits. The TKX (P) is the foundational platform for the Type 10 series, presenting a "barebones" configuration ready to accommodate various modular armour configurations tailored to specific operational requirements.

It was introduced in Update "Sons of Attila". The TKX (P) comes as a supplement to the Type 90 with the improved Gen 3 thermals as opposed to Gen 1 and a smaller mantlet at the cost of turret side protection and overall mobility. As an early prototype of the Type 10, it doesn't come with its distinct Type 10 APDSFS shell. This leaves the TKX (P) as a hybrid of the Type 16 in overall manoeuvre paths and spotting visibility with the firepower of a Type 90.

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
Self-entrenching equipment
Creation of ramparts and trenches in soft ground
Armourfront / side / back
Hull40 / 35 / 25
Turret50 / 35 / 25
Crew3 people
Visibility96 %

The armor of the TKX (P) is not the best, but it can stop rounds if they hit the wrong areas. The turret cheeks are by far the most armored part of the TKX (P), featuring up to 600 mm of armor made from various materials. However, if luck is not on one’s side, some tanks may be able to shoot through the turret cheeks and eliminate the commander.

Here is the crew positions and armor

The turret has composite armor only in the front, so a well-placed shot to the side can result in the loss of both the commander and the gunner. Additionally, the hull of the TKX (P) lacks sufficient armor, with composite armor only present at the very front of the tank, totaling about 500 mm. An experienced player can exploit this weakness by targeting the lower front plate, which can take out the driver.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull ___ mm ___ mm Top
___ mm Bottom
___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Turret ___ - ___ mm Turret front
___ mm Gun mantlet
___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Cupola ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm

Notes:

Mobility

 
Controlled suspension
It is possible to adjust the ground clearance or more complex suspension positions
Reverse gearbox
Forward and backward movement is possible at the same maximum speed
Speedforward / back
AB78 / 78 km/h
RB and SB71 / 71 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
8 back
Weight44.4 t
Engine power
AB2 290 hp
RB and SB1 200 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB51.6 hp/t
RB and SB27.0 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 78 78 44.4 1,626 2,290 36.62 51.58
Realistic 71 71 1,061 1,200 23.9 27.03

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 212 → 6 570 Sl icon.png
RB4 165 → 6 497 Sl icon.png
SB5 102 → 7 959 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications243 500 Rp icon.png
407 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 900 Ge icon.png
Crew training240 000 Sl icon.png
Experts830 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 140 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 190 / 210 % Sl icon.png
238 / 238 / 238 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
21 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
33 000 Sl icon.png
540 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
21 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
33 000 Sl icon.png
540 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement jp.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
21 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
33 000 Sl icon.png
540 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods dozer blade.png
Dozer Blade
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_NATO_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods counterMeasures.png
LWS/LR
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
21 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
33 000 Sl icon.png
540 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

120 mm TKG cannon
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
Ammunition35 rounds
First-order14 rounds
Reload4.0 s
Vertical guidance-7° / 10°
Main article: TKG (120 mm)
120 mm TKG Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Autoloader
Arcade 35 -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

Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
6th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
35 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Machine guns

Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reload8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-8° / 60°
Ammunition3 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reload8.0 s
Fire rate701 shots/min
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 1,000 (200) 575 -8°/+60° ±180°
7.62 mm Type 74
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,000 (250) 700 - -

Usage in battles

The TKX (P) is a prototype of the Type 10 with the modular turret side armour not equipped and only able to fire JM33 as it's too early in development to fire the new Type 10 APDFS shell. With these missing upgrades, the TKX (P) bolsters the Type 90 line-up as a sidegrade trading these features:

  • + Stronger frontal protection
  • + Better thermals (Gen 3 instead of 1)
  • - Relatively slower, especially in acceleration
  • - Smaller autoloader rack (14 instead of 18)

The TKX is a highly mobile and fast-firing MBT that excels in flanking and sniping roles. However, its armour is not reliable and it is vulnerable to enemy fire, so it requires constant situational awareness and effective use of its hydropneumatic suspension, LWS, Laser Rangefinder and smoke grenades. The Type 10 should not engage in frontal assaults or close combat, but rather support allied MBTs from a safe distance and exploit its mobility and firepower to deal damage and relocate as needed. Getting early warnings of potential incoming fire thanks to its LWS, providing enough time and knowledge to retreat or dodge incoming shells.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Autoloaded 120 mm cannon, 4-second reload unaffected by crew or fire
  • Has access to 3rd generation thermal sights for the gunner and commander
  • Quite mobile, high power-to-weight ratio and high reverse speed
  • Fitted with hydropneumatic suspension, although this can only be operated when stationary
    • Can lower the tank significantly, allowing you to hide behind relatively low hills and ridges
  • Primary ammunition storage protected within blow-out containment in the rear of the turret
  • Relatively small profile

Cons:

  • Only three crew, a well-placed shot can easily cause a full crew knock-out
  • Can only carry 15 rounds before additional ammo is stored in the unsafe hull racks
  • Hydropneumatic suspension ceases to work when the engine is hit
  • Relatively poor gun depression, unless the suspension is used
  • Armour is very spread out in the front with the only well-defended places being the upper front plate, turret cheeks, and breech
  • Lacks turret side armour
  • While fast in top speed, this tank is a bit slow to accelerate
  • Slow elevation/depression speed for the main gun
  • Slower turret traverse than most other MBTs

History

Main article: Type 10 (Family)

Challenges of New Millennium

In the mid-1990s, after the introduction of the previous TKX-1, Type 90 MBT, the Ministry of Defense soon realised that, despite its superior FCS even for NATO standards, further upgrading the Type 90 would be impractical (for the time being) due to its already heavy weight in Japan's standards; while the previous Type 61 Medium Tank had no chance when facing even the earliest MBTs and Type 74 MBT was too costly to be upgraded. The possible rivals of Japan, like Mainland China and the Russia Federation had already developed their new MBTs (PLAGF ZTZ96 and ZTZ99/Russian T-90A); in view of maintaining a team of tank designers as well as a part of national defense, JGSDF passed a new plan for a next-generation MBT with redundancy for further upgrades (modularity), thus inherited the project name: TKX-2.

A JGSDF Type 10 at Camp Takeyama, Japan.

From Kyumaru to Hitomaru

The TKX-2 project aimed for the light weight of a Type 74 (at 40 tons, loaded) while being smaller than Type 90, equipping a domestic 120 mm smoothbore gun with latest C4ISR system, modular composite armour, and new engines paired with HMT transmission. TKX-2 was led by the TRDI with help from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The new smoothbore gun and its new APFSDS were developed by Nippon Steel Corporation and Daikin Industries respectively. These designs were tested on a Tank Test Bed (TTB) developed from the 6th prototype of Type 90 and was first shown in a booklet in the early 2000s; the result of TTB proved the designs and project TKX-2 started in 2002. The 1st prototype was assembled in November 2004 and tested at JGSDF Camp Higashi-Chitose; MHI built the 2nd prototype in 2005, while there were also 3 Type 90s converted as the test bed for tank platoon command systems.

Finally, with the evaluations from JGSDF Fuji School, Ordnance School, and leaked photos of the 2nd prototype, the TKX-2 was unveiled on 14 June 2010 to the public during the opening of JGSDF East Fuji Manoeuvre Area and it was then named Type 10 in October. It served as the most advanced MBT of the first decade of the 2000s, and is an icon of the JGSDF moving forward into the 21st century.

Media

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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